1. Mylo

CHAPTER ONE

MYLO

"You sure you don't want to come with me?" I asked Tyler, leaning against the doorframe. I wasn't even sure I wanted to go, either, but I was feeling restless.

He waved me off without looking up from his laptop. "Nah, I've gotta finish this apartment application, or I'll end up back in my childhood room. Some of us don't have alphas waiting for us now that we're graduated."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Oh, please. You get to go home to your family's restaurant, and you already have a job waiting for you."

"Oh, you mean waking up every morning to my papa asking why I haven't brought an alpha home yet?" Tyler snorted, and we both laughed. "So fun."

"Alright, see you later," I said, though there was that familiar twist in my chest. The casual way he mentioned his family made me jealous. He had a place to go back to—parents who cared about him. Me, on the other hand, only had Chuck—and sometimes, I wondered if that was enough. If Chuck was enough.

I shook that thought away before it could take root. Chuck loved me. We were building a life together. Nothing was perfect, but that didn't mean it wasn't worth fighting for, right?

I pushed those thoughts aside. I had completed culinary school, earned a degree, and I had an alpha waiting for me. That was more than I ever thought possible, so don't be ungrateful , I reminded myself.

As I stepped out into the city, enjoying the sound of Charlotte all around me, I couldn't help but smile. I did it. I actually did it. Sure, there were no parents to be proud of me, and Chuck hadn't made it down for my graduation, but I still did it—and no one could take that from me. I would miss it here, but I was excited about building my own home. Chuck and I were planning to put down roots, and I couldn't wait. Our budget wasn't huge, but I had been working and saving, and we'd bought a house. Chuck said he'd found the perfect place. It needed some work, but I was ready to do whatever it took for a place of our own. I even had plans for a vegetable garden.

I had so many Pinterest boards made for each room. I'd watched DIY videos on Instagram and YouTube, budgeting tips for renovations, and I was ready to get to work.

Only a week to go, I reminded myself as I zipped up my jacket. Fall had come early, but I liked this time of year. It felt like a reminder that things were changing—seasons, people, and even me. My new beginning was so close I could almost taste it, and I couldn't wait—it felt like I'd been waiting forever. Charles had moved away four months ago, and I couldn't wait to join him. We'd be together again, building the life we'd talked about for so long.

Just the thought made me smile, even though an annoying voice filled with doubt kept nagging at the back of my mind.

Which I was ignoring with prejudice!

It's nerves—nothing more!

I wasn't a fan of change, and I'd been in and out of way too many foster homes and group homes to ever be. Coming home from school only to hear, "Pack your stuff, you're leaving," was the worst.

I didn't plan on going far, but I just needed some air and something to eat.

And you need to stop thinking.

But as I walked down the street, my thoughts kept going back to Chuck, like they had been a lot recently. I missed him. I missed the stability he brought, the way he always seemed to have a plan. I'd never had that before, growing up the way I did. Chuck was dependable, and I needed that.

Things are good… really good.

I stopped outside a small café, the smell of coffee and fresh bread hitting my nose and making my stomach growl. Fresh bread was literally the best thing ever... please let them have a panini. The place didn't look fancy, but it was cute.

I was halfway through the door when a voice I hadn't expected—or heard in what felt like forever—stopped me in my tracks.

"Mylo?"

I froze, my heart jumping straight into my throat. No way—no freaking way—it couldn't be. I turned around, and there he was. Noah. The guy who legit changed—or saved—my life, whichever you wanted to call it. He was the one who showed me I didn't have to turn out the way everyone thought I would just because of where I came from.

It had been like a year or so, and in all that time, he hadn't changed much at all. He still had those same broad shoulders, the same kind eyes, and that easy smile that somehow always made me feel like everything would be okay.

"Noah?" My voice came out awkward, caught somewhere between disbelief and joy. And the huge, ridiculous grin spreading across my face? Yeah, no stopping that.

He laughed, pulling me into a hug before I even registered what was happening. "It's been too long, kid."

"I'm not a kid anymore," I said with a laugh, even though standing there with him made me feel sixteen all over again. When he pulled back, he gave me that look—the one that always made it feel like he could read my mind, even when I didn't want him to.

"You look good," he said, giving me a once-over with a nod of approval. "Culinary school must've treated you well."

"It did," I replied, though guilt twisted in my gut the second the words left my mouth. I wasn't sure Noah would approve of my choices. But they were mine, dammit. So why did I not want to tell him I was possibly leaving behind better opportunities here in Charlotte to chase after Chuck? You're not chasing! We had a plan. Still, that definitely wasn't the vibe I was going for.

"What about you? What are you doing here? What brings you to Charlotte?"

"Picking up supplies." He motioned to the bags at his feet. "Can't get half this stuff up in the mountains."

I smiled, shaking my head. "Still living that mountain life, huh?"

"Yeah, and it's been good—actually, better than good." His grin got wider, if that was even possible, and every inch of him had happiness written all over it. "I'm a dad now. Got a little girl, Lily. And another one on the way."

It took me a second to process that. "Wait... what? Oh my god, you're a dad?"

"Yep." He grinned even bigger, like the pride was too much to contain. "Wasn't easy, but you know how that goes." He chuckled, and I could tell just by looking at him—he'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. "I found my mate. Fell in love with someone I was supposed to hate. It was all very Romeo and Juliet , minus the poison."

I wasn't sure about the Romeo and Juliet part, but the rest of it sounded amazing.

"Wow," I said, not really surprised in the least. Noah would make a great dad. "That's... wild. You're a dad. But your kids are lucky to have you."

He nodded, pride written all over every inch of him. "Yeah, it's crazy. But hey, enough about me. What's been going on with you?"

I hesitated, trying to figure out how to summarize everything that had happened since we last talked. "It's... good. Chuck—he's the alpha I've been with for over a year—we're building a life together. Got all these plans lined up. We even bought a house. I think you'll like him—he's solid. The kind of guy with a plan, you know? He even got a good job recently, so he had to move, and he has the same goals as me. We're both ready to settle down soon."

I knew I was rambling, but I couldn't seem to stop myself. Once I started, the words just kept spilling out.

Noah tilted his head, raising a brow as he studied me. "Stable, huh?"

"Yeah," I said, a little too defensive before I could stop myself. "He's got a good head on his shoulders. We got a place, and he wants a future with me, and that's what matters."

The words felt true... or at least close enough. Right?

He was quiet for a moment, his gaze holding mine in that way that used to make me squirm—but thankfully, I resisted. I could tell he was figuring out the best way to say what he wanted to.

"You sure that's all that matters, Mylo? You don't sound very passionate."

"I am," I insisted, though even I could hear the doubt in my voice. "I just... I've never had stability before, you know? Chuck gives me that. It's what I need."

Why did that sound like I was trying to convince myself too?

Ugh! Shut it, brain. You have an alpha, a home—everything is perfect, damn it!

Noah nodded slowly but didn't say anything, which always drove me crazy! Back then, he'd used it to make me figure things out for myself, but now... it felt like a mirror, and I didn't like it. It was written all over his face that he wasn't convinced, and maybe, deep down, I wasn't either. But I didn't want to think about that. Not now—not when I was so close to getting back to Chuck and everything I'd ever dreamed of having.

Damn it, I deserved the happily ever after... the picket fence and two-point-five kids.

"It's been four months since we've seen each other," I added, hoping to change the subject. "I bought a ticket to go meet him, but it's not for another week. Non-refundable, so I'm stuck here until then."

Noah's expression softened, and he leaned forward. "You know, I'm heading back to Redwood Falls right after this. I could give you a ride if you want. You'd get to see him a lot sooner."

I stared at him, stunned. "Oh my gosh, you'd do that?"

"Of course," he said with a grin. "You're like family to me, Mylo. I wouldn't leave you hanging."

Even though it had been almost four years since I'd heard those words, they still meant as much to me. I knew it was my fault no one was at my graduation. If I'd invited Noah, he would have been there, front and center, cheering me on. And I guess with his mate and baby... some guys got all the luck.

It will soon be your turn. Chuck and I had decided we would wait until we'd worked a couple of years, fixed up the house, and put money aside.

It didn't take much to convince me. The idea of seeing Chuck sooner made my heart race. Or maybe it was finally just getting started on a life that felt... normal, real... whatever it was, it was finally happening.

"Alright. Yeah, let's do it. Just let me get my stuff—I'm already packed."

We headed back to my place so I could grab my things. I didn't own much, at least not yet—foster care had taught me to travel light—but soon I wouldn't have to anymore. Soon, I'd have a home with Chuck, a place that was mine. Ours.

Once I put the last of my things into the bag I'd packed the second I finished my last assessment, I went looking for Tyler to let him know what was happening. He was still glued to his laptop, but he'd moved to his room, tapping away furiously—probably still submitting apartment applications.

"Hey," I said, leaning against the doorframe of his room. "So, change of plans."

He looked up, one eyebrow raised. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah," I nodded, trying to contain my excitement. "Noah—my old big brother, remember?—he's giving me a ride up to Redwood Falls today. I don't have to wait the whole week."

Tyler's expression softened, and he closed his laptop. "That's awesome, Mylo. You must be excited to see Chuck."

I smiled, even though that stupid knot of anxiety twisted tight in my chest. "Yeah, I am. It's been too long."

Tyler got up and pulled me in for a quick hug, thumping me on the back. "I'm happy for you, man. Just don't go ghosting me when you're out there living the dream, alright?"

I snorted, giving him a playful punch on the arm. "As if. Like I'd forget about you. You better stay in touch too—or I'm showing up at your door, no warning."

Tyler smirked. "I will, just as long as you send me pictures of the house. And the vegetable garden you've been going on about."

I snorted. "Deal."

We stood there for a moment, not saying anything, the weight of goodbye settling between us. Two years living together, and now it was all about to change. But this wasn't like foster care, where people drifted away and disappeared, like they were never really there to begin with. This felt different—like it actually mattered.

"Alright," he finally said, breaking the silence. "Go before I start getting all emotional."

I managed a small smile, fighting off the lump building in my throat. "You take care of yourself, alright?"

"You too," he said, giving me a small smile. "Text me when you get there."

"I will."

I walked out of his room and into the living room. I gave the apartment one last look before heading out the door. A weird mix of excitement and nerves hit me all at once, but maybe this was the good kind—the kind that comes from leaving something behind without knowing exactly what's next, but somehow knowing it's going to be good. Not like when I was shuffled between foster homes with no warning, bin bag in hand. This time, I got to decide. I was moving toward something—something I'd fought hard for, something that felt like the start of something real. Something that mattered.

Are you sure about that?

I ignored that voice. Things were great. This was it—the dream... the life... it was finally here.

And no one, not even Chuck, was going to take that away from me.

I was finally going to have a place of my own. An alpha of my own. Kids of my own. Life was finally swinging my way.

An hour later, we were on the road, leaving the city behind and heading toward Redwood Falls. The whole trip felt surreal, like I was standing on the edge of a cliff—but in a good way.

Is there a good way?

Ignoring. I was ignoring.

Noah and I fell into easy conversation, catching up on everything we'd missed over the past year or so. He told me all about his mate, their little girl, and the baby on the way—how his life had gone totally different from what he'd imagined.

And I was happy for him, I really was. But I still couldn't stop that flicker of envy. He had everything I wanted—a family, a home, someone who would miss him if he didn't come back.

Isn't that what you're building with Chuck? Isn't that where you're going right now?

Yes. Yes, it is, I told myself firmly.

I shook off the voice and took a deep breath as we pulled into Redwood Falls. The town was just as quaint as I'd imagined, and for a moment, it felt like everything might actually be okay. Like this was it.

This was home.

Noah pulled up in front of the address I'd given him—the place Chuck had found after landing that big job—and my heart raced in my chest. This was what I'd been waiting for.

I stepped out of the car, bag in hand, and climbed the front steps. My pulse was thundering in my ears, but I couldn't stop smiling. This was it. Us. The start of the life we'd planned. I rang the doorbell, my heart racing so fast it felt like it might explode.

This was it.

But Chuck wasn't the one who opened the door.

An omega answered. And he looked very surprised to see me.

Immediately, my gut twisted. My eyes landed on the fresh bite marks on his neck, and for a second, I thought I had the wrong house—or maybe I was dreaming. Right now, I was praying it was both... or either.

This couldn't be right.

Then Chuck's scent hit me like a punch to the gut. It was all over him—this omega standing in the doorway of our future. That's when I knew. Knew with every sinking, horrible part of me.

My voice wobbled. "I—uh, I think I have the wrong?—"

Before I could finish, I saw him.

Chuck.

Standing behind the omega. His eyes went wide when he saw me, but it wasn't the kind of surprise you'd hope for, like Oh my god, Mylo, I missed you so much. Nope. It was guilt. Pure, unmistakable fucking guilt.

I took a step back, everything around me spinning. The omega, the bite, the way Chuck looked at me—it all hit me like a damn tidal wave, and suddenly I couldn't breathe. My chest tightened, and I just couldn't seem to figure out how to breathe...

Shit! Fuck! I couldn't be here.

My brain was screaming: Run, get out of here now!

Chuck was mated... he was mate to someone else. He wasn't mine anymore.

Was he ever really mine?

I wanted to scream, to demand an explanation, but my throat felt squeezed shut. I couldn't even get the words out. Instead, I turned and walked away. Fast. Before Chuck or his omega could say anything. I didn't need to hear whatever excuse Chuck was about to give me. I fucking knew enough.

Stability. That's what I'd told myself I wanted. That's what Chuck was supposed to be. But now I realized I'd been lying to myself the whole fucking time. Chuck wasn't my future—he was just an illusion. Yet another cruel joke from the universe to me.

As I walked down the street, it felt like the world was collapsing all around me, like the weight of everything was finally coming down. I had no idea what I was going to do now. Everything I'd worked for, all the plans, all the dreams—it was over. Done. Just like that.

And I had nowhere to go.

Why didn't anyone ever want me? Why was I never good enough?

I was so screwed! Fuck, how had I let this happen? How had I let my life become this?

My brain kept screaming: This can't be real. This can't be real. Over and over again. But no matter how many times I pinched myself, I didn't wake up.

What do I do now? I felt like I was drowning in the weight of it all, and the only thing I could think was: Why wasn't I good enough for Chuck? Why wasn't I ever good enough for anyone to want to keep me?

I shouldn't have been surprised—my parents had dumped me in front of a firehouse. If they didn't want me, why would anyone else?

My eyes burned with tears, but I fought them back. I couldn't cry. Not here. Not now. Not where he—they—could see me.

Does it fucking matter if they can?