Evelyn’s POV

“But I…” I hesitated. Going to Alpha Adam’s house as a guest? That had never happened before.

“Come on, don’t say no,” Milo said casually. “You’d be keeping Nadia company, and Luna Isabella’s cooking is incredible.”

“I…”

“I need you there with me.” Nadia grabbed my hand. “Please? I’d feel way more comfortable having a friend around.”

Looking at her pleading eyes, I couldn’t refuse.

“Okay.” I agreed quietly.

“Yes!” Nadia squeezed my hand excitedly. “Six tomorrow night, right?”

“Right.” Magnus confirmed, then looked at me. “We’ll pick you both up.”

“You don’t have to – ” I started.

“It’s no trouble.” Lucian smiled. “We’re heading that way anyway.”

“Settled then.” Orion said briefly, then turned to leave.

The others said their goodbyes. Before leaving, Elliot patted my shoulder awkwardly.

I watched them walk away, my emotions all tangled up.

“This is gonna be great!” Nadia said, practically bouncing. “We get to go together!”

“Yeah…” I responded absently.

“What’s wrong?” She caught my mood instantly. “Don’t you want to go?”

“It’s not that.” I shook my head. “I’ve just… never been to something like this before.”

“It’s okay, I’ll be right there with you.” She squeezed my arm. “And you saw how nice they all were.”

Nice because of you, I thought, but just nodded.

“My father might not be cool with it.” I voiced my biggest worry.

“Why not?” Nadia looked confused.

How could I explain that my father barely acknowledged my existence? That he probably wouldn’t even notice if I didn’t come home?

“It’s nothing,” I shook my head. “Should be fine.”

Worst case, I just won’t tell him. He wouldn’t notice anyway.

We walked out as the sunset painted everything orange. Nadia was still chattering excitedly about what to wear tomorrow, while my mind wandered.

A formal dinner at the Alpha’s house with the pack leadership. This should have excited me, but mostly I felt anxious.

Too much has changed, my wolf said. More happened today than all year.

Yeah. I just hope it doesn’t make things worse.

I lay in bed staring at the ceiling. Two AM and sleep was nowhere to be found. Every time I closed my eyes, today replayed in my head – Nadia sitting next to me, her defending me against Acacia, Elliot actually inviting me somewhere.

What if I mess up tomorrow? What if they regret asking me?

At four AM, I gave up. I changed into running gear and crept downstairs, careful not to wake Dad or Elliot.

The cold morning air hit me as I stepped outside. Silver Pines was dead quiet except for the occasional night bird. I started jogging along my usual trail.

Running always cleared my head. Each step took me further from all the social complications, closer to just being myself. This was my time, my space.

When I passed Nadia’s house, I slowed down. Lights were still on – warm yellow glow streaming through the windows. Through the living room window, I could see figures moving around. Nadia’s mom was organizing something while her stepdad sat with papers.

Nadia’s POV

Evelyn’s POV

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