His Trouble Maker

Chapter 54

JESSICA

Grayson is already snoring beside me.

I stare at the ceiling, listening to his steady breathing, feeling like the worst person alive, seduced him to get what I needed.

He

called me his Luna. His mate. And what didi doti

“You’re such a bitch, Jessica.*

I turn my head slightly, watching his face in the dim moonlight filtering through the window. He looks so peaceful when he’s sleeping like this. I trace my finger lightly over his jawline, feeling the scratch of stubble. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, though I’m not sure I mean it.

Carefully, I slide from under his arm, wincing when he stirs. I freeze, holding my breath until his snoring resumes. The clock on his nightstand reads 2:17 AM. Perfect. Everyone will be asleep.

*Just find the documents and get out. Nothing complicated.*

Yeah, except for the bomb he dropped about me being his freaking Luna. However, that is tomorrow’s problem.

His desk is in the corner, neat and organized–so typical Grayson. Everything has its place.

I slip across the room like a shadow, bare feet silent on the floor. The small key I’d spotted earlier–the one he thinks I didn’t notice him using -is taped under the third drawer. Classic hiding spot, Alpha.

The locked drawer slides open, and I start sifting through the files. Most are pack business, territory disputes, things I’d normally care about but not tonight. Then I see it–a thick folder with a red tab. My name.

*Why would he have a separate file on me?*

I glance back at Grayson, still blissfully unaware, one arm stretched across where I should be. His face twitches in sleep, and for a second,! almost put everything back and crawl into bed beside him.

Almost.

The first page makes my stomach drop. “Warrior Program: Final Decisions.” My eyes scan down to find my name with a bold red X beside it.

“DENIED.”

I already knew that but it still hurts the first time.

The next page is worse. It’s a recommendation. From Grayson.

“Despite Jessica Wilkinsons’s persistence, I cannot recommend her for warrior status. Her talents would be better utilized in pack childcare and community support. Effective immediately, all combat training will cease, and transition to caretaker role will begin.”

My hands shake so violently that the paper makes a soft crinkling sound. I press it flat against the desk, terrified of waking him, even as I feel my world collapsing.

the date–it was just the night

threatens to escape. Tears spill down my cheeks, dropping onto

difficult to reason with. Bet believe she’s still in contention while gradually introducing her to

et her

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Chapter 54

silent sobs. I want to scream. I want to wake him up and demand mawers I want to tip then purée le

my phone and snap pictures of every page, hands trembling so badly I

in

never

out of that place but I found myself running, the betrayal burning hotter than the tears streaming down my face. My

woods. Now.

photos, hands still trembling. Part of me wondered why I was running to him of all people. My ex. But he was the only one

was sobbing so hard I could barely

used to love. He opened his arms and I crashed into him, hating myself for seeking comfort from him

I choked out against his chest. “It wasn’t the council’s decisión.

pulled back, looking at me with an expression I couldn’t quite

finally. “I kind of

for his words to

what?” I stepped back, suddenly

Just shoved his hands in his pockets and had the audacity to shrug. “I

you fucking knew!?” I screamed, rushing at him and shoving him with all my strength. He barely moved. “You watched me train until I bled! You saw what it meant to

voice was infuriatingly calm. “You were so wrapped up in him, Jess. So desperate to prove

make this about him and me,” I snarled. “This is about you lying to

dangerous flashing in his eyes. “You want honesty? Here it is. You were never going

you talking

closer, his scent–pine and something darker–overwhelming me. “What else did he told

“…”

closer, his

little fox?” Theo’s voice drops to that dangerous velvet tone I know too well. “Did our mighty Alpha fina admit

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Chapter 54

my heel hits a tree root.

and mocking. “Oh, but it is.” He places one arm against the tree behind me, caging me in “see, bragon len on you for years. Not just as another pack

“Stop it,” I whisper

predatory and knowing. “That’s why you ran to his bed tonight. That’s why

silence confirms

know what’s funny?” He traces a finger along my jawline, and I hate that I don’t immediately slap it away. “He’s known for

“You’re lying.”