You drive me crazy, you know that.

Amara's POV

The rest of the evening passed in a haze of frustration and confusion. I avoided Ryder and Caden as best I could, retreating to my room where I could finally be alone with my thoughts. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake the memory of their expressions—Caden’s quiet regret and Ryder’s burning intensity.

It was late when I decided to step outside for some fresh air. The house felt suffocating, and I needed to clear my head. Wrapping a cardigan around my shoulders, I slipped out onto the back porch, letting the cool night air wash over me.

I wasn’t expecting to see anyone else there, but of course, fate had other plans.

Ryder was leaning against the porch railing, his head tilted back as he stared up at the stars. He looked so different like this—calm, almost vulnerable. The harsh edges I had grown used to seemed to soften under the silver moonlight.

He heard me before I could retreat. His head snapped toward me, his piercing eyes locking onto mine.

“You’re avoiding me,” he said, his voice low and rough.

I sighed, stepping closer despite my better judgment. “I needed space, Ryder. And you’re not exactly known for giving people that.”

He smirked, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Fair enough. But space doesn’t mean you have to run away every time you see me.”

“I’m not running,” I said defensively, crossing my arms.

“Could’ve fooled me,” he muttered, pushing off the railing to stand in front of me. “Why are you out here, Amara? Couldn’t sleep?”

I hesitated before nodding. “Something like that. The house feels... stifling sometimes.”

He studied me for a moment, his gaze unreadable. “It’s not the house, is it? It’s us.”

I looked away, unable to deny it. “You make everything so complicated, Ryder. You and your brothers... you turn my life upside down every chance you get.”

“And yet, here you are,” he said softly, taking a small step closer.

My heart skipped a beat at the nearness of him, the way his voice seemed to wrap around me like a warm blanket. “I didn’t come out here for you.”

“No?” He smirked again, but this time it held a hint of sadness. “Then why haven’t you walked away yet?”

His words struck a nerve, and I glared up at him. “Maybe I was trying to. But you always find a way to pull me back in.”

“I can’t help it,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper now. “You’re like gravity, Amara. The harder I try to stay away, the more I’m drawn to you.”

His confession left me speechless, my chest tightening with emotions I didn’t want to name. Before I could respond, Ryder reached out and gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch sending a shiver down my spine.

“You drive me crazy, you know that?” he murmured, his eyes searching mine. “I don’t know whether to kiss you or let you go. And it’s tearing me apart.”

“Maybe you should let me go,” I whispered, my voice trembling.

His lips curved into a sad smile. “Maybe I should. But I won’t.”

Before I could process his words, the back door creaked open, and we both turned to see Caden standing there, his expression unreadable.

“I thought I’d find you out here,” Caden said, his gaze flickering between Ryder and me.

The tension in the air was palpable, and I felt like I was caught between two opposing forces—fire and ice, chaos and calm.

“Caden,” I said softly, unsure of what else to say.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt,” he said, though his tone suggested otherwise. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Ryder scoffed, crossing his arms. “She doesn’t need you checking up on her, Caden. She’s fine.”

“Let her speak for herself,” Caden shot back, his voice colder now.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. “Enough, both of you. I’m so tired of this... this constant tug-of-war.”

They both fell silent, their gazes fixed on me with an intensity that made my stomach twist.

“I just want some peace,” I said, my voice cracking slightly. “Is that too much to ask?”

Caden’s expression softened, and he took a step toward me. “You deserve peace, Amara. And if that means stepping back, then I’ll do it. I’ll give you space.”

“Caden—” I started, but he held up a hand.

“It’s okay,” he said with a small smile. “I just want you to be happy.”

With that, he turned and walked back into the house, leaving Ryder and me alone once again.

Ryder let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair. “He doesn’t get it, does he?”

“Get what?” I asked, exhausted by the weight of their emotions.

“That space isn’t what you need,” Ryder said, his voice firm. “What you need is someone who’ll fight for you. And I’m not going anywhere, Amara. Not now, not ever.”

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and for the first time, I wondered if I was strong enough to withstand the fire that was Ryder—or if I’d end up consumed by it.

---

The next morning was uneventful until gym class. I hated gym—it was another reminder of how clumsy I could be when I was distracted. And distracted was exactly what I was, with Ryder’s words from the night before replaying in my mind.

I pushed harder than usual during our warm-up, desperate to focus on anything else, but it didn’t take long for my body to betray me. One misstep during a sprint, and pain shot through my ankle like fire.

“Damn it,” I hissed, collapsing onto the ground.

The coach was quick to check on me, but before he could call for assistance, I heard a familiar voice.

“I’ve got her.”

I looked up to see Caden striding toward me, his usual calmness laced with concern. His blue eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, the pain in my ankle was forgotten.

“Amara, are you okay?” he asked, kneeling beside me.

“I’m fine,” I muttered, wincing as I tried to move.

“You’re not fine,” he said firmly, his hands already sliding beneath my knees and back to lift me up.

“Caden, I can walk,” I protested, but he ignored me, cradling me as if I weighed nothing.

“Stop arguing,” he said, his voice gentle but unyielding. “Let me help you.”

The warmth of his body seeped into mine as he carried me toward the benches. My wolf stirred inside me, her presence stronger than ever.

He’s strong. He cares for us.

Stop it, I snapped internally, but she didn’t back down.

You feel it too. That pull. He could be ours if you let him.

The thought sent a shiver down my spine. I wasn’t ready to admit she might be right.

“Does it hurt much?” Caden’s voice broke through my inner turmoil, and I realized we were already seated on the bench.

“A little,” I lied, avoiding his gaze.

He crouched in front of me, his hands gentle as he inspected my ankle. His touch was warm, sending tingles up my leg that I desperately tried to ignore.

“You’ve twisted it pretty badly,” he said, his voice soft. “You need to rest it for a while.”

I nodded, too flustered to respond. His proximity was overwhelming, his scent—a mix of pine and something uniquely Caden—filling my senses.

“Amara,” he said, drawing my attention back to him. “You don’t have to do everything alone, you know. I’m here for you.”

The sincerity in his voice made my chest tighten. “Why, Caden? Why are you doing this?”

“Because I care about you,” he said simply, his blue eyes unwavering. “And I can’t stand to see you hurting.”

My wolf practically purred at his words, and I clenched my fists to keep from reacting. The pull between us was undeniable, and it was becoming harder and harder to fight it.

“Caden, I...” I started, but I didn’t know how to finish.

“You don’t have to say anything,” he said, standing up. “Just let me take care of you, okay?”

Before I could respond, he scooped me up again and carried me toward the nurse’s office.

Every step he took made my heart race, my wolf’s voice growing louder in my mind. He’s perfect for us. Stop pushing him away.

By the time we reached the nurse’s office, the tension between us was nearly suffocating. Caden set me down gently on the exam table, his hands lingering on my waist for just a moment too long.

“You’ll be okay,” he said, his voice low. “But promise me you’ll take it easy.”

I nodded, unable to trust my voice.

As he turned to leave, I felt a pang of longing that I couldn’t explain. “Caden,” I called, stopping him in his tracks.

He turned back to me, his expression hopeful.

“Thank you,” I said softly.

His lips curved into a small smile, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away. “Anytime, Amara.”

As he walked out, I couldn’t help but wonder if my wolf was right. The bond between us was growing stronger, and no matter how much I tried to resist, I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold out.