Side Story 8

Aira Something in my head told me to push him away, to end this before it even began. It was better for both of us if we rejected each other right now, but Dee hated that idea. My wolf fought me at every turn, refusing to see reason, and I was stuck arguing with her inside my own mind. “I have to go clear my head,” I said, pulling myself out of his grasp. He looked hurt, and I saw it—felt it—but I forced myself not to care as I walked away. When I reached our friends, they stared at me like they were trying to figure out what had happened to the girl who was all smiles moments ago. “I’ll be off. I don’t think I feel fine,” I said, grabbing my bag. Sara stood up immediately. “Then I’ll go with you.” I nodded. “Okay… bye.” They waved us off, and I could practically feel Owen’s eyes on my back until we finally disappeared from sight. “So,” Sara began casually, “are you gonna tell me why your mood shifted from excited to ‘I want to die’?” I swallowed and glanced at her, then let out a long