THEO   I probably should’ve looked at the weather forecast before I took Brooke out on this hike. It started out well enough- we went out to the forest after dark, started up one of my favorite trails. Chatted about the new border security system and Brooke’s program. I’m still in awe that she’s building something like that from the ground up- the girl’s brilliant. Even though I’m not, conversation with her is always so easy, so natural. I don’t regret skipping out on the bar one bit. I love being in the forest at night- the sounds, the smells, the stillness. Shifters have great night vision, so even though the forest’s dark, we can see clearly and appreciate its beauty. Being out in nature pleases our wolves, too- helps them settle. From the way Brooke describes her wolf, it sounds like this is the perfect activity for her. I didn’t account for the weather, though. We’re well over a mile away from the complex when we he

BROOKE “Alright, so what are we doing?” I ask, approaching Theo at the complex gate. “Surprises are great and all, but I can’t really dress for the occasion if you don’t tell me what we’re doing.”It’s silly to even say that since I spent an hour getting ready for this casual hangout with Theo. I put in my contact lenses, curled my hair, and agonized over what to wear for a good twenty minutes. I ultimately settled on a tight pair of black skinny jeans and a white cropped t-shirt. It’s Fallon’s shirt- she must’ve left it in my room at some point and it wound up in my laundry. It’s not something I would typically wear, but when I’m around Theo I feel a little confident, a little sexy. Like I’ve said so many times, nobody looks at me like Theo does.The outfit has its desired effect. Theo’s rakes his gaze over my body, his eyes lingerin

THEO My head is pounding when I squint my eyes open, rolling over in my bed. Judging from the light spilling in through the crack in the curtains, it’s late in the morning- maybe even early afternoon. I throw the sheets off and heave my body upright, twisting to set my feet on the floor. My hand flies to my temple, the pain of my headache searing with every movement.I push off of the bed, rise to stand. Take a step and fall backwards onto my bed again, startled by the sharp sting of pain radiating from the bottom of my foot.What the fuck?I lean forward, peering down at the floor beside my bed. The lamp that was on my nightstand is lying on its side, surrounded by thin shards of glass from the shattered bulb.I pick up my foot, raising it to my lap and turning it sideways. A piece of glass is sticking out of the bottom, dark red blood pooling around it. I pick it out, stare at my foot as my s

THEO   “You look rough,” Gray mutters, pulling open the door of the packhouse. “I feel worse,” I groan. I scrub a hand over my face, looking past him. “Is she here?” Gray nods solemnly. I don’t even know why I asked. I already know she’s here- I can sense her, feel the pull of the mate bond. I reach up, tugging at my hair, shuffling my feet. “Can I come in?” “I don’t know, man,” Gray grumbles, holding his position in the doorway. “Please?” My voice is hoarse, gravelly. Desperate. Gray heaves a sigh, stepping aside to allow me entry. I stride inside, turning to watch Gray close the door behind me. He spins around, his eyes dark, sullen. “Look, Theo… you really fucked up.” “You think I don’t know that?” I snap. I walk over to the nearest couch, sinking down onto it and lowering my head into my hands. Saying that I fucked up is an understatement

THEO   “Wanna trade partners?” Fallon asks, panting as she approaches Gray and me. It’s another hot one out on the practice field for morning training, and we’re about to call it and break for lunch when she walks up. “Sure,” I shrug, looking toward Davis. Fallon has been partnered with him most of the morning and she’s been giving him a run for his money- the guy looks whooped. I start to walk toward him when Fallon speaks again. “Nope, Gray gets Davis,” she says, folding her arms and arching her brow. “You’re mine.” Fuck. This girl just wants an opportunity to kick my ass for what I did to her sister. Not that I blame her, but surely Gray won’t agree… I look to him, and he just smiles, shaking his head. “Good luck,” he teases, clapping me on the shoulder and striding away to join Davis. I watch after him for a moment, then turn back to Fallon. She’s already circling me, getting in position to spar, a de