Another few days passed, and things between Luca and me had settled into an easy rhythm. Too easy.
He wasn't supposed to be this comfortable in my space. He wasn't supposed to fit in with my pack so naturally. But he did, and the worst part?
I liked having him around.
We weren't just training together anymore. We talked. About everything and nothing. His pack, my pack. His travels, my past.
The things I'd never told anyone.
And still, I hadn't figured out what that meant.
But my wolf had.
She had from the moment he arrived.
---
"You're distracted."
Luca's voice cut through the night air as we stood outside near the packhouse, away from prying ears. The full moon cast silver light over us, but it was his gaze that pinned me in place.
I crossed my arms. "I'm fine."
He smirked, taking a step closer. "Liar."
I held my ground. "You're irritating."
"And yet, you keep coming back for more."
I exhaled sharply, shaking my head. "Is there a reason you're out here, or did you just want to hear yourself talk?"
Luca studied me for a moment, his expression shifting slightly. "I needed a break."
That was new. He never admitted when things were bothering him.
I raised a brow. "From what?"
His jaw tightened. "Pack business."
I waited for him to elaborate, but he didn't. Whatever it was, he wasn't ready to talk about it.
I understood that more than I wanted to admit.
After a moment, I sighed. "You know, you don't have to carry everything on your own."
Luca's smirk returned, but it was softer this time. "Funny. I was about to say the same thing to you."
I hated how easily he saw through me.
I hated it even more that I let him.
---
Later that night, I found myself staring at my phone, debating whether or not to text him.
This wasn't me. I didn't do this. I didn't let people in.
But Luca... he made it easy.
Before I could talk myself out of it, my phone buzzed.
Luca: Can't sleep?
I hesitated before replying.
Me: How'd you know?
Luca: Because neither can I.
I bit my lip, staring at the message for longer than I should have.
This was dangerous. Whatever was happening between usâit wasn't something I could afford to let happen.
But for the first time in a long time, I wasn't sure if I wanted to stop it.
4o