::::::Ghosts Between Us::::::::::

Days had passed since the fight, but the pack still talked about Wayne’s victory and Oliver’s humiliation. But what people didn’t see was what happened after the cheering stopped the silence, the tension and the way Darius started finding excuses to keep Wayne close. That night, he called Wayne to his chamber.

The fire was low, the air heavy with quiet. Darius sat on the couch, boots off, shirt half-unbuttoned, like he didn’t care to look like an Alpha in that moment.

Wayne stood awkwardly by the door, hands shoved in his pockets. “You wanted to see me?”

Darius nodded. “Sit.”

Wayne hesitated, then did. The couch dipped slightly, bringing him too close, but he shifted and pretended not to notice.

Darius glanced at him. “You’ve improved.”

Wayne shrugged. “Guess beating Oliver helped.”

A faint smirk. “Guess so.”

Wayne leaned forward, elbows on his knees.

“Can I ask something?”

Darius tilted his head. “You’re full of questions lately.”

“Maybe ‘cause you never answer any.”

“Fine. Ask.”