Chapter 77
Ellie's POV
"Yeah." He let out a breath. "I fucked up. I was so focused on making things easier for you that I didn't stop to consider your autonomy. That's on me." He met my eyes, and there was something raw in his expression. "I don't want to be another person who makes decisions for you, Ellie. If that's what I'm doing, then I'll change it. Starting now."
The knot in my chest loosened. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me for basic respect." But his lips curved into a small, rueful smile. "Though I appreciate that you called me out instead of just... letting it slide. That takes guts."
I huffed a laugh. "Or severe Lucas-induced trauma."
"Both can be true." He shifted his weight, looking uncertain in a way I'd never seen before. "So. Going forward—we talk about things before I handle them. Even if I think I'm helping. Deal?"
"Deal." I extended my hand, mock-serious.
He shook it, his palm warm and calloused against mine. "Good. Now—since we've established that you're actually free this afternoon—do you want to explore Cedar View? The town, not just the campus?"
Something in me relaxed at the phrasing. Do you want. Not we should or I think it's best. Just... asking what I wanted.
"What's in Cedar View?" I asked.
"Old town district has some vintage bookshops, antique stores, that kind of thing. There's also Echo Canyon on the outskirts—hiking trails, scenic overlooks." He paused. "But we can do whatever you want. Or head back to campus if you'd rather."
"Old town," I decided. "I want to get something for my roommates. They've been really supportive lately, and I haven't properly thanked them."
Jackson's expression softened. "Yeah. We can do that."
The drive back toward Cedar View took us through hills dotted with cedar trees, their dark green branches swaying in the wind. I watched the landscape change, feeling something settle inside me.
You're stronger than you believe, Thalia murmured. And this male... he sees that strength. Respects it.
I glanced at Jackson. He was focused on the road, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on his thigh. Completely at ease. Not watching me like I might break. Not calculating risks or managing variables. Just... there.
"Thank you," I said quietly.
He shot me a quick look. "For what?"
"For listening. For not making excuses." I fiddled with the hem of my dress. "For being different."
His hand twitched on the wheel, like he wanted to reach for me but stopped himself. "You make it easy, Ellie. Being honest with you. You don't let people hide behind bullshit."
"Is that a compliment?"
"Absolutely." His phone buzzed in the cup holder. He glanced at it—long enough for me to see Isabelle's name on the screen—then returned his attention to the road.
"Everything okay?" I asked.
"Yeah. Just Isabelle checking in." He didn't elaborate, but something in his tone made me wonder what she'd said. What the Martinez family thought about me, about this whole situation.
But Jackson had promised honesty. If it was important, he'd tell me.
The cedar trees thickened as we approached town, their scent filtering through the slightly open windows. Sharp and clean, like the forest itself was welcoming us. Thalia stirred, responding to the wild spaces even through glass and steel.
"Hey, Ellie?" Jackson's voice pulled me from my thoughts.
"Yeah?"
"Next time I'm about to do something that affects you—even if I think it's helpful—I'll run it by you first. I promise."
I smiled, something warm unfurling in my chest. "Good. Because next time, I might actually need to go to that class."
He laughed, and the sound filled the car like light.
---
The shopping bags felt lighter than they should've as I made my way across campus toward Wilton Hall. Inside were organic tea for Lily and vintage drop earrings Megan had literally squealed over in a boutique window two weeks ago. The evening was crisp, campus lights warm against the darkening sky, and I couldn't wait to see their faces.
Pack gifts, Thalia murmured contentedly. Strengthens bonds.
They're not pack, I corrected silently. Just college roommates. They're not even wolves.
They protect you. Share space. Defend against threats. Thalia's logic was simple, absolute. Pack.
I didn't argue further. Because in some ways, she was right. Lily, Megan—they'd stood by me when Lucas hadn't. They'd celebrated my victories and caught me when I stumbled. Maybe they weren't pack in the traditional sense, but they were something close enough that even my wolf recognized it.
Fine, I conceded. Pack gifts it is.
Thalia's satisfaction hummed through me like a purr.
I swiped my key card at the entrance. Rode the elevator up to the third floor, still mentally rehearsing how I'd describe the seal pups. The way that one kept sliding off the rock, over and over, determinedly trying again. Lily would love that—
A few students passed me in the hallway. Weird looks. Whispers that cut off when I met their eyes.
I frowned but kept walking. Probably just gossip about Lucas showing up at the hotel. Whatever. Not my problem anymore.
I pushed open the door to 304. "I'm back! You guys won't believe—"
The words died in my throat.
The room felt like a tomb. Megan was curled on her bed, knees to chest, face buried in her arms. Her eyes—when she lifted her head—were swollen like walnuts, tear tracks still wet on her cheeks. Lily stood by the window, phone clutched in white-knuckled hands, her face caught between fury and helplessness.
The shopping bags nearly slipped from my grip.
My heart clenched. Hard. Thalia immediately went on alert, nostrils flaring—Fear scent. Shame scent. Salt and tears.
I let the door close softly behind me. My feet automatically moved lighter, quieter. "What happened?" I mouthed silently to Lily.
She jerked her head toward the tiny balcony.