FLETCHER POV I watch helplessly as Matt walks out the door with Charity, Mars whining, begging me to join them. I turn to Xander, wanting to know when we’ll be leaving, only to find him staring at Nora. The way he stares, it’s like she is the earth, sun, moon, and stars to him. It’s a facial expression I know well, because it’s the same way I look at Fireball. Knowing I won’t be missed, I cough abruptly, interrupting the conversation happening. “I’m gonna go,” comes out in a rush, knowing the longer I wait, the less likely I am to catch up to the others. I don’t wait for responses, instead heading straight for the exit. The door barely clicks close before my nose is in the air, tracking down their scents and speed walking to get closer. It doesn’t take long for my feet and long strides to catch them, especially with their leisurely stroll. I keep my steps light and airy, so that neither hears me behind them. Thankful that Xander made us wear our scent blocking bracelets, I thought h
CHARITY POV The cool night air glides through my fur, the moonlight shining on my back, as my paws dig into the cool night earth. Summer follows Mars easily, sticking close to his side even as he turns suddenly. The way we run reminds me of two sled dogs tied together. We break through the tree line, into a large field, but Fletcher doesn’t stop, running across to the other side of the forest. The longer we run, the more I wonder if he really had anything to show me, or if he just wanted a reason to distract me. To spend time with me. Goddess, I really don’t see what these men see in me. Why are they so focused on me when there are tons of she-wolves who would adore their attentions. But damnit, so do I and as unfair as it sounds, the thought of other girls looking at them makes me want to claw their eyes out. I have no right to act like a jealous girlfriend, when I am not, to either of them. Mars begins slowing, so I do too, until the pair of us come to a stop. He drops he clothes
CHARITY POVI tip toe up the porch steps, hoping my parents aren’t up yet, otherwise I am dead, sneaking in at 4 a.m. My hand wraps around the doorknob, twisting slowly, hoping it doesn’t creak as I push open the door. The bastard betraying me, as a long soul squeal sounds like cannon fire. It doesn’t stop until I have enough room to slip inside.Exhaling, relief washes over me, as the door remains silent as I close it again, the deadbolt slipping into place. On light feet, I creep through the hallway, on my way to the stairs. Once I reach the bottom, I wiggle out of my shoes, putting them in my hands. Being cautious, I take my time climbing the steps, nearly halfway to the top before the light in hallway flicks on.I stop like a deer caught in headlights, staring up, and waiting for a body to appear. Praying to the Goddess with all my might it’s dad. “Charity?” comes the groggy male voice, still in his pajamas, trying to wipe the sleep from his eyes.“Hi, dad,” I say, unsure if I am
Charity POV Last night’s dream replays while I grab my paintball outfit from the closet, throwing it in my bag. Goddess, I cannot be thinking about this now. Or ever. It’ll never be possible. They’re stupid dreams, that’s all. Fairytales that will never happen. A knock on my door has me jumping out of my skin, as a red hair peeks around. “You okay?” Concern covers her face while she scrutinizes my expression, shutting the door. “What’s going on, Char?” Sighing, I sit on the edge of the bed, defeat crashing through me as I stare at my best friend. Her ponytail is high on her head, exposing the mate mark she usually keeps hidden. “Did you dream about Damon before you were mated?” “Charity…” She shuffles awkwardly, knowing this topic could get us both in trouble. The council has strict mate laws for pack wolves. They forbid mated members from talking about the bond with those who remain single. “You know this conversation can’t happen, right?” Her eyes glazing over, before she speaks
MATT POVI can’t believe Charity shot me at point blank range with a fucking paintball gun. Fucking Fletcher always sticking his business where it doesn’t belong. Charity and I were doing just fine until his ugly rogue face came along.‘Debatable,’ Zeke retorts dryly, his unneeded opinions causing more turmoil than they’re worth.‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ I ask, getting real tired of his shit. ‘I thought you hated the bastard too?’‘The fucker is annoying, but…’ Zeke trails off, making me stop walking, completely confused by his wishy-washy attitude.‘But what?’ I demand, trying to keep my hand from flying around in frustration. The humans in the area staring at me with concerned looks as I carry my case absentmindedly through the parking lot. ‘I swear to the Goddess if you don’t answer me. But WHAT?’‘We didn’t exactly have Charity before, did we?’ he asks, leaving me in shock that he is really going to diminish what happened during her forced shift. Zeke is acting like none of
FLETCHER POV My eyes flutter open, and with it my dreams end, leaving me empty, and missing her. I knew they would start, eventually. I just didn’t expect them to feel so damn real when they did. It’s been a week of them, the three of us together when sleep dawns. None of them as intense as the first they’ve become innocent, but I cherish every minute I get with her. I know the dreams are affecting Matt too; he hasn’t been a complete asshat. Only half of one, but it’s a start. He’s even less of dick, when Charity isn’t around. A pounding at the front door shoos the grogginess and sleepy thoughts from my mind. Sitting up, I wipe my eyes, getting to my feet. Shrugging on basketball shorts and a t-shirt, I slip into my sandals, the persistent knocking continuing. Xander must be gone, probably with Nora doing something, or her. The pair stuck together like glue, but they’re damn cute together. Having gotten to know her better, I know she’ll make a great Luna for the rogues. She’s alrea
CHARITY POV Jess and Nick argue in the background, New Girl plays on the tv while I stare at my calculus homework. The numbers and letters mixing, making my head spin. Where is Elle when you need her? The itch to call and beg for her help is strong when a knock has me turning at shock. Standing in my doorway is Fletcher and Matt….together. Here. In my room. Has the earth turned upside down? What the hell is going on? “Are you gonna say something, Fireball or just stare?” Fletcher asks, my gaze meeting his sea- green irises. “What are you doing here?” I demand, standing from the chair. I hurry to them, grabbing a hand from each, ignoring the sparks even though they turn me to jelly. Yanking them inside, I peek outside, listening for my mother. She’ll lose her shit if she finds them. Not hearing her anywhere in the house I shut the door, spinning to glare at them. Fletcher is walking around, picking up different objects, inspecting them, and then replacing them. Matt sits on bed com
CHARITY POV“Shortcake,” a soft whisper pulls me from the comfort of sleep. I’m the most relaxed I’ve felt in days, my skin buzzing from the steady stream of electricity and sparks surrounding me.“Fireball,” another murmurs. Both are like honey, sweet and delicious. “Come on sweetheart, wake up.”Why would I want to wake? To willingly leave this place of warmth and security sounds stupid. “Baby, you gotta wake up. We’ve got a loser to hunt.”“Five more minutes?” I mumble, trying to shake myself awake, but it feels impossible with them around. Chuckles fill my ears, warming my insides. They’re like a melody and harmony separately, but together they’re a symphony singing to the heavens.“I’m sorry, Fireball, but you can’t. We are almost at the park,” Fletcher says, jostling me awake. Growling, I snap to attention before glaring at him.“Told you she’s a cranky when she first wakes up.” Matt taunts, “you know what that means.”“I know, I know,” he groans, rubbing a hand down his face in