Chapter 15: The boy next door

Shanella Anderson

I felt a rush of relief as Brad and I finally stepped into our dorm room. The day had been long, and keeping up the act of being Shane Bolton was draining me more than I wanted to admit. The moment the door clicked shut, Brad grinned, tugging me close.

“You survived,” he teased, brushing his lips lightly over mine.

I giggled softly, though my nerves still lingered. “Barely.”

He kissed me deeper this time, and I let myself melt into him. For a moment, the world outside didn’t matter. It was just us. But then—

A loud noise echoed from the hall.

Brad and I broke apart, both frowning. “What was that?” I whispered.

Brad tilted his head, listening. “Sounds like someone moving in.”

Curious and cautious, we both leaned toward the door. I cracked it open just enough to peek. My breath caught.

There, right across the hall, was Billy Hamilton. He was tossing a bag onto the bed of the smaller room at the end. Unlike the other rooms that held two students, this one was clearly for a single occupant. His.

Billy glanced up, catching us watching him. His eyes narrowed. “What are you looking at?” he asked seriously, his voice sharp.

I froze, my pulse spiking.

Brad’s jaw tightened. Without a word, he quickly shut our door with a firm click.

I turned to him, heart racing. “Brad… I don’t feel good about this.”

His eyes searched mine. “Because he’s next door?”

“Yes,” I whispered, wringing my hands. “Billy’s too observant. What if he finds out? What if he knows I’m not…?”

I trailed off, unable to say the word. Not a boy.

Brad stepped closer, his hands gently gripping my shoulders. “Hey. Look at me.”

I lifted my eyes to his steady gaze.

“Billy won’t find out,” he said firmly. “Not if we’re careful.”

“But Brad…” I swallowed hard. “What if he smells me? You said before—other wolves might sense I’m not what I say I am.”

His expression darkened slightly. “Yeah. That’s what worries me. Billy’s strong. His wolf might pick up your scent before anyone else does.”

My chest tightened. “Then what do I do?”

“Be more careful than ever,” Brad said. “Mask your scent every morning. Stay close to me when we’re outside. Don’t let him corner you alone.”

I nodded slowly, though dread churned in my stomach. “I don’t like this. He already teases me too much. And now he’s right there. So close.”

Brad exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t like it either. But we’ll manage.”

I tried to smile, but it faltered. “Brad… what if he figures it out?”

He leaned in, pressing his forehead gently to mine. “Then I’ll make sure he keeps his mouth shut. No one’s taking you away from me, Shanella. Not him. Not anyone.”

The sound of drawers slamming carried through the wall, making me flinch. I looked toward the door nervously. “He’s so close. I can feel it.”

Brad cupped my cheek, forcing me to look back at him. “Then let him be close. It doesn’t matter. As long as you’re with me, no one can touch you.”

“But—”

“No buts,” he interrupted softly, kissing my forehead. “You trust me, right?”

I nodded slowly. “Of course I do.”

“Then let me protect you. Always.”

Despite the fear curling in my chest, his words steadied me. I leaned into him, whispering, “I don’t deserve you.”

He smirked faintly. “You deserve the world. And one day, I’ll give it to you.”

My heart squeezed, but before I could answer, there was a knock on our door.

I jumped, wide-eyed.

Brad stiffened. “Stay behind me.” He moved to open the door just a crack.

On the other side stood Billy, leaning casually against the frame with that infuriating grin of his. “Relax,” he drawled. “Not here to fight. Just thought I’d introduce myself properly… neighbor.”

Brad didn’t move the door any wider. “We know who you are.”

Billy smirked, his eyes flicking past Brad like he was trying to catch a glimpse of me. “And Shane, right? Packless wonder.”

My stomach twisted.

Brad’s tone hardened. “You got something to say, Hamilton?”

Billy’s grin widened. “Not right now. Just thought it was interesting that out of all the empty rooms… I got the one next to yours.”

Brad didn’t answer, his grip tight on the door.

Billy chuckled softly. “See you around.” And then he turned, retreating back to his room.

Brad shut the door firmly, locking it this time. He turned to me, his expression tense.

“See what I mean?” I whispered. “He’s watching me. I know it.”

Brad crossed the room and pulled me into his arms. “Then let him watch. He’ll never know the truth. Because I won’t let him.”

I pressed my face into his chest, clutching his shirt. “Brad… I’m scared.”

“I know.” His hand rubbed soothing circles on my back. “But listen to me. You’re not alone in this anymore. We’ll get through it together.”

I tilted my head up, meeting his eyes. “Promise me?”

He kissed me softly, sealing the words against my lips. “Promise.”

But deep down, as another muffled sound came from Billy’s room, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my secret was already standing on the edge of discovery.

And that terrified me more than anything.

That night, the dorm hallways were quiet, only the soft hum of the lights breaking the silence. Brad was in the shower, the sound of running water muffled through the bathroom door, and I thought I’d slip out quickly to grab a drink from the vending machine.

I hugged my hoodie closer around me, trying to shake off the unease that had been gnawing at me all evening.

As I bent down to grab my soda, my foot slipped on the polished floor. My breath hitched as I stumbled, certain I was about to fall.

But instead of hitting the ground, a strong arm wrapped firmly around my waist, pulling me against a solid chest.

My heart slammed in my chest as I lifted my chin—and froze.

It was Billy.

His eyes locked onto mine, far too close, his breath warm as he smirked.