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.

aloud, my voice thin in the quiet cleating. “You know that,

eyes impossibly expressive–hurt,

give me that look. You know exactly

massive wolf form somehow managing to look apologetic. Which was ridiculous.

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

mind. It stings a lot knowing Aria can have him in ways that I

rapidly, focusing on the cool breeze against my hot cheeks, the distant call

you and run toward you at the same time. How messed

those wolf eyes looking

goddess, it’s so

1/3

Chapter 64

spilled over. I wiped them away furiously, angry at myself

up for real Grayson,” I whispered, snuggling closer even as I said those words. I don’t know how many heartbreaks võs have to sitter re realize we are not for each other. “I can’t I can’t keep pretending

was happening, he pulled away, his mantive form

human, crouched before me with only scraps of dignity preserved. His eyes–still wolf–wild–locked

going to work. When he tried to touch my face, I can only look away before both

“Look at me, Jess.”

shook my head, feeling pathetic.

by he

dangerous edge that always made something inside me curl and

then

to do with him anymore. I’ll be out in my

kisses.

He was closer now, his breath warm against my ear. “That’s always

you dare. You don’t

”