Jared
He’d thought he’d just laid himself bare to Wynta, told her he didn’t care who saw them together, told her he was allowed to date, kissed the hell out of her, because how could he not? When she was finally up and walking about, appeared to be okay. Relief had swept through him, and claiming her mouth to kiss her, show her how he felt, had been a need inside him, not a want but a need.
She’d also kissed him back, practically melted all into him even. He didn’t even know how long they stood there and kissed like that, longer than he probably thought it was though. He’d teased her a little playfully, and she’d responded in kind the way she always did, and he’d thought everything was all good. Only to have her shut him down cold, as they made their way to the packhouse.
He recognized her retreat for what it was, and it stung like a fresh wound. Pain sliced through him, sharp and unyielding, as he grappled with the urge to confront her. He knew he needed to step back, to distance himself before he lost control and unleashed the anger that simmered just beneath the surface. Wynta didn’t deserve that; she had enough on her plate without him adding to her burdens.
Yet, deep down, he yearned to shake her, to pour out his heart, to tell her he loved her. He wanted to plead with her to stop saying things that hurt him, to understand that he was willing to forsake everything for her. He had even gone so far as to plead with his father to remove the mating bond band, hoping to demonstrate that he no longer cared about its implications. He wanted to show her that he was choosing her, that he would willingly relinquish his claim to the pack if it meant being with her. But his father had refused, citing the impending full moon as a reason to hold onto the bond.
Jared had kept all these feelings bottled up inside, afraid of what his father’s words would provoke in Wynta. The gym had become his sanctuary, a place where he could channel his frustration into physical exertion. He knew if he stepped onto the training ground and faced his own unit, someone would likely get hurt, and he wouldn’t be able to bear the guilt. He wasn’t the kind of man who would lash out at others to manage his own emotions.
Andy had been in the gym, quietly observing him, but hadn’t uttered a word. Jared’s entire unit was aware that this wasn’t his usual demeanor; he never reacted this way to any female, let alone a she-wolf. He had always maintained a level of control, never losing his temper over a woman’s rejection. They all had the right to choose their paths, and he respected that. But Wynta was different; his feelings for her ran deeper than he had ever anticipated. Even Creed had developed an interest in her, mirroring Jared’s own affections.
Inside his mind, his beast remained eerily silent, a stark contrast to its usual fiery nature. It hadn’t uttered a single taunt or even a huff of annoyance since Wynta had distanced herself from him. Instead, it had retreated into the shadows of his thoughts, leaving him feeling more isolated than ever. Jared had never encountered his beast in such a state before, and it left him feeling unsettled.
He stood in the gym, wrestling with his thoughts about Wynta. Should he approach her, or would it be better to give her space? Today was a significant day for her, a momentous occasion where she was being initiated into the pack after so many years. He had wanted to be her pillar of support, to stand by her side as she took this important step. But now, he wasn’t even sure if she would welcome his presence.
With a heavy sigh, he ran a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of his father’s words pressing down on him. He was clearly not handling this well; he needed to let go of his frustrations. But the thought of approaching Wynta while he was in such a tumultuous mood felt like a recipe for disaster. It would likely only exacerbate the situation.
As he pondered his next move, he considered the possibility of simply continuing their playful banter, the game they both enjoyed. Perhaps if he acted as if nothing had changed, if he showed her that her initiation didn’t alter his feelings, it might reassure her. Maybe that would work, he thought, a flicker of hope igniting within him.
Eventually, he left the gym, feeling a sense of regret wash over him. He had envisioned himself guiding her through the pack after her initiation, but his impulsive anger had robbed him of that opportunity. He should have simply brushed off her words, smiled at her, and assured her that she couldn’t rid herself of him that easily.
His gaze fell on the mating bond band on his wrist, still white but a constant reminder that it could glow blue at the next full moon. He scrubbed a hand over his face in frustration. The answer to his turmoil was right there, so close yet so far. He should have held it up to her and declared, “I believe, sweetheart, it will turn blue on the full moon.” He should have pulled her close and kissed her fiercely, letting the world see just how much he desired her.
He felt that invisible tether connecting him to Wynta; she was likely upstairs, being shown her suite by his mother on the fourth floor. Everyone believed she had alpha blood running through her veins, and his parents had arranged for her to have a suite that reflected that status, positioned among where they all resided, where his own suite was located.
Just as he was about to head upstairs, he noticed Lance approaching with a stormy expression. Anger radiated from him, and Jared could feel the challenge in his brother’s gaze, as if he were trying to assert his authority over Jared. It was a shift he hadn’t expected from Lance, especially after the Luna Ceremony had solidified their father’s announcement of Lance as the heir to the pack.
Jared halted, curiosity piqued as he awaited Lance’s words. He stepped closer, invading Jared’s personal space. “Why is she on the Alpha floor? She’s not your Mate,” Lance spat, disregarding Wynta’s name entirely as he gripped Jared’s wrist, displaying the mating band with blatant disrespect.
“Because that’s where Father wants Wynta to be. I didn’t choose the suite, Lance,” Jared replied, keeping his tone casual despite the tension. “If you’re unhappy about it, I suggest you take it up with the Alpha or Luna; their word is law. I have no influence over their decisions.”
Jared gently removed Lance’s hand from his wrist, flicking it away as if it were an annoyance. “Even you have more sway in this pack than I do right now, Lance. You are the heir to the pack. So, as the future Alpha, perhaps you should express your concerns to our father instead of me.”


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