Ashley POVWe waited quietly for a minute. Then, through the heavy double glass doors, I spotted two cars driving towards the building, both of which caught my eye. There was Mavis behind the wheel of the first car, and the familiar pizzeria logo on the car behind her. Eva's cell phone vibrated, but she ignored it. I followed her out of the building, nodding at the guards we passed, and, while glad the time was right to get some food, I wished I'd brought a jacket.I waved goodbye to Mavis, who waved me back, then motioned for Eva to get into the car. However, before Eva and I parted ways, she gave me a quick hug, her smile widening as I turned her down. โSee you next week,โ she whispered in my ear. โAnd,โ she quickly added, โI think you and Jayden bought pizza to share tonight.โI carefully pulled away from her arms and smiled sheepishly. โI see. Or we, rather. And I'll tell you everything soon. I swear.โโI know you will, and I look forward to it.โ She smiled. โHave fun with seven f
Ashley POVAs I had guessed, Jax and Jean were standing in the kitchen along with Jamie and Hunter, waiting for me and Jayden to come in. As Jayden placed the bag of snacks on the kitchen counter, next to where I had placed the pizza boxes earlier, he kept looking down while I showed them where they could find plates, cutlery, and glasses. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the double doors to the dining room slightly ajar, which were rarely touched even when my parents were home, and Tyler and Miles slipping out between them as Jean called them to grab the pizza.I had to find a way to talk to Miles, just the two of us, as quickly and quietly as possible.Despite the friendly atmosphere, it was clear that the other six BHB boys felt awkward in my parents' apartment. Whether that nervousness was due to the fact that we were in Beverly or just because they were in an unfamiliar place, I have no idea. But as the eight of us sat around the long glass table that fit eleven people in the c
Ashley POVThe boys went back to their seats in silence. However, the mood was now lighter, and as the eight of us continued eating, small talk began to flow through the room. The boys joked, laughed, and enthusiastically retold stories of their past with Jayden. Jayden, despite still not being able to remember anything, seemed more cheerful than usual. I was relieved and surprised to see him no longer looking glum when reminded of his amnesia. Hunter and Jamie, especially, did their job very well to keep the conversation flowing and light, so there were no awkward silences or tense moments.When everyone had finished their bites, I decided to play some music in the background as the others took a break and snapped a few photos as a memento. Jayden, unexpectedly, offered to take some photos for me. Smiling slightly, I leaned back on my knees, looking through the albums that were neatly arranged on the CD storage racks located on each side of the floor-standing speakers.The night was
Ashley POVTyler glanced at his phone screen. โIt's only a little past eight. I've wanted to watch 'Insidious' since it first hit theaters,โ he pleaded, almost begging. โCan't we stay?โโI don't know,โ Jax said, glancing at his phone. โWe have an early morning rehearsal tomorrow.โโIsn't that a horror movie?โ asked Hunter warily.I nodded and held my hand up in front of my mouth as I swallowed the last slice of pizza. โI mean, it does have its funny bits, but basically, it's good horror.โโThen I back out,โ Hunter said.โMe too,โ Jamie added quickly.โI've never seen it, right?โ Jayden's voice sounded low, and I turned to look at him. His eyes sought confirmation from me, and I shook my head. โNo, I don't think you've seen it.โJayden looked down, staring at his plate. โI want to see it,โ he said, still in a quiet tone.Both Jamie and Hunter jumped in and sucked in a deep breath before starting to plead with Jax not to let them watch the horror movie. I almost laughed at their antics,
Ashley POVTruth be told, it had never really bothered me until recently, because I never knew anything was different. The time I spent with Eva at school and the occasional sleepover or hangout was enough for me. After all, I was a student at one of the most prestigious universities in Beverly.But after spending time with Jayden, and now seeing him start to take the first steps towards recovery, I realized something. I realized that I didn't really have a place in his life. He had achieved popularity and fame in music, supported by his friends, with his own determination and hunger. I wasn't even part of his backstory.Or at least, that's what I thought at the time.My smile turned wistful instead of amused. When I pressed the button to lower the projector screen, images of a bitter future flashed through my mind. Even though the people behind me were arguing about who sat where I knew Jayden had noticed my changed expression. We stared at each other for a moment, and I could almost
Ashley POVI tried not to think about it as I inserted the Insidious disc into the Blu-ray player. As soon as the intro to the movie started playing, someone let out a shriek, causing me and the others to turn our heads in unison. Hunter was the target of the jokes this time. I had to wipe my tears as I burst into laughter at his horrified expression. It was funny, considering he usually always appeared so bold. But I could see he really cared about Jayden if he was willing to spend the next two and a half hours being tortured to spend time with his old friend. But, it also made me wonder.How much has his attitude changed around me, compared to when he was with his friends before he got amnesia?Once I had adjusted all the settings and made sure the video and audio were fine, I turned around with the remote in hand and found Jayden already sitting comfortably on the couch. The other four people on the main couch were still adjusting to each other, while Jax and Miles seemed to be tal
Ashley POVโThe idea has crossed my mind,โ I admitted coldly, โbut I don't see any logical reason how or even why. He didn't care about me before the accident, I know he didn't. So why not make this easier for everyone involved, and get Jayden off the hook with something like an arranged engagement?"He tilted his head slightly to the side. โThat's selfish, and you know it.โMy eyes widened. โHow is that selfish?โ I accused, trying my hardest to keep the tone of my voice low. โI'm trying to make it easier for him to get back together with Blair, to make things with you guys like they used to be. I'm trying to do the right thing here.โโI can see that,โ Miles said softly, which surprised me. โBut for you to take that choice away from him, that choice is the truth about your relationship and his, especially after seeing the way that both of you are with each other... that's selfish.โโWhat do you mean, โthe way that both of you are with each otherโ?โ I asked, somewhat bewildered. My min
Ashley POVBy the time I came back to my senses after that, I was hiding the engagement ring in my pocket, having almost forgotten to come back with the bowl I was originally going to bring. While the rest of the boys were still glued to the projector screen, mesmerized by the thrilling scene that was unfolding, I knew that Jayden was looking at me in his peripheral vision. He then glared at Miles intently, a glare that Miles ignored as he passed out drinks to everyone before Jayden got to his feet and came to meet me in the middle of the living room.I was arranging the glass bowls in my hands as I stepped onto the couch. โI can handle it,โ I whispered as I detected Jayden coming closer, my voice slightly strained.โNow it's your turn to stop being such a hero,โ he told me sternly, then picked up half of the bowls, piling them on top of his injured arm.โHey!โ I hissed as quietly as I could. โThink about your arm, idiot!โHe snorted before turning around and walking over to the coffe
Ashley POVJared reached out and shook Samuelโs hand without even blinking. That surprised me, considering Samuelโs old injury, but Jaredโs grip was firm and smooth.โJared Keller,โ he said with a hint of a smile. โAnd Iโm sure the best wedding photographer in the city is more than capable of taking a few photos of me and my fiancรฉe.โHis voice, usually cold and even, actually sounded warm this timeโ nothing like the sharp tone he usually used with me. But that didnโt bother me. Not one bit.Because I knew Jared. I knew that when he wanted to, he could charm anyoneโ regardless of gender. That cool, intimidating aura of his didnโt stop him from flipping a switch and turning into the smoothest guy in the room.And honestly? The fact he was using that tone with someone other than me or Eva? It was kind of a relief.When Jared talked like that, people couldnโt help but feel confident, maybe even proudโ like they mattered. Like Jared saw something special in them, even if they barely knew
Ashley POVโAnd... smile!โThe umbrella lights flashed across the room, making my vision blur for a second. I blinked quickly, waiting for the black dots to fade as my eyes adjusted to the pastel walls, the endless fake white and blush roses surrounding me, and the bulky guy standing behind the camera set up in front of me.Raising his hand, he gave the universal โokayโ gesture. โBeautiful, beautiful,โ he said excitedly. โNow, if you could just tilt your head a little to the side and angle your chin to the right...โWithout a word, I followed his instructions, rewarded with a delighted squeal and another blinding flash. โYes, thatโs it! And maybe move your hand like this...โ he said, demonstrating with his left hand. I copied him. โYesss! Perfect! I gotta say,โ he went on with a big grin, โyou are the most stunning bride Iโve ever seen, Ashley Van Smith. Your fiancรฉ is one lucky guy.โThe camera clicked and the lights flashed again.โThanks, Sam,โ I said once my vision started coming
Jayden POVโJay, are you okay?โโHow many times do I have to answer that?โ I didn't look up from my phone screen even though I'd probably read the same news article about criminals a thousand times. Somehow, the drive to the restaurant felt like an eternity, or, at least, that's how I felt when I was stuck in the car with nothing to hear but silly questions.I was fine, though.โHow many times does it take you to spill the fucking truth,โ Hunter asked, his voice coming from dangerously close behind me.I lifted my phone over my shoulder so he could see what I was doing, then snorted. I took the only open passenger seat in the front on the pretense that I was feeling sick because I was so damn starving, but now here I was suddenly wondering if it would be better to sit in the very back seat.But there was Miles already seated, and I didn't like the way he was looking at me as I turned towards him.โJayden...โ Jamie's tone was low, worried.โGet off of my back,โ I snapped. โI'm fine, ok
Jayden POVโNo,โ I stated simply. โSheโฆ Everyone thinks we're just family friends.โโWell,โ she went on, the glint in her eyes turning cold. Extremely cold, like merciless stones of ice. โAs of today, that won't be a lie anymore.โMy brows furrowed, I couldn't help but let the fear caused by my anxiety creep up my voice. โWhat do you mean?โ I asked in a tone that hopefully sounded calm.She pulled the engagement ring off her finger and held it out to me. โI'm calling off our engagement,โ she said harshly. โI won't - won't marry a cheating bastard like you. You can live happily ever after with someone else, like Blair Anderson.โ A mocking sneer spread across her face. โSmile, Jayden - you're finally getting rid of me, may you live happily ever after with your dear girlfriend.โ What she said after that sucked the life out of me as if part of my soul had been taken away. โOh, and before I forget, I, Ashley Van Smith, of the Red Moon Pack, reject Jayden Ronan Keller, of the Crimson Pack,
Jayden POVโWhat are you doing here, Ashley?โIt wasn't my intention to lash out at her, but I was too shocked to find other words, so my tongue moved faster than my brain. She looked flabbergasted at my words, her face turning redder than a ripe tomato as she caught sight of me and my group of friends. Her lips parted and sealed, then parted again, but this time to my astonishment. She was stunned. Angry, too.And hurting more than I'd ever seen her before.โJayden,โ Tyler said hesitantly, breaking the silence down the hallway that had suddenly become eerily quiet. โIsn't she a friend of your family?โโIs it really her?โ asked Jax, glancing curiously between me and Ashley while scratching his face.Later on, Jamie stepped in front of me as soon as I snarled at Ashley with both shoulders raised but immediately loosened up at Tyler's words. โOh yeah, I've seen your face before, on the news.โHunter snapped his fingers. โThat's right!โ he said as he realized something. โWhenever you two
Jayden POV23.02 - Fine, I'll go get your stuff. See you in five minutes?23.02 - Perfect! Hey, baby, you're not mad at me, right?Rolling my eyes, I replied with the word โNoโ. To be frank, I'm not mad at her. I'm just tired of her. Blair was prettier than most, very talented, and kind despite being more of a loner than Jean and overall she was a very nice girl. She is the kind of girl that guys dream about, because of her sweet and lovable nature, her graceful and slender figure. In fact, she was exactly what I wanted when I first laid eyes on her. I used to think I could finally fall in love, and it would be with her because she's almost perfect in every way. I mean, how could a guy not like a woman like Blair?At first, it was fun and exciting. I had never had someone... someone who I knew was definitely interested in me and talked to me for twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. She made me break down my walls, to the point where I felt I could trust her. I thought I could
Jayden POVโFlashback a few hours before the accident after the concert in NY in FebruaryโโGood job, everyone! That's a wrap for our concert in NY!โClark escorted the seven of us from backstage to one of the leather couches in the dressing room before darting off somewhere. Some of the other coordinators and managers who had been with us for a few months to a few years came next, all with smiles on their faces. I poured the last contents of my water bottle over my head to cool down as I sat next to Jax. The liquid dripped down my face, neck, and back, soaking the black T-shirt I wore at the end of the concert, and though it felt relatively warm, I was still able to breathe a sigh of relief.โThere's a place called the bathroom.โ Tyler leaned over to my right and tugged gently on my sleeve. โMan, you're soaked.โโYou too,โ I retorted as I stared intently at his hair stuck to his forehead.โI'm starving,โ whimpered Jean as he fanned himself frantically with someone's magazine. He plop
Ashley POVJayden was checking himself out in the massive mirror, eyes trailing from head to toe. His dyed light brown hair was a mess, and he had just enough makeup on to cover the small scar on his left cheek. Titanium earrings dangled from his ears, and rings wrapped around his fingers. He wore a red bomber jacket over a teal patterned shirt, paired with tightโ very tightโ black skinny jeans and branded sneakers to complete the look.โHey,โ he greeted, locking eyes with me through the mirror.I pushed a rolling clothing rack filled with expensive-looking shirts and jackets. โNo white tees? Whatโs going on?โ I asked.Jayden let out a small laugh. โSorry to disappoint,โ he replied, adjusting his collar. โAnyway, where have you been? Iโve been looking everywhere for you.โโI was at the mall,โ I lied, trying my hardest not to rub my wrist. โIโm actually feeling kinda sick. I donโt know if I can stay for the whole concert.โHe immediately turned to me. โYou have to,โ he said, a hint of
Ashley POVChugging his water bottle, Jayden turned his attention back to his friends. Miles, however, kept sneaking glances at me, his expression unreadable. I gave him a small smile anyway, hoping to reassure him that I was fine.A lie, of course. I was fine. I just had no idea how.โAre you and Miles having a thing or...?โMy jaw practically hit the floor, and I gawked at Blair in disbelief. โWhat?โ I blurted, unable to hide my shock. โOf course not!โShe tapped a finger against her chin, flashing me an apologetic smile. โSorry, that was kind of fishy.โ She came closer, the scent of her strawberry perfume stinging my nose even more. โCome on, weโre friends. You can tell me.โI was this close to telling her that friendship didnโt work that way. Hell, I wanted to punch her square in the jaw. But I managed to hold back and just shook my head. โNo, really,โ I said, sneakily shifting away from her. โThereโs nothing going on between me and him. Or anyone else in this group, for that matt