Fell for the Alpha-less Queen

A Way Forward

"Tessa, I think I should head back to Falindale," Steven said quietly, head down. "The band's fallen apart There's no reason for me to stay here."

"If you want to go back, I won't stop you. But if you're just trying to run away, then I can't support that. Tessa replied, her tone hardening. "There's always a way to work things out. You need to face this."

"Face it?" Steven looked up sharply. "The band's gone. What are we worth now? Are we just supposed to sit here waiting for some imaginary future?"

"Steven!" another bandmate finally cut in. "We're still artists under TS Entertainment. Tessa started this company for us. And now you just want to leave like it's nothing?"

"That's not what I-" Steven clenched his fists, but didn't know how to respond.

"Enough. Everyone calm down," Tessa interrupted. "You've been brothers for years. Don't you know Avery by now? No one's more upset about this than he is."

Steven turned his face away and muttered after a long pause, "I'm tired. I'm going to rest."

As they watched him walk away, shoulders slumped, the other three bandmates sighed.

"Tessa... what do we do now?"

"You keep practicing, keep performing. Don't let this affect you," Tessa said firmly. "As for Avery, I'll handle it."

"What about Steven?"

an eye on him. He's not in a good place right now," Tessa instructed. "Don't let him

close," they promised. "But you need to

"I will."

Tessa nodded and left.

time she returned to Wisteria Apartment, Landon was already waiting

tension in her expression, he walked over and wrapped her in his arms, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "What happened?

hugged his waist tightly, búrying her face in his chest and breathing in

happened with Avery. I'm

she mentioned Avery,

her bond was

not hurt, are

side of werewolf mercenary groups. He

534 A Way

else-only her safety,

It's just... I really don't know how

truly wasn't cut out for the

then, what could

a matter of time. Maybe we can help Avery's father see another

was thinking too. But Xavier would never accept an outsider leading the corps. And if we're looking for someone from the inside... I

"But Avery does."