“I’m really losing it,” I muttered, scanning the area.
Something felt... off.
The air was heavy like it was holding its breath, but I couldn’t figure out why.
Then I saw him.
A black wolf stepped out from behind a tree, his blue eyes gleaming like polished gems in the sunlight. For a second, I was frozen, stunned by his presence. There was something about him—captivating, almost. But reality hit me hard. We were strangers, both far from home.
I growled a low warning, though my gut told me he wasn’t a rogue. His movements were too deliberate, too composed. Still, I wasn’t about to drop my guard.
To my surprise, he didn’t come closer. Instead, he sat at the edge of the field, his gaze locked on me. There was something in those eyes—a quiet intensity that made my pulse quicken, though he didn’t seem dangerous. It threw me off when he just... watched.
But I wasn’t sticking around to figure out why. Without another look, I bolted, retracing my steps through the woods.
“Note to self,” I muttered between breaths, “don’t go running when you’ve lost your damn mind.”
I made it home just before dusk and spotted Mom on the porch, her face etched with worry. Then relief washed over her as soon as she saw me emerge from the woods. She rushed toward me, pulling me into a tight hug, her hands smoothing my fur, calming my nerves. Dad burst out of the house with a blanket and wrapped it around me to shift back.
“Honey, we were worried sick. You’ve been gone for a day! Where were you?” Mom asked, her voice full of concern.
I managed a small smile. “Sorry, Mom. I just needed some air. I’m fine.”
They nodded, but the unease in their eyes lingered. As they led me inside, Dad suddenly said, “Sweetie, you have guests.”
My blood ran cold, thinking Jasper dragged Briana here to bother me again. Dad must’ve noticed and quickly added, “I'll kick them out if you don't want to see them, honey.”
"Daphne." Before I could respond, a familiar voice called out to me.
It was Jasper's mom, Luna Carmen.
Behind her stood Jasper’s brother, Jake, and he looked furious.
Why were they here? What did they want from me now?
