Fracture
819 Words
Chapter 22: Fractures
Misty tried her best to smile. To laugh. To be the girl her friends remembered before Sutton, before heartbreak, before the ache of knowing she had let go of someone who had always shown up.
But it was hard. Especially when Phillip was around. Especially when Maddy was with him.
He was kind to her. Still brought her coffee before class—her favorite, just how she liked it. But that was all it was now: kindness. A habit. A gesture from someone too good to just walk away completely.
The rest of his attention? That went to Maddy.
Little things. The way he tousled her hair when she teased him. The soft brush of his fingers on her arm when he leaned in to speak. The way he looked at her—not like he was trying, but like it came naturally. Like she was his.
And maybe she was.
They sat together, always. Walked side by side. He brought her little gifts—books she mentioned, snacks she liked, even a scarf when the air turned cool. Nothing over-the-top. Just thoughtful. Just Phillip.
When the group hung out together—her friends and his—it was impossible to ignore how perfect they looked. Maddy fit into their rhythm like she’d been born for it. Her laugh echoed like music. Even Victor had warmed to her.
Misty laughed too. Participated. Smiled for the pictures. But inside, something twisted every time Phillip didn’t look at her. Every time Maddy leaned into him.
She told herself she deserved this.
She had chosen Sutton. Over and over.
But not anymore.
Sutton had been calling. Messaging. Even showing up outside her dorm.
She didn’t answer.
She was done.
One evening, the group decided to go out to a local hangout spot just off campus. A cozy lounge with music, outdoor seating, and warm string lights that made everything feel golden. Misty wore her favorite sweater, pulled her hair into soft curls, and did her best to breathe. To focus.
She was seated beside Jaz, laughing at something Leo said, when she felt the shift.
The energy.
Like static on her skin.
She turned.
Sutton.
He walked toward her slowly, a crooked grin on his face that she had once found charming. Now, it made her stomach twist.
“Misty,” he said smoothly. “Can we talk?”
Her spine straightened. “No.”
“Just for a second.”
“I said no, Sutton.”
His smile faded slightly. “Don’t be like that.”
“I said leave me alone.”
He reached out, fingers brushing her arm.
Phillip moved before anyone else.
He was at her side in seconds, stepping between them. Calm. Unshaking.
“Take your hand off her.”
Sutton scoffed. “And who the hell are you supposed to be?”
“Someone who won’t let you touch her again.”
Sutton laughed. “She’s mine, buddy. Go play hero somewhere else.”
Phillip’s jaw tightened.
Then it happened.
A blur of motion.
Phillip’s fist connected with Sutton’s jaw with such force and precision that it looked like choreography. Sutton stumbled back, stunned, crashing into a table. People gasped. Drinks spilled. Time slowed.
Kyle, Mitch, and Jake surged forward.
But Victor, Leo, and Austin stepped up.
Victor bared his teeth in a smile. “I dare you.”
Austin cracked his knuckles. “Please.”
Leo held his drink and said, “It’s been a slow week. Make it interesting.”
Kyle hesitated. Mitch glanced at Jake. No one moved.
Sutton groaned, pushing himself up, blood at the corner of his mouth.
He stared at Phillip like he was seeing him for the first time.
“You’re... you’re one of them,” he whispered.
Phillip didn’t respond.
He turned to Misty.
“Are you okay?”
She nodded, her voice caught in her throat. “Y-Yeah.”
“I’ll walk you home.”
She followed him quietly, the night wrapping around them like a shroud. Her heart pounded in her chest. She should’ve been embarrassed. Or angry. Or confused.
But all she felt was the press of something too big for her to name.
When they reached her dorm, she turned to him.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “Really.”
He nodded.
She hesitated, then stepped forward, reaching for a hug.
He stepped back.
“Have a good night, Misty.”
She froze.
He nodded once, then turned and walked away.
Misty stood in the doorway, watching his figure disappear down the path. Her chest burned. Her eyes stung.
She had lost him.
For real.
And she didn’t know how to breathe anymore.
Far off, somewhere beyond thought, her wolf stirred.
For one second, she thought she caught a scent—something deep and rich and familiar.
But it was gone just as quickly.
She closed her door.
And cried.
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