---
The morning sun crept lazily through the curtains, casting soft golden lines across the wooden floor of Ivy's house.
Jayden stirred awake first, blinking at the unfamiliar ceiling—their ceiling now. Beside him, Ivy lay curled on her side, her purple eyes still closed, her breathing slow and even. Peaceful. For the first time in a long time, he felt at peace too.
Then came the sound of tiny feet pattering.
"Mommy! Daddy!"
Jayden sat up, just in time to catch Xander as he launched himself onto the bed.
Jayden groaned playfully and pulled the boy into a hug. "Careful, buddy. That's a sneak attack."
"I win!" Xander grinned.
Ivy blinked awake, smiling at the sight. She rubbed her eyes and sat up, brushing Jayden's arm. "Looks like the day's started."
"Best alarm clock I've ever had," Jayden murmured, planting a kiss on her shoulder.
The weekend unfolded like something from a dream. Jayden helped Xander build an overly elaborate Lego fortress while Ivy watched with a mug of tea and a soft smile. They cooked together—well, attempted to. Jayden burned toast, Ivy made perfect pancakes, and Xander ate more strawberries than he helped slice.
They played board games, watched old cartoons, and spent an entire hour trying to put Xander's face on a superhero mask app—Jayden even wore one himself to make him laugh.
It was the kind of weekend Ivy never thought she'd get to live. One where her past didn't chase her through every shadow.
That Sunday night, as the stars stretched across the sky, Jayden found Ivy outside, standing barefoot in the grass.
"I want to show you something," she said softly.
Jayden nodded.
Ivy closed her eyes, and the wind responded.
Leaves swirled gently around her as her body slowly became one with the shadows and bark—her skin blending in with the trees behind her. She opened her eyes, glowing amethyst in the night. A flicker of heat bloomed beneath her palm, and mist rose from the earth at her feet.
Jayden stared, awestruck. "That's… beautiful."
"It's a part of me," she whispered. "The part I used to hide. The part that nearly consumed me."
"Not anymore," he said, stepping forward and cupping her cheek. "You're not alone anymore."
She leaned into him, closing her eyes. "Thank you… for staying."
"Always."
---
Monday Morning
Jayden buttoned Xander's little shirt while Ivy packed his lunch.
"Alright, champ. You ready for school?" Jayden asked, crouching down.
Xander nodded, then paused. "Will you pick me up?"
Jayden smiled. "I'll be there first."
Xander beamed and hugged him tight. "Love you, Daddy."
Jayden blinked hard, holding the boy close. "Love you more, little man."
Ivy watched, a soft smile playing on her lips. This… this was family.
---
College Campus – Later That Day
The vibe shifted the moment Ivy and Jayden stepped onto campus. Something was… off.
And then she saw him.
James.
He leaned against a brick wall near the library entrance, dressed in black, his posture relaxed. But Ivy's instincts screamed. His energy was no longer lighthearted—it was heavier now, distant. Cold.
"Ivy," he greeted smoothly. "Miss me?"
She faltered. "James? You—"
"Had things to take care of," he said, eyes flicking to Jayden. "But I'm back. Things feel… interesting now, don't they?"
Jayden immediately stepped closer, instinctively protective. Ivy's heart raced, not with excitement—but dread.
She tried to smile. "It's good to see you."
But even as she said it, her stomach twisted.
This wasn't the James who made her laugh in the library. Something had changed. Deeply.
---
Later, at the campus café
As Ivy and Jayden sat outside sipping coffee, a familiar figure approached.
Aslam.
"Morning," he said with a grin, before bowing lightly. "Alpha."
Jayden lifted an eyebrow. "You always this formal?"
Ivy froze. "Wait. Alpha?"
Aslam straightened, smile unfazed. "Oh, right. That wasn't public knowledge yet."
"You're a werewolf?" Ivy asked carefully.
Aslam looked between the two of them. "I prefer the term 'wolf-blooded gentleman,' but yes."
Jayden crossed his arms. "You've been watching her since the start, haven't you?"
Aslam shrugged. "Someone had to. She seemed like a good friend and I'm glad to have her. But don't worry, Ivy—I'm on your side."
Yes, Jayden she was the first friend I made
---
Somewhere far away
A sleek black car pulled onto the tarmac of a private airfield. The ramp of a jet descended as two figures stepped out to greet the man emerging from the shadows.
He wore black, his presence commanding. A tall figure, his hair tousled, his expression unreadable.
The scent of wolf clung to him—dominant and old.
"Alpha," one of the men said. "Everything is in motion. The girl is in LA. We've tracked her energy signature."
The man nodded once. "Good."
He pulled out a worn photograph—an old picture of a girl with bright purple eyes and a wild grin.
He tucked it back inside his coat and stepped onto the plane.
The time was near.
--