Not for revenge

"You did what?" Kara’s eyes locked onto me, wide with disbelief.

"Come on, Kara, you knew I would," I shot back. I held his penis in my hand.

We both burst out laughing.

"Well, go on then, how does it feel?" she asked, grinning.

"Big. Like, how the hell is that supposed to fit in my…"

Kara just stared, deadpan. "Seriously, are you actually going to do it?"

"I’m torn. Stay loyal to Drystan, or give in to this mysterious guy who’s, you know, ridiculously hot."

We were sitting at the dining table when the girl at the next table started telling her story.

"He’s ruthless, took down our pack in an hour. Sent some of us to the academy. He’s the king of four packs, and he’s not stopping there. But damn, he’s hot. And strong. Alpha Drystan’s powerful, though, already a force not to reckon with."

"Did she just say Drystan?" I nearly spit out my juice. I strode over and dropped into the chair across from her. She flinched.

"Tell me where this Alpha lives," I demanded.

"Behind the twin mountains," she whispered, eyes darting around.

My stomach was clenched—the twin mountains, where we'd grown up together. While I'd spent four years pathetically waiting for any sign from him, he'd been building himself an empire.

"Victoria," Kara's voice was low behind me. "I can see your face. Don't do something you'll regret."

I whirled around. "Regret? He's conquered four packs while I've been sitting here waiting like an idiot. Trust me, he's the one who'll regret this."

The door swung open. Balthasar entered, his gaze sweeping the room before settling on me. One finger beckoned. I followed him into his office.

"Victoria," he said, shuffling papers on his desk. "We're updating student exit files. Your mother's name is missing."

"Not missing. I left it blank intentionally." I crossed my arms. "She's dead. So is my stepfather. I have no one."

"Your stepbrother?"

"Apparently, I don't qualify as family to him."

"After graduation, wolf community or human world?"

I laughed bitterly. "Funny timing. Five minutes ago, I'd have said wolf. Now? I'll take my chances with humans."

His eyes narrowed. "I sense considerable anger."

"You think?" Another harsh laugh escaped. "Don't worry, I'll try not to take it out on anyone... undeserving."

"Your mother's name, Victoria?"

"Sylvia," I answered flatly.

Something flickered in his eyes; gone so quickly I almost missed it.

"Very well," he said. "You may go."

I hopped the fence again and ran back to Thane.

His leg had healed enough that he was able to stand when I entered. He opened his arms. "What happened?"

I fell against his chest, tears spilling despite myself. "I'm not weak."

"Crying doesn't make you weak, Victoria." His voice rumbled against my ear. "Tell me what's wrong."

"While I've been stuck in this stupid school, Drystan's been building an empire," I choked out.

"Maybe he had reasons for keeping you here..."

I pulled away from his embrace. "Whose side are you on?"

Thane laughed softly. "I'm just thinking like him. If you were mine, I'd want to hide you too, keep you safe from enemies. You're his weakness."

I wiped my tears, studying his face. "You could've lied. Taken advantage of how vulnerable I am. Instead, you're defending him."

"Why does that surprise you?" He brushed a strand of hair from my face. "You can't build something real on lies. As much as I want you for myself, you're still caught in the past." His thumb traced my cheekbone. "What are you planning to do?"

"I came here to lose my virginity, and you…"

He cut me off with a kiss that felt so right I melted against him.

"Here? “Now?" he murmured against my lips.

"You didn't seem to mind undressing me last night," I shot back.

His arms tightened around me. "I want you, Victoria," he whispered, "but not like this. Not for revenge. Even though revenge sex is hot, I want a chance."

"A chance for what?"

His laugh was gentle. "You really are innocent. A chance for us. To win your heart."

"Is this pity because I saved you? What's your angle?"

He sighed. "You trust no one. He taught you well." Thane stepped back. "Talk to him before you decide anything. I'm leaving, but if you need me for anything, call me. I'll be there.

I settled into his lap, my head leaning against his shoulder. He tilted my chin up, his lips brushing mine in a soft, lingering kiss. “Fuck, I’m going to miss this,” he murmured. “Miss you, your scent.

“I’ll miss you too, Thane,” I admitted. “Where’s your pack?”

“Black Mountains, Croatia,” he replied. “But I’m never in one place for long. Did you memorize the number?”

“Yeah, I got it.” Saying goodbye felt like trying to swallow a rock. Neither of us wanted to pull away.

We kissed again, his hands tracing my back like he was trying to memorize the feeling of me. “Victoria,” he said, my name sounding like something sacred on his tongue, “you know where to find me. I’ll be waiting. Whatever you decide.”

I hesitated, my hand brushing his cheek. “Thane, I do like you,” I said, my face heating up. He closed his eyes, leaning into my touch.

“I’m torn,” I whispered against his lips, tears slipping down my cheeks. He pressed his forehead to mine, his breath warm.

“I’ll miss you begging me to take my pants off,” he said, a smirk tugging at his lips.

I laughed despite the tears. “You’re funny,” I said as he wiped my face.

Thane's eyes met mine, pleading. "Come with me, Victoria. No questions, no demands, just freedom."

"You make it sound so simple," I whispered, my voice catching.

He leaned in, lips brushing mine between words. "Isn't it?"

I answered with a kiss, melting as his arm circled my waist, pulling me against him. His woodsy scent wrapped around me like a blanket, steadying my racing heart.

Golden light faded behind the trees. Time had run out. "Goodbye, Thane," I managed, then tore myself away before I could change my mind. I sprinted through the forest, vision blurring, and vaulted over the academy fence, landing directly at Balthazar's feet.

Shit.