Bryce walked over, a familiar scowl on his face. “Do you have any idea how dangerous Evergreen Mountain is? Why must you be so stubborn and make others worry about you?"

I met his gaze, my glowing yellow eyes narrowing. "Worried about me? You were busy flirting with Lucia while we were under attack by rogues. What right do you have to lecture me now?" My voice was cold, biting. The anger that had simmered for days finally surfaced.

I saw his eyes turn red, but I didn’t wait for a reply. I turned my back to him, lying down on the infirmary bed. Just a few seconds later, I heard the door being slammed so hard. He was probably angry too, but as if I care.

Days passed without any sign of him. The silence didn’t bother me as much as it once would have. I had learned the hard way that Bryce only cared about me when it was convenient for him.

I was busy reviewing the details of our upcoming mission when his voice suddenly echoed in my mind through a mindlink.

'My friend asked me out tonight. I’ll be late. I’ll come by after.'

But as if I heard nothing, I continued what I was doing. Besides, it always happened, so it was not something to discuss.

He was Alpha Rowan's adopted son. People fawned over him, constantly trying to get close. And I, the ordinary she-wolf, was supposed to feel lucky that he even noticed me. At least, that’s what everyone kept telling me.

Moments later, his voice returned through the mindlink, more insistent this time.

'It’s just a few buddies, all guys.'

Then, he sent me a picture of his friends, which he had never done before. They were indeed all male. But what did it matter now? He’d never introduced me to any of his friends. That alone told me everything.

Sighing, I switched my phone to silent and lay down, trying to rest. When I woke up, I noticed more than a dozen missed calls. Bryce’s name flashed across the screen. Frowning, I answered, bracing myself for whatever storm he was about to unleash.

“Why weren’t you answering?!” His voice was sharp, laced with irritation.

“I was asleep,” I replied, rubbing my eyes, too tired to care.