His Trouble Maker

JESSICA

The wind burned my cheeks as we moved, but I couldn’t stop touching him.

His fur was damp from the morning dew, but it still smelled like him–wild and sharp and impossibly familiar. I let my fingers tangle through the thuch tufts around his neck. He exhaled a low, rumbling breath as I leaned into his warmth.

For the first time in days, I wasn’t angry. Or scared. Or trying to pretend I didn’t miss him. I just… existed. With him.

I didn’t know where we were going. I didn’t ask. Maybe I didn’t care. It was stupid, wasn’t it? Letting him take me. Letting myself want this. Want him.

After everything–after Theo, after Aria, after the mind–reading confession that shattered everything I thought I knew I should’ve been running in the opposite direction.

But instead, I held on tighter.

Because for the first time in days, no one was yelling. No one was cornering me or threatening me or reminding me that I’d always be second–best

There was just the cold. The trees. The sound of his breath. And me.

I let my eyes flutter shut for a second, my forehead resting against the side of his neck.

What the hell are we doing?

I didn’t know. Maybe I didn’t want to.

His pace slowed suddenly, and my eyes snapped open.

Oh.

The clearing was exactly as I remembered–but not. Moonflowers spilled across the forest floor like fallen stars, their silvery petals catching the golden rays of the sun.

My fingers trembled against his fur as he crouched, letting me slide off.

quiet cleating.

those wolf eyes impossibly

me that look. You know exactly what

to look apologetic. Which was ridiculous. Wolves can’t look apologetic. Except Grayson–as–wolf somehow

now.” My voice cracked embarrassingly. “You kissed Aria infront of everyone but…Logan told

images off my mind. It stings a lot knowing

burned. I blinked rapidly, focusing on the cool breeze against my hot

run away from you and run toward

his massive head and rested it on my lap, those wolf eyes looking up at me.

it’s so fucking

1/3

Chapter 64

I wiped them away

break up for real Grayson,” I whispered, snuggling closer even as I said those words. I don’t know how many heartbreaks võs have

where his head rested. Before I could process what was happening, he pulled away, his mantive form

human, crouched before me with only scraps of dignity preserved.

that was going to work. When he tried to touch my

“Look at me, Jess.”

head, feeling pathetic.

by he

voice dropped lower, that dangerous edge

I look at you then I can’t

I can’t tell him I don’t want anything to do with him anymore. I’ll be out

kisses.

rather run? Again?” He was closer now, his breath warm against my ear. “That’s always your answer, isn’t it? When things get messy, Jess

furious. “Don’t you dare. You don’t get to make me the villain

”