LOGINBram was gone before she even opened her eyes. He’d left quietly, knowing a drawn-out goodbye would only make it worse. Now, sipping coffee from a steward, he stared at the camera feed. She wandered into the living room, calling his name. “I’m pissed at you,” she said, glaring straight into the lens. Then, as if she couldn’t help herself, she flashed a heart sign with her hands. He felt like he was unraveling, the urge to turn back clawing at him. His blood simmered, he’d need to shift as soon as he got back, run wild, burn off this frustration.He shut his eyes and there she was, her face seared into his mind.Dahlia showered, threw on some clothes, and flopped onto the couch. She popped in her earbuds, grabbed her sketchbook, and got to work. The project was nearly finished anyway; most of the sketches were done. She flicked on the lights around her crooked tree and smiled faintly.The music cut off abruptly, someone was calling. “Hello?” she answered.“Dahlia,” Bram’s voice came th
They headed to the cafe, and once inside, she shrugged off her jacket. Her cheeks flushed as she lifted the sweater to her nose. Hunter didn’t acknowledge it, just took her hand.“I miss you,” he said.“I miss you too, Hunter,” she replied, smiling softly.“You gave him more time?” Hunter asked, his tone sharp.“Bram? Yeah, I did. It’s just… Hunter, I don’t want to talk about this here.”“Well, I do. Because I’m not giving up on you, and this isn’t fair,” he shot back.She stood abruptly. “I can’t do this right now. You’re right, it’s not fair. But it happened.”“Then let him go,” he called after her as she walked out.She stormed home, kicked off her boots, and let out a frustrated scream. Todd poked his head out of the bedroom.“That was a quick breakfast,” he said.“Didn’t eat. Just swallowed a lot of words,” she muttered.“Todd, do you think I’m being unfair? Hunter said Bram got more time.”She sank onto the couch, and Todd sat beside her.“I don’t want him to leave,” she said, h
Bram's touch pulled Dahlia from sleep. She groaned and burrowed deeper under the covers."I need to make sure…""Don't care," she mumbled, eyes still closed. "Let me sleep."His lips brushed hers as his arms encircled her. The tension gradually melted from her shoulders."I know you're upset. But Dahlia, he was deceived too. He had no idea what would happen. Try to remember that, okay?"Tears slipped down her cheeks. Bram wiped them away with his thumb. "No more tears," he whispered against her lips. "No more."Dahlia leaned into his chest, breathing in his familiar scent until her heartbeat steadied."Bram? What time is it?""Do I have to tell you?" he asked.A reluctant laugh escaped her. "Yes, please.""Eight. Don't panic, Hunter's with Mr. Mel, and you're working from home today, remember?""Oh, right," she said, kissing him softly. A warmth spread through her chest. Was it because he'd been around more lately? Or was she finally admitting to herself just how much she cared for hi
Jason went white. Before he could say a word, Bram shot to his feet."Out. Now. I need to check her bones," Bram barked, waving everyone off."Did you see his face, Bram?" she murmured. He froze. "What are you doing?""Being your damn doctor," he muttered, his hands moving to her upper thigh. Her eyes flickered with light, and Bram caught it."Alright, legs seem fine. Arm," he ordered, then shifted to the other one. When his hands brushed her face, her fingers gripped his arm. "Bram, why did they do this to me?""You’re not going back to work," he said firmly."You don’t get to decide that!" she yelled."I’m not losing you again," he snapped back, his eyes flashing a dark yellow.Dahlia stiffened. Todd and Jason stepped in."What’s with the yelling?" Todd asked, glancing around. Bram stormed out, clearly pissed."Girl, you really set him off," Todd said, shaking his head.She brushed him off. "Jason, I asked you a question.""Yeah, we did, Dahlia," Jason admitted."So, you’re wolves?"
Mr. Mel's gaze settled on Dahlia. "Can you explain what happened?"She glanced at Jane before answering. "I suffered burns from spilled coffee, but I'm here and prepared for the presentation."Mr. Mel turned to Jane. "And your contribution to the project?""She stayed home and wouldn't share her files," Jane muttered."Can you blame her?" Mr. Mel's patience thinned. "I'm still waiting for your answer."The silence stretched uncomfortably."Out," he finally snapped. "You'll receive no credit for this work."The screen flickered to life, revealing the director of G&R Inc."Mr. Berg," Mr. Mel greeted, "we're ready for the preliminary presentation. Dahlia?""Hello, Mr. Berg." Dahlia displayed her sketches of wolf heads designed for the gear. "The snowboards feature silver and black wolves, with customizable color options.""Perfect," the director nodded. "Show me the commercial concepts."She presented scenes of a silver wolf racing alongside a skier, a black wolf with a snowboarder, and
Todd had transformed the dining room with his usual flair, candles flickered between artfully arranged place settings, and the scent of rosemary hung in the air.Bram froze in the doorway. "This looks like something out of a magazine.""Shoes," Todd said, pointing to Bram's feet with a stern expression.Dahlia emerged from the kitchen and wrapped Bram in a warm embrace. "How are you feeling?" he whispered against her hair."Much better," she replied. "Are you checking as my physician or my…""As your protector." They shared a laugh that eased the tension.The doorbell chimed, and Jason arrived. Dahlia greeted him with the same enthusiasm.Once seated around the table, Jason dipped his spoon into his soup. "So what exactly happened today?""She sampled the Mr. giant" Todd said with a smile."Todd!" Dahlia and Jason exclaimed in unison.Todd shrugged. "We're all grown-ups here."Bram shifted uncomfortably."It was just coffee on my clothes," Dahlia explained."I'd rather focus on my pro







