Liam POV
I sat outside the cafeteria, leaning against the wall, watching the distant trees sway in the breeze. School kids moved around, their voices a constant hum. My friends from the football team were gathered around a nearby table, buzzing about the upcoming game and weekend parties.
But I wasn't in the mood to join them, not with my thoughts tangled up in Haylie.
My hunger had disappeared, replaced by the ache of giving her the space she needed. My wolf instincts wanted nothing more than to be close to her, and it was painful to fight it. Thankfully, she didn't have a wolf of her own, or Ace would've felt this separation just as sharply.
"I'm still here. You're not alone," Ace reminded me, his voice steady in my mind.
