Moonbound.

2. A New Day

Wren woke to warm sunlight streaming through her window, casting a golden glow over her cozy bedroom. She stretched, feeling refreshed after a restful night's sleep.

As she dressed in a flowy yellow sundress, Wren's thoughts drifted back to her encounter with Kaidën. His piercing blue eyes and chiseled features lingered in her mind.

Downstairs, her mom, Ava, was already brewing coffee.

"Morning, sweetie!" Ava said, her curly brown hair tied back in a ponytail.

Wren poured herself a cup and sat at the table, watching Ava expertly juggle multiple tasks.

"Today's agenda?" Wren asked.

"Library volunteer work, then lunch with Sarah," Ava replied. "You?"

Wren shrugged. "Just writing and reading."

Ava smiled. "Keep working on that novel, honey. You're talented."

After breakfast, Wren retreated to her room, losing herself in her writing. Her laptop glowed softly.

As she typed, her mind wandered back to Kaidën. "What's wrong with me?" she thought. "I don't even know how to process this."

She had zero experience with boys, let alone handsome werewolves.

Wren's fingers hovered over the keyboard.

"Maybe it's just gratitude," she mused. "He did save me."

But deep down, Wren knew it was more.

The sound of her phone buzzing broke the spell.

Wren glanced at the clock – 12:45 PM.

Kaidën's text made her heart flutter:

"Hey, want to grab coffee today?"

Wren hesitated.

"Mom?" she called out.

Ava poked her head into Wren's room. "Yes, sweetie?"

"Kaidën asked me out for coffee," Wren said, trying to sound casual.

Ava's expression turned thoughtful. "Kaidën? Who's Kaidën, sweetie?"

Wren hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "The guy who saved me last night."

Ava's curiosity deepened. "Saved you from what, sweetie?"

Wren took a deep breath, recounting the events. "There was a rogue werewolf attacking me. Kaidën showed up and fought it off."

Ava's eyes widened in shock. "Oh, Wren! I'm so glad he was there. What was his last name, sweetie?"

Wren's heart skipped a beat. "Nightshade."

Ava's expression changed, surprise etched on her face. "Kaidën Nightshade? The alpha of the Nightshade pack?"

Wren's eyes widened in shock. "Alpha?! He didn't tell me that!"

Ava nodded thoughtfully. "Well, he seems like a good person. But, sweetie, being an alpha's daughter myself, I know the complexities of their world. Be cautious, okay?"

Wren nodded, still reeling from the revelation.

"Go, have fun," Ava encouraged. "You can always talk to me later."

Wren took a deep breath and texted Kaidën:

"Sure, I'd love to."

Kaidën's response came instantly:

"Great! I'll pick you up at 2 PM."

Wren's heart skipped a beat.

What had she just gotten herself into?