With my mind settled, I make a quick stop by my old apartment in the pack house. I still have a few things I can't leave behind in there. As I walk through the familiar hallways of the pack house, I catch snippets of hushed conversations between two she wolves. "Did you hear? Alpha Jason divorced
JASON. As soon as Stacy calls to apologize, I feel a weight lift. It’s the smallest thing, but it feels huge. This is progress—she actually called me first, willing to make things right. I don’t think I’ve been this hopeful in a long time… When we finally meet outside the pack mall, I catch the
She studies me, finally relenting with a small smile. “Okay, maybe just a few things.” She walks around, this time actually looking at the items for herself. I watch her pick out a couple of scarves, a soft sweater, and a delicate bracelet excitedly. Afterward, arms full of bags, we all head to my
STACY. I’m still rattled from what happened on the rooftop as we step back into Jason’s office. He’s watching me closely, his jaw tight with worry, though he tries to mask it with small talk and polite smiles as we pass his packmates. The sense of disconnect—the strange lapse in time—clings to
“Has this happened before?” she asks, leaning forward with that sharp, clinical look she gets when she’s in doctor mode. “No, not like this. But…” I hesitate, feeling silly for even bringing it up. “When I got back to Jason’s office, there was something in my bag. I don’t remember putting it there
JASON. I watch Stacy from the doorway of my office as she stands on the balcony, her figure bathed in the fading glow of the midday sun. There’s something off about her posture—the way her shoulders slump ever so slightly, the way her hands grip the railing tighter than they need to. She hasn’t be
--- By the time lunch arrives, the tension in the air has eased somewhat. Liam chatters happily on the carpet, showing off his colorful drawings as Stacy and I sit together at the table. “Mommy, look!” Liam calls out, holding up a crayon sketch of what I can only assume is our family. “It’s be
DANIEL. The office feels stifling. Papers clutter my desk, demanding my attention, but my thoughts are elsewhere—on her. No matter how much I try to focus, her face keeps invading my mind. Her voice, her scent, the way her eyes sparkle with mischief yet hold secrets she won’t dare share. It’s madd
HANNAH. "Uh-uh, no, not today" Stacy says the moment her eyes land on Margaret. "Please, just hear me out," Margaret pleads, standing in a simple deep red dress suited for her age. She looks… hesitant, so unlike her usual self. Gone is the cold authority, and the condescending stare. Instead, he
HANNAH. (Hours later) Dinner is tense, the air thick with an unspoken rivalry that neither Roxanne nor I are willing to acknowledge outright. The dining room is dimly lit, with the scent of roasted chicken filling the air, but I can barely focus on the food. My attention is solely on Daniel and
She ends the call and turns to me, practically glowing with excitement. "Great news. That was an old friend of mine who owns a bridal boutique. I asked for a favor earlier, and she’s sending over a selection of dresses, ones you’ll actually like." I let out a breath of relief, shaking my head. "Th
ANNAH. (An hour later) I sit cross-legged on the couch, flipping through a bridal magazine Stacy came home with while she scribbles notes in a planner. The coffee table between us is littered with fabric swatches, floral arrangements, and sample wedding invitations. The scent of fresh roses fr
"You’re a damn tease," I snap. Daniel only smirks before lowering his mouth to my breast, his tongue flicking over my nipple before sucking it between his lips. "Mmm," I murmur, arching my back to press my breast further into his mouth. My body is on fire, every nerve ending alive under his touc
HANNAH "You want proof that you are the only woman I love? Fine. I'll show you proof," Daniel says while locking the bedroom door behind him. I frown slightly as my pulse quickens. "What do you think you are doing?” He doesn't respond to my question but walks toward me with the grace of a leop
She nods faintly, leaning against me as we walk. But just as we reach the steps, Roxanne stumbles. I react instantly, catching her before she can fall. Her hands grip my shoulders for support, and as I pull her upright, our faces end up dangerously too close even for my own comfort. Her breath bru
Roxanne doesn’t react immediately. She just studies me, her eyes flickering with something I can’t quite place. I don’t offer more because that’s the truth. Hannah isn’t perfect. But with her, I don’t feel the weight of politics, alliances, or expectations pressing down on me. She makes me feel al
DANIEL. (Meanwhile on the side of the pack) The quiet hum of the air conditioning fills Roxanne’s hotel suite, but it does nothing to cool the unease settling in my chest while I sit on the couch with my fingers tapping absent minded against my knee as I stare at the untouched glass of whiskey on