-Ember-
I can't stop staring at Adrian's face.
My weekend lover stands mere feet away—no longer a faceless fantasy but a flesh-and-blood Alpha whose green eyes bore into mine with an intensity that makes my core clench. He's not just handsome—he's devastating. Sharp jawline dusted with perfect stubble, broad shoulders that could carry the weight of an entire pack, and a presence that commands the space without saying a word.
"Holy mother of moonlight," Ivy practically howls inside my mind. "That's our Alpha? THAT'S who had his hands all over us? No wonder you couldn't walk straight for two days."
"Could you be ANY louder?" I mentally hiss back. "He can probably hear with how loud you're being."
"Let him hear," Ivy retorts smugly. "Maybe he'll give us a demonstration of those 'Alpha senses' in private later."
The packhouse grounds buzz with tension around us, but all I can focus on is him. Every cell in my body screams with awareness, drawn to him like a moth to the most dangerous, delicious flame.
"You know," I say, finding my voice despite the chaos of my heartbeat, "it's really unfair that you look exactly like I imagined. I was hoping for at least one flaw. A weird mole. Unfortunate eyebrows. Something to make you less... you."
His lips twitch with amusement, but his eyes—those electric-green eyes—remain predatory as they sweep over the crowd with the practiced authority of someone used to being obeyed. His gaze lands on the two men flanking Tanner, his voice commanding when he speaks.
"Carter, Jamison... take this lowlife to the cells and stay with him until we're ready to leave."
The blonde guy—the one Oaklynn keeps stealing glances at—nods firmly. "Yes, Alpha."
Adrian turns to me, his expression softening in a way that sends a rush of heat through my entire body. The transformation is remarkable—from lethal predator to tender protector in the space of a heartbeat. The duality makes my wolf whine with approval.
"Come on, little wolf," he murmurs, his voice a dark promise that sends heat pooling low in my belly. "Let's get you packed and out of this hellhole before I decide to burn it to the ground for what they did to you."
"Say yes before I take over and jump him right here in front of everyone," Ivy demands, practically clawing at my self-control. "I swear to the Moon Goddess, if you don't move your ass, I WILL make a scene that'll have those old pack ladies clutching their pearls for generations."
"You wouldn't dare," I challenge, though I'm not entirely sure that's true.
"Try me. My control is hanging by a thread thinner than those pathetic excuses for panties Stella gave us."
I give him a coy smile, unable to resist adding a flirty tone to my voice. "Yes, Alpha."
The way his eyes darken at my words sends electricity dancing along my skin.
"So bossy," I add under my breath, just loud enough for him to hear. "Some things never change."
His eyes flash with heat as he leans closer, his breath caressing my ear. "You like it when I'm bossy, little wolf. Or have you forgotten how you begged for it?"
"Don't remind me," I mutter, feeling my cheeks flush as memories of our weekend together flood my mind—his commands whispered in darkness, my eager compliance, the pleasure that followed.
I lead Adrian to my cabin with Oaklynn, Ainslee, and Stella following behind us. As we walk, the initial euphoria of our reunion begins to fade, and reality starts to sink in. Questions bubble up, demanding answers. I never told Adrian my name. How did he know who I was?
My thoughts spiral as we approach my cabin, and I feel myself getting distant, my body on autopilot while my mind races. When we reach my door, I freeze. The last time I was here was the night of Tanner's attack. Suddenly, the memories rush back with visceral clarity—the scent of wolfsbane, the weight of him pinning me down, the burning pain of his touch...
A violent shudder runs through me.
"That pathetic excuse for a wolf can't hurt us anymore," Ivy snarls protectively. "If he even looks at us sideways, our REAL mate will rip out his spine and beat him with it. And if Adrian doesn't, I'll do it myself."
"Graphic much?" I reply, though I find the image oddly comforting.
"Want me to get more specific? Because I've been planning this out in detail for THREE YEARS."
"Em?" Oaklynn's voice breaks through my thoughts. "Ember, are you okay?"
I blink rapidly, trying to ground myself in the present. "Huh? Oh... um, yeah." The lie falls flat even to my own ears. I squeeze Adrian's hand tighter, anchoring myself to him.
His arm slides around my waist, strong and protective. I feel him inhale deeply, scenting the fear that must be rolling off me in waves. A low growl rumbles in his chest—not directed at me, but at whatever has caused my distress.
Ainslee steps closer, her eyes filled with understanding. "If you don't want to go in, we can pack your stuff for you."
I shake my head, forcing myself to be brave. "No, I want to at least get some stuff from the living room..." My voice cracks slightly. "Can you do the bedroom though? I don't think I can go in there."
"Smart move," Ivy agrees. "I'd rather drink wolfsbane wine than go back in that room. Too many shadows, too many nightmares."
"Yeah, of course," Oaklynn says softly, touching my arm.
"I'll help them," Stella offers, her voice gentler than usual. "I know where all your good underwear is anyway."
"Because you keep stealing it," I mutter, grateful for her attempt at normalcy.
"It's called borrowing with no intention of returning," Stella corrects with a wink. "And you're welcome for upgrading your collection. Those granny panties had to go."
We enter the cabin, and Adrian stays by my side as I look around at the home I once shared with my mother. The place that used to feel safe... now feels like a tomb of memories. Every corner holds a piece of my past—some beautiful, some now tainted by what happened here.
The faded blue couch where my mother used to sit, brushing my hair before bed.
The dent in the kitchen doorframe where we marked my height every birthday until she was gone.
The bookshelf full of her favorite novels that I could never bring myself to get rid of.
My throat tightens as I take it all in, knowing I'm seeing it for the last time. My fingers brush the familiar surfaces, saying goodbye to the only real home I've ever known, despite all the pain it now holds.
Adrian watches me with infinite patience, his expression a mixture of concern and something deeper—a fierce protectiveness that makes my heart ache in the most wonderful way.
"Are you okay, little wolf?" he asks, his voice low enough that only I can hear.
The nickname sends a warm shiver straight to my core.
"Little wolf!" Ivy practically melts. "I never took us for the pet name type, but DAMN if I don't want to roll over and show my belly when he says that. Is it hot in here, or is it just his everything?"
"Are you physically capable of thinking about something other than sex for five minutes?" I scold, though I'm fighting my own reaction to his voice.
"With him looking at us like that? Not even for five seconds. And don't pretend you're any better, Miss I-Still-Have-The-Blindfold-From-That-Night."
I furrow my brows, considering his question carefully. "For the most part..." Then I remember the questions that have been nagging at me, and my expression hardens. "But I have a bone to pick with you."
"Just one bone?" he asks, his voice a low rumble as he steps closer, the heat of his body enveloping me like a dangerous promise. His eyes drop to my lips for a fraction of a second. "I was hoping for more."
I roll my eyes, but can't help the flush creeping up my neck. "I'm trying to be serious here."
"Sorry," he says, not looking sorry at all as his thumb traces a path along my jawline that leaves fire in its wake. "Pick away."
"How did you know where to find me? Or my name?" I cross my arms over my chest. "And don't tell me it was just luck or fate or whatever. You knew exactly who I was when I walked up."
Adrian's expression grows serious. "Stella contacted me."
As if summoned by her name, Stella reappears in the doorway. "I only told him the pack name," she interjects quickly. "I knew between your father and Alpha Garret... you were in a bad spot and we needed help."
"Oh..." I turn to Adrian, still not entirely satisfied. "So you still didn't know my name or anything?"
Adrian tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch sending electricity through my veins. "I didn't learn what pack you were from until two hours ago, and I didn't learn your name until I got here."
I pout, unable to help myself. "I wish I was the one who got to tell you my name." My voice drops lower. "You're an Alpha... not just any Alpha... one of the most powerful ones. Couldn't you have found me through tracking Stella's phone?"
Adrian's expression turns pained. "I was trying to stick to our agreement, little wolf. I didn't want to break a promise I made to you." His jaw clenches, muscles tightening. "Although I'm regretting sticking to it now."
The raw emotion in his voice makes my heart ache. He blames himself for what happened to me. The realization sends a wave of tenderness washing over me.
"Nuh-uh, not happening," Ivy protests. "We're not letting him carry that guilt around."
"You're right," I acknowledge. "He doesn't get to blame himself for Tanner's actions."
"Exactly. That jackass has the market cornered on being a completely worthless waste of oxygen all by himself."
I step closer to him, placing my palm against his cheek. "Hey, no. This isn't on you. You kept your word—that means something to me. More than you know." My thumb traces the strong line of his jaw, feeling the tension there. "In a world where promises are broken every day, you honored yours. Even when it was difficult."
His eyes search mine, and I can see him fighting to believe me.
"Besides," I add with a small smile, "if you'd tracked me down earlier, I would've been pissed even though I missed you. And trust me, you don't want to see me pissed."
"She's right," Stella chimes in, leaning against the doorframe. "It's like watching a chihuahua try to take down a rottweiler. Adorable but misguided."
"I am not a chihuahua!" I protest, shooting her a glare.
"More like a wolf cub who thinks she's full-grown," Adrian murmurs, his thumb tracing my lower lip in a way that makes my breath catch.
"Excuse me, I am full-grown," I huff, trying to ignore the way my body responds to his touch.
"Oh, I've noticed," he says, his voice dropping to a register that makes my toes curl as his eyes rake over me with deliberate slowness.
Stella makes a gagging noise. "And that's my cue to help with the packing."
"We should probably get packing," I finally say. "The sooner we leave, the sooner..." I trail off, not sure how to finish that sentence. The sooner what? The sooner I can start a new life? The sooner I can leave the pain behind? The sooner I can discover if what we shared that weekend was real or just a beautiful illusion?
Adrian's fingers brush my cheek, tilting my face up to his. "The sooner you're where you belong," he finishes for me, his voice so certain it makes my heart ache. "With me."
"Damn straight," Ivy agrees with uncharacteristic solemnity. "Finally, after all this time, we get to go home. And home isn't a place—it's this man. The one who makes us feel like we're worth fighting for."
"Since when did you get so poetic?" I ask, genuinely surprised by her depth of emotion.
"Since he walked in the door and looked at us like we're his whole world instead of an inconvenience. Even I know the difference between fool's gold and the real thing."
A noise from the hallway breaks the moment—footsteps approaching, voices murmuring. I straighten, pulling myself together as best I can. Whatever happens next, I need to face it with my head high.
"Let's do this," I say, squaring my shoulders.
Adrian's answering smile is both tender and fierce, his eyes darkening as they sweep over me one more time. He leans in, his breath hot against my ear.
"Whatever you need, little wolf," he promises, his voice a growl that sends shivers racing down my spine. "But when we're alone later, we have unfinished business to attend to."
My breath catches as memories of our weekend together flash through my mind—his hands on my skin, his mouth leaving marks that claimed me as his, the way he'd made me beg...
"Holy Goddess, yes please," Ivy practically pants. "Sign me up for ALL the unfinished business. Preferably naked, definitely sweaty, and absolutely right now. But fine, I'll wait. Barely."
"Seriously, I can FEEL your arousal," I chide, though my own pulse is racing. "Try to keep it in your fur for five minutes."
"No promises. None. Zero. Have you SEEN the way he looks at us? Like he's going to devour us whole once we're alone. And I am HERE for it."
"Promise?" I whisper before I can stop myself.
His answering smile is pure sin.