CHAPTER 12

Selena

The library was supposed to be quiet. Peaceful. A place where no one looked at you too long or asked too many questions.

I buried my face in the pages of a book I wasn’t reading hadn’t been for the past twenty minutes but the silence helped me breathe.

Until it didn’t.

A shadow fell across the page.

“Hey,” a voice said, soft but clear.

I glanced up briefly. Tall. Broad shoulders. Confident posture. A stranger.

Of course. Just my luck.

I looked back down, pretending I hadn’t heard him, letting my eyes scan the same line I’d read a hundred times. Maybe he’d take the hint and walk away.

“You know,” he leaned in a little, whispering now, “it’s kind of rude to ignore someone’s greeting.”

My fingers tightened around the edges of the book. Could he not feel the storm of ‘leave me alone’ radiating off me?

But I didn’t want to cause a scene. I sighed. “Hi,” I mumbled without looking at him.

“You know,” he said again, a teasing edge in his voice, “reading works better when your book isn’t upside down.”

What?

I blinked, looked down and cursed under my breath. He was right. The damn book was upside down. Heat rushed up my neck and into my cheeks as I flipped it over and bit down on my embarrassment.

“Thanks,” I muttered, barely audible.

He smiled, as if my awkwardness was the highlight of his day. “Adam Austin,” he said, offering his hand.

I froze. Adam Austin? No. That name he couldn’t be… but of course he was. The Austin. From the Nightshade Pack. Stephen’s cousin.

My breath caught, and he noticed.

“You’ve heard of me,” he said, grinning like he enjoyed the recognition.

I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. What if he hated me too? What if he already knew who I was and this was just some sick game?

Before I could pull myself together, he reached for my book, flipping it over to read the name on the cover.

“Selena,” he said quietly, then handed it back. “Pretty name.”

I snatched it from him, glaring. “Don’t touch my stuff.”

He leaned in again, his voice lower this time. “Let’s get out of here. The library’s dull, don’t you think?”

“No,” I replied sharply, shaking my head.

But he was already packing my books into my bag like we were best friends, then slung it over his shoulder and walked toward the door like I was going to follow.

What the hell?

“Hey!” I chased after him, grabbing the strap of my bag. “Why would you do that?!”

He turned to face me, and to my surprise, he was smiling. “Because you look like you haven’t smiled in days. Maybe weeks. I figured dragging you into the sunlight might change that.”

Was he insane?

“You don’t know anything about me,” I snapped.

“I don’t have to,” he replied, cocking his head. “I just know what it’s like to feel like you’re drowning in your own silence.”

My throat tightened. Damn him.

“There’s a spot I found earlier,” he continued, motioning down a side path. “Quiet. Peaceful. Trust me, it beats pretending to read upside-down books.”

“I said I’m not interested,” I snapped again, reaching for my bag.

But before I could tug it free, he caught my wrist gently, not forcefully and started walking.

“Let go of me!” I yelled, pulling back.

“Just come. If you hate it, I’ll walk you back.”

Every part of me screamed to fight him off but my feet betrayed me. They followed.

We walked in silence until we reached a clearing surrounded by tall trees. A narrow stream cut through it, the water sparkling beneath the sunlight. Grass, untouched and soft, blanketed the ground like nature’s carpet.

It was… beautiful.

Suddenly, everything cracked. The silence I’d been clinging to all day shattered, and the tears came before I could stop them. I dropped to my knees, shoulders trembling, as sobs I’d buried deep finally clawed their way out.

Then I felt it.

A warm, steady arm wrapped around me.

No questions. No judgment. Just comfort.

I didn’t resist. I leaned into him like he was the only solid thing left in my world.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured. “Whatever it is… I’m here.”

But I didn’t want promises. I’d heard them before. My dad promised me the same thing and then left without a goodbye.

I pulled away, brushing at the tears, only to notice the wet patch I’d left on his shirt.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, reaching out to clean it.

He caught my hand before I could. “It’s okay, Selena. This place it’s yours too now. Come here whenever the world gets too heavy. I’ll keep it a secret.”

I laughed softly, and the sound startled me. It felt foreign, like it didn’t belong to me anymore.

“Why are you even here?” I asked. “You’re not from this pack.”

He leaned back on his elbows, staring up at the sky. “Let’s just say… I needed a break. Told my uncle I was coming to visit.”

I knew his uncle. Alpha Kingsley. But I’d never seen Adam around before not even once.

“Want to know who my uncle is?” he asked playfully.

“No,” I said flatly, eyeing him.

He laughed. “Alright, alright. I won’t tell. Not unless you beg.”

He poked the tip of his nose, making a goofy face, and I couldn’t help it I burst into laughter.

“There it is,” he said, pointing at my smile. “Told you I could make you laugh.”

He wasn’t wrong.

For the first time since arriving at Lycanwood Academy… I felt something other than fear.

I glanced at the time and cursed. “Oh no. I’m late.”

I scrambled to my feet, grabbing my bag.

“Will I see you again?” he called out as I ran.

I turned, grinning despite myself. “Yes! You will!”

Then I sprinted toward the waiting car.

—--------------

Home looked the same too quiet, too still but my heart was pounding for a new reason now. Not just fear. Guilt, maybe. Confusion.

As I stepped inside, I immediately regretted it.

He was there. Stephen.

Leaning against the wall, arms crossed like he’d been waiting all day.

No.

I kept my gaze down and walked past, hoping maybe just maybe he’d ignore me.

But then his hand shot out, grabbing mine.

“Tell me,” he said, voice low and sharp, “how did it feel hugging my cousin?”

I froze.

My heart stopped.

How did he know?