The sunbeam crept in like a nosy neighbor, sliding its golden fingers across Jayden's face, tapping him back to consciousness. He groaned, squinting against the assault, flinging an arm over his eyes with all the grace of someone who's been through... well, hell. His body ached, skin crusted with dirt and streaks of blood like war paint—scratches littering him like battle scars—but no deep wounds. No real damage.
"What... the hell?" he muttered, blinking up at the ceiling like it was gonna drop him an answer. "Where... am I?"
A voice, dry as sandpaper, cut through the fog. "You're in your room, genius."
Jayden's head whipped to the side, eyes landing on Jessica, who was perched lazily on the edge of his bed like a queen on her throne, arms crossed, dark circles under her eyes screaming zero sleep. She looked like she'd gone twelve rounds with exhaustion and somehow still kept that fiery glare.
"Jessica?" His voice cracked, confusion knitting his brows... and then it hit him like a freight train. The agony. The pain. The transformation. Jessica standing there, fearless, fierce... fragile. How he'd almost—
His breath hitched. His eyes blew wide.
"Jessica... are you okay? Did I... did I hurt you?"
She snorted, tossing her head back, that familiar sass lighting up her worn-out face.
"Well, you almost took my head off, so, y'know, I'm not feeling too great. But... no, you didn't hurt me." A small smile flickered through the exhaustion.
Jayden exhaled like he'd been holding his breath for days, glancing down at his blood-smeared arms with a grimace.
"Wait... what is all this? Whose blood—?"
"Relax." Jessica held up a hand, her tone calm but still tinged with a don't-mess-with-me edge. "It's just beast blood. You didn't hurt any humans."
Jayden's shoulders sagged, another wave of relief crashing over him. The forest flashed in his mind like broken film reels—snarls, trees, shadows—and then... nothing. A total blank.
"So I did run into the forest," he mumbled, piecing it together. His brows furrowed. "But how... how did I get back here? And how did she know it was only beasts?"
His eyes flicked up just as Jessica let out a massive yawn, stretching like a lazy cat. He couldn't help it—a little smile tugged at his lips. Even exhausted, she was... cute. Fierce and cute... a deadly combo.
"Jessica... did you follow me into the forest?"
She shrugged like it was no big deal, even though it actually was. "Someone had to keep an eye on your furry butt... and drag you back home. Don't worry, I stayed in the trees throughout the chaos. But as for the beasts that got close to you?" She grinned wickedly. "They're basically corpses now."
Jayden's heart warmed, his chest tight with gratitude. Reckless, stubborn, fearless... classic Jessica. And damn if he didn't love her for it.
"Thank you, Jessica. I—"
"Uh-uh, don't thank me yet." Her voice dropped, and suddenly her playful smirk twisted into something darkly mischievous. She pulled out... a tiny water pistol. Holding it up like it was Excalibur. "Now give me one good reason why I shouldn't blast you right now."
Jayden blinked, utterly baffled... and lowkey amused. She was serious... but also not serious. A water gun? Really?
Who threatens someone with a water gun?
"Jessica," he chuckled, raising his brows, "I'm... pretty sure water's not gonna hurt me."
She laughed, eyes glinting like a cat who just caught a mouse. "Oh yeah? You really think so?"
Jayden started laughing too, not until—
SPLOOSH!
Cold spray hit his bare skin, but... it wasn't cold at all. It was hot, like his skin had come in contact with fire.
"AHHHH—WHAT THE HELL?!" Jayden yowled, springing up like a cat on hot coals. His skin sizzled, the sting sharp and instant, like someone set his nerves on fire.
Jessica was doubled over with laughter, absolutely howling. "Hahaha! I can't believe it worked!!"
Jayden clutched his side, face twisted in shock and pain. "What—Jessica?! What the hell is in that gun?!"
She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, still cackling, then smirked like a villain in a teen movie. "Water... and a little something extra." She leaned in, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Jayden raised a brow. "What?"
Jessica grinned like a mad hatter. "Wolfsbane."
Jayden's eyes widened, he was flabbergasted. "Wolfbane?! But how...? When...? Where did even get it?"
Jessica just shrugged like it was nothing. "Uhm... the internet. Duh!" she muttered, eyes rolling hard enough to orbit.
Jayden rubbed his arm, wincing where the water had touched. "I can't believe you sprayed me with wolfbane, Jessica," he said, voice full of mock heartbreak.
Jessica scoffed, totally unimpressed. "Well, that's what you deserve for lying to me," she muttered, raising the pistol again, eyes locked and loaded.
Jayden's hands shot up in defense. "Whoa, Jess, chill! Please... that stuff hurts like hell!"
Jessica tilted her head, her lips curling into a wicked little grin. "Aww, but I thought water couldn't hurt you?" she cooed, bursting into laughter.
Jayden exhaled long and slow, giving her a look. "I'm so glad you find my pain amusing. Are you having fun?"
Jessica's laughter cut short as her brows furrowed. "Fun? Are you kidding me right now? I almost lost my damn head to the claws of the guy I—" she caught herself, growling under her breath. "And you think I'm having fun?!" Her finger tensed on the trigger, her grip white-knuckled.
Jayden's voice softened, regret dripping off every word. "I'm really sorry you had to go through that, Jessie. I can't even imagine what it must've felt like."
Jessica shook her head, jaw clenched. "No, I don't need your bloody sympathy. What I need is an explanation, Jayden. How the fuck are you a werewolf?" she barked, lifting the gun higher to show she meant business.
Jayden took a deep breath, his heart thudding. "I... I don't know?"
Jessica's frown deepened, her eyes narrowing. "You really expect me to believe that?"
Jayden let out a wry laugh. "I'm telling you the truth, Jessica. I wouldn't lie to you."
She let out a sharp scoff. "Oh, really? 'Cause lying is literally all you've done so far. You came into my room all sweet, talking about 'rebuilding trust' and 'telling each other everything.' And then—bam—I walk into your room and see the boy I love turning into a literal mythical creature." She threw her hands up, frustrated. "It felt like a scene straight out of a fucking novel."
Jayden blinked, her words hitting him like a lightning bolt, but the only word echoing in his brain was...
"You... love me?" he asked, lips twitching into a shy smile.
Jessica rubbed her temple, chuckled darkly—then suddenly sprayed him again. Jayden yelped, recoiling in pain.
"I ask the questions here, Jayden. Not you," she scolded, smirking like the devil herself.
Jayden gritted his teeth, biting back a groan. "Understood," he managed with a pained smile.
Jessica sighed, her bravado slipping just a little. "It's not funny, Jayden. I thought I was going insane, y'know? I thought something was wrong with me mentally." Her voice softened, and she finally lowered the gun.
Jayden's playful smirk melted the second he saw her face. "So... you really did see everything? That day, when I was sparring with Carl?"
Jessica nodded slowly. "Yeah. I saw the claws... the fangs... and that rage. But I told myself it was just my head playing tricks on me. I thought maybe I just hated you so much, I started seeing you as a monster." She shook her head, eyes dark. "But yesterday... when I opened that door and saw what you were turning into... I didn't know what to think anymore. I felt stupid. And betrayed."
Jayden exhaled hard. "I'm sorry, Jessica. I never meant to make you feel that way. But I swear to you— i didn't know what i was at the time. I only just found out about being a werewolf.. yesterday."
Jessica perked up with a frown. "Wait, so you knew about the full moon? And yet, you chose to sit comfortably in your room and wait for the transformation to happen. Why didn't you prepare for it? Like chain yourself far far away in the woods or something?"
Jayden groaned, scrubbing a hand down his face. "I did have a place set up. A whole plan. But I got into a fight on the way home and... well, that's how you found me in that alley. And by the time I woke up, it was too late. The moon was already up."
Jessica sighed, shaking her head in disbelief. "And that is exactly why you should've told me sooner. I could've helped, y'know."
Jayden's smile was small, apologetic. "I know, and once again, I'm sorry for not telling you something. But... Jessica, are you feeling okay? Like aren't you in shock about... everything that happened?"
Jessica laughed, shaking her head. "If I was, I wouldn't be here chatting with you right now. And you know how much I love fantasy elements. Honestly? I'm kinda psyched. A real-life werewolf in my house... it's so exciting."
Jayden shook his head, chuckling. "I know... but you don't seem scared."
Jessica scoffed. "Oh no, I'm still terrified. That's why I'm sitting here holding a pistol filled with water and wolfsbane," she giggled.
Then she looked him straight in the eye. "But... I trust you. Last night, when you lost control... you had your claws right above my head, ready to strike me. But you didn't. Even in your... primal state, you couldn't bring yourself to hurt me."
Jayden smiled, heart squeezing. "Well, i made you a promise, remember?"
Jessica smiled back. "You did. And for that—you can trust me too. Your secret's safe with me. I promise not to tell anyone."
Jayden stepped closer, his pinkie finger popping up playfully. "Pinkie promise?"
Jessica scoffed. "Do you think I'm stupid? I know you're just trying to get the gun,"
Jayden groaned. "Ughhh, is it that obvious?"
Jessica was giggling. "Yes, duh. But I'm not done with you yet." She pointed the pistol at him again, dead serious but grinning.
Jayden flinched, laughing nervously. "C'mon, Jessica! That stuff burns like hell!"
Jessica smirked, leaning back. "I know. That's why I'm doing it. Who knew wolfsbane would actually get your stubborn ass to submit? You look so pathetic." She cackled.
Jayden rolled his eyes. "You are so mischievous. I've apologized like... a million times already. What more do you want?"
Jessica's eyes sparkled. "Retribution."
Jayden let out a dramatic sigh. "Now you're just being evil."
Jessica cracked up. "Okay, okay. Here's the deal—I want to help you with this. All of it. Let me be your Stiles... or whatever."
Jayden shook his head fast. "Jessica... I don't think that's a good idea. I don't wanna drag you into this mess. I can handle it myself."
Jessica scoffed. "Says the guy who couldn't even plan his first transformation well. You need me, Jayden. Admit it,"
Jayden crossed his arms and sighed. "That was a mistake. And it won't happen again, but... Wait a minute, how'd you know it was my first transformation?"
Jayden folded his arms, sighing. "That was a one-time mistake, and it won't happen again. But... wait. How'd you know it was my first transformation?"
Jessica shrugged. "Because you screwed it up. And also—hello—I've never seen you suddenly turn into a lycan on all the other full moons we've had together."
Jayden took a deep breath. "Yeah... you're right. It was my first. And that's why you should understand—I don't know much about... any of this. Honestly, I don't know anything about being a werewolf. Heck, I don't even know how I am one."
Jessica tutted, waving the gun like a wand. "See? This is exactly why you need me. You can't do this alone. Let me in, Jayden. We always stick together, remember?"
Jayden rubbed the bridge of his nose, groaning. "You're not gonna give up, are you?"
Jessica shook her head, eyes shining. "Nope. You should know that by now. I'm not leaving you alone in this."
Jayden sighed, surrendering. "Fine. You can be a part of it."
Jessica beamed. "Good. Not like you had a choice anyway." She grinned, still pointing the pistol at him like a queen on her throne.
Jayden chuckled, eyeing the gun. "I have a feeling you enjoy seeing me submit to you."
Jessica laughed. "Oh, absolutely. And last night—when you held yourself back from hurting me, even though it hurt you? I realized something." She smirked. "I'm the only one who can calm you down... just like with the Hulk and Natasha, hehe." She giggled.
Jayden chuckled low. "Yeah... you're my anchor."
Jessica tilted her head. "What was that?"
Jayden shook his head, smiling. "Nothing."
"Mmhm... okay," Jessica hummed, clearly not buying it. "Anyway... let's start prepping for the next full moon."
Jayden shook his head. "Actually... you don't have to worry about that. This won't happen again. I won't transform under the full moon again... not unless i want to,"
Jessica's brows shot up. "And how do you know that?"
Jayden rubbed the back of his neck, grinning nervously. "Well... I found a reliable source yesterday. And they've been accurate about everything so far,"
Jessica squinted but shrugged. "Okay, whatever. But I'm still in this."
Jayden smirked. "Of course. You're the only one who can calm me down if I go beast mode again. Can't do this without you." He flashed her a playful grin.
Jessica raised the pistol. "Let's not forget who's holding the gun."
Jayden gulped, smiling wryly. "Right. Sorry."
"Good," Jessica said with a satisfied sigh. "Now—start talking."
Jayden raised a brow. "Huh? I already told you everything I know."
Jessica shook her head. "No, you haven't. I can see it in your eyes, there's more you're not telling me. I want to know what it is. I want to know everything. Spill it,"
Jayden chuckled. "I'm serious, Jessica. I told you everything,"
Jessica's eyes hardened. "You have ten seconds to start talking, Jayden. Or i will spray you right in the face."
Jayden sighed in pure defeat. Jessica didn't look like she was kidding. And he really didn't want to feel that burn again.
"Okay, okay. Fine, just... put the gun down," he muttered.
Jessica scoffed. "In your dreams."
Jayden rubbed his temples. "Suit yourself. But just know... this is a long story."
Jessica shrugged. "I'm all ears."
Jayden sighed deeply. "Alright. You know that before I came to live with you, I lived on an island far away from civilization, right?"
Jessica nodded slowly. "Yeah... so?"
Jayden exhaled. "Well... it wasn't just any island. It was a haven. A place where the Oneiri lived."
Jessica shuddered. "Wait.. what are you trying to say?"
Jayden exhaled. "What I'm trying to say is... I grew up with beastmen,"
Jessica's eyes widened, her arm dropping just a little. "Wh... what?" she whispered, barely breathing.
....
"So... your mother was actually killed by the EVA? And your sister was taken somewhere you don't know?"
Jayden gave a quiet nod. "Yeah," he said softly, voice trailing like a shadow.
Jessica's eyes darkened, her playful glint fading into something heavier—something raw. She stared at him, lips pressed tight, her eyes shimmering with guilt. "God... Jayden, I—I had no idea. I'm so sorry. I feel horrible." Her voice wavered, cracking just a bit. "I left you all alone back then, didn't I? I thought I was... I don't know, doing the right thing. But now—now I just feel like I was a total idiot."
Jayden stepped closer, his smile gentle, almost bittersweet. "Hey, hey... don't do that to yourself," he murmured, brushing a knuckle lightly down her arm. "You couldn't have known. None of this was your fault."
Jessica's shoulders shuddered with a breath she'd been holding too long. "But it was my fault. I called myself your best friend... but I didn't even see what you were really going through. And when things got messy, I... I just left." Her eyes welled up, glassy and fierce. "I abandoned you, Jayden. I can't forgive myself for that."
Jayden sighed and dropped down beside her on the bed, resting his elbows on his knees. His smile flickered with sadness but warmth, too. "Jessica... I pushed you away, remember? I thought I was protecting you by keeping it all buried. I didn't want anyone to see the mess I was."
Jessica wiped at her eyes, shaking her head with a watery laugh. "God, you're an idiot sometimes." She sniffled and smiled back. "But now that I do know everything... I'm not going anywhere. I'm in this with you, Jayden. I want to help you find your sister. I want to help you find... happiness."
Jayden's eyes softened, something deeper flickering in their depths. He leaned in slightly, his voice a low murmur, teasing but achingly sincere. "Thanks, Jessica, but... you're all the happiness that i need," he whispered
Jessica's breath hitched, her cheeks flaring crimson as she turned her face away. But just as fast, she snapped back, eyes gleaming with that familiar wicked light.
Suddenly, Jayden felt something cold and sharp press into his stomach.
He glanced down... and froze.
Jessica's pistol was snug against his abs, her lips curling into a dangerous, deadly smirk.
"What's the matter, Romeo?" she purred, eyes twinkling. "Cat got your tongue? Come on, keep going. I dare you."
Jayden gulped, his skin breaking out in a thin sheen of sweat. "Uh... n-nope! I'm good, thanks!" he squeaked, holding up his hands like she had the FBI behind her.
Jessica chuckled darkly. "Good boy." She pressed the gun just a little deeper, making him squirm. "Now, how about you scoot back... slowly?"
"Y-yes ma'am," Jayden muttered, practically leaping off the bed like it was on fire. He straightened up fast, backing away with his palms raised. "Whatever you say, my lady." He even threw in a mock bow for good measure.
Jessica burst into giggles, covering her mouth to hold it in. "God, you're adorable," she teased, eyes sparkling.
Jayden straightened up, smirking like he'd just won the lottery. "Oh? Could you repeat that? I didn't quite hear you,"
Jessica's eyes narrowed playfully, and she raised the gun toward his face, her finger hovering right over the trigger. "You were saying?"
"Ah—nothing! Nothing at all!" Jayden laughed, stepping back fast.
Jessica lowered the gun, grinning. "Mm-hm. That's what I thought." She stretched her arms overhead, yawning. "Ugh... man, I'm exhausted."
Jayden chuckled, eyes crinkling. "Didn't sleep much, huh?"
Jessica shot him a mock glare, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Gee, I wonder why." She rolled her eyes but smiled anyway.
Jayden stepped closer, his tone turning soft. "You can sleep in my bed if you want,"
Jessica instantly raised the gun, eyes narrowing like a cat sizing up its prey. "Not a chance in hell,"
Jayden laughed, raising his hands in surrender as she got up, stretching her back out with a satisfied sigh.
Jessica lingered by the door, casting him a sly look. "And FYI? I'm so not done with you yet. You owe me, big time. You must compensate me for all the trouble i went for you last night. And this morning,"
Jayden grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Of course, I was actually thinking of preparing dinner tonight. To express my deepest gratitude,"
Jessica's eyes lit up like sparklers, she would get to taste Jayden's cooking again. "Oh, that sounds nice. Just... make it spicier this time," she winked
Jayden laughed. "All right, all right. But actually... I was also thinking maybe we could go out to dinner instead. Y'know, just... the two of us?"
Jessica sighed dramatically and pointed the gun right between his eyes. "You seriously don't learn, do you?"
Jayden's smile was all nerves and charm. "Guess not."
Jessica stared for a beat, then shook her head with a chuckle. "Did last night transformation do something to your brain? 'Cause you're... kinda different now."
Jayden shrugged, teasing. "Maybe i am. Or... maybe this is just the real me."
Jessica howled with laughter. "Ha! The real you? Please. The real you is terrified of heights and used to freak out climbing the bleachers."
Jayden pouted dramatically. "That was ages ago. I'm over it now."
Jessica grinned, eyes twinkling. "Mmhmm. Whatever you say, wolf boy."
She reached for the door, but before she left, Jayden called softly, "Jessie."
She paused and glanced back, her eyes softer now. "Yeah?"
Jayden smiled, his voice warm and real. "Thanks. For everything. I wouldn't have made it through last night without you."
Jessica beamed, a little tired but shining anyway. "Told you…you need me."
Her gaze lingered for a moment, warm and steady. "And just like you'd never leave me... I'll never leave you, either. We're stuck with each other, right?"
Jayden's heart thudded. He nodded, his voice low. "Yeah... always."
Jessica exhaled with a sleepy grin. "Okay, now seriously—I need a nap before I collapse."
Jayden chuckled. "Sweet dreams."
She waved him off, turning to leave—but then she stopped, her hand on the doorframe.
"Oh, and Jayden?"
He looked up. "Yeah?"
Jessica grinned, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I love your new hair. It suits you... just like old times."
Jayden blinked, confused. "Huh? What are you...?"
But she was already gone.
Jayden furrowed his brow, glancing toward the mirror—and froze.
His reflection stared back, wild-eyed and... different.
His hair, once dark, was now shimmering silver.
"What... the hell?" he whispered, fingers flying up to his head, running through the silky, moonlit strands.
His heart pounded.
"How the hell did this happen?!"