(Ryder’s POV)The silence in the house was deafening. Tyler and Katelyn had left on their trip, and all I could think about was how badly I needed to see her, to try and make things right again. The emptiness gnawed at me, a constant reminder of the mess I had created.Earlier that morning, I had gone to the therapist my mom had recommended. I hated the idea of seeing a therapist, but I couldn't think of any other way to show Katelyn that I was serious about changing.Surprisingly, even though it was just the first session, I felt like there was some progress. The therapist, Dr. Henderson, had a way of making me feel understood, and I started to see why people might recommend therapy. It was a step in the right direction, a step toward becoming the person Katelyn deserved.I sat behind my desk with my headphones on, just blankly staring at the screen while my mind ran the same laps over and over as I asked myself why I'd been so determined to hurt her. Suddenly Ash walked into the stu
(Katelyn’s POV)The days with Tyler had flown by, filled with sunshine and laughter. We’d spent most of our time lounging on the beach, wading in the waves, and at night, we would watch the stars from our balcony. We indulged in a romantic and relaxing couples massage on one day, and then on another, we took a trip to the nearby farmers market with the hotel's sous chef where we explored the vibrant stalls and even got a chance to taste some of the fresh, local produce.Now, on our last night at the hotel, I finally had the chance to soak in the bathtub I’d been eyeing out since we'd arrived. I ran the water adding a generous amount of bubble bath, and lit myself a candle that smelled like cinnamon buns.I was so ready for the warm relaxing embrace of the water and couldn't think of a better way to round off our trip.The golden glow from the candle flickered against the tiled walls, while the scent of warm cinnamon buns wafted through the air. The room felt like my own private spa an
The next morning, Tyler and I ate a quick breakfast in the restaurant before packing our bags. The peaceful days we’d spent together already felt like a distant memory as the weight of reality loomed over us.We checked out early, as we'd planned the night before, in hopes that we'd get an opportunity to discuss our little issue with Alpha David before the commencement of the Lunar Eclipse Celebration that evening.The drive back went far quicker than the drive there, and before I knew it, we were already back at Tyler's house.I should have been feeling positive and well-rested after our trip, but instead, I felt miserable and uncertain.Tyler reached over and squeezed my hand as we sat in his car in the driveway, apparently both procrastinating, not wanting to head inside just yet. "We'll handle this, okay?" he assured me.I nodded and tried to force a smile, but I couldn't muster the strength to even fake it.Tyler carried our bags as we headed inside, both looking despondent as we
The three of us left Alpha David's office and headed back downstairs. Tyler held my hand, offering his silent support, while Ryder trailed behind a little. His looming presence was a constant reminder of the unresolved tension between us.As we reached the bottom of the stairs, Ryder finally spoke up, his voice hesitant. "Kate, can we talk?"I shook my head. "I don't know what there is left to say, Ryder," I replied, not slowing down as I headed toward my room."Please," he persisted, "I just want to explain things to you. You don't have to say anything, just listen."Tyler stopped and stepped between us, acting as a barrier. "She said no, Ryder. Just leave it." His voice was firm, but not unkind, which I was grateful for.I didn't want another fight on my hands. At least the remnants of bruising were gone from both of their faces now, otherwise, that may have raised some eyebrows at the Celebration."Five minutes, Kate. That's all I'm asking for," Ryder begged, desperation creeping i
Afternoon wore on to evening, and I eventually decided it was time to shower and get ready for the Lunar Eclipse Celebration. The anticipation of the event had my nerves frayed, and the feeling of my heart racing in my chest had become normal to me by that point.With a groan, I reluctantly pulled myself off of Tyler's bed and headed back to my room. I took a long, hot shower, hoping to wash away some of the anxiety that had built up inside me, but when I got out, I felt exactly the same as I had when I got in.My dress was hanging on my bathroom door, waiting for me to slip it on. I eyed it out with a smile.I'd bought it from a small boutique store in Colorado where they sold clothes made by student designers. The second I saw it, I fell in love with it. The fabric was soft, flimsy and feminine and the skirt had a flattering flare to it. The straps were thin and dainty and crossed over at the back where you would then tie them together in a bow.I'd had it for at least a year but ha
"Tyler!" I heard a man's voice calling out.I looked around, trying to find the source, when a guy about our age with light brown hair began walking towards us from the tables that were being set up.Tyler's face lit up in a smile as he approached."Hey!" Tyler greeted him as he neared, then they shared a brotherly hug."You must be Katelyn," the stranger said, wrapping his arms around me in an unexpected hug now too. I hugged him back awkwardly, feeling like I should probably know him, but if I did, I couldn't remember where from.“Kate, this is my best friend, Kyle,” Tyler introduced him.“Oh, Kyle!,” I exclaimed, registering at last. "Nice to meet you," I added with a friendly smile.“Tyler talks about you all the time. I feel like I know you already," he said, giving Tyler a teasing look. "Glad to finally put a face to the name.”I continued to watch the setup while the guys chatted. Listening with half an ear, I overheard Kyle saying that his dad had been aimless without Tyler ar
More and more pack members began to arrive, and Tyler kept introducing me to new people. Eventually, the names and faces began to blur together as darkness settled over the clearing.Alpha David made his way up onto the stage as I watched. It felt like time stood still. My heart was racing, my ears were ringing, I was sweating, it felt like I had pins and needles in my toes and fingertips. I couldn't remember the last time I had inhaled and I began to feel momentarily faint."You okay?" Tyler asked with concern.I nodded, unable to speak."Good evening!" Alpha David called out, his voice carrying through the air with purpose and authority.Silently, Ryder emerged through the throng of people with Ash at his side. Ash gave me a warm smile and a small wave in greeting as David continued, "I'd like to welcome you all to our Lunar Eclipse Celebration."The world seemed to blur in and out of focus for a moment. Alpha David was talking, but he sounded so far away I couldn't make out what h
The crowd began to disperse, leaving only the Valentine family and myself standing on the stage. Their eyes were all on me, watching me as if I had grown a second head.Tyler's expression was a mixture of admiration and surprise. "Where the hell did that come from?" he asked, his voice tinged with amazement.I shrugged, still feeling the adrenaline coursing through me. "I don't know. I just got so upset when I heard Jess boo. I wasn't going to let her get away with it."Alpha David stepped forward with a rare smile gracing his usually stern features. "Katelyn," he began with a hint of uncertainty, "That was... unexpected. You handled yourself well up there. I'm impressed."Ryder and Liz nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting their own astonishment at my impromptu speech."Thank you," I replied, feeling a flush of pride. "But right now, I really need something to drink." My throat felt drier than the desert.Tyler chuckled, taking my hand as he led me towards the tables of food an