Novels by T.L. Dalton

Jerica’s POVThe hospital’s sterile scent had finally been replaced with something I hadn’t realized I’d missed — fresh air, pine, and the faint hint of home. The pack clinic had arranged for me to start physical therapy in the small rehab wing next to the training fields. It wasn’t the same as running free through the forest, but it was progress, and I was determined to make the most of it.Jake was there with me from the moment I walked in. He leaned against the wall with that easy confidence of his, his eyes tracking every move I made as if my recovery was the most important thing in the world. “Okay,” the therapist, a kind woman named Kendra, said with a smile. “Let’s start with light resistance today. We’ll focus on rebuilding strength in your arm. Don’t push too hard — slow and steady wins this race.”I nodded, gripping the resistance band with my injured arm and pulling it back carefully. My muscles protested, but the pain was duller than before. Jake moved closer, crouching be

By the end of the week, the pack finally felt like it was breathing again. Jerica was released from the hospital Saturday morning, her color restored, her strength returning in small but steady waves. She was still walking with caution, her ribs not yet fully mended, but the doctors agreed she was strong enough to recover at home. Physical therapy would begin on Monday, and though she pretended to dread it, Jake swore he saw a spark of determination in her eyes when she signed her release papers.Trixie had been her shadow all week, never missing a night at the hospital. Between classes and assignments, she’d made a point to sit beside Jerica’s bed, reviewing her own homework while explaining lessons to her friend. Jerica had laughed at one point, saying it felt like she had her own personal tutor. “You just don’t want me falling behind you,” she teased. But Trixie knew the truth — it wasn’t about school. It was about making sure Jerica knew she wasn’t alone.By Tuesday, Joe delivered

The sterile hospital smell hit me the second I pushed through the swinging doors, but it didn’t matter — I hardly noticed. My heart pounded in my ears, my footsteps echoing down the hall as I practically sprinted past the nurses’ station. I must’ve looked frantic, because one of them glanced up from her clipboard with wide eyes, but I didn’t stop. All I could think about was Jerica. Room 214.I nearly skidded around the corner, my hair slipping from its tie and bouncing against my shoulders. When I reached the doorway, I didn’t bother knocking. I burst in. Everyone’s heads snapped toward me — Jake, perched carefully on the edge of Jerica’s bed with a steaming bowl in his hand; Eric, leaning casually against the window frame; Melissa sitting in the visitor’s chair. And Jerica — my best friend — awake, upright, her hair a little mussed, a sling supporting her arm. She looked pale but alive.They all stared at me like I had grown two heads. “Where’s the fire?” Jerica asked, her lips curv

Jake’s POVSunday night had fallen, the room bathed in soft golden light from the lamp in the corner. The hospital always smelled faintly of antiseptic and herbs, but tonight it was almost comforting. Jerica was still asleep, though they’d finally unhooked the herbal drip earlier in the evening. It was progress, the kind that made everyone breathe a little easier — but she still hadn’t opened her eyes.I sat beside her, her delicate hand resting in mine. My thumb traced slow circles across the back of it, the pattern familiar, soothing to both of us. I hummed the lullaby I always did when it was just us now, only this time Melissa was in the room too. She insisted on staying the night, and said she wanted to be here when her baby woke up. I didn’t mind. Jerica deserved all the love in the world, and if Melissa could give her another piece of it, all the better.Laying my head on the mattress, I turned to look at Jerica’s face. The worst of the bruises had faded now. The lighter ones w

Trixie’s POVWhen I woke up that morning, the first thing I noticed was the single rose lying delicately on the pillow beside me. A folded note rested underneath it, Trevor’s familiar, precise handwriting scrawled across the paper.Had to leave early. Meeting with Alpha Sam today. Thomas will be downstairs at 7 a.m. to take you to school. Love you. –TI smiled faintly, picking up the rose and bringing it to my nose. It smelled fresh, sweet — just like him. It was a thoughtful gesture, sure, but part of me couldn’t help the sigh that slipped out. A flower was nice… but a good morning kiss would’ve been better. Still, it was Trevor. His world was full of responsibilities, threats, and constant strategy. And even when he couldn’t be here, he still tried to leave me with a piece of himself. That thought softened the disappointment, at least a little.I slipped out of bed, went through my routine, and dressed for school. Jeans, a cozy sweater, hair pulled into a loose braid. Normal. I want

Trixie’s POVThe soft hum of the truck’s engine filled the space around us as Trevor drove us down the winding road toward my parents’ house. The sky outside was streaked with shades of lavender and gold, the last light of the evening sun giving way to the approaching night. I sat with my elbow propped against the window, absently tracing the fog of my breath on the glass, while the radio played a sad, soulful song I couldn’t resist singing along to.Trevor’s hand rested casually on the steering wheel, his other hand relaxed against his thigh. To anyone else, he probably looked calm and collected, but I knew him better than that. His jaw was set, his eyes focused straight ahead, and though he gave a little smile when I sang too loudly at the chorus, I could tell his thoughts were miles away. I softened my voice, watching him out of the corner of my eye. “You’re thinking too hard again,” I teased lightly. His gaze flicked to me for just a second before returning to the road. “Maybe,” h