The Silver Wolf and the Gray Alpha

Beneath the Surface

Chapter 6: Beneath the Surface

Rain fell steadily outside as Misty stared through the dorm window, watching droplets trace paths down the glass. The sky was gray, her mood darker. She hadn’t seen Sutton all weekend—not since the text from Alicia. Part of her was relieved. The other part was restless.

Why did she even care?

A knock sounded on her door. She opened it to find Sutton, soaked, his jacket clinging to his broad shoulders, hair wet and messy. He held up two steaming cups of coffee like a peace offering.

“Thought you might need this.”

She stepped aside. “You’re dripping on my floor.”

“I’m dramatic like that.”

He handed her a cup, shrugging off his jacket. The smell of pine and spice drifted around her, pulling at something primal. She hated how familiar it was becoming.

“You okay?” he asked after a moment.

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” she said, sipping her drink.

He looked down. “Alicia shouldn’t have texted you. I didn’t know she would.”

“So you’re saying she’s wrong?”

“I’m saying I made mistakes. But you’re not a mistake, Misty.”

Her breath caught.

“You’re different. And it terrifies me, because I don’t know what to do with that.”

His honesty disarmed her. She searched his eyes for a lie but found none.

“I don’t want to be another name on your list,” she said softly.

“You’re not.”

Before she could respond, he stepped closer, brushing a hand down her arm. “Let me prove it to you.”

She closed her eyes as he leaned in. Their lips touched briefly—warm, hesitant, electric. When they pulled back, the air between them hummed.

“I should go,” he whispered.

She nodded.

But as he turned to leave, she grabbed his hand.

“Stay.”