*BRIANNE’S POV*I scanned the crowd, my gaze awkwardly darting from one face to another. Their waiting eyes stared back at me, gleaming with anticipation.His thunderous voice boomed again. “You, pretty girl, Come up here”The lady turned to me with a faint but encouraging smile. “Go on, show us what you’ve got”My legs stayed rooted to the spot. ‘But I’ve got nothing to show’“I..sorry I think I’ll pass,” I said shakily.The lady chuckled. “You don’t get to pass.” She said. “Be an honorable wolf and go on” She encouraged.But how…how do I tell them I don’t have my wolf? How do I tell them I’m not strong enough? I tried to move my legs but they stayed stuck to the ground, refusing to budge. I knew that once I stepped into that ring, my fate was sealed.The crowd’s cheers grew louder, but their enthusiasm wasn’t for me— It was for my opponent. A tall, slender girl in her mid-20s. She snarled, glaring at me with a fierce intensity. Her eyes seemed to dare me to step forward.My legs fi
*JORDYN’S POV*I was in a deep conversation with Josh in my office when a sudden, intense sensation washed over me, sending waves down my spine. My senses came to life all at once, It was as if my senses had been hijacked, and I was hit with a familiar sweet scent. That unmistakable scent.It was her!! The sweet smell that hasn’t left my nostrils since the very day I met her. It was Brianne.This weird feeling—I could feel my wolf on a total rampage.But wait… what is she doing in the pack house?As I struggled to regain my composure, a chill crept up my spine at the mere thought of seeing her.“You okay bro?” Josh’s voice suddenly pulled me out of my confusion.I turned to him, but my mind was blank and unable to form a coherent response.“What’s wrong?” He asked, the concern visible on his face. “You seem out of it lately, I think you need some time off” He advised.I exhaled awkwardly, “yeah… I think I need some time off” I agreed unhesitatingly.Josh nodded “So I’ll see you later,
*BRIANNE’S POV*He carried me to a room, his strides purposeful and swift. He carefully laid me on the bed, his touch gentler than I expected.I didn’t know what to say to him, my mind raced with uncertainty. Should I apologize? Explain? Remain silent? I didn’t even know if I should say anything at all. His eyes flashed with anger and his jaw clenched.As he towered over me, his gaze pierced through me as if searching for answers to the questions that filled his mind. I felt a shiver run through my spine under his intense scrutiny.He walked to the telephone without saying anything and made a call.“Call in Doctor El” I heard him say over the phone.I wondered why he was calling a doctor—we werewolves heal quickly, and I could already feel my wounds closing, which was a painful, slow process for me. My healings are always excruciating and prolonged, unlike others of our kind.After making the call, he turned and leaned against the table behind him. His eyes fixed intently on me. His g
*BRIANNE’S POV*“You will no longer go out there to train,” He decreed, his voice firm and authoritative. “Not until you’re fully recovered,” He said.I flared up at the command, my instinct rebelled against his attempts to control me. “Who says I’m not fully recovered?” I asked him. Obviously, he wanted a reason to keep me captive, because he could clearly see that I was healed completely.His stone cold gaze roamed over me, ravaging my body before finally resting on my face, “you know I could lock you up here and your parents won’t be able to do anything about it” He threatened. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as we engaged in a silent stare-down.His threat did something to me, it wasn’t fear that I felt, but a thrill that ran through my veins like a spark of electricity. The way his eyes traveled my body as if claiming ownership, made my skin tingle with a sensation I couldn’t quite explain. He has a way of shutting me up every time, rendering me speechless with just a gla
*BRIANNE’S POV*I got back to the pack house, ready to go back to training even though Alpha Jordyn had told me not to train.I went straight to the arena, hoping to see another fight going on, but what I saw was— everybody standing erect in an organized formation.‘What were they doing? Is this also some kind of exercise?I sneaked into the arrangement, trying to blend in and avoid drawing attention to myself.“Alright!!” A female voice resounded in the open space. “I’m gonna tell y’all why we’re doing this,” she said, standing in front of the crowd.“I got orders from above” she continued, her eyes scanning the crowd before finally landing on me. “We’re going to start the basics of combat training,” she said, her voice firm and authoritative.The crowd murmured, the complaints visible on their faces.Some people turned to me, which made it even more awkward. It was as if they were blaming me for what the instructor just said.“Silence,” The instructor yelled, tuning down the murmuri
*BRIANNE’S POV*My facial expression must have been absolutely priceless because she suddenly giggled, a joyful sound that was like music to my ears. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, and her lips curled up into a playful smile. I couldn’t help but laugh too as I took her hands.She seemed more friendly than she looked.“You must be Brianne,” she suddenly said.This caught me off guard, how did she know my name? I stared at her, my eyes wide with surprise, hoping she would answer my unspoken questions.She let out a soft giggle, “are you surprised?” She asked with a playful voice. “Of course, I know you,” she said, her smile growing wider.“But…” I stuttered.“Everybody knows you,” she chuckled. “The girl who made my brother stop an ongoing training?” She said, her eyes glinting with teasing.Her brother!? “Alpha Jordyn is your brother?” I asked in disbelief.I watched her with amusement, I didn’t know Alpha Jordyn had a sister. And she was stunning! Her beauty and elegance took my b
*JORDYN’S POV*“Jordyn…call me Jordyn when we’re alone,” I said, my voice low as I gazed into her eyes. The look that flashed across her face was a mix of surprise and discomfort. I could sense her hesitation, I knew she was going to decline, her lips were already parted to protest, so I added,“It’s an order,” My tone was firm but gentle, a subtle reminder of my authority without being overbearing.Her expression was a picture of discomfort, her eyebrows furrowed and her lips pursed, as if she was struggling to come to terms with my request.It was adorable and I found myself fighting back a chuckle. Her expressions were always funny and entertaining.Just as I was enjoying the sight, she turned to look up at me, and I quickly wiped the smile off my face, attempting to fabricate a serious expression.I breathe a silent sigh of relief, feeling grateful for the opportunity to walk with her, to simply exist in her presence.The pleasure of strolling side by side with her was undeniable.
*JORDYN’S POV* I walked into the bar with Josh and was immediately dismayed by the familiar faces I saw sitting there.“If I had told you, would you have agreed to come?” Josh said, shrugging sheepishly.He had invited other friends…people I didn’t want to see.I glared at him, my side eye deadly. “I hate those guys,” I hissed.Josh downplayed my concerns. “How bad can it be to just sit there and ignore them,” He said. “I only wanted to liven up the place.”I sighed, not buying whatever liveliness those guys had to offer. Josh waved at the unwanted guests, announcing our arrival.As we approached the table, one of the guys, Ivan, greeted us with a cheerful smile.“Oh, what’s up dudes?” He asked, exchanging a friendly handshake with Josh.“can’t believe our almighty Alpha Jordyn stepped out for a drink” Another guy, Edward chimed in.I glared at him, my eyes warning him to tread carefully.“Come on Edward, don’t talk like that,” Josh rebuked him playfully. “You know how hard it is to
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