Chapter 7

In the end, I lent him the soy sauce.

Consider it a form of gratitude.

Besides, maintaining a good relationship with neighbors is essential.

The days after leaving Alpha Jackson were strangely quiet. Other than work, my life suddenly had a lot more free time—time that used to be spent wrapped up in his world, entangled in his presence.

But it wasn’t all bad. I had more opportunities to focus on things I actually wanted to do, like learning oil painting, which I’d always been curious about.

On my way back home with the supplies, a shiver crawled up my spine. My wolf stirred uneasily. I wasn’t alone.

I kept walking, my grip tightening on the bag in my hands. Footsteps echoed behind me, matching my pace. Every time I turned to look, the street was empty, but the scent lingered—faint yet distinct.

My heart pounded.

Then, the footsteps sped up.

Panic kicked in. I bolted, dropping my supplies in the process. “Ahhh—!”

A strong hand grabbed me from behind, stopping me mid-run.

“Why are you run