*MARY'S POV*Walking into the room, I felt my chest tighten at the sight of him. Josh was lying on the bed, his face pale, his breathing steady but shallow. Bandages covered his arms and chest, and there was a faint bruise along his jawline.I pulled up a chair beside his bed, my eyes welling up with tears. “You idiot,” I muttered, my voice shaking. “Why did you have to be so reckless?”He didn’t respond, of course. He was unconscious, his body working overtime to heal itself. I reached out, hesitating for a moment before taking his hand in mine.“You’re going to be fine,” I whispered, more to myself than to him. “You have to be. I’m not done yelling at you yet.”*** Hours passed, though it felt like days. Brianne came in to check on me a few times, offering food or water, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave Josh’s side.As the first rays of dawn filtered through the window, I felt a slight movement in his hand. My heart leaped, and I leaned forward.“Josh?” I whispered, my voice ba
*MARY'S POV*I stood outside Josh’s room in the clinic, the door slightly ajar. It had been two days since the accident, and though his wounds were healing, I still couldn’t shake the image of him lying unconscious and bloodied. I’d barely slept since Brianne called me with the news. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw him in that state.The sound of his voice pulled me from my thoughts.“Mary, you planning to just stand there, or are you coming in?”I pushed the door open, trying to mask the relief that flooded through me at seeing him awake and smirking. Typical Josh—always ready with a grin, even when he was banged up.“How long were you watching me?” I asked, stepping in and closing the door behind me.“Long enough to see you pacing like a worried mom,” he teased, his voice hoarse but warm.I rolled my eyes, pulling the chair closer to his bed. “You’re insufferable, you know that?”“And yet, here you are.”I couldn’t argue with that.*** *JOSH'S POV*Mary looked tired, like she ha
I could still hear Mary’s voice in my head, teasing me about how I owed her a proper date. It played on repeat as I sat on the couch, flipping through ideas for something special. I wasn’t the type to go all out—fancy dates and grand gestures weren’t really my thing—but for Mary, I wanted this to feel different. She deserved different.The past few days in the clinic had been torture, not because of the pain, but because I couldn’t stop thinking about her. The memory of her hand in mine, the way her cheeks flushed when I’d asked her to be my girlfriend, was burned into my mind. She’d told me to wait, to get better first, but that didn’t stop me from imagining her answer.With a plan finally forming in my head, I grabbed my phone and sent her a quick text.Me: Don’t forget, Friday night. Dress fancy.Her reply came almost instantly:Mary: It better be worth it.I laughed under my breath, shaking my head. She always knew how to keep me on my toes.*** Friday rolled around faster than I
*BRIANNE’S POV*I got to room 206, the hotel room I was supposed to meet him. Marcus, my mate, and one true love.I rang the doorbell, smiling widely as every nerve in my body pinged in raw anticipation.The door opened, but what I saw wasn’t what I was expecting.“Can I help you?” The sweet feminine voice spoke. Her black hair cascaded over her shoulders, contrasting the white robe she had on.I stood there, staring at her in confusion… ‘Did I miss rooms?’ ‘This is probably the wrong room’.“Sorry uhm…I think I got the wrong room..” these words had barely left my lips when I heard a familiar voice from inside the room.“Baby, what’s going on? Is that room service?” A deep voice echoed from inside the hotel room.“Marcus?” I subconsciously stuttered.“Brianne..”My gut twisted at the sight before me. He stood there staring at me, I looked back at the lady, wondering what on earth she was doing here.“Marcus, what’s going on? Who’s this?” I asked, refusing to believe what my mind was
*BRIANNE’S POV*“What’s a pretty lady doing all by herself?” The question rolled off his tongue like candy melting off the stick, his deep voice added an extra layer to the flirtation.“Hi,” I responded calmly.“Josh…my name’s Josh,” He said, flashing an even broader smile.I stared at him, mesmerized by how someone could look so cute and majestic at the same time. His looks were so inviting and charming that his flirting didn’t even feel like flirting.“Uhm…this is the part where you tell me your name” He prompted, pulling me out of my thoughts.“I’m Brianne” I replied, feeling a little bit caught off guard.“Wow, a pretty name for a pretty lady,” He said in a low seductive chuckle.He was about to say something more when a tall man barged into our little corner. His presence immediately commanded attention as his hazel-golden-like eyes locked on Josh and me.“Josh, don’t just go around flirting. I need you with me, now” He commanded, his voice brooking no argument.Alpha Jordyn…Ever
*BRIANNE’S POV*With wide eyes and a face plastered with confusion, I stared at the sleeping man next to me.Or I could be seeing things due to the influence of the alcohol.I silently got out of the bed. Searching for my phone and trying not to wake up the man on the bed was such a hard task.After finding my phone, I immediately dialed Mary’s number, hoping she’d have answers to my questions. How did I end up in a room with a man? and not just any man. Jordyn?What is going on?“What are you doing?”A deep voice resounded through the room, making me almost jump out of my wits. I shrieked and snapped my head towards him.There he sat, with his eyes dark as night. His hair was all over his face, making the scene before me look way too unholy.“I said what are you doing?” His voice echoed across the room for the second time. My lungs couldn’t find the energy to produce words. And worst of all, I was standing fully naked in front of a man I hardly knew.“Uhm…” I couldn’t bring myself to
*JORDYN'S POV*I stared into blank space with my legs crossed as if the weight of my thoughts anchored me to the spot.I kept my composure in front of her but deep down, I was a whirlwind of emotions.I had a lot to drink last night but I could recall what happened, although not clearly.The moment I laid my eyes on her at the noble’s party, a strange sensation cursed through my veins. It was something I had never felt before, something new. Underneath my composure, I felt my wolf tearing through my skin and trying to break free from my control as if desperate to claim this mysterious woman as its own.I had snuck out of the noble’s party because I felt suffocated in there. It was quite shocking that I also met her at the club. It wasn't love at first sight, Maybe I was just sexually attracted but there was something about her I couldn’t quite understand.It’s even more tragic that she couldn’t remember grabbing my wrist so tight and throwing me on that bed with a strength that belied
*BRIANNE’S POV*His threat sent cold chills down my throat.Is he literally forcing me to be his girlfriend?Well, what would I expect from an alpha of his reputation.Why would he even bother himself with me in the first place?“Where is your house?” His husky voice asked calmly.Another reason why I regret getting into this car. What would my father say when he sees me with him.“The second house on the ninth street” I answered, almost choking on my own saliva.Today would be the day my father would finally kill me. He’ll probably think I’m finally into some kind of hook up business after been rejected by my mate, because there’s no way in hell an Alpha of Jordyn’s caliber would have any sort of interest in me.The thought of me, an omega, catching the eye of someone like Jordyn was laughable. It is inconceivable that someone of Jordyn’s stature would be interested in me.The closer we drew to my house, the more scared I became. I silently prayed for a miracle to happen—any miracle,
I could still hear Mary’s voice in my head, teasing me about how I owed her a proper date. It played on repeat as I sat on the couch, flipping through ideas for something special. I wasn’t the type to go all out—fancy dates and grand gestures weren’t really my thing—but for Mary, I wanted this to feel different. She deserved different.The past few days in the clinic had been torture, not because of the pain, but because I couldn’t stop thinking about her. The memory of her hand in mine, the way her cheeks flushed when I’d asked her to be my girlfriend, was burned into my mind. She’d told me to wait, to get better first, but that didn’t stop me from imagining her answer.With a plan finally forming in my head, I grabbed my phone and sent her a quick text.Me: Don’t forget, Friday night. Dress fancy.Her reply came almost instantly:Mary: It better be worth it.I laughed under my breath, shaking my head. She always knew how to keep me on my toes.*** Friday rolled around faster than I
*MARY'S POV*I stood outside Josh’s room in the clinic, the door slightly ajar. It had been two days since the accident, and though his wounds were healing, I still couldn’t shake the image of him lying unconscious and bloodied. I’d barely slept since Brianne called me with the news. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw him in that state.The sound of his voice pulled me from my thoughts.“Mary, you planning to just stand there, or are you coming in?”I pushed the door open, trying to mask the relief that flooded through me at seeing him awake and smirking. Typical Josh—always ready with a grin, even when he was banged up.“How long were you watching me?” I asked, stepping in and closing the door behind me.“Long enough to see you pacing like a worried mom,” he teased, his voice hoarse but warm.I rolled my eyes, pulling the chair closer to his bed. “You’re insufferable, you know that?”“And yet, here you are.”I couldn’t argue with that.*** *JOSH'S POV*Mary looked tired, like she ha
*MARY'S POV*Walking into the room, I felt my chest tighten at the sight of him. Josh was lying on the bed, his face pale, his breathing steady but shallow. Bandages covered his arms and chest, and there was a faint bruise along his jawline.I pulled up a chair beside his bed, my eyes welling up with tears. “You idiot,” I muttered, my voice shaking. “Why did you have to be so reckless?”He didn’t respond, of course. He was unconscious, his body working overtime to heal itself. I reached out, hesitating for a moment before taking his hand in mine.“You’re going to be fine,” I whispered, more to myself than to him. “You have to be. I’m not done yelling at you yet.”*** Hours passed, though it felt like days. Brianne came in to check on me a few times, offering food or water, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave Josh’s side.As the first rays of dawn filtered through the window, I felt a slight movement in his hand. My heart leaped, and I leaned forward.“Josh?” I whispered, my voice ba
*MARY'S POV*I groaned again, burying my face in the pillow. “Why am I like this? Why can’t I just enjoy it and move on?”It wasn’t like I hadn’t been with other guys before. But with Josh, it felt different. There was a connection, something deeper that I couldn’t quite put into words. And that scared me.“Do you think I’m falling for him, Mr. Fluffy?” I whispered. The teddy bear, of course, didn’t respond, but I could almost imagine him giving me a knowing look.I laughed softly, shaking my head. “No, no, no. This is just… it’s a phase. A momentary lapse in judgment. I’ll get over it. I mean, it’s Josh. He’s annoying and cocky and—”My phone buzzed on the nightstand, cutting off my train of thought. I reached over to grab it, my heart skipping a beat when I saw his name on the screen.Josh: Hope you’re not overthinking last night. I know I’m irresistible, but try to focus on other things.I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips.Me: You wish. I’m pe
*JOSH'S POV*Mary stirred slightly, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks before her eyes opened. The sunlight caught her hair, making it shine in soft waves, and for a moment, I just stared. She blinked a few times, her gaze landing on me, and a sleepy smile curved her lips.“Morning,” she murmured, her voice husky from sleep.“Morning,” I replied, leaning against the headboard, my arms crossed casually. “You’re not a morning person, are you?”She stretched, groaning softly as she did. “Not in the slightest. You’re lucky you’re cute, or I’d complain about how bright it is in here.”I smirked. “Noted. Next time, I’ll keep the blinds closed.”Her head tilted, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Next time, huh?”“Well, that depends,” I said, my tone teasing. “Do I get a ‘next time,’ or was this a one-time deal?”Mary propped herself up on one elbow, her expression playfully stern. “Don’t fish for compliments this early, Josh. It’s too much effort.”I laughed, the sound filling the room
*JOSH'S POV*We walked back to the car in a comfortable silence, the sound of the waves fading behind us. Mary’s steps were light, her head tilted slightly as she took in the surroundings. I couldn’t help but watch her, admiring the way the wind played with her hair and how her eyes seemed to hold a certain spark.When we reached the car, she turned to me, crossing her arms with a mock-serious expression. “So, Mr. Beta-Hybrid, what’s next on this grand plan of yours?”I smirked, opening the passenger door for her. “You’ll have to wait and see.”She raised an eyebrow, sliding into the seat. “You’re enjoying this way too much, aren’t you?”“Absolutely,” I said with a grin before shutting the door and walking around to the driver’s side.As I started the engine, the warmth of the moment lingered. The drive back was quiet at first, the soft hum of the car filling the air. I could feel Mary glancing at me every now and then, her curiosity practically radiating.Finally, she broke the silen
*JOSH'S POV*“After I was born, there was a lot of fear about what it would mean to have a half-human wolf in the pack. The elders were worried about what people would say, how they’d react. Jordyn’s mother—well, she was the one who stepped in. She wanted to protect me from the inevitable gossip and judgment.”Mary’s eyes widened. “So, she just… hid it?”“Sort of,” I said, leaning forward to rest my elbows on my knees. “She went to a soothsayer. Someone with strong abilities. They found a way to mask the hybrid part of me. That’s why no one’s ever been able to tell I’m different. No one can smell it or sense it. As far as anyone in the pack is concerned, I’m just a regular beta.”“That’s… incredible,” Mary whispered, her voice filled with amazement. “But why? Why go to all that trouble?”I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Because being a hybrid in the wolf world isn’t easy. Humans and wolves… they’re not supposed to mix. If people knew, there’d be questions, doubts about my lo
*JOSH'S POV*“Actually… there’s something else you should know,” I said, swinging my hands in a playful manner as we strolled across the beach. The breeze was gentle, the sun starting to dip lower, casting a golden glow across the waves. We walked in comfortable silence, but I could feel the weight of what I needed to share building inside me.Mary glanced at me, her curiosity piqued. “Oh? More secrets, huh? You’re full of surprises.”I chuckled, though this was heavier than the usual banter. “Yeah, and this one’s… kind of a big deal.”Her teasing smile faltered slightly, but she stayed lighthearted. “Don’t tell me you’re some sort of vampire-werewolf hybrid. ‘Cause that’s too much for me to handle today.”I laughed, though her joke hit closer to the truth than she knew. “Not quite that dramatic, but close.”We eventually found a shaded spot under a large tree near the shoreline. The wind rustled the leaves, offering a quiet retreat from the rest of the world. I sat down on the sand,
*JOSH’S POV*I reached the pack house and headed straight to Jordyn’s office. He was already behind his desk, looking over a set of documents when I walked in.“Morning,” I said, stepping inside and closing the door behind me.Jordyn glanced up, raising an eyebrow. “You seem in a good mood.”I shrugged, trying to play it off. “Just a good night, I guess.”He didn’t push for details, which was probably for the best. I wasn’t sure I was ready to explain why I couldn’t stop grinning like an idiot. Instead, he handed me a file, the lightness in the air quickly replaced by the seriousness of pack duties.“Here,” he said. “Take a look. We’ve had a few reports of rogue wolves in the north, near the river. We need to adjust the patrols in that area, make sure we’ve got enough coverage.”I nodded, flipping through the papers, but the focus I usually had for work was a little off today. No matter how hard I tried to concentrate, my thoughts kept drifting back to Mary.Jordyn must’ve noticed bec