All the wrong reasons

The engine purred like a beast just below the surface, waiting to be let loose. Tristan grinned as he leaned forward over the steering wheel, headlights cutting through the thick mist of the forest road. His girlfriend, Rae, laughed beside him, barefoot on the dashboard, one hand out the window catching moonlight like water. “You're going to get us killed,” she said, but her smile said she didn’t mind. “Only if we’re lucky,” Tristan muttered, gunning the engine just as the road curved. Tires squealed, gravel spat, and the car fishtailed just enough to make Rae scream and slap his arm. He laughed, wild and full, the sound echoing between the trees. This was how he lived—on the edge of too far. Second son of the Crescent Pack’s alpha. Born into power, but never meant to rule. That was his brother Micah’s burden—golden boy, perfect future Alpha, always making their father proud. Tristan? He was the storm in Micah’s shadow. And he liked it that way. Tonight, the pack was supposed to be preparing for the midsummer run. Formal speeches, elder blessings, assigned routes, even a rehearsal. Tristan had slipped away before sunset, taking Rae and two of his closest friends—Cass and Jace—with him. The woods were theirs tonight, not the pack’s. After the drive, they parked in the clearing by the lake. Cass already had a bonfire going, her boots kicked off and a bottle of something too strong for their age pressed to her lips. Jace was half-shifted in the water, glowing silver under the moonlight, daring the spirits of the lake to pull him under. Tristan peeled off his shirt, his lean muscles glowing under the moon. Rae trailed her fingers down his back, and he turned to kiss her, hard and fast. She giggled against his lips, then bit him—playfully, but sharp. They both knew it wouldn’t leave a mark for long. “You hear they’re making your brother give the Oath this year?” Cass called out, tossing a beer to Tristan. “Real future Alpha stuff. Bet your dad finally lets him shift fully in front of the council.” Tristan snorted. “Micah’s been shifting clean since he was thirteen. He’s just been waiting for Dad to show it off.” “You jealous?” Jace called from the lake. “Nope.” Tristan cracked the beer open. “I don’t want to lead sheep.” “You’d rather crash cars and make babies?” Cass said, grinning wickedly. Everyone laughed—but Rae fell quiet beside him. Tristan glanced at her. She looked away, too fast. His hand moved to her waist, reassuring, possessive. “Relax. They’re just talking shit.” But Rae’s silence stayed with him even as the laughter picked back up. Later that night, they ran. Stripped and shifted under the moon, they moved like shadows—bare skin turning to fur and fang. Tristan’s wolf was fast and dark, his eyes amber in the dark. He led the charge, snarling and howling with freedom, Rae just behind him, smaller, sleeker. They chased each other like it was instinct. Like they were made for this. He caught her once, tackled her into the soft moss. Their wolves nuzzled before they shifted back, breathless and still half-feral in the night. “Stay with me,” he whispered, brushing hair from her damp forehead. “Where else would I go?” The next morning came too soon. The packhouse was already awake when Tristan crept in, shoes muddy, shirt unbuttoned. His father stood on the porch, arms crossed, face granite. The moment Tristan stepped into view, Alpha Garrett’s voice sliced the air. “You missed your duty.” “I had my own run,” Tristan replied, brushing past him. “The moon didn’t seem to mind.” “Your brother covered for you.” “Of course he did.” “You act like that’s something to be proud of.” Tristan turned, jaw tight. “It’s something I trust.” Garrett looked at him for a long time—studying, measuring. Then he spoke, quiet but sharp. “She’s pregnant, isn’t she?” Tristan blinked. “What?” “I can smell it. Rae’s carrying pups.” For once, Tristan didn’t have a comeback. He swallowed hard. His father sighed, something between disappointment and strange pride flickering in his eyes. “Irresponsible. And yet… maybe this will be what settles you.” Tristan didn’t answer. Didn’t know how. He wasn’t ready for pups. He wasn’t ready for anything, except running. Except firTristanght and full moons and Rae’s laugh echoing behind him. But a storm was already gathering on the edge of that world. He just couldn’t hear the thunder yet.