Chapter 24: Chapter 24

EVIE

Two massive wolves were locked in combat in the courtyard. One was a black wolf with golden eyes, significantly larger than the other. The other wolf was gray, broader in build compared to the black one, whom I instantly recognized as Russell Winters.

I figured the gray wolf must be Sawyer.

I was frozen in place, watching the wolves snarl and snap at each other. Sawyer’s wolf managed to bring Russell’s wolf down, but Russell was quick to bounce back, biting at Sawyer’s shoulder.

I was taken aback that they were battling right here on campus, in broad daylight.

Suddenly, a third wolf burst onto the scene. I knew right away it was Noah. Remi was taller and bulkier than both Russell and Sawyer, and he took control of the fight.

He rammed his head into Russell’s side, sending him crashing into a set of benches. The benches splintered under the weight of Russell’s wolf form. He got up and shook his head, baring his teeth at Remi.

Russell’s golden eyes found me, noticing me for the first time. He growled in my direction. Remi quickly glanced back to see what had caught Russell’s attention.

He howled and positioned himself between me and Russell. Sawyer’s wolf moved to Remi’s side, guarding his back.

Russell threw his head back and let out a vicious howl before sprinting off across the campus, retreating from Noah, Sawyer, and me. Remi barked at Sawyer, seemingly giving him an order.

Sawyer took off after Russell. Remi’s ears flattened against his head as he turned to face me. He gave me a brief look, his eyes filled with regret.

I sighed at him, my shoulders drooping in defeat.

Remi shook his head, his ears perking back up as he leaned back on his hind legs and took off in the same direction as Sawyer and Russell. I was jolted out of my trance when someone bumped into me.

I stumbled backward and watched as a group of students rushed across the campus. The screams that were previously drowned out by my focus on the wolves returned, and I was brought back to reality.

I had no clue how this was going to be explained away, and I was relieved that I wasn’t the one who had to figure it out. I merged into the crowd and blended in with the other terrified students, making my way to the now-packed shuttle bus.

The campus was closed for the rest of the day as the city police investigated the wolf invasion.

I took the shuttle bus home and wasn’t surprised to find Noah waiting on my front porch. He jumped up at the sight of me and rushed to my side.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his hands clenched into fists at his side as he fought the urge to touch me.

I looked into his face and all my worries melted away. I realized how silly I was being. I fell into his arms, burying my face in his chest and breathing in his soothing scent.

Noah instantly relaxed, his arms wrapping around me to hold me close. He nuzzled his face into my neck.

“I’m so sorry,” Noah repeated over and over again as we clung to each other.

“No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed you away,” I said, my voice muffled by his shirt.

I sniffed and realized that I was crying. Noah pulled me away so he could hold my face in his hands. He used his thumbs to wipe away my tears.

“Those were the worst few days of my life, but you needed the space and you don’t need to be sorry for that,” Noah told me.

“Are you okay?” I asked him, scanning his body for any injuries.

“I’m fine, love.”

“Where’s Sawyer?” I was concerned about his safety, too.

“He’s okay, too. He and Greyson are tracking Russell.” Noah’s tone was indifferent as he gazed into my eyes and held me close.

“What was all that about?” I asked.

“Russell tracked you down. He showed up on campus as Gage, his wolf. Sawyer shifted to protect you.” Noah’s face hardened as he explained what had happened while I was in class.

“What does he want with me?” My voice cracked.

“He won’t touch you,” Noah promised, wrapping his arm around my waist to keep me close to him.

“None of this would have happened if I hadn’t pushed you away,” I replied, feeling responsible.

“Russell’s still out there, you know. He probably didn’t go home. He would’ve tried to reach you anyway,” Noah said, attempting to soothe my worries.

“I can’t stand being apart from you anymore,” I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.

Noah leaned in, pressing his forehead against mine.

“I’m right here,” he assured me, his warm breath washing over me.

“I want to go home with you,” I admitted, sounding desperate, but I didn’t care.

Noah’s lips met mine in a heated kiss, his body warmth enveloping me. He pulled away from my lips, trailing kisses down my cheek and neck, right there in the driveway.

I squirmed in his arms, giggling.

“Noah!” I squealed.

He chuckled against my skin. “I’m sorry, love. I’m just so thrilled to hear that. Do you want to stay with me?” he asked, seeking confirmation.

I nodded, biting my lip. “If that’s okay,” I responded, my voice timid.

Noah laughed at my response. “Of course it is, little mate. Let’s get you packed,” he said, scooping me up in his arms and carrying me through the front door.

I laughed heartily. “I can walk, you know!” I protested.

“I know, but I can do it faster,” he replied with a grin, setting me down in the living room.

I rolled my eyes at him and began to pack.