VENUSBut why? It’s not like I wanted to think of him. I don’t love him, he’s just a crush. It’s like his image automatically keeps surfacing in my mind. My breath catches, but I don’t fight it. The sensations start slowly like the forest is exhaling all at once and I’m breathing it in.I feel th
VENUSMason shrugs like it’s obvious. “Yeah? That’s what we always do. Strip, lie down, feel nature. Boom. Connection.”Arya looks like she’s about to combust. “Mason, that’s not connecting with nature! That’s just... sunbathing at night.” Her brows pinch as she contemplates something. “No wait—it’s
VENUSHer mother’s eyes glint with cruel precision. “Despite my warnings, you dated the Beta. Look where that got you.”Silence. Thick, heavy silence.I glance at Sydney and my heart twists. Her face hasn’t changed much, but her eyes… there’s pain in them. Deep and raw. Her mom struck a nerve. A raw
VENUSAs soon as Sydney pushes open the door to her room, she freezes and gasps. I almost bump into her from behind before I notice it too. Someone is already inside.A woman sits upright on the edge of Sydney’s bed, arms crossed, her back rigid with disapproval. Her eyes land on us like a verdict
VENUS“How’s camp going?” Dad asks, keeping his tone flat and even. I adjust the phone against my ear, trying to sound casual. “Camp’s good,” I say, forcing a small smile he can’t see. “Everyone’s… doing their best.”Dad doesn’t question it, thankfully.But before he can say more, I quickly add, “H
VENUSMom goes quiet and then her voice drops, raw and low. “Your father… lost control of his wolf once too.”The air leaves my lungs.“What?”She doesn’t repeat herself.My mind reels. “You mean, this darkness Ezra has—”“It comes from him,” she says. “Your father. He had it first.”My mouth parts b