LOGINShare
Chapter Five
Last Updated:
2025-01-31 01:23:30The drive out to the cabin was peaceful, the kind that made me feel like I was leaving the rest of the world behind. Tall trees lined the road, their branches forming a canopy that filtered the sunlight into dappled patterns across the gravel path. My fingers twisted in my lap, a mix of anticipation and nerves bubbling in my stomach. I hadn’t expected to find something I felt so drawn to so quickly.
The real estate agent, Melissa, gave me a reassuring smile as she pulled the car into a small clearing. "Here we are," she said. "It’s even better in person, I promise."
She wasn’t wrong. The pictures hadn’t done the cabin justice. It was nestled perfectly among the trees, the wooden exterior rich and warm in the afternoon sun. A stone chimney jutted up from the roof, and the front porch had a wooden swing that swayed gently in the breeze. It looked… perfect. Like home.
My breath caught as I stepped out of the car, taking in the scent of pine and earth. This was it. This was where I wanted to be.
"The owner should be here any minute," Melissa said, glancing at her phone. "He wanted to meet you in person before moving forward with anything."
I nodded, suddenly curious. What kind of person owned a place like this but didn’t live in it?
As if on cue, the low rumble of an approaching truck filled the clearing. A dark blue pickup pulled up beside us, and when the driver stepped out, my heart stopped for a second.
Jace Danvers. He hadn't introduced himself with his last name before.
I stared at him in disbelief as he shut the truck door, his piercing eyes locking onto mine with clear recognition. He still wore that same rugged confidence as he had at the diner, only now, there was something else in his expression—curiosity, maybe even amusement.
He let out a short chuckle and shook his head. "Well, I guess the little traveler is making permanent roots here then."
I blinked, trying to form a coherent response. "You own this place?"
"That I do," he said, stepping forward. He stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets, glancing toward the cabin before looking back at me. "Didn’t peg you for the cabin-in-the-woods type, but I have to admit… it suits you."
Melissa cleared her throat, clearly sensing some unspoken history between us. "I take it you two know each other?"
"Something like that," Jace answered, his gaze never leaving mine.
I found my voice and nodded. "We met at the diner."
"Small world," Melissa mused before turning her attention to the cabin. "Well, shall we take a look inside?"
Jace nodded, stepping onto the porch and unlocking the door. He pushed it open, gesturing for me to go ahead. "After you, traveler."
I shot him a look before stepping inside, and the moment I did, I knew I wasn’t leaving. The warm wooden interior, the stone fireplace, the cozy furniture—it felt like stepping into a dream. My dream.
Jace leaned against the doorframe, watching me as I moved through the space, trailing my fingers along the edge of the kitchen counter. "What do you think?"
I turned to face him, my heart pounding in my chest. "I think… this is exactly where I want to be."
Melissa beamed. "That’s what we like to hear. I’ll go over the details of the rental agreement, but if you two want to discuss anything, take your time."
Jace nodded before looking at me again. "The place is solid, well-maintained. If you have any concerns, now’s the time to ask."
I hesitated, glancing out the large window overlooking the woods. "How isolated is it?"
He smirked. "Pretty quiet. Nearest neighbor is about a mile down the road. No one’s going to be knocking on your door unless you want them to."
That sounded perfect. "And in winter? Does the road stay clear?"
Jace nodded. "I make sure of it. Snow can get heavy, but if you’re okay with a little effort, it’s worth it."
I studied him, appreciating his honesty. "It sounds like everything I’m looking for."
He crossed his arms, leaning slightly against the wall. "You planning to stay long-term?"
I hesitated for only a second before nodding. "Yeah… I think so."
Something flickered in his expression, something unreadable, but he only nodded. "Then let’s talk business."
Melissa handed me a folder with details, but my focus stayed on Jace. The idea of him being connected to this place made it feel even more like fate.
"You know," Jace said after a beat, "if you need anything, I’m not far."
I raised a brow. "Are you saying that as my potential landlord or something else?"
His lips quirked into a smirk. "Guess you’ll find out."
I shook my head, trying to suppress a smile. There was something about him, something about this town, that made me feel like I was right where I was meant to be.
And just like that, I was one step closer to making this place my home. But what I didn't know was that this little town had secrets... and those secrets would soon consume and change my whole life.
Related chapters
OMEGA Chapter Six
Chapter 6The cabin was quiet. Almost too quiet. But I needed that—needed the stillness, the feeling of a fresh start surrounding me. I set my small bag down on the wooden kitchen table and let out a long breath. This was home now. No more cold stares from my family, no more flinching at the sound of footsteps, no more walking on eggshells to avoid his anger.I ran my fingers along the smooth counter, taking it all in. The warmth of the wooden walls, the slight creak of the floorboards beneath my steps, the scent of pine lingering in the air. This place wasn’t haunted by my past. It was mine.Moving to my suitcase, I pulled out the orange prescription bottle. My fingers hesitated on the cap before I twisted it off and shook out the small white pills into my palm. The familiar weight of them reminded me of all the nights I spent curled up, drowning in my own thoughts, heart pounding with panic. I tossed the pills into my mouth and swallowed them dry.The memories came unbidden.Daniel’
Last Updated : 2025-01-31OMEGA Chapter Seven
The following morning, sunlight filtered through the cabin’s large windows, casting golden streaks across the wooden floor. I stretched in bed, the warmth of the morning light wrapping around me like a soft blanket. For the first time in what felt like forever, I woke up without a sense of dread curling in my chest. The stillness of the forest outside wasn’t suffocating—it was freeing.But even in this peace, the memory of last night’s visit lingered.Jace and Nolan.Their presence had unsettled me, but not in the way I’d expected. It wasn’t fear, exactly, but a kind of restless curiosity. There was something about them—the intensity in their eyes, the way they seemed to see right through me. And Nolan’s piercing blue eyes, in particular, haunted my thoughts. I could still see the way they had flickered gold, even though I kept telling myself it was just a trick of the light.Shaking off the thoughts, I decided I needed to get out. To breathe in the fresh air and remind myself that th
Last Updated : 2025-02-11OMEGA Chapter Eight
The soft rustling of the wind through the trees outside the cabin brought me back to a place I had been trying so hard to forget. But memories have a way of creeping in, no matter how much you try to push them away. The warmth and safety of this cabin couldn't completely erase the scars left behind—not yet, anyway.I sat at the edge of my bed, staring at the floor, and before I knew it, I was back there—back in the house I had shared with Daniel.“You’re useless, Anna.”Daniel’s voice was cold, cutting through the air like a knife. He stood in the doorway of the kitchen, his arms crossed over his chest, staring at me with that same look of disgust I had grown used to. The plate in my hands trembled slightly, but I forced myself to stay still, to not give him the satisfaction of seeing me break.“I worked all day,” he continued, his voice rising. “And you can’t even have dinner ready on time?”“I… I’m sorry, Daniel. I got caught up…”“Excuses,” he spat, cutting me off. “That’s all you
Last Updated : 2025-02-12OMEGA Chapter Eight
The knock at the door echoed through the cabin, startling me more than I cared to admit. My heart still pounded from the memories that had clawed their way into my mind, but I pushed them aside as I made my way to the door.I opened it to find Jace standing there, hands in his jacket pockets, a half-smile on his face that didn’t quite reach his eyes.“Morning, traveler,” he said softly. “Hope I’m not interrupting.”I shook my head, offering a faint smile. “No, just… thinking.”His gaze flickered with something—concern, maybe—but he didn’t press. “Nolan and I thought we’d take you up on that walk we talked about. Unless you need more time?”A part of me wanted to retreat, to sink back into the safety of the cabin and hide from the world. But another part, the part that craved connection, that longed for something more than my past, made me nod. “No, I’m ready. Let me grab my jacket.”As I stepped back inside, I heard Jace chuckle softly. “You might want boots too. Nolan’s idea of a ‘wa
Last Updated : 2025-02-15OMEGA Chapter Ten
The day after our walk, I found myself replaying every moment in my head. Nolan's quiet intensity, Jace's teasing grin, and the peace I felt being around them lingered longer than I expected. It was strange—comforting, even—to feel something other than fear or anxiety.The morning sun streamed through my window, and I decided I needed to do something productive, something that made this cabin feel even more like mine. After a quick breakfast, I grabbed a notepad and started making a list of things I needed: groceries, a few more pieces of furniture, and maybe some plants to liven up the space.The thought of going into town felt less daunting today.I drove into Willowridge, the streets familiar now, though still holding an air of mystery. I parked near a small grocery store and headed inside, grabbing a cart and mentally preparing myself for the task ahead.Halfway through the store, as I debated between two brands of coffee, a voice interrupted my thoughts.“Big decision?”I turned
Last Updated : 2025-02-16OMEGA Chapter Eleven
The morning of the farmers' market arrived with clear skies and a soft breeze that carried the scent of pine through my open windows. After a restless night filled with dreams I couldn't quite remember, I was grateful for the distraction. I pulled on a cozy sweater, grabbed my bag, and headed out.The market was set up in a clearing just outside of town, vibrant and bustling with life. Brightly colored tents were scattered across the open space, each one offering something unique. The air smelled of fresh bread, earthy herbs, and sweet honey, mingling with the crispness of the morning. I wandered through the stalls, taking in the chatter of locals, the warm laughter shared between friends, and the occasional bark of a dog trotting alongside its owner. Baskets overflowed with ripe fruits, glistening in the sunlight, and jars of golden honey lined wooden tables. Handwoven blankets and intricate jewelry were displayed with care, each item telling its own story. The
Last Updated : 2025-02-16OMEGA Chapter Tweleve
The day after the market, I found myself restless. My mind kept drifting back to Nolan—his intense gaze, the flicker of gold in his eyes, the quiet way he listened when I spoke. I needed a distraction, so I decided to explore the trails behind my cabin.The forest was peaceful, the soft crunch of leaves beneath my boots and the occasional chirp of birds the only sounds. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting patterns on the forest floor. I was lost in thought when a voice startled me.“Didn’t expect to see you out here.”I turned quickly to find Nolan leaning against a tree, arms crossed, that familiar smirk tugging at his lips.“Do you always sneak up on people in the woods?” I teased, trying to steady my racing heart.“Only when they look like they’re lost in their own world,” he replied, pushing off the tree and walking toward me. “Mind if I join you?”“Not at all,” I said, surprising myself with how much I meant it.We walked in silence for a while, the woods wrapping aroun
Last Updated : 2025-02-18OMEGA Chapter Thirteen
NOLAN POVThe forest stretched around me, vast and unchanging, yet something felt different today. I wasn’t alone.I could feel him before I saw him. Jace had a way of making his presence known, whether intentional or not. His scent carried on the breeze—fresh cedar and something distinctly alpha. It was familiar, grounding, but today it was also laced with curiosity, suspicion even. He was searching for something, and I had a feeling I knew exactly what.I exhaled slowly as he stepped into view, hands in his pockets, his expression caught somewhere between amusement and scrutiny. He always had that easy confidence about him, but I knew when he was testing the waters.“You’ve been spending a lot of time with her,” he remarked casually, though I caught the weight behind his words. He wasn’t just making conversation. He was digging.I didn’t respond immediately. Instead, I leaned back against a tree, arms crossed, watching him just as carefully as he was watching me. “She’s interesting.
Last Updated : 2025-02-19
Latest chapter
OMEGA Chapter Twenty-Five
The drive to the diner was a quiet one. The trees lining the road blurred past, their branches swaying under the weight of the wind. My grip on the steering wheel was tight, knuckles white, as I tried to steady the storm of emotions brewing inside me.I kept replaying Nolan’s words from this morning in my mind—one step at a time. But each step felt heavier than the last, each moment spent in this town pulling me deeper into something I didn’t fully understand yet.When I arrived, the diner was just beginning to pick up with the usual morning crowd. Locals gathered in booths, drinking coffee, sharing idle chatter about the day ahead. The familiarity of it was almost comforting. Almost.Jace was already waiting for me in a corner booth, a cup of coffee in front of him, fingers idly tracing the rim of the mug. His gaze lifted as I approached, studying me carefully."You look like hell," he said by way of greeting.I huffed a small laugh as I slid into the booth. "Thanks. You always know
OMEGA Chapter Twenty-Four
Morning came slowly, creeping in through the curtains in muted shades of gray. The fire had long since died out, leaving behind only a faint scent of smoke and the lingering warmth that barely touched the chill in the air. I shifted beneath the blanket, my body stiff from sleeping curled up on the couch. Every joint in my body protested as I moved, the discomfort a reminder of just how exhausted I had been the night before.For a moment, I had forgotten where I was. The weight of exhaustion made my mind hazy, and for a fleeting second, I could have believed I was somewhere else—somewhere safer, somewhere simpler. But the quiet presence in the room reminded me that reality was much different now.I turned my head slightly, catching sight of Nolan. He was still here, exactly where I had last seen him, sitting in the armchair, his long legs stretched out, arms crossed over his chest. His breathing was slow and even, but I could tell he wasn’t entirely asleep. His presence was reassuring,
OMEGA Chapter Twenty-Three
The cabin was quiet, save for the crackling of the fire. The warmth spread through the small space, but it did little to ease the storm of thoughts whirling in my mind. The flames flickered, their glow casting long shadows on the walls, dancing in rhythm with the occasional gust of wind that rattled the windows. The scent of burning wood mixed with the faint lingering traces of coffee from earlier, grounding me in the present despite my spiraling thoughts.Nolan had settled into the armchair across from me, his posture relaxed, yet his watchful gaze never wavered. He was here, steady and unwavering, like an anchor keeping me from completely drifting away into my uncertainty. Despite the exhaustion weighing me down, sleep refused to come. My body felt tense, my mind restless. Every answer Nolan had given me only led to more questions, more uncertainty. It was like standing on the edge of a vast ocean, staring into the waves but too afraid to step forward, not knowing how deep the wate
OMEGA Chapter Twenty-Two
The warmth of the fire flickered against the walls of the cabin, casting shifting shadows that danced across the wooden beams. I sat curled up on the couch, my knees tucked under me, watching the flames as they crackled softly. Nolan sat in the armchair across from me, his posture relaxed, but his gaze sharp, watchful. He hadn’t said much since deciding to stay, but his presence alone carried a weight I couldn’t ignore.I should have felt awkward. I should have told him to leave. But instead, there was an odd comfort in knowing I wasn’t alone.Nolan stretched out his legs, resting an arm over the back of the chair. “You look like you have something on your mind.”I exhaled slowly, rubbing my hands over my arms. “I have a million things on my mind.”He nodded, like he had expected that answer. “You want to talk about any of them?”I hesitated, glancing over at him. His expression was unreadable, but there was patience there, an openness that made me feel like he wasn’t asking just to b
OMEGA Chapter Twenty-One
The quiet of the cabin stretched on as I lay curled up on the couch, my phone resting on the armrest beside me. Jace’s last message lingered in my mind, the words repeating like a quiet echo.I know you can. But that doesn’t mean you have to.I wasn’t sure how to feel about that. I had spent so much of my life being told that I had to be strong, that I had to endure, that I had to do things on my own. The idea of leaning on someone, of letting someone be there for me, felt foreign. Uncomfortable.And yet… a part of me wanted to believe it. Wanted to believe that for once, I didn’t have to fight every battle alone.A knock on the door shattered the silence, making me jolt upright. My heart hammered against my ribs as I turned toward the door, my fingers tightening around the blanket draped over my shoulders.Another knock, this one firmer.I hesitated before pushing to my feet, my steps slow and cautious. I wasn’t expecting anyone. Jace had texted, but he hadn’t said he was coming. And
OMEGA Chapter Twenty
The weight of Nolan’s words pressed against my chest as I drove back toward my cabin, I had snuck away when they were both 'checking the perimeter'. The roads were nearly empty, the town still waking up, but I barely noticed anything beyond the thoughts tumbling through my mind.Omega.Unclaimed.Different.I gripped the steering wheel tighter, my knuckles turning white. Every answer I got only seemed to open more questions, leaving me more lost than before. I had come to Willowridge to escape, to start over—but now I wasn’t sure if I had stepped into something even more dangerous than the life I left behind.The trees lining the road stretched high, their dense branches forming a canopy that cast shifting shadows across the dirt path. The deeper I drove into the forest, the more isolated I felt. The cabin was nestled in the quiet embrace of nature, but for the first time, that solitude didn’t feel comforting.My cabin was still and untouched when I pulled up, the thick forest surroun
OMEGA Chapter Nineteen
I barely slept that night.The weight of Jace’s words settled deep in my bones, making rest impossible. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw that man from the diner—his golden eyes flashing, the knowing smirk on his lips, the way he said omega like it meant something more than I could comprehend.What did it mean?And why did it feel like my life had just been ripped out from under me?By the time morning arrived, my exhaustion was a physical ache, a dull throbbing that settled behind my eyes. My mind was too restless to sit still, my thoughts looping in endless circles. I needed answers. I needed clarity.I needed Nolan.Jace had left early, mumbling something about checking the perimeter. The cabin had felt stifling after he left, too quiet, too empty, leaving me alone with my spiraling thoughts. I couldn’t take it anymore. Before I could overthink it, I grabbed my keys and left, the crisp morning air biting at my skin as I drove through the sleepy town streets.The mechanic shop was
OMEGA Chapter Eighteen
The quiet in Jace’s cabin felt suffocating, wrapping around me like a heavy blanket. My mind churned, replaying every word he had said, trying to make sense of the impossible. My breath was uneven, my pulse still racing from the weight of the truth.**Omega.**The word echoed in my mind, hollow and unfamiliar. I had heard it before—in books, in documentaries about wolves—but what did it mean for me? I wasn’t an animal. I was just… me. My fingers dug into the fabric of the couch as I tried to ground myself, to pull myself back into something solid.Jace stood near the fireplace, arms crossed, watching me carefully. His gaze wasn’t unkind, but it was unrelenting, like he was waiting for the reality to settle over me. I needed air.I shot up from the couch, ignoring the way my legs trembled. “I need to go.”Jace’s eyes narrowed. “Go where?”“Anywhere that isn’t here,” I snapped, running a hand through my hair. “I just—I need space to think.”He sighed, pushing away from the fireplace. “
OMEGA Chapter Seventeen
The silence between us was thick, pressing down on my chest like a weight I couldn’t shake. I stared at Jace, my pulse still hammering from what he had just said.You’re an omega.The words felt foreign, like they belonged to someone else, some other reality I hadn’t stepped into yet. I opened my mouth, then closed it again, unsure of where to even begin. My fingers curled into fists at my sides, my breath coming unevenly as I tried to grasp onto something—anything—that made sense.“You expect me to just… accept that?” I finally said, my voice quieter than I intended.Jace sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. The movement was tense, restrained, like he was holding himself back. “I expect you to listen. Whether you accept it or not is up to you.”I let out a sharp breath, shaking my head. “No. No, this is insane. I don’t even know what that means. An omega? That’s just—” I scoffed. “That’s just some ranking in a wolf pack. Not real life.”Jace’s expression darkened slightly. The war
