Missy's Story:

Today was strange, to say the least. The party Lemon and Amy threw was excellent, and I enjoyed shopping with Lemon beforehand. However, I felt like I was overthinking things. Maddox seemed unusually close, and I liked it. I covered my warm face with my arm. Vlad is my mate, so why was I having these thoughts?

Vlad called earlier; I sent his call to voicemail. He texted, asking me to call when I was free. I hadn't told him Maddox was with me this weekend, and for some reason, I dreaded calling him. I knew I couldn't avoid it forever, but it felt weird. Sighing, I pulled out my phone, staring at his name.

Ironically, my phone lit up with an incoming call from Vlad. Summoning my courage, I answered.

"Hey," I said.

"Hey, princess. I've been trying to reach you," he sounded upset or annoyed.

"Sorry. Lea's friends threw her a baby shower, and we were there all day," I apologized.

"Oh," he said. Silence followed. "I miss you," he said, just as someone knocked on the door. Confused, I sat up. Maddox peeked in.

"Oh, you're on the phone," he whispered. I quickly shook my head, gesturing for him to enter.

"Hey, I have to go. I'll text you tomorrow, okay?" I said.

"Wait, why?" he asked.

"I just do. Sorry," I said, hanging up before he could argue.

"You didn't have to hang up on him," Maddox frowned.

"No, it's okay. What's up?" I asked.

"I, uh, couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd see if you were awake," he shrugged.

"Oh," I said, my cheeks warming. Why was I blushing?

"Want to watch a movie?" he asked, easing the awkwardness.

"Sure," I agreed. My room had a small TV across from the bed. I scooted over to make room for him against the headboard. He climbed onto the bed, and we were suddenly cramped.

Maddox looked wary. "I can move if you're uncomfortable," he offered. Embarrassed, I looked away, grabbing the remote and handing it to him.

"Just nothing scary," I said.

Lacey's Story:

I sat on the small couch, watching Felix in the doorway. His expressionless face was frustrating. With Harry, I always knew what he was thinking or feeling; we were so in sync.

I looked at the now-empty desk, sighed, and stood. I meant what I told Azalea: I wouldn't follow him unless he asked. I approached slowly, his eyes on me the whole time. I took a deep breath.

"Look, I'm only here until tomorrow night. Once work is done, I'm going home. Just because we're each other's second chance doesn't mean we owe each other anything. You don't seem to want a second chance. We can go our separate ways, no harm, no foul." I paused, looking up at him. His expression remained neutral and stern. I gave a tight smile and turned to leave. A hot shower and pajamas were my priority. His presence, however, made me crave his touch—dangerous if this wasn't going to work.

He stopped me by grabbing my arm. I turned. His eyes softened slightly. "Don't go," he said softly. Confused, I waited for more. We stood frozen for a minute. Finally, he released my arm.

"What do you want, Felix?" I asked.

"They almost got hurt," he replied. More confusion. Who? And how did that answer my question? This was going to be slow.

"Why don't we talk somewhere else? We're not getting anywhere here," I sighed. He nodded, gently taking my hand—a warm, firm grip that completely enveloped mine. He led me to his room.

Inside, he closed the door. We were inches apart as I gazed into his handsome face. Even without a smile, he was beautiful. My fingers itched to trace the scar above his eye; my heart yearned to know its story. I clenched my fists, resisting the urge to touch him.

His breath warmed my face. I considered speaking first but needed space. My body was heating up; his scent surrounded me. I stepped back, creating distance. Closing my eyes, I focused on what mattered, breathing deeply, trying to minimize his scent.

"Who almost got hurt?" I asked.

"The children," he replied.

"The ones you were with this morning?" I asked. He nodded. "The Alpha and Luna's pups?" Another nod. It clicked. He's the Luna's guard, responsible for the children's safety. She mentioned six years with her; two boys looked young. He's probably been with them since birth. This would be harder than I thought. I sat on his bed, patting the space beside me. He didn't move. I sighed and tried again.

"Can you tell me what happened? Is that why you ran off last night?"

He nodded. I buried my face in my hands. Why did the Moon Goddess give me a nearly mute, sexy giant as my second chance mate?

"Rogues were in the territory yesterday. We have fewer patrols, so they slip in easily. I gave poor directions and left the Alpha and Luna's children unattended. The youngest two were trapped in a tree, surrounded by rogues. They were only saved by chance," he said slowly. I froze, listening. When he finished, I looked up to find him staring at the ground.

"That's why you ran? Because the children were in danger?" He nodded.

"But they're okay now, so why are you still so upset?"

His fists clenched. "I failed my Alpha and endangered the future Alpha." I was at a loss. I understood being upset, but they were safe. Why the continued distress?

"Felix, do you want me here?" I asked directly. He slowly turned his eyes to me, then nodded. His face remained expressionless, but his eyes told a different story—sincerity. He wanted me there.

I exhaled. "Felix, you need to communicate better You're so silent and stoic. I don't know what to think. Azalea asked me to come to your packhouse—"

"Please," he interrupted. Did he just ask me to go with him?

"Are you asking me to come with you?" I clarified. He nodded. I considered. My apartment held only a dying cactus and an empty fridge. I was drawn to spending time with him, but how could we get to know each other if he wouldn't open up?

"Alright," I finally agreed. His eyes lit up briefly. "I'll come to your packhouse, but only if you come here, sit down, and tell me about yourself."

Missy's Continued Story:

I burrowed deeper under the blanket, no longer pretending to look up. "I thought this was a thriller," I whined.

"It is," Maddox said from above. "I can turn it off." The damage was done. I shook my head. "Really scared, Miss?" he asked gently, his voice closer. I nodded, staying under the blanket. "I'm sorry," he said. The blanket lifted beside me, and he joined me. My eyes widened at his closeness. His arm circled my waist, pulling me close, under the blanket.

"Maddox, what are you doing?" I asked. The room was quiet; he'd stopped the movie.

"We didn't finish our conversation last night, but I told you I wanted to protect you," he said softly. I swallowed hard.

"I-I'm okay," I stuttered.

"I know you're dating Vlad and think he's your mate, but I hope he isn't. I pray the Moon Goddess gives me a chance," he confessed. My jaw dropped. "Missy, I'll become the strongest, fastest warrior. I'll work harder than anyone to protect you and the pack. I'll make sure you're never scared again."

My heart pounded. Why was he saying this?

Before I could process it, there was pounding on the door. Liam linked me. "Missy, we need to leave. Get Maddox and your things."

"What's going on?" I asked, sitting up and throwing off the blanket.

"I need to take Azalea to the doctor."