Stupid Haircuts

I knock on the door, heart pounding like it always does when I’m about to see him. “Come in,” Justin’s voice calls—cool, smooth, and frustratingly calm. I take a deep breath and walk in, holding the folder tightly. “Here’s the report you requested, sir.” He doesn’t even glance at me. Just keeps typing, his expression unreadable. “You’re late,” he says without missing a beat. I clench my jaw. “There was a delay at the printer—” “No excuses, Joanna. Just do better next time.” Ouch. Professional and cold. As always. I nod, ignoring the sting in my chest. “Yes, sir.” I turn to leave, gripping the doorknob—just one more second and I’ll be out of this weird tension-filled office— “Wait.” I freeze. I turn around slowly. “Yes?” Justin stands now, walking toward me. In his hand, a familiar brown paper bag. He holds it out. “You didn’t have lunch.” I blink. “I’m fine.” “You skipped breakfast too. Eat.” I hesitate. “What is it?” “Chicken pesto. No onions.” My breath catches. He still remembers? “Why are you doing this?” I ask quietly. He shrugs, not meeting my eyes. “I just… remember things.” My fingers brush his as I take the bag. Warmth. Stupid warmth that shouldn’t still feel this familiar. Then, he looks at me—really looks at me. “You shouldn’t skip meals… wife.” Silence. My chest tightens. “Don’t call me that.” But my voice is too soft to sound convincing. I walk out before I say something I’ll regret. His words echo in my mind like a dangerous lullaby. Cold one second. Kilig the next. God… he’s still him. And that’s exactly the problem.

"Yield Jessica! You know you can't defeat her!" "This is foolishness, Jess! You have to end it. Your bones are broken, and you are bleeding. If this continues, she will kill you!" They said to her through the mind-link. With her eyes glaring at her opponent, and a grin playing on her busted lips, she said the word, "Never." Everyone thought she was insane and stupid, but not him—not the Alpha of the Blackwood pack. Michael sat in his chair, staring at her. She wasn't a Warrior or a Shifter; she wasn't even an Awakened yet. He couldn't explain what was going on. He was drawn to her, and he didn't know why. Never in Jessica's life did she think a day like this would come. Being the weakest person in the Redwood Pack, she was always treated badly. From the day she was brought to the pack, she was considered a nobody. But that all changed when Alpha Michael arrived. As mysteries begin to unfold, and prophecies resurface, will things get better for Jessica, or will it all get worse?