Page 26 of Noah

“Yeah.” My voice cracked slightly, and I cursed myself for it. “Like back then. You always got caught up in my messes. Got hurt because of me.”

I didn’t say it outright, but the memory of the last summit—the one where Jackson had stood up for me—hung heavy in the air between us.

Something in Jackson’s expression changed, like a light flicked on. He stepped closer, setting down the box he was holding. His fingers brushed mine, the touch brief but electric.

“You didn’t make me do anything back then, Noah,” he said firmly. “I made those choices because I cared. Because I care.”

I looked at him, startled, but the earnestness in his gaze made it hard to breathe.

"You don’t have to keep punishing yourself for something that wasn’t your fault," he continued, his voice low and steady.

I swallowed hard, my chest tightening. "You don’t get it, Jackson."

"Then explain it to me," he said, his tone softer now, almost pleading.

I hesitated, the words tangling in my throat. How could I explain what I barely understood myself?

Jackson stayed where he was, his stance casual, but his eyes carried an intensity that made it impossible to look away. “You’ve been dodging me since the summit started, Noah. I get that things are different now—we’ve both got responsibilities. But I miss my friend.”

His words hit harder than I expected, breaking through the walls I didn’t realize I’d been building.

The weight of everything I’d been carrying suddenly felt unbearable, and the cracks I’d been trying to hide started to show. I leaned against the stack of boxes behind me, rubbing the back of my neck.

“It’s not like that. It’s just… I’ve been trying so hard to make this summit work. Keep everything together. The pack, the responsibilities. It feels like if I slip up just once, everything will fall apart.” I trailed off, shaking my head.

Jackson’s expression softened, and he stepped a little closer, his voice low but steady. “You don’t have to do it all on your own, Noah. You’ve been carrying all of this for so long, but you don’t have to. I’m still here. I just need you to stop pretending with me.”

His words felt like a lifeline, steady and certain. I let out a shaky breath, the tension in my chest easing ever so slightly.

“I miss you too,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I just… need time.”

Jackson nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.”

For the first time in what felt like forever, the tightness in my chest began to loosen.

I looked up at him, a tentative smile forming despite everything. “You want to grab lunch together sometime?”

Jackson’s smile softened, a flicker of relief in his eyes. “I’d like that.”

Chapter 8

Jackson

The dining hallhummed with the low chatter of wolves unwinding after another tense meeting.

Conversations mixed with the clinking of utensils and the occasional burst of laughter as the wolves from different packs began to mingle and relax.

I should probably join in, but my focus was on finding Noah.

My wolf stirred beneath my skin, restless and eager, its energy pulsing through me as my gaze swept the crowded room.

My heartbeat quickened with each passing second, the anticipation building.

I knew I should’ve been more present during what felt like the tenth meeting of the summit, supporting my father, stepping in when Hudson inevitably pushed boundaries.

Instead, my mind had drifted, the details of the discussions blurring into the background. Because my thoughts had been elsewhere—on Noah. Who else?

His scent still lingered in my memory, a unique blend of pine and something sweeter, more inviting.

---