JENNA I’ve always heard a phantom slap was worse than a real one. And a reality check slap is also worse than a slap you’ll receive for literally, any other reason. The two formers were what it had felt like when I heard the name on the phone. When Liz, Jason’s fiancé, asked if he was close because she had been calling him but she couldn’t reach him. Home wrecker. The word kept repeating itself in my head. Getting louder and louder, until I felt like my brain was going to explode. The other woman. I hated that word. I’d told myself I wasn’t going to stay in the pack and become that. Only for me to leave and become that either way. My hands shook as I brought it up to my lips. I bit on it too hard and it drew blood. The pain barely registered in my head. I was too busy trying to stop myself from sinking underwater. The oxygen in my lungs was already starting to run and the water bank seems like it is forever away from me. On shaky legs, I turned and walked out of the room. Not

JENNAWe got into the cart with Jason and the rest of the guys. It was so obvious there was something wrong between us, but no one could ask. Thank God.I’d wanted to get on the other cart, away from Jason. It felt like too much so I got on the one he was in while Amaya went on the other one. I felt betrayed for a second before it clicked in my head that I had nothing to feel betrayed about.She was doing her job to the best of her ability. And staying with me while I sulked isn't part of it.When we got back to the main part of the resort. I got off the cart and more or less ran to our room. While thinking to myself if I could ask for a different room. Or even a way to leave.The latter option was the best right now.As soon as I’d gotten into the room, Jason followed suit. I was expecting it but I still felt the hairs on my body stand at attention when he walked in.He stood by the door, not rushing towards me. Even from that distance, he was stealing all the air in the room and I f

JENNAI knew the direction of the bar from the tour Amaya gave us when we first arrived. I found it easily. But for some reason, going in didn’t seem like the right thing to do.I wished I was on call with Claire right now, she would have given me the words of encouragement I needed.No, I didn’t need any encouragement. I said to myself. I didn’t need anybody to push me when I ran for miles on foot. I left the only home I have ever known with barely enough money to get a solid meal. And I’m still standing.I own a restaurant. I’m a proud mother. I’m loved in my new home. I’m good. I’m fine.I kept repeating the words until I felt better. Until the fast pacing of my heart reduced to a gentle thrum. Then I huffed out a breath through my mouth and looked at the entrance again. No one is going to catch you, Jenna.It is just a club. I said for the last time. I took a step forward but didn’t fully go in.“You know, there isn’t a monster in there, right?” I was startled when I heard the dee

JENNAAfter Reed dropped that bomb and we went out, I didn’t know what I was expecting to come out of his mouth. But I was somewhat looking forward to it. He was unpredictable in the best way.The sky was littered with shining stars. And the sight of the moon, along with the few candles lighted around the tents on the beach, made the place look ethereal. Like something out of a fantasy novel or book. It was almost like a dream come true.I made a mental note in my head to bring the kids here sometime, when they are back safely. This is something Nina would like specifically. And maybe Kai too. I could see him trying to get into the water and me following him and pleading for him to not do anything dangerous. Ryan will sit on the beach and paint or draw. Or play his games.I fought the urge to smile when I thought of that. Something tells me it’ll look even better with them here. My babies have the power to make everything they touch seem magical.He was right about the people being by

JENNAI didn’t see him until it was too late and we were too close. Not I would have known what to do if I’d seen him. But saw us first.Jason’s green eyes were widened and his jaw clenched. I didn’t need extra lighting in the dark to tell me he wasn’t happy with what he was seeing.Not happy sounded too simple. The right sentence should be, he was pissed. He looked pissed and seconds away from throwing hands.He must have calmed his wolf down as he stalked toward us. Closing the little distance that stood between us. He stood in front of me, completely ignoring Reed as he stared me down.My stomach knotted. Something akin to guilt making a bitter lump form in my throat. I felt like I was cheating on him. Which didn’t make sense because we weren't together. We couldn’t even be together, even if we wanted to.“What is the meaning of this?” He asks through gritted teeth. His eyes throwing daggers at me.“Hey man, what’s your problem?” I bit my lip so hard that I tasted blood.Reed shoul