Firework

Serena’s voice echoed in my mind, warning me that Black was in heat. It turned out that Jared’s reason had been replaced with a primal need, a burning desire for me.

His scent, pine mixed with something uniquely Jared, overwhelmed my senses. As his lips crashed against mine with unexpected urgency, a surge of heat swept through my body. But I instinctively tried to push him away.

“Jared, stop it,” I said breathlessly as he pulled back.

But then his lips found my neck, and the sensation was electrifying, sending waves of desire rippling through me. His hands moved down my back, gripping my waist with a possessive intensity, as if afraid I might slip away.

It had been so long since we had been together like this, because he was always so busy with work. That was why, his sudden passion left me dazed, caught between confusion and longing.

I tried to resist the magnetic pull between us, but the mate bond flared to life, its intensity impossible to ignore. Even as I tried to push him away, my wolf stirred within me, drawn to the undeniable allure of her mate. She was eager, restless, waiting to respond to Black’s call.

Jared kissed my lips again, his eyes dark with desire, his breath ragged.

“I’m not letting you go, Olivia. I can’t lose you. You’re mine,” he growled, his voice deep and possessive.

But, even if his body pressed close to mine, his actions felt cold and distant. My heart also could not help but feel numb with my eyes filled with tears.

I fought to keep my voice steady when arguing, “Let me go, please.”

Seeing my tears, Jared’s expression softened, and he seemed to snap back to reality. He stepped away, guilt flashing across his face.

I lashed out, punching his chest in a fit of tears and anger as I yelled, “I have my own feelings, Jared. I am not a toy you can use when you’re bored, or lonely, or horny. I’m not the girl at the end of some story who’s just there to be played with. So, control yourself!”

Jared stuttered, guilt heavy in his voice, “Olivia, I… I am sorry. But please, I beg you, come back home.”

“I have a class to attend. I don’t have time for your ramblings,” I replied coldly

Jared hesitated, holding my wrist, reluctant to let go. “Olivia, we….

He didn’t finish his sentence before his phone began ringing in his pocket. Close enough to see, I recognized the name flashing on the screen.

“Your sister is calling you again. Go see her.”

I pulled my hand free from his grasp and walked away without looking back. Jared didn’t follow.

He probably went to see Georgia again, I thought bitterly..

Tears streamed down my face as I walked down the hallway, unable to hold them back any longer. Jared’s gaze lingered in my mind again. It was not filled with love, but only lust at that moment. Was he with me just to fulfill his desires?

Was I only important because I was his destined mate?

Did Georgia hold his heart, while I was just convenient?

Questions raced through my mind, tightening my chest, nearly triggering a panic attack. But then, a gentle hand tapped my shoulder.

“There you are. I’ve been looking for you. I was worried something might be wrong,” Thomas‘ s voice was calm and reassuring as he said.

I looked up, hastily wiping my tears.

“Are you crying because the Alpha got angry seeing us together? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make him jealous,” Thomas said, sounding genuinely regretful.

“No, it’s not because of you, Thomas. It’s something else entirely,” I replied, taking the handkerchief he

offered.

Thomas sighed. He seemed to understand more than he let on. The video had been viral after all. “If you want to talk about it, I’m here. Maybe it‘ ll help lighten the load on your heart,” he offered hesitantly, trying to comfort me.

39

He continued, “Or, I could cover your next class. Honestly, you look like a mess right now.” “No, that’s fine, Thomas. Thank you. Just… don’t push me away because of Jared. It’s just a misunderstanding, okay?” I pleaded.

I was not sure what I would do if Thomas distanced himself from me, too. He was the only friend I had in the High Moon Pack.

you to

to your

class.”

He assured me, “Of course. You don‘ t have to worry about that. Let me walk I nodded, taking a deep breath to calm myself before heading to the classroom. But before I walked in, Thomas said softly, “I hope things get better between you and Alpha Jared. But remember, you’ll always have me by your side.”

‘Got it.

Then after that day, I never got any news about Jared. He seemed to disappear from something I wished for.

my world,

However, a week later, I got a mind–link from George, “Olivia, come to the hospital right now. Jared is in a dangerous state!‘