Jolyn's pov
"You know her?"
"She's quite well-known for her academic achievements. Did you become friends with her? Don't tell me you've gained her trust?"
"She didn't want to talk to me," I admitted, feeling frustrated.
I mean, I meant no harm. I only wanted to be friends with her and nothing else.
Lucious chuckled at my frustration. "She's not one to welcome anyone into her circle."
I wondered why she kept everyone at arm's length. What was she hiding? I wanted to ask Lucious more about her, but he quickly took my hand, leading me away. It felt oddly like we were in a relationship—one that was healthy and mutual.
"What are we doing?" I asked, confused.
He only smiled, saying nothing.
"Where are we going?"
"Just stay with me. Don't worry about anything."
"That's exactly why I'm worried—because I'm with you."
We both laughed at my comment. It was strange how my frustration and amusement seemed to blend together so well when I was around him.
Was this how it felt to be falling for someone?
The moon cast a soft glow across the dark sky as I settled into Bailey's dorm. After moving my things, I knew Lucious was aware of my new location. True to Bailey's prediction, Lucious began his usual disruptive antics, pounding on our door.
"I want pizza," Bailey declared, her eyes glued to her phone, clearly engrossed in whatever was fueling her craving. Her lips were slightly parted as if she could already taste the pizza, even though we'd just finished dinner an hour ago.
She set her phone aside and glanced at me. I was near the window, lost in the moonlight, while she sat cross-legged on the floor.
"What's with the look?" I asked, already guessing her intention.
She gave a nod, signaling me to join her.
"The night is deep," I commented, still gazing at the moon.
"But I want pizza," she replied, her expression resembling a child's pleading for a new toy.
I sighed heavily. I wanted to stay and enjoy the moon's beauty, but Bailey's craving for pizza at this late hour was insistent. Even though our kitchen was stocked with food, she had her heart set on something different.
Reluctantly, I put on my jacket and followed her. If this was what she wanted, then so be it. Perhaps someday I'd find myself just as determined for a midnight snack.
"Should we let Lucious know?" I asked.
"No, he'd never let us out this late," Bailey said dismissively.
I nodded, and we headed outside. The cold wind immediately made me shiver, despite my jacket. Bailey seemed unaffected, her skin seemingly immune to the chill.
"Aren't you cold?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
"Not really. But the cravings, they're something else," she said, and we both laughed at her peculiar enthusiasm.
We wandered through the empty streets in search of a pizza place open at midnight, but it was clear that finding one would be a challenge. Bailey's craving was peculiar, and I couldn't understand the urgency behind it.
When we reached a convenience store, I pointed out, "There's no pizza place open right now. Why not get something here?"
Bailey pouted and exhaled deeply. "I want pizza."
Before I could respond, a shout for help pierced the night. Both Bailey and I froze, our attention caught by the distressing sound.
"Was that a scream?" I asked.
"Maybe? But where did it come from?" Bailey said, scanning our surroundings. The voice had vanished, but it was definitely a woman's cry.
"Let's find out," Bailey decided, moving towards the sound. I followed, our pace quickening as we heard the scream again. With no one else around, I shifted forms and ran faster.
When we reached the source of the cries, I saw three wolves attacking a woman. Without hesitation, I sprang into action, doing my best to fend them off. Bailey was with the woman, and I signaled them to find a safe place.
Fighting multiple enemies was more challenging than I anticipated. My mother's warnings about needing a bodyguard suddenly made sense.
I retreated when one of the wolves lunged at me, but then a gray wolf intervened, attacking one of the aggressors. Stunned, I watched as the gray wolf defended me until the other wolves fled.
The moonlight illuminated the gray wolf's features, and my heart skipped a beat as I recognized him.
Those eyes... those feelings...
I stepped back as he approached, panic rising. I heard someone call my name and ran, desperate to hide from the gray wolf.
It's been over six months now, but my heart still beat for him. Even after he rejected me, even after the pain he caused, I never expected to see him again. He might not recognize me, but I knew him instantly.
It was Ryner.
I had encountered the Alpha who once rejected me as his Luna.
---
The night dragged on, and I couldn't stop thinking about Ryner. Even though I was exhausted, my mind kept replaying memories of him. It felt surreal that after so much time apart, I had seen him again.
His face, his presence—everything about him was stuck in my mind.
I hated that I still had feelings for him. How could my heart still long for someone who once wished me away?
"I saw him again," I whispered to myself.
"What are you talking about?" Bailey's voice cut through the silence. She had been watching me quietly.
I turned to face her, and saw her eyes on me with a hint of concern.
"Nothing," I replied, trying to sound casual.
A heavy silence settled between us. We both wanted to talk, but neither of us knew how to start. Bailey seemed unsure of how to approach the subject.
Finally, Bailey let out a deep sigh. Maybe I had pushed her enough. Maybe she couldn't stand it anymore.
"Do you need to tell me something?" I asked her.
"Yes," Bailey said softly. "What you did last night wasn't right. You broke one of the rules," she said and I could feel as my heart took the next flight right out of my body.