Chapter 1

LIAM

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“You’re pathetic.” Nyratha, my wolf’s voice, sliced through my skull. “You should’ve broken his nose at least.”

The rain drummed down the roof of the bus stop, the pattering almost drowning her voice.

I wished it did.

I wished it drowned everything.

My eyes remained on the phone screen, on the text I had sent my elder brother thirty minutes ago.

Me: Can you come pick me up?

The message sat there read, yet no response.

“At least slash his tires.” With a snort, she continued. “Anything would have been better than standing there like a drenched puppy while he dumped you.”

“Will you shut up?” I yelled, voice tearing through heavy downpour, rough and aching.

My ex’s voice pulsed through my skull. ‘You know I was never into men. Your female wolf got me all confused. Did you expect me to bring a man home to be my Luna?’

“This is all your fucking fault,” I snapped at my wolf. “If you were a male wolf…” I paused, my cold breath shuddering. “I’d have been mated to a woman.”

My chest tightened.

“I wouldn’t keep falling for these men.”

“There we go again.” Nyratha let out a dramatic yawn. “I’m a wolf. I notice power, strength, and aura. But if blaming me makes you sleep at night. Do you.”

“Punch his nose? Rip his tires? What would that change?” I spluttered, my grip tightening around my phone until my knuckles ached. “Would that make me normal?”

Nyratha went silent, and finally my head was filled with only my thoughts.

But that still wasn’t better.

I jerked my head back before dragging my left hand down my face.

For one stupid week, I’d let myself believe college would be different. That this year was going to be the happiest moment of my life. New people. New friends.

But here I was, dumped after a week.

My phone vibrated, a message from my brother rising to my notification bar.

Scott: I can’t make it. Freddy would pick you instead.

Fredrinn.

My heart froze.

So much for starting over. I couldn't even survive two weeks without my past catching up with me.

Then my fingers finally moved.

Me: Why him? Can’t you send another person? I can wait.

Scott: That place isn’t safe. Oh. I think he’s already there.

Through the sheets of rain, two blinding headlights carved towards me as a black Bugatti pulled up to the curb. 

Every cell in me screamed at me to remain here. To wait. To walk. To do anything but enter his car.

But the road was empty, and I still wasn’t familiar with the campus landscape.

I drew a long inhale before forcing myself towards the car.

My fingers hovered for a second before curling around the handle and pulling it open.

Then I saw him.

For one stupid second, I didn’t breathe.

The lanky teenager was gone. Completely gone. His shoulders now filled the driver's seat. His soft features were now replaced with a rugged charm that made something hot slick beneath my skin.

The stormy grey of his eyes flicked to me, then he smiled—one corner of his lips lifting first before the rest followed.

“Well…” His voice deeper than I remembered. “If it isn’t Little Storm.”

The nickname I had almost forgotten rang in my head, and an embarrassing heat flushed my face.

“H-hi.” I looked away almost immediately.

Even after all these years, that hasn't changed. Looking into Fredrinn’s eyes for more than a second had always felt dangerous—sinful. Like if I stared long enough, the world would explode.

Fredrinn waited for me to fasten my seatbelt before rolling back onto the road.

For a while, none of us spoke, the clicking of windshield wipers filling the silence between us.

I glanced at him. Looked away. Stared back. Looked away again.

Stop staring, you idiot, I almost cursed out.

Usually, this was the moment Nyratha  threw a jab: ‘Am I the one noticing how strong his hands were?’

But she too was oddly quiet. 

Beside me, Fredrinn never took his eyes off the road. “What were you doing here anyway?”

“I came to see a friend,” I said, the metallic taste resurfacing at the back of my throat.

Fredrinn took a turn. “This side of the campus is getting dangerous. Would’ve been better if you just spent the night at your friend’s place.”

My curiosity piqued, but I still dared not look at him. “How? Scott had said the same thing?”

“There have been a few sudden disappearances of female wolves around here over the past weeks.”

“But, I’m a ma—”  My words died as I remembered Nyratha.

Another wave of silence hit us, while I kept my gaze outside the windows.

Now and then, I felt it.

His gaze.

I’d turn just enough to catch him looking before he looked away. Whenever our eyes actually met, I’d jerk my gaze to the drenched campus outside the window.

Then he spoke again. “It’s been a really long time; do you remember…”

Fredrinn began talking about our childhood memories, from camping trips to River races.

He talked about everything…everything except that night. I wondered if he had forgotten, while I failed to.

The car finally stopped at Victor Hall. The most luxurious hostel on the campus.

The elevator ride ended far too quickly.  A second later, the apartment door opened.

Out of nowhere,  a blonde lady launched herself at him, her delighted squeal punching the space.

“Freddie.” She threw her hands around his neck, already locking her lips with his.

When he kissed her back, my stomach twisted in the ugliest of ways. Throwing my head sideways, I looked away.

“Who is this?” She asked.

“Scott’s younger brother.”

“Never knew he had one.” She smiled brightly at me.

“He didn’t really stay in the pack. He mostly stayed with his grandparents.” He glanced at me.

She offered her hand. “I’m Jane. Fredrinn’s Luna.”

My eyes snapped to Fredrinn. He was already looking at me.

A smile flashed across his face. “I’ll be introducing her to the pack soon.”

Forcing a smile on my face, I accepted her hand. “Liam.”

The moment our palms met, her smile faltered, then came the twitch of her nose.

“I’m sorry.” She let out an awkward laugh. “It’s just that… your scent.”

I knew that pause. It always came first. 

By now, I should’ve been used to it. Yet, the familiar tightness settled beneath my ribs. 

“It’s my wolf,” I said, too quickly, “She’s female.”

Jane blinked, confusion crossing her face. “But you’re a—”

“Jane.” Fredrinn’s voice boomed.

“Sorry.” Her cheeks instantly flushed red. “Didn’t mean to be rude."

Another forced smile. “It’s fine.” 

It never was.

My eyes drifted back to Fredrinn. His gaze was still on me. A moment of quiet burst between us, our gaze still locked. Then it shattered as Jane slipped her hand into his.

Clearing his throat, Fredrinn pointed down the hallway. “First door on the left. That’s Scott's room. Also, there is some food in the kitchen if you want dinner.”

“Thanks.” I buried my hands deeper into the pockets of my hoodie.

A soft smile. “Get some rest, Little Storm.”

As two of them disappeared into the hallway, all I could do was watch them. Watched how she naturally belonged beside him.

‘Do you think I'll bring a man home to be my Luna?’

Ryan’s words resurfaced, even sharper than when he had said them.

“I don't like her,” Nyratha finally spoke.

“She was kinder than most,” I said, trudging into the hallways.  

Inside Scott’s room, I dropped onto the bed. “At least this ended up with an apology and not bruises.” 

Nyratha sighed.

Bitterness coiled in the low chambers of my chest. 

I shut my eyes, clasping my hand over my chest. Fredrinn and Jane walking away with hands locked drifted into my mind, followed by Ryan’s words.

Did you expect me to bring a man home to be my Luna? 

I rolled onto my side. 

Could someone ever hold me like that? In the open? 

A bitter tang coated my throat. 

My phone buzzed.

Ben: We are so fucking cooked. Come to the hostel first thing tomorrow.