Tangled Hearts.

~Chapter 43~

~Raelyn~

The air was alive with chaos as we marched down the streets of LA like we owned the damn city. The sun was shining, the sidewalk smelled like fresh coffee and car exhaust, and I was three months pregnant, finally feeling somewhat like a functioning human again after battling what felt like demonic possession via morning sickness.

And what better way to celebrate being slightly less nauseated than blowing money on tiny clothes for my fetus?

"So, just to be clear," Jake called from behind us, already strutting like he was in a Marvel movie, "I'm here to make sure you don't get snatched up by a pack of literal wolves."

I didn't even look back. "Jake, we don't need a babysitter. I'm fine. And also—aren't you, Sam, Corey, and Colby part of that 'said pack of wolves' you're referring to?"

Katrina snorted. "She got you there, dude."

Jake shrugged, smug. "Touché. But you know I'm not like the rest of those freaks. Jason, Layne, Billy—they're a circus. The three-ring kind. The kind where someone definitely gets mauled."

Devyn groaned. "Sounds like Layne. Grade-A piece of shit."

I glanced at her. "I haven't even met the guy and he already hates me."

"Yeah, that's... honestly kind of his thing," Tara said, shaking her head. "Hating people for existing."

I side-eyed Jake. "So what's his deal anyway? Colby never says much. And every time I ask, it's like I've opened Pandora's box, but with fewer answers and more growling."

Jake's face tightened for half a second. Just enough to make me notice. "Yeah, uh... there's a reason Colby doesn't talk about him that much."

I raised a brow. "Well, you're here and talkative. Spill."

He sighed like I'd just asked him to recount war crimes. "Look, Layne's the kind of alpha who thinks 'respect' means 'do whatever I say or I kill your dog.' Total dictator vibes. The guy's bad news, and trust me, it's better if you don't get tangled up in all that."

"What about the rest of the pack? Besides Colby, Sam, Corey?"

Jake scratched his head. "It's mixed. Some are solid. Some are glorified feral raccoons in flannel. Liam—he's kinda in-between."

I blinked. "Who the hell is Liam?"

Jake waved a hand like this should be common knowledge. "New recruit. Around our age. Layne latched onto him early, pulled him in before he knew better. He's scared shitless of Layne, so he stays close. But he passes us info when he can. Basically, undercover double-agent vibes, minus the cool spy gear."

"So... he's a good guy. Secretly."

"Yeah. Good-ish," Jake said. "Think of him as... morally flexible with anxiety."

I shot him a glare. "Fine. More mysterious pack drama. Whatever. Just please don't embarrass me today."

Jake gasped in fake offense. "Embarrass you? Rae. Babe. Sweetheart. That's like... my entire reason for breathing."

Tara looked back at us, hands on her hips. "Don't tempt him. Jake lives to cause chaos. He's been the professional third wheel of this group since, like, day one."

Devyn snorted. "At this point, I'd trust him with my coffee order but not my social reputation."

Jake beamed. "I'm touched. Deeply."

"I swear," I muttered, "I'm this close to calling Colby and telling him to send someone less... you."

Jake leaned in dramatically, eyes gleaming. "Oh, do it. Tell him how you begged for me to come."