His Trouble Maker

JESSICA

Grayson never learns.

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As much as he’s stubborn, I am more. And let’s be honest, the guy’s a walking disaster with a temper shorter than my patience. Seriously, does he ever *think* before he acts? Probably not.

I kick at the dry branches on the ground, the crackling sound satisfying even if it’s just me and the moon out here. Waiting. Always waiting for him to catch up. I pace, my boots crunching on the brittle leaves, and I can’t help but roll my eyes.

Does he really think I’m going to let him sacrifice himself for me?

I stop and stare up at the moon, its pale light spilling over the trees. Grayson, Kade and the others are having some close door meeting. So I have time to set this up.

My pacing pauses when I hear footsteps. Not Grayson’s heavy, confident stride. No, this is lighter, deliberate, like someone’s toying with me. I whip around, and there he is.

Dark hair, sharp jaw, and a smirk that could melt ice–or start a fight. He leans against a tree, arms crossed, like he’s been watching me the whole time.

“Lost?” he asks, his voice smooth as silk but with a bite.

I narrow my eyes. “Nope. Just wondering how long it’d take you to stop creeping.”

He chuckles, low and throaty, pushing off the tree with a lazy grace that screams predator. “Creeping? Not really, hybrid.”

This is one of the alphas, and damn, he knows it.

My jaw tightens as he steps closer, his scent hitting me.

He tilts his head, his golden eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that makes my skin crawl. “You know, for someone who’s supposed to be rare and powerful, you look so…disturbed and, well, stupid.”

my lips curl into a snarl before I can stop it. “Wow, coming from the guy who probably spends hours in front of a mirror perfecting his ‘I’m dangerously hot‘ routine.”

He smirks, the corner of his mouth quivering in a way that’s annoyingly charming. “So you think I’m hot? Damn, Grayson will go berserk if he heard that, omega.”

Seriously, how many labels this guy is going to give me?

“Relax, omega,” he says, his voice low, almost a growl. His eyes flick over me, lingering just a second too long. “I’m not here to bite. Not yet, anyway.”

lips twitch, but I don’t smile. “Helpful. Really

14:26 Sun, Sep 7

Chapter 158

Jack.

that’s his

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earlier telling me that he can help me with our situation. Grayson had a plan for us but he never

but it will never be our

learned through everything is that Grayson never trusts

exact opposite. Cocky, smug, and annoyingly confident. But right now, I don’t have many

overthinking, omega. Just say the word, and I’ll make sure Grayson’s little plan doesn’t

arms, feeling the tension in my shoulders. “Why should I

shrugs, taking a step closer. “Because you don’t have a choice. And deep down, you

jaw tightens. “Grayson’s kept us alive

a second. “Surviving

off guard. “What’s that supposed

step forward, my boots crunching on the dry

if anyone

a

“Something like that. Now, keep up. We’ve got a lot to cover before Grayson

another tantrum.”

guy’s trouble. But right now, trouble might be exactly what

few minutes of walking, Jack stops. It’s foolish for me to follow

I stop short. Below us, the pack’s village stretches out, nestled in the valley like it’s been there forever. The faint glow of fires flickers between the trees, and the low hum of voices carries up, carried on the wind. It’s alive. Primal. My throat tightens, and I swear I can

a smirk tugging at the corner of

to keep my tone casual, but my chest feels heavy, like I’m standing on the

14:26 Sun, Sep 7

Chapter 158

something I can’t

:

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isn’t some fairy tale. Out here, you either keep up or get left behind.” His eyes flash gold for a split second, and