Camilla POV

Where the hell are my keys?

I tore through my room, flipping pillows and rummaging through drawers in desperation. I needed to get out of the pack house—fast. But where had I left them?

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to pause. Panicking wouldn’t help. I closed my eyes, trying to recall the last time I had them in my hands.

Dressing table. That’s right—I had tossed them there when I came in last night. I rushed over, scanning the surface, but they weren’t there. My heart sank until I noticed a small glint between the wall and the table. Bingo. I reached down, grabbed the keys, and hurried toward the door, slipping out as quietly as I could.

I didn’t know where I was going, I just knew I had to leave.

And you guessed it—Malakai was on his way to my territory. I had overheard some pack members talking, and from what I gathered, he’d be here any minute. Without a second thought, I got into my car and sped off before anyone could stop me. Ever since I became Malakai’s girlfriend, my life had been under scrutiny. Eyes were always watching, waiting for me to step out of line.

My car glided onto the main road, leaving the dense forest behind. The radio hummed with an old tune I didn’t recognize, but the melody was catchy, and before long, I found myself humming along.

Minutes later, the sky darkened ominously. Lightning cracked through the gray expanse, and soon, fat raindrops splattered against my windshield. Within moments, the drizzle turned into a relentless downpour.

“Great,” I muttered under my breath.

I had seen the signs of an impending storm but had been too eager to leave to care. Now, all I could think about was how nice it would be to be curled up in bed, warm under a thick blanket, or maybe sitting by the fire, sipping hot chocolate with a book in hand. Instead, I was out here, drenched in regret and rain.

But I had no choice. Facing Malakai was not an option.

I took an alternate route, avoiding any path that could lead me toward him. The thought hit me like a punch—was this my future? Would I have to keep running? And who runs from their boyfriend?

Boyfriend. The word made my stomach twist.

The rain showed no sign of stopping, and I needed somewhere to wait it out. That’s when I remembered Susan raving about a cozy little café connected to a library in this city. Without thinking twice, I pulled up my map and found it wasn’t far. Perfect.

I parked in front of the quaint building, the glow from the windows inviting me in. The scent of coffee and freshly baked pastries wrapped around me as I stepped inside. I ordered a slice of cake and a hot chocolate, deciding to make the best of my escape. With my tray in hand, I climbed to the second floor, where the library section was, and picked a spot by the window. The streets outside were nearly deserted, the rain painting everything in shades of silver and gray.

Time slipped away as I lost myself in my book. When I finally glanced at the clock, I realized I had devoured half the novel—and my snack was long gone. My craving for another cup of hot chocolate pushed me downstairs.

“One more hot chocolate, please. And another slice of cheesecake.”

As I waited, my gaze wandered across the café. The soft murmur of conversations and the clinking of cups filled the air, but the atmosphere was far quieter than a typical coffee shop.

“One latte, please.”

My spine stiffened at the sound of the voice behind me. Familiar. Too familiar.

I turned slowly, and my breath caught in my throat.

Henry

Memories crashed into me all at once. He had been close to Hilda in my past life—until something happened between them. Something dark. I never knew the full details, but I remembered Hilda being devastated. The few times we had crossed paths, I had never felt comfortable around him.

A sharp pain twisted in my chest as the past threatened to drown me. I squeezed my eyes shut as if that could block out the wave of emotions.

“Are you okay?”

The deep voice jolted me back to reality. My body tensed. Was he talking to me? Please, let it be someone else.

I hesitated before opening my eyes. No such luck, Henry was looking right at me, his expression laced with concern.

I forced a weak smile. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

He didn’t look convinced. “You sure?”

“Yes. I was just…” I scrambled for an excuse. “Cold.”

Lame. Who closes their eyes because they’re cold?

Henry glanced out the window at the storm still raging outside. “Yeah, it’s brutal out there. You should’ve brought a jacket.”

I nearly sighed in relief. He bought it.

“Yeah… left mine at home,” I replied.

“I have one in my car. I can grab—”

“No, no, don’t worry about it.” I cut him off quickly. “I was just joking. I’m not that cold.”

A chill ran through me at that exact moment.

Henry chuckled, the sound deep and familiar. “Right. Sure.”

His laugh hadn’t changed. He was still the same as I remembered—carefree, easygoing. But seeing him again… It made me wonder. If things were unfolding the same way, did that mean I would still have to face Hilda and her accusations?

“Here’s your order.” The barista’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I grabbed my tray and turned to leave.

“Where are you sitting?” Henry asked.

“Upstairs,” I replied hesitantly.

“Mind if I join you?”

I hesitated. I should have said no. Should have just walked away. But for some reason, I found myself nodding.

“Sure… if you have the time.”

“Where else would I go?” he said, gesturing toward the rain. “Go ahead, I’ll grab my order and meet you.”

I nodded and turned toward the stairs, my forced smile fading as soon as I was out of sight. What was I doing? Why was I inviting him in? Was I walking straight into the same mistakes of my past life?

Minutes later, Henry sat across from me, setting his tray down. His coffee and chocolate cake mirrored my order. He took a slow look around, then placed a folded jacket on the table in front of me.

“What’s this?” I asked.

He smirked. “A jacket. Ever heard of one?”

I rolled my eyes. “Obviously. But why are you giving it to me?”

“You’re cold.”

“No, I’m—” I stopped when another shiver betrayed me.

He gave me a knowing look. “Just take it.”

I sighed and accepted it. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. I’m Henry, by the way.”

I already knew that, but I played along. “Camilla.”

“A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

I chuckled. “Are you flirting with me?”

“I’ll take my chances.” He flashed a grin. “It’s not every day you meet someone like you.”

“And what exactly do you want a chance for?” I asked.

“To know you better.”