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.

is manipulation,” I said aloud, my voice thin in the quiet cleating. “You know that, right?

eyes

give me that look. You know

managing to look apologetic. Which

hate you right now.” My voice cracked embarrassingly. “You kissed Aria infront of

It stings a lot knowing Aria can have him in

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

run away from you and run toward you at the same time. How messed up

my lap, those wolf eyes looking up at me. I guess we

it’s

1/3

Chapter 64

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

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

what was

scraps of dignity preserved. His eyes–still wolf–wild–locked

touch my face, I can only look away before both of us could

“Look at me, Jess.”

head,

by he

edge that

if I look at you then I can’t

can’t tell him I don’t want anything to

kisses.

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

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

”