*BRIANNE’S POV*I sat by the window, watching the morning sun rise over the treetops, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. The light felt like a small comfort, wrapping me in warmth, but it did little to ease the whirl of emotions that had tangled within me since… everything. It was strange how the world outside seemed untouched, peaceful, while mine felt as though it had been shaken to the core.A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts, and I looked up to see Mary peeking in. Her face was soft with worry and something else—something that looked like relief. She stepped into the room, moving to the chair across from me and sitting down quietly.“Hey,” she murmured. “I wanted to check on you. After… well, after everything, I thought maybe you could use someone to talk to.”A half-smile tugged at the corner of my mouth, though I knew it didn’t reach my eyes. “Thanks, Mary,” I said, glancing down at my hands. “I feel like everything happened so fast, I’m still trying t
(Josh and Mary)*MARY’S POV*I stood outside Josh’s office, my heart hammering as I looked at the sturdy wooden door. I’d only been here twice before, and each time, it felt strangely hidden, tucked away from the bustle of the main pack house. Maybe he liked it that way, away from distractions. My fingers twisted around each other as I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, reminding myself I was only here to check on him. That was it. No big deal. Just a simple, friendly visit to see if he was okay after his fight with the rogue wolves. Still, my heart wouldn’t stop pounding, and my palms felt clammy as I raised my fist to knock.“Come on, Mary,” I muttered under my breath. “You’re just talking to Josh. What’s the worst that could happen?” My words hung in the air, and Brianne’s voice echoed in my mind, reminding me of all the things I’d been too nervous to admit.I wrinkled my nose, feeling ridiculous. “How did I become the one confessing feelings? I’m supposed to be the charm
*MARY’S POV*My breath hitched, and I felt the sincerity behind his words. The playful glint in his eyes faded, replaced with something deeper, something I hadn’t seen before. We stood there, close enough to feel each other’s warmth, the silence filling with words we didn’t say.But, as quickly as the moment appeared, it slipped away. Josh straightened, stepping back with a soft smile. “Thanks for checking on me,” he said, his voice gentle but with that usual humor tucked in at the edges. “Guess I owe you one.”I managed a small smile, trying to ignore the lingering flutter in my chest. “Yeah, you do,” I replied, raising an eyebrow. “Next time, maybe try not to mess with my head?”He laughed, holding up his hands in surrender. “Deal. But only if you keep coming to check up on me.”And with that, I walked out of his office, still feeling his hand on my waist, his face close to mine, the sound of his laughter in my ears. And though I’d never admit it, a part of me was already looking fo
*BRIANNE’S POV*As I pushed open the door, the familiar scent of breakfast hit me—eggs, toast, and the faint hint of coffee. My parents were up, of course. They were always early risers, and I could hear the murmur of their voices coming from the kitchen.I tried to sneak in quietly, hoping to make it to my room before they noticed. Maybe if I could avoid the inevitable interrogation, I could decompress from all the Josh-induced chaos. But of course, the floorboard near the kitchen door creaked loudly as I stepped in, announcing my presence like a trumpet.“Mary, is that you?” my mom called from the kitchen.I winced, caught in the act. “Yeah, Mom, it’s me.”I walked into the kitchen, trying to act casual, but the second my mom saw me, her eyes narrowed in that way only mothers can do. She set down the spatula she was using to flip eggs and gave me a look, the kind that said she could read my entire soul with one glance.“You look flustered,” she said, eyebrow raised. “Something happe
*MARY’S POV*Thinking back to when Josh and I first met, I can’t help but smile—and cringe a little. It was at the full moon ceremony, a night filled with lights, music, and the pack celebrating under the stars. Brianne and I had gone together, dressed in our best outfits, giggling like schoolgirls as we walked through the crowd. That night felt magical, like anything could happen.I remember the moment I saw him. I didn’t know who he was at first, just another guy at the ceremony, walking alongside Alpha Jordyn. He had that easy-going smile, the kind that makes you feel like he’s always up to something, and it drew me in.Brianne had introduced him to me as Jordyn’s assistant. He had this confident, almost cocky air about him, like he knew exactly what he was doing. “Oh, the pretty ladies have started coming.” he’d said, with that teasing grin I’ve now come to know so well.“Thank you,” I’d said quickly, though I’d felt completely out of place. He’d tilted his head, giving me a playf
*MARY’S POV*I parked the car and stepped out into the crisp afternoon air, feeling a bit lighter after the drive. The café Brianne and I always met at was cozy, with warm lights glowing through the windows and the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting out every time someone opened the door. I smiled, thinking about how good it would feel to sit down with Brianne and catch up. Maybe I’d be able to unload some of this Josh-related chaos that had been taking up too much space in my brain lately.But as I opened the café door and stepped inside, my heart skipped a beat.There, sitting at a table near the window, wasn’t just Brianne. Oh no. It was Brianne, Jordyn, and JOSH?!I froze for a moment, my hand still on the door handle. What was he doing here?Brianne spotted me first and waved, giving me her usual warm smile. She looked relieved to see me, like she really needed the company. Jordyn nodded in my direction, and then there was Josh. He leaned back in his chair, casually sipping o
*MARY’S POV*As she walked away, I was left alone with Josh and Jordyn. Fantastic. The air between us felt thick with unspoken things, and I desperately wished Brianne would hurry back.Josh didn’t waste a second. “So, about earlier…” he began, his grin still firmly in place.I cut him off, my face burning. “Don’t. Even. Start.”Jordyn, sensing that this was his cue to step back, stood up. “I think I’ll grab us some more coffee.” He shot Josh a knowing look before disappearing into the crowd.Traitor.Josh watched me, clearly enjoying how flustered I was. “Come on, Mary. Admit it. You’ve thought about it.”“Thought about what?” I shot back, my voice a little too high-pitched.His grin widened. “You know exactly what.”I stared at him, unsure whether to throw my coffee at him or… something else. But before I could make a decision, Brianne returned, thankfully breaking the moment.“Everything good?” she asked, sitting down and completely oblivious to the awkwardness that had just unfold
*MARY’S POV*As we wrapped up, Brianne stretched and glanced at the time. “I should probably get going. I promised my mom I’d help with something today.”Jordyn nodded and stood, reaching for her hand. “I’ll drive you home.”Josh stood too, giving me a sideways glance. “You need a ride?”I blinked, trying to process his offer. “Uh, yeah, sure. If it’s not too much trouble.”“No trouble at all,” he said, his tone light but his eyes glinting with something playful. “Besides, wouldn’t want you getting lost on your way home.”I rolled my eyes but followed him out of the café, my heart pounding in my chest. As we walked toward his car, I couldn’t help but think back to our earlier almost-kiss, and the way he had teased me about it. He was infuriating, yes, but there was also something about him that made me feel… excited.Maybe Brianne and Jordyn were right. Maybe there was something between us.But I wasn’t about to admit that. Not yet, anyway.As we walked out of the café, the late after