Chapter 3 Something feels off

Ashton stirred with a low growl, thick fur brushing against his bedsheets. His limbs ached slightly and his head felt heavy.

Why am I in wolf form?

He was sprawled across his bed in wolf form. Disoriented, he rolled onto his side, paws clumsy against the fabric. With a sharp breath, he began to shift. Bones cracked. Muscles twisted. And in seconds, he was standing in his room, barefoot, naked, and confused.

"What the hell...?" he muttered, dragging a hand through his hair. "Why did I shift last night? I don't remember anything."

Lupus? he called out to the presence in his head.

There was a long silence before his wolf replied, I don't know. I blacked out too.

What do you mean you don't know? You were in control, not me.

I wasn't, Lupus said, sounding unsettled. I remember nothing after we got into bed.

A strange chill swept over Ashton's skin. That had never happened before. Lupus always remembered everything. Always knew when and why they shifted.

Still frowning, Ashton turned to the digital clock on his nightstand.

7:27 AM.

His eyes widened. "Shit!"

He groaned and rushed into the bathroom, grabbing his toothbrush and scrubbing furiously. There was a strange fog in his head, like he'd been drugged or pulled out of a long, too-real dream. Something tugged at the edge of his memory, but he couldn't quite grasp it.

He stared at his reflection.

Why do I feel so... off?

He shook his head, spitting into the sink. Forget it. We're late.

He jumped into the shower, letting the hot water pound against his skin, trying to wake himself up. That's when it hit him, like a gut punch.

"Damn! Are you seriously staring at her again?"

"Shut up, Cole."

"You're hopeless. Will you ever confess to her?"

"I will."

"When?"

"Tomorrow. I'm going to do it. I'm going to tell her."

"REALLY?!"

Ashton's eyes flew open. He remembered now, the conversation he'd overheard yesterday in Geography. James and Cole were sitting just in front of him, too lost in their chat to notice he was listening.

James had made up his mind. He was going to confess to Melanie.

He'd been crushing on her forever. Ashton didn't know all the details, but ever since he transferred to Crestwood a month ago, it had been obvious. James only had eyes for her.

At first, it had shocked Ashton. Then disappointed him. His destined mate was a human. A hybrid boy. One who had no idea werewolves even existed. One who had lost both his parents young, who never knew that his mother was probably a werewolf. And worst of all, the boy was hopelessly in love with a girl. A human girl. Ashton had tried ignoring him, tried keeping his distance. But it was useless. He soon found himself sitting near him in every class, drawn in by his scent, utterly addicted.

And now, his mate was about to give his heart to someone else.

Ashton had made a decision last night. He wasn't going to let that happen. If anyone was going to ask Melanie out, it would be him. Not because he wanted her but because he couldn't bear the thought of James being with someone else.

This is a bad idea, Lupus said suddenly, his voice low and hesitant in Ashton's mind.

Ashton blinked, startled by the interruption. What? Why? You agreed with me last night.

I know I did, Lupus muttered, almost sheepish. But now I think it's not a good idea anymore.

Why the sudden change? Ashton frowned. You were the one who said we needed to stop him. That we couldn't let him give his heart to someone else.

I don't know... Lupus paused. Something feels off. I can't explain it.

Ashton gritted his teeth. You're the one who helped me come up with this plan in the first place. And now you're backing out?

I told you I don't remember everything from last night, Lupus said. Maybe that should be a warning. Something's not right, Ashton.

Ashton let out a frustrated sigh, shaking his head. "Whatever," he muttered, jaw clenched. "I'm doing it anyway. It's just less than two months. Once James turns eighteen, he'll feel the bond. We just need to hold things together until then."

Lupus didn't respond.

When is James going to do it? Before class? Shit-

Ashton rushed out from the shower, barely drying off, heart thudding in panic. He pulled on his clothes jeans, a hoodie without much thought. While brushing his hair back, he began rehearsing the lines in his head. Keep it casual. Be confident.

Would you like to go out with me?

Grabbing his bag, he slung it over his shoulder and darted down the stairs, taking them two at a time.

His parents and older sister sat at the breakfast table, the scent of eggs and toast wafting through the air.

"I'm eating at the canteen!" he called out, already halfway out the door.

"You'll regret that when you're starving by ten!" his sister yelled after him.

But Ashton was already gone, sprinting toward his car, heart pounding for reasons he refused to name.