As dawn began to break over the forest, soft beams of morning light filtered through the tent’s thin fabric. Bella lay awake, her mind reeling from the events of the night. The words of Ethan and Asher’s wolves echoed in her thoughts, each syllable a reminder of the secrets she kept hidden. They had sensed something in her—something that neither Ethan nor Asher’s human sides seemed to be aware of. She shivered, replaying their piercing, otherworldly gazes and the strange, possessive undertone in their voices.
But now, the two boys lay sound asleep on either side of her, oblivious to their wolves’ visit. She glanced at their peaceful faces, her heart heavy with both guilt and fear. Could she continue to deceive them? Was it even safe to try?
The boys began to stir as the first rays of sunlight warmed the tent. Ethan was the first to blink awake, stretching out and letting out a lazy yawn before noticing Bella beside him. He flashed her a grin, his usual cocky self, completely unaware of the events that had transpired while he slept.
“Mornin’, Ben!” Ethan said, rubbing his eyes. “Sleep alright? You look a little… tense.” He shot her a curious look, his playful smile softening as he studied her face.
“Yeah,” Bella replied quickly, forcing a reassuring smile. “Just not used to sleeping so close to… other people.” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “Did… did you have any weird dreams or anything last night?”
Ethan chuckled, oblivious. “Nah, slept like a rock! Probably the fresh air.” He gave her a friendly nudge, his carefree demeanor as natural as ever. Bella’s heart sank with a strange combination of relief and disappointment. He truly had no idea.
Moments later, Asher woke up as well, stretching in his usual calm, deliberate way. He shot Bella a brief, unreadable glance before nodding politely. “Morning, Ben. I trust you slept well?”
Bella nodded, feeling her pulse quicken under Asher’s sharp gaze. She was certain he hadn’t forgotten about the tension between them last night, but if he suspected anything unusual, he hid it well.
The three of them prepared to start the day, joining the rest of the group outside. As they gathered their supplies and packed up camp, Bella couldn’t help but steal glances at both boys, watching for any hint of recognition from their wolves. But Ethan remained his usual, charming self, while Asher kept his characteristic calm and focused demeanor.
As the day wore on, their professor guided them through the forest, explaining the various plants and wildlife as they trekked deeper into the wilderness. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of pine and earth, and for a moment, Bella managed to shake off her worries, losing herself in the beauty of the forest.
They eventually reached a clearing near a small waterfall, where the group stopped to rest and eat lunch. Ethan, always the entertainer, immediately began climbing up rocks and cracking jokes, making everyone laugh with his daring stunts. Bella watched him, a small smile tugging at her lips as she marveled at how carefree he seemed.
“Enjoying the view?” Asher’s quiet voice startled her. She turned to find him watching her with a knowing look, his gaze as piercing as ever.
“Just… taking it all in,” Bella replied, attempting to sound casual.
Asher didn’t respond, but his gaze lingered on her, thoughtful. “There’s something different about you,” he finally said, his tone low and contemplative. “I’ve been watching you, Ben. You’re not like anyone else here.”
Bella’s heart skipped a beat, her pulse quickening. She forced a nervous laugh, hoping to brush off his observation. “I think you’re giving me too much credit, Asher. I’m just a regular student.”
“Are you?” Asher’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if he could see straight through her. “I don’t know why, but I feel… connected to you, somehow. It’s strange, like there’s something we’re both missing.”
Bella felt a pang of guilt, but she held her ground, forcing herself to remain calm under Asher’s scrutinizing gaze. “Maybe it’s just the atmosphere,” she suggested, trying to keep her tone light. “Being out here, away from everything—it makes people introspective.”
Asher nodded slowly, though he didn’t look entirely convinced. “Perhaps. But something tells me there’s more to it than that.”
Before Bella could respond, Ethan sauntered over, breaking the tension with his usual infectious grin. “What are you two whispering about? Plotting something without me?” He gave Bella a wink, oblivious to the serious undercurrent of their conversation.
“Nothing that concerns you,” Asher replied smoothly, shooting Ethan a pointed look.
Ethan smirked. “Yeah, right. Keep your secrets, Asher.” He turned to Bella, giving her an exaggerated look of hurt. “You’d tell me if there was something interesting going on, wouldn’t you, Ben?”
Bella forced a laugh, grateful for the distraction. “Of course, Ethan. You’d be the first to know.”
Asher rolled his eyes, and Ethan threw an arm around Bella, pulling her close with his usual charm. “See, Asher? Ben here gets it. Life’s more fun when you’re open to a little mystery.”
For the rest of the day, Bella tried to keep her interactions with both boys as lighthearted as possible. She could feel the tension lingering beneath the surface, but she was determined to keep her secret hidden, at least for now.
As night fell, the group gathered around a campfire, sharing stories and laughing under the stars. Bella watched as the flames flickered, casting warm shadows over Ethan and Asher’s faces. She knew their wolves were still somewhere within, waiting, observing. A shiver ran through her as she wondered what would happen if they ever managed to fully understand who she was—or who she wasn’t.
Eventually, everyone retired to their tents for the night. Bella lay awake, listening to the sounds of the forest, feeling the weight of her secret pressing down on her more heavily than ever. She knew the time would come when she could no longer hide, but for now, she could only hope that Ethan and Asher’s wolves would remain unaware.
Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, she heard a faint rustling beside her. Turning, she found Ethan and Asher lying close, their expressions peaceful in sleep. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that their wolves were lurking beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to reveal themselves.
With a quiet sigh, Bella closed her eyes, hoping for one more night of peace before the inevitable reckoning that lay ahead.
