Chapter 17: Episode 17: The Little Things

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Briar’s POV

The college canteen is buzzing with chatter, clinking trays, and the occasional laugh that echoes above the noise. I sit at our usual corner table with Tara and Ethan, poking at the pasta on my plate while they bicker about an upcoming group assignment.

“I’m just saying,” Tara begins, her fork waving dangerously close to Ethan’s face, “if you actually showed up to our last group meeting, you’d know we decided to tackle the marketing strategy first.”

“I did show up!” Ethan protests, leaning back to avoid Tara’s fork. “I was just... a little late.”

“You were forty minutes late,” Tara deadpans.

Ethan grins sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Okay, maybe I was a lot late. But I’m here now, aren’t I? Ready to contribute my brilliance.”

“Your brilliance nearly got us a failing grade last semester,” Tara shoots back, but there’s no real bite in her tone.

I watch them with a small smile, their playful banter filling the air around us. It’s moments like these that remind me how lucky I am to have them in my life.

As I take another bite of pasta, a shadow looms over our table. I glance up to see Aaron, a guy from one of our classes, looking down at Tara with an unpleasant smirk.

“Tara,” he drawls, ignoring Ethan and me entirely. “Need any help with that assignment? I know how tough marketing can be for some people.”

Tara stiffens, her jaw tightening. “I’m fine, Aaron. Thanks.”

Aaron leans closer, clearly not getting the hint. “Come on, I’m just trying to help. No need to be so defensive.”

Before Tara can respond, Ethan stands up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. He’s not the tallest guy in the room, but the look on his face makes up for it.

“She said she’s fine,” Ethan says evenly, though his voice carries an edge. “So why don’t you move along?”

Aaron’s smirk falters, and he glances between Tara and Ethan. “Relax, man. No need to get all worked up.”

“I’m not worked up,” Ethan replies, crossing his arms. “I just don’t like people bothering my friends.”

Aaron mutters something under his breath and walks away, clearly unwilling to push further.

Tara looks up at Ethan, her expression softening. “Thanks,” she says quietly.

Ethan shrugs, sitting back down. “Anytime.”

I watch the two of them share a lingering look, and I can’t help but smile. Their bond is so easy, so natural. It’s the kind of connection I secretly long for with Olivia, even though I know we’re still figuring things out.

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Olivia’s POV

Back at the packhouse, my afternoon is consumed by a dispute between two pack members over shared hunting grounds. It’s a minor issue in the grand scheme of things, but these small disagreements can escalate quickly if not handled properly.

“Alpha, I had the right to hunt there,” says Jake, a wiry young wolf with a defensive tone. “I’ve been using that spot for years.”

“Only because I let you!” snaps Lana, a fiery she-wolf who has never been one to back down. “That doesn’t mean you own it.”

I raise a hand, silencing them both. “Enough,” I say firmly, my voice carrying the weight of authority. They immediately stop talking, their eyes on me.

“Jake,” I begin, “I understand that you’ve used that area for a long time, but that doesn’t give you exclusive rights to it. This pack is built on cooperation, not ownership.”

I turn to Lana. “And you, Lana, need to communicate better before staking claims. Taking action without discussing it first only creates tension.”

They both nod reluctantly, avoiding each other’s gaze.

“To resolve this, I’m assigning alternate hunting days for both of you. Jake, you’ll have Mondays and Wednesdays. Lana, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The rest of the week will be open to the rest of the pack. Understood?”

“Yes, Alpha,” they say in unison, though Lana shoots Jake a final glare before leaving.

As they walk away, I catch movement out of the corner of my eye. Turning, I see Briar standing near the edge of the training grounds, watching me.

“Enjoying the show?” I ask, walking over to her.

She grins, leaning casually against a tree. “You were pretty impressive back there.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Oh? And here I thought you found all this alpha business boring.”

“Not boring,” she says, her grin softening into something more thoughtful. “Just... a little intimidating sometimes.”

I tilt my head, studying her. “And now?”

“Now I think it’s kind of amazing,” she admits, meeting my eyes. “The way you handle things, how calm and fair you are... It’s not what I expected.”

“What did you expect?” I ask, curious.

She shrugs, a faint blush creeping up her neck. “I don’t know. Something... harsher, maybe? But you’re different. You make people want to follow you, not just because you’re strong, but because you care.”

Her words catch me off guard, and for a moment, I don’t know what to say.

“Thank you,” I say finally, my voice quieter than usual.

She shrugs again, though her cheeks are still pink. “Just calling it like I see it.”

---

That night, as I sit in my room going over more pack reports, my phone buzzes. It’s a text from Briar.

Briar: I just wanted to say... you were amazing today. Watching you lead the pack like that... it made me realize how lucky I am to have you as my mate.

A warmth spreads through my chest as I read her words. I type back quickly.

Me: I’m the lucky one, Briar. Having you by my side makes me stronger.

Her reply comes almost instantly.

Briar: You always know what to say, don’t you?

Me: Only when it comes to you.

I set my phone down, a rare smile tugging at my lips. For the first time in a long while, I feel like things are falling into place.

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New Book: Hello Little One

Description for Hello Little One:

When Ivy Carter, a wide-eyed 19-year-old freshman, steps onto her college campus for the first time, she’s determined to embrace her independence and prove to her overprotective parents that she’s ready for adulthood. But her plans for a smooth start are turned upside down when she meets Elena Moore, a confident, charismatic, and infuriatingly teasing 21-year-old senior. As Ivy’s dorm RA and her cousin Lila’s best friend, Elena takes it upon herself tmentor” Ivy through the chaos of college life, nicknaming her “Little One” from the very start.

What begins as playful banter and undeniable tension grows into something deeper as Ivy and Elena navigate the ups and downs of campus life. From late-night study sessions and college parties to family pressures and personal insecurities, their bond strengthens in unexpected ways. But with Elena on the brink of graduation and Ivy just starting her journey, the two must confront whether their connection can survive the challenges of time, distance, and their own fears.

Filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and the blossoming of first love, Hello Little One is a touching tale about self-discovery, breaking down barriers, and finding someone who sees you for who you truly are.

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