The pack house smells like roasted meat and sweat, a mix I've come to associate with home. Funny thing is, I'm more interested in trouble than dinner tonight. I lean against the doorway, arms crossed, watching the younger wolves spar. That's when I see her—Talia, one of the pack's prettier Omegas, tossing her hair like she owns the place.
I grin. "Careful, Talia. Wouldn't want to sprain that pretty little ankle of yours."
She rolls her eyes, but I catch the blush. Bingo.
"You're impossible," she snaps.
"And yet you keep looking," I shoot back.
Soren Draven, standing beside me, mutters under his breath, "You're a disaster."
"Lies," I say, grinning. "I'm a charmer."
"You're going to start a fight if you don't stop," Soren warns, eyes narrowing.
I smirk. "Then bring it on. Who's brave enough?"
Before Soren can reply, a wolf steps forward—Garren, one of the older pack members. Broad shoulders, cocky grin, and apparently, a short fuse.
"You think flirting with my girl is funny?" Garren growls, stepping closer.
I raise an eyebrow. "Your girl?" I repeat, tilting my head. "I didn't realize ownership was a thing now."
His nostrils flare. "Back off, Vrenatta. Or I'll show you what happens when you cross me."
I shrug casually, smirk still plastered across my face. "I'm not touching her. Just… complimenting her, really. You should thank me."
He growls, lunging forward. Shit.
Soren sighs. "Luke…"
I step aside gracefully. "Watch and learn, Soren."
The air shimmers as my body elongates, muscles stretching, fur erupting across my skin. My claws extend, teeth sharp and gleaming. Wolf form, predator mode.
Garren stops mid-lunge, eyes wide, realizing this isn't a friendly sparring session anymore.
I crouch low, tail twitching, muscles coiled. "You really want to test me?" I snarl, voice guttural, claws scraping the stone floor.
His own wolf form emerges with a roar, fur bristling. The two of us circle each other, tension thick enough to cut with a knife.
"Remember who you're fighting," I taunt, flashing my fangs. "Or do I need to remind you?"
He growls, lunging. I sidestep effortlessly, claws raking his side. He yelps, spinning around, but I'm already on him, striking again. Each hit precise, controlled—playful, even, like a dance.
"You're fast," he snaps, lunging at me again.
"Try faster," I counter, dodging and flicking my tail.
The fight escalates, growls and snarls filling the room. Pack members step back, watching the chaos. Soren stays close, ready to intervene if Garren gets out of control.
I flip over Garren's back mid-lunge, landing gracefully on all fours, tail swishing. "You're outclassed, buddy," I tease, voice low and dangerous.
He's breathing hard, fur matted, and finally snarls, backing off. "You're a cocky little bastard, Vrenatta."
"And you're slow," I reply, grinning wolfishly. "Next time, think before you step to me."
I shift back into human form, muscles tense, heart racing. The adrenaline buzz is addictive. Garren scowls, backing away. Talia's wide-eyed, a mixture of fear and admiration on her face.
"You're insane," Soren mutters, shaking his head.
"I'm charming," I say, brushing dirt off my pants. "And skilled. Remember that."
Talia laughs nervously, and I wink. "See? Everyone loves me."
Soren groans. "Everyone except Mari."
I freeze, heart stuttering. Mari. Of course. The one I can't stop thinking about. And somehow, she's already in my head even after I've barely seen her tonight.
I shake my head, focusing on the present. I can flirt with Talia, tease the pack, and still keep my head clear. Mostly.
Garren grumbles something under his breath and storms off, tail high in irritation. I smirk, walking past Soren. "Next time, tell him to keep his hands to himself. Or I'll do it again."
Soren shakes his head, muttering, "You're impossible."
I shrug, grinning. "And yet irresistible."
Even as I joke, a shadow flickers across the edge of the forest outside the pack house. A familiar feeling prickles my spine. Someone's watching. Probably Ventor territory. Probably her. Shit.
I bite back a groan. No, I'm not thinking about her right now. Not when I've got a playful wolf fight, a jealous pack member, and my Beta breathing down my neck.
"Luke," Soren says, voice low, catching my hesitation, "you need to focus. The forest isn't safe tonight. Krell's loose, and I have a feeling someone else is testing our borders."
I glance at him, sharp. "Someone else? Who?"
He doesn't answer immediately. Just watches, eyes narrowed. "Keep your eyes open. That's all I'm saying."
Shit. This night just got a lot more complicated.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Because trouble… is where I thrive.
Because danger… is where I live.
Because Mari… well, she's going to be the fire I can't put out, even if I tried.
And I'd be lying if I said that scared the hell out of me.