It had been five long years since we last saw each other, and the sight of her sent conflicting emotions surging through me. Memories flooded my mind, both beautiful and painful. Ashley was my first love, but she was also the same person who betrayed me, shattering our relationship into irreparable pieces. Seeing her again was like a whirlwind of emotions colliding within me. She stood before me, her presence casting a spell that transported me back to a time when our love was pure and untainted.

  “Wyatt,” she hissed, her grip on my arm tightening as she pulled me aside, urgency flashing in her green eyes. “What are you doing here?”

  The pain resurfaced at her touch, but I held my ground, refusing to let my emotions consume me. “Liam hired me to design your family home,” I replied, my voice laced with a mixture of bitterness and vulnerability. “You would have known that, had you been there.”

  Her voice trembled as she spoke. “Are you really going to work for him? After everything that’s happened between us?”

  I locked eyes with her. “I have bills to pay, just like everyone else. Besides, it’s not like you’re being forced to interact with me.”

  Her incredulous tone pierced through the air, fueling the anger that simmered beneath the surface. “Are you seriously so desperate for money?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. “Do you know how complicated this could get?”

  Frustration surged within me, my voice sharpening as I retorted, “Of course, I do! I’m well aware of the complications, Ashley. But I don’t see why I should care about your comfort when you clearly didn’t care about mine.”

  “Is this about revenge, Wyatt?”

  Anguish washed over me, conflicting emotions battling within my heart. The desire for retribution warred with the lingering love I still held for her.

  “Revenge? No,” I snarled. “This is about survival, Ashley. I need this job, and I won’t let your selfishness stand in my way.”

  “Selfish? You think I’m selfish for wanting to protect us both from the mess we made five years ago?”

  “Protect us?” I scoffed, my hands balling into fists. “Or protect yourself? Because it seems to me that you’re more concerned about avoiding the consequences of your actions than trying to make things right.”

  “How can we ever make things right, Wyatt? We were never meant to be together in the first place.”

  “Maybe not, but that doesn’t mean we have to run from our past.”

  “Fine,” she said finally. “Take the job. But don’t expect me to make this easy for you.”

  “Trust me, I never did,” I replied bitterly, watching as she turned and hurried away, her chestnut hair swirling behind her.

  As I stood there in the empty hallway, my heart ached with longing for the woman who had once been my everything. But I knew that I could never go back, not after the betrayal that had torn us apart. And so, I squared my shoulders and walked away, determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead with my head held high.

  “Here we are, Mr. Moor,” the real estate agent said as he pulled up in front of the quaint house on the outskirts of town. The snow-covered lawn and the bare trees surrounding the property gave it a serene, almost ethereal quality.

  “Thank you,” I responded, stepping out of the car and taking in the sight before me. This would be my new home for the next six months—a place where I could focus on work and try to forget about Ashley.

  I got it after attending a virtual showing online. It was only a temporary place I could use to get settled, and I wasn’t even sure if I would stay here permanently. Now, with Ashley and Liam, the chances of me staying after finishing this project were slim.

  As I stood there, lost in thought, the sound of an engine caught my attention. I turned to see Ashley’s car pulling into the driveway next door. My heart raced as she stepped out, her piercing green eyes locked onto mine.

  “Are you stalking me?” she demanded.

  “Stalking you?” I scoffed, trying to mask my shock. “I had no idea you lived next door.”

  “Really? Convenient excuse, don’t you think?”

  “Believe what you want, Ashley. I didn’t come here for you. I came to work on Liam’s project and move on with my life.”

  “Fine,” she snapped. “Just stay away from me. I don’t need your drama.”

  “Trust me, the feeling is mutual.” I turned away, trying to ignore the sting of her words as I walked into my new home.

  The door closed behind me, and the weight of my situation settled in, a stark reality I couldn’t escape. I was stuck here for the next six months, living in such close proximity to the woman who haunted my dreams and fueled my anger. It wasn’t just an inconvenient predicament; it felt like a cruel twist of fate, a relentless reminder of what had been lost. Having already paid the rent in advance, there was no turning back now.

  Unpacking my belongings, each item became a potent reminder of the life I had built away from Ashley’s presence. But now, she resided just a door away.

  The room, still barren and silent, seemed to shrink around me as if the memories of our time together permeated the very walls. I arranged my clothes in the dresser, placed my books on the shelf, and attempted to create some semblance of order.

  A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I contemplated the challenge I faced. It was more than mere physical proximity; it was an emotional battlefield where wounds and scars resurfaced with each encounter. The heart is a stubborn thing, refusing to let go of the memories and the power they hold.

  In this delicate dance, I resolved to find strength, to navigate the complexities of living next to the woman who held such power over my heart.

  Chapter 9

  Ashley

  I was usually a creature of habit, but today, my quiet morning routine felt heavy with unspoken tension. As I took a sip of my coffee, I glanced out the window. My gaze was immediately drawn to the figure working outside his house next door: Wyatt.

  Several days had passed since our confrontation, and we hadn’t exchanged a single word since. Time seemed to have slowed down, each moment stretching out like an eternity, leaving me suspended in a state of confusion and longing.

  Wyatt moved with purpose and precision as he made repairs to his roof, the muscles in his arms flexing with each practiced motion. His shirtless form accentuated his muscular physique, the sun casting shadows over the ridges of his abs. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was purposely trying to entice me.

  I tried to look away, but my eyes kept darting back to him. The memory of the last time we spoke flooded my mind, intoxicating me with a mix of anger and desire. I had never been so turned on by someone who infuriated me so much. As I watched him work, I felt my body start to respond to his presence. My nipples hardened under my shirt, and I shifted in my seat to ease the growing ache between my legs. I needed to do something to distract myself, or I was going to lose it.

  Get it together, Ashley. As much as I tried to deny it, there was something magnetic about Wyatt’s presence that tugged at my heartstrings, stirring up feelings that I had worked so hard to bury.

  I shook my head, compelling my attention back to my half-finished breakfast. Yet, despite my efforts to concentrate on the simple task at hand, the image of Wyatt remained at the edge of my consciousness, taunting me to steal another glance.

  I walked over to the window, pretending to adjust the blinds as I stole another look at him. Wyatt’s eyes met mine, and time seemed to stand still for a moment. The sexual tension between us was palpable, and I could feel my arousal growing stronger with each passing second. I knew I should walk away, but my feet felt rooted to the spot as I stared at him. My mind was racing with thoughts of what could happen if I stepped outside and approached him. The heat emanating from his body was drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

  Damn it. Why does everything have to be so complicated?

  I couldn’t deny the chemistry between us, but the thought of reopening old wounds terrified me. It wouldn’t be easy, but I knew I owed it to myself—and to Wyatt—to confront the tangled web of emotions that had ensnared us both.

  Just as I was about to turn away, a sudden ringing sound pierced the silence. I glanced down at my phone and saw it was Emma calling, her name flashing across the screen in bright, bold letters.

  I took a deep breath before answering the call.

  “Hey, Ashley!” Emma greeted cheerfully. “There’s a pack party tonight. I think you should come.”

  “Tonight?”

  “It’s important to maintain connections within the pack,” Emma urged gently. “Besides, it might be good for you to let loose a little. You seem stressed.”

  “Maybe,” I conceded, the word catching in my throat. My stomach churned with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. “Alright, Emma. I’ll go.”

  “Great!” Emma enthused, her relief palpable. “I’ll see you there.”

  With each passing moment, my anxiety grew, enveloping me like a suffocating fog. Thoughts of Wyatt consumed my mind, relentless and unyielding, even as I prepared myself for the pack party. Would he be there? The question echoed in my thoughts, intensifying the turmoil within me. How would I react if our paths crossed again?

  My heart seemed to race, pounding against my chest with a rapidity that mirrored my racing thoughts. The anticipation and uncertainty melded into a potent mix, creating a whirlwind of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.

  “Okay,” I murmured, examining my reflection in the mirror. “You can do this.”

  My fingers subtly quivered while applying makeup, each brushstroke a silent defiance against escalating fears. With one last glance at my reflection, I steeled myself for the night ahead. And with that, I stepped out into the night, ready to face whatever awaited me—be it Wyatt, Liam, or the swirling storm of my own heart.

  The moment I entered the rec center, a wave of laughter and music washed over me. The party was in full swing, with werewolves of all ages gathered in clusters, sharing stories and basking in the warmth of camaraderie. I took a deep breath, steadying myself against the thrumming energy that filled the room.

  “Hey, Ashley!” Emma greeted me enthusiastically, sliding an arm around my waist as she led me further into the crowd. “You look amazing!”

  “Thanks,” I replied, forcing a smile as I scanned the room for Wyatt. My heart hammered with each step we took as if it were trying to break free from its cage.

  “Come on,” Emma urged, pulling me toward the dance floor. “Let’s have some fun!”

  As we wove through the sea of people, my eyes flitted between faces, searching for the one that had haunted my thoughts all day. And then, like a magnet drawn to its opposite pole, I found him—Wyatt, standing near the bar, engaged in conversation with a group of pack members. He looked so at ease as if he belonged here among us, yet there was something guarded about his body language that told a different story.

  I couldn’t help but stare. He was even more handsome than I remembered. Wyatt’s sharp jawline and piercing blue eyes were enough to make any girl swoon. And yet, there was a darkness lurking behind those eyes that both intrigued and frightened me.

  Emma tugged on my arm, pulling me closer to the dance floor, but I barely noticed. My eyes were fixed on Wyatt, watching as he laughed at something one of his pack members said.

  “Emma, I think I need a drink first,” I said, gently extricating myself from her grasp. “I’ll join you on the dance floor soon, okay?”

  “Sure thing,” she agreed, giving me a knowing smile before disappearing into the throng of dancers.

  I made my way to the bar, my pulse racing with each step. It felt like an invisible force was drawing me to him, and I couldn’t resist the pull.

  “Hey, Ash,” a familiar voice said, breaking me from my thoughts. I turned to see Liam. “Glad you could make it.”

  “Hi, Liam,” I replied, forcing another smile.

  “You must be thirsty,” he said, gesturing to the bartender to pour me a drink.

  I nodded, grateful for the distraction.

  “Is everything okay? You seem tense.”

  “I’m fine,” I lied. “Just a little nervous, that’s all.”

  Liam nodded understandingly. “I know how you feel. It can be overwhelming sometimes, being part of the pack.”

  I nodded in agreement, grateful for his words of understanding. As we talked, I could feel the tension in my body slowly easing, like a knot unraveling. Liam was a good alpha, always looking out for his pack members and making sure they felt supported.

  “Your dedication to our community is truly admirable. I’m grateful to have someone like you standing by my side.”

  “Thank you, Liam.”

  I turned away from him and leaned against the bar, taking a deep breath to steady myself. The music softened suddenly, and the lively atmosphere seemed to pause as Liam stepped onto a small makeshift stage at the center of the room. The voices around me hushed as everyone’s attention turned towards him, anticipation radiating throughout the pack.

  “Thank you all for being here tonight,” Liam began, his powerful voice ringing out with sincerity. “It fills my heart with joy to see our pack thriving, united in friendship and loyalty.”

  As Liam continued to express his gratitude to the pack, I stole a glance towards Wyatt. He stood near the edge of the crowd, his eyes locked on Liam, and for a moment, our gazes met. A shiver ran down my spine, and I quickly looked away, focusing back on Liam.

  “And now, there’s something I need to say.” Liam’s gaze found mine. “Ashley, from the moment we met, I knew that you were special. You’ve shown unwavering dedication to our pack, and you’ve captured my heart completely.”

  My breath caught in my throat as emotions swirled within me—surprise, confusion, and an undeniable twinge of fear. What was happening?

  “Your strength, resilience, and compassion inspire me every day, and I am grateful for every moment we have spent together. However, I know that there is still one question that remains unanswered between us, and tonight, I want to put those uncertainties to rest.”

  My palms grew damp with nervous sweat, and I struggled to maintain my composure as Liam took a deep breath, preparing for what was to come. A gasp went through the crowd, but all I could hear was the pounding of my own heart as Liam dropped to one knee before me. He held a glimmering ring in his hand, its diamond catching the light and reflecting it back like a beacon of hope.

  “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” he asked.

  The room erupted into applause and cheers, the pack’s enthusiasm washing over me like a tidal wave. But despite their joy, all I could feel was the weight of my conflicting desires pressing down on me, threatening to shatter the fragile balance I had maintained for so long.

  As I looked down at Liam’s expectant face, his eyes brimming with love and anticipation, I knew that my answer would change everything. My gaze flickered towards Wyatt one last time, the magnetic pull between us stronger than ever, before I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, preparing to make the most important decision of my life.

  Chapter 10

  Wyatt

  As I stood there, my heart slammed against my ribs like a caged animal desperate for escape. My eyes were locked on Ashley, her eyes wide under the dim light of the room. Liam’s hand trembled slightly as he held the small velvet box open, waiting for her response.

  “Y-yes,” Ashley finally stammered. “Yes, Liam, I’ll marry you.”

  A wave of cheers crashed through the room, drowning out the roaring anger and jealousy coursing through my veins. The sight of them embracing, her slender fingers wrapped around Liam’s broad shoulders, burned into my memory like a brand.

  No, this couldn’t be happening. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

  “Congratulations, you two!” someone shouted, clapping Liam on the back.

  “Let’s have a toast to the happy couple!”

  The room felt suffocating, the weight of my emotions threatening to crush me. I clenched my jaw, the muscles in my neck straining as I forced myself to stay rooted to the spot. I couldn’t bear it any longer. I needed to get out of there.

  I slipped away from the party and into the night, leaving behind the raucous laughter and clinking glasses, unable to bear the sight of Ashley with another man any longer. My chest tightened with each step I took, the fury and betrayal swirling inside me like a storm threatening to consume me whole.

  The cold night air did little to quell the fire that raged inside me as I stormed away from the party. My heart was heavy with anger and jealousy, each beat like a hammer blow against my chest. The woods beckoned, promising solace from the world that had just shattered around me.

  I plunged into the depths of the forest, the moonlight casting eerie shadows on the ground beneath my feet. My footsteps were heavy, filled with purpose as I sought refuge in the darkness.

  Heeding the call of my inner beast, I surrendered to my wolf form. The transformation was swift, my body contorting and reshaping itself in an instant. Fur sprouted across my skin, my limbs elongating as I fell to all fours. My senses sharpened, the sounds of the forest becoming a cacophony in my ears.

  Fueled by a surge of energy, I shot forward. My paws thundered against the forest floor as I plunged into a frenzied run. Muscles pulsated beneath my sleek fur, driving me through the underbrush with untamed abandon. Each robust stride was a tangible reflection of my internal turmoil, a futile effort to outpace the gnawing pain and confusion.

  The forest whirled into a blur as I forced myself to accelerate, my breaths becoming labored gasps from the physical toll. Yet, I persisted. I had to. This relentless race offered the only solace from the torment shredding my spirit.

  As I ran, I felt some semblance of control returning, the pain ebbing ever so slightly as my body took over, replacing thought with instinct. And yet, beneath it all, I knew I could never truly escape the truth that haunted me—I loved her. Despite everything, my feelings for Ashley were as fierce and unwavering as the day we first met.

 

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