Howling at the Same Moon

-Victor-

I leaned back against the sofa, nursing a can of Coke as I stared at Sam, who had that familiar skeptical look. He'd given me the side-eye since I dropped the bomb on him about Carina.

"You're telling me," Sam started slowly, his brows furrowed in disbelief, "that

Carina

--the

human

--is your true mate? Your soulmate?"

I nodded, feeling a strange mix of conviction and something else inside me--something I hadn't expected when I first met her. There was no denying it. The bond, the pull, the way everything about her just

fit

... It wasn't just some passing attraction. No. It was something deeper, something I couldn't shake no matter how many times I tried to reason with myself.

"Yes. She is. I'm sure of it." The words came out with more confidence than I felt. Because if I let myself question it--if I let the doubt creep in--I wouldn't be able to hold onto her the way I needed to.

Sam stared at me for a long beat before shaking his head with a short laugh. "Vic, you've got to be kidding. You can't have a true mate twice. It's not--"

"I know how it works," I snapped, cutting him off. "You think I don't? But I

feel it

, Sam--­ the bond, it's real. I know it sounds crazy. I want to doubt myself but every time I do, she somehow reassures me that it's real. And you've seen the way she looks at me."

His skeptical frown deepened as he rubbed a hand across his jaw, clearly unconvinced. "But she's a human. It's impossible. Could be just a crush."

"Maybe it's impossible for everyone else," I shot back, leaning forward, my voice low but intense, "but maybe not for me."

Sam sat back, eyes narrowing, trying to decide if I was bluffing--or if I was really this far gone. "And what about the plan? You know Seraphina's not going to take this well."

I shrugged. "Forget the plan. The plan was always a revenge ploy anyway--a way to destabilize the Buck Moon Pack. But now that I've touched her... I didn't know when I saw her that she wasn't a werewolf, that bit of information never surfaced from our inside source in his pack. How could I have known the moment I touched her that I'd recognize the bond. How the hell am I supposed to pretend she's just a pawn?"

Sam's jaw clenched, and I could see his mind working behind his dark brown eyes. "You're gonna throw it all away for this? You can't just do that, Victor. Seraphina won't let it slide; the pack will be pissed about that. The entire point was to steal her from Robert to screw him over. You know that. But she's human so he can screw himself without our help if he keeps her."

"Yeah, I know." I exhaled sharply, trying to ignore the tension in my gut. "But it's different now, she's not what I expected. And I don't care about the plan anymore. Seraphina isn't the Alpha, I am. She can fuck off. I'll figure it all out. Everybody knows a mate bond isn't the same as just falling in love with a human."

"Don't be an idiot." Sam leaned in, his voice low and serious now. "You've got to think about the consequences here. You might want her, but she's still human, mate or not. And you can't be with her the way you want without causing chaos. And Seraphina? She'll lose her shit. She's been waiting for years to make sure Robert doesn't get to keep what she thinks is rightfully hers."

I laughed bitterly, pushing my drink aside. "Seraphina can kiss my ass. She's had her chance to make a move and be Alpha of Buck Moon. I'm done playing her game. Carina's not a chess piece to be moved around. She's real, this is real. I just know it."

Sam shook his head, frustration clear in his posture. "You're making a big mistake. Don't say I didn't warn you... But I've got your back anyway. I'll help you figure this out."

"I'll deal with Seraphina later. She'll lose her shit. And when she does, it won't be screaming and crying. It'll be blood and broken bones. Right now, I've got to make sure Carina knows how much I want her. I've got to cut Robert off at the knees. I don't have any information about the extent of their relationship, but she's obviously not taking it seriously yet if she's still meeting guys in bars. Hell, for all I know, Robert doesn't even matter to her."

Sam's eyebrow lifted. "You sure about that?"

I frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Just saying, man. You sound like you're trying to convince yourself." Sam sighed, throwing his hands up in defeat. "Well, good luck. I hope you know what you're doing."

But I didn't need luck. Not this time. Something in me told me that Carina--

my

mate--was worth the war that was coming.

---

-Carina-

The text came through just as I was finishing up the notes for my last patient before lunch. I smiled when I saw it.

Victor: I've got lunch for you at the park across the street. Meet me when you're done.

I glanced at the clock--lunch break was just about here. I hadn't expected to see him today.

I tucked my phone into my bag and grabbed my black scrub jacket, deciding to enjoy the spontaneity. After a moment's hesitation, I pulled my ponytail up a little tighter, trying to tuck some loose curls out of my face before I made my way out of the office, crossing the street toward the park. The warm Spring sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the pavement as I spotted him waiting by a bench, a takeout bag in hand.

Victor was leaning casually against the bench, wearing that same confident, laid-back expression I was starting to like. As I approached, he looked up, his grin widening when he saw me.

"Well, look who finally showed up," he said, his tone playful as he straightened up.

I laughed, shaking my head. "You really do like to act like you're keeping track of me, don't you?"

He smiled, holding up the bag. "Lunch never tastes as good without the right company."

I raised an eyebrow as I took a seat beside him. "What's on the menu today?"

Victor handed me the bag, and I peeked inside to see an assortment of fresh sandwiches, fruit, and chips. "I figured I'd keep it simple today. No gourmet chef, just good old-fashioned deli sandwiches."

"Sounds perfect," I said, taking a sandwich and biting into it. "You know, you're a little unpredictable, Victor."

"Unpredictable, how?" he asked, settling beside me and pulling out his sandwich.

I shrugged, wiping a little bit of mustard from the corner of my mouth. "I didn't expect you to be a 'lunch in the park' kind of guy. But I'm not complaining."

"I like to mix it up," he said with a grin. "Keeps life interesting."

As we ate, we chatted about everything and nothing. There was an easy comfort to it, the kind of chatter that didn't feel forced. We just flow. In a way I hadn't expected with this daytime version of Victor.

After a while, the conversation slowed, and I found myself leaning back against the bench, looking up at the blue sky. The breeze was just cool enough to make me pull my jacket tighter around my shoulders.

"Thanks for this," I said, turning to look at him. "It's nice to have a break from everything. This morning was hectic."

He met my gaze, his expression softening. "I'm glad you came. Sometimes, we all need a little reminder to take it easy."

I smiled, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the sun. As the silence settled between us, I hesitated, picking at the edge of my sandwich for a moment, trying to find the right words. The cool breeze brushed past us, and I felt a flutter of nerves creeping in. I knew this conversation had to happen eventually, but I wasn't sure how to say it without making things awkward.

I glanced at Victor, who was watching me with that familiar, attentive look. His green eyes were steady, but there was a hint of curiosity there as if he was waiting for me to say something more.

"Victor", I started, my voice quiet. "I need to be honest with you about something."

He set his sandwich down, his full attention shifting to me. "What's on your mind?"

I took a deep breath, letting the words settle in my chest before I let them slip out. "I'm dating other people, and I just got back into dating so I'm figuring it out. I don't want to string you along if this doesn't go anywhere."

A flicker of something--too quick to catch--passed over Victor's face. He didn't speak right away, and my heart kicked up a little faster in the silence.

Shit. Was he disappointed? Annoyed? Had I misread something?

Finally, he leaned back against the bench, a deep breath escaping his chest. "I get it. That's fine."

I studied him carefully, not sure if he was just saying that to keep things uncomplicated or if he really meant it. "So, you're okay with that? With just... Letting it play out?"

He shrugged, still appearing both unbothered and bothered at the same time. His gaze drifted out across the park, watching a couple walk by, laughing and holding hands. When he spoke, his voice was easy, but there was something else in it. "Sure, why not? I'm not in the business of telling people what to do with their lives."

I let out a small breath. It was what I wanted to hear, even if the way he said it made it seem like it wasn't what he wanted.

"Good," I said, looking down at my lap and fidgeting with my napkin. "I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page, you know? I don't like keeping things from people."

He grinned, taking another swig of his soda. "No problem. It's nice to know we're both not looking for drama. Just two people hanging out and kissing on dark sidewalks."

"Exactly." I laughed.

Victor and I continued chatting as we finished our lunch, the conversation flowing again. He cracked a few jokes, and I laughed a little too hard at them, which only seemed to amuse him more. The air grew warmer than usual for an early afternoon, and the sun felt pleasant on my skin as we sat there, savoring the easy moment.

"So," he said casually, glancing at me with a teasing grin. "You heading back now, or do I get the pleasure of your company a little longer?"

I signed, shaking my head. "I think my boss would notice if I stayed out much longer. Unfortunately, back to work for me."

Victor walked with me across the street, approaching the back of the building by my side. He stopped me as we approached the back door. "Carina," he said softly, his voice a little deeper than before.

I turned back to face him, and my breath caught in my throat as he stepped closer to me until I had backed myself against the brick building.

Before I could say anything, he leaned over me, brushing his lips against mine. It was brief, but the heat of the barely-there kiss lingered, and a spark shot straight to my core. For a split second, everything else faded--the world, the noise, the questions swirling in my head--it was just him and me in this moment.

He pulled barely away for just a moment, his eyes dancing with something mischievous before his lips crashed against mine again, his body pressing against me. The heat and electricity flowing in my body was unbelievable. Instinctively, my hands grabbed a fistful of his shirt, tugging him impossibly closer. His response made my stomach jump as he suddenly leaned forward, grasped the back of my thighs, and lifted me, pulling my legs around him as he pressed me against the wall again, bringing us to eye level.

Wide-eyed, I looked into those green eyes in front of me before thinking,

fuck it,

and wrapped my arms around his neck and continuing the kiss, savoring the feeling of his body against mine. After a long moment, he pulled away again.

"I don't think this is the place to continue this... conversation," he murmured, his voice low.

Breathless, I slapped a hand against his chest, "You

tease

!"

He winked, giving me one last look before lowering me to the ground and stepping back. "Alright,

now

you have to go back to work."

I nodded, a little dazed by the kiss but straightening my top, trying to compose myself. "Yeah, I guess I do."

He gave me a nod and a dazzling smile before turning to walk to the parking lot. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself after that kiss, my heart still racing and a too-wide grin on my face. I was about to make my way to the front door when, out of the corner of my eye, something caught my attention.

Victor was standing by a sleek, sporty motorcycle. He pulled on his helmet with that effortlessness. The bike itself seemed to hum with energy, just like him, as he straddled it and revved the engine.

Before I could turn away, he was gliding toward me, the sound of the motorcycle's engine filling the space between us. He slowed to a stop in front of me, his helmeted face a mix of determination and amusement.

"Don't think you can handle a ride just yet," he teased, his voice muffled slightly by the helmet.

I raised an eyebrow, trying to suppress a smile. "Wanna bet?"

Victor leaned forward just a little, his smirk quickly covered by the snapped closing of the visor. "Careful, sweetheart. Once you're on, you might never want to get off. Let me know when you're ready for it..." and with that, he revved the engine again before I could respond and sped off with a burst of energy, leaving me standing there, a smile tugging at my lips.

I took a moment to compose myself, still feeling the heat of the kiss and the weight of the teasing words lingering in the air. I was supposed to be going back to work with a clear head, but for some reason, that little exchange was enough to make the rest of my day drag on longer.

---

The buzz in the office was electric when the delivery arrived right at closing time. Ansley called it in over the radio, and within seconds, everyone was gathering around the front. As always, Penny was the first one to rush over to the flowers, practically bouncing in excitement. Her face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.

"Who's the lucky lady?" she asked, her voice practically vibrating with anticipation as she pulled the card from the bouquet.

Everyone crowded around, their curiosity piqued. I couldn't help but glance at the stunning arrangement--lush red roses, delicate white lilies, and vibrant pink peonies, all tied together with a satin ribbon. They were beautiful, but the attention they were getting... not so much. The room was filled with whispers, a mix of excitement and envy. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, my heart racing in my chest.

Finally, Penny's voice cut through the tension. "It's for Carina!"

The whole office burst into applause and teasing comments, and I was instantly engulfed by everyone congratulating me and trying to get the scoop. I couldn't help but smile, but it was all I could do to fight off the flush of embarrassment.

I quickly turned my attention to the card in my hands. My fingers fumbled slightly as I slipped the card out of the envelope. When I saw the scrawled handwriting, a rush of warmth spread through me.

"There's nothing like a good ride to get your heart racing. I'll pick you up when you're ready."

-Victor.

My heart skipped a beat, and I pressed the card to my chest, trying to steady myself. I hadn't been expecting this--hadn't expected anything at all--but it hit me harder than I anticipated.

I swallowed hard and tucked the card back into its envelope, trying to compose myself. But the smile that tugged at my lips was genuine, even if my hands were a little shaky and my face was red from the attention. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my pulse, but my mind kept racing. The idea of what this could be--what Victor and I could be--left me feeling more vulnerable than I cared to admit.

"Well, don't just stand there, Carina!" Penny teased, nudging me playfully. "Who the hell is Victor!?"

I snickered, trying to play it cool, but the blush on my cheeks was undeniable.

---

I set my phone down, staring at the bouquet on the breakroom table. The flowers were beautiful--thoughtful, bold, confident. Just like Victor. A man who knew what he wanted. A man who had a way of making my heart race with just a few words, a single glance, a simple touch.

But then, almost on instinct, my mind drifted to Robert.

Robert didn't send flowers. He didn't flirt with reckless abandon or make grand gestures. But he noticed the little things--like how I took my Starbucks, The names of my family and friends, how I always chewed on my pen when I was thinking, or how I'd rather stay home than spend my time out and about all the time.

With Victor, I felt alive, electric--like stepping too close to a fire and loving the warmth, even knowing I might get burned.

With Robert, I felt at ease, like sinking into a familiar embrace, knowing I shouldn't get hurt.

I let out a slow, unsteady breath, rubbing my temples. This wasn't just casual dating anymore. This was something else. Something risky

.

And if I wasn't careful, I was going to break more than just my own heart.

I stared at the bouquet a moment longer, the weight in my chest growing heavier. Then, before I could stop myself, the words slipped out.

"I think I'm in trouble, you guys," I admitted, my voice low but carrying just enough weight to make Penny and Ansley snap their attention toward me. I set my purse on the table.

"Trouble?" Penny's eyes lit up. "What kind of trouble?" She was suddenly not in a rush to leave for the day.

I laughed, though it sounded more like a groan. "The kind where I've somehow managed to... develop a crush on two guys at the same time."

Penny gasped, her grin widening in that way that meant she was already hooked. Ansley, always the quieter, more analytical one, gave me a curious look before hanging her jacket back in her locker.

"Two guys?" Ansley asked, stepping forward as if I'd just told her the juiciest secret of the century. "And they're both into you?"

I shrugged, heat rising in my cheeks. "I think so. But I don't know what to do. It's not like I

planned

this. I was just... casting my net wider,

Penny

." I shot her a glare. "But now it's starting to feel complicated."

The door opened, and Dr. Romanov walked in, carrying her reusable mug and bag. "Complicated?" she echoed, her accent making even that word sound like a proclamation. She sat down gracefully, her curious eyes settling on me.

I sighed again. "I like both of them. They're great in totally different ways. And I feel like... I don't know. I'm torn."

Dr. Romanov raised an eyebrow. "Ah, a classic dilemma. You need clarity."

"That's what I was gonna say!" Penny piped up, practically bouncing in her seat. "Clarity is key!" I rolled my eyes.

Dr. Romanov nodded sagely. "You know what you need? A pros and cons list."

The room went silent for a moment, and then Ansley snapped her fingers. "Yes! That's

perfect

."

Before I could protest, Penny was already spinning, grabbing one of the massive peel-and-stick papers we used for team meetings and slapping it on the wall. She uncapped a bright pink marker and wrote across the top in big, bubbly letters:

"Carina's Men: Pros and Cons."

"Oh,

no

," I muttered, half-laughing, half-horrified. "Guys, we are

not

doing this."

"Oh,

yes

, we are!" Penny grinned, spinning around with a look of pure glee. "Come on, Carina. We're just brainstorming. Let's see... who's first?"

I rubbed my temples, knowing there was no getting out of this. "Fine. Let's start with Robert."

"Robert!" Penny wrote his name with a flourish. "Okay, pros first!"

"He's... Sweet," I started hesitantly.

"Sweet!" Penny repeated, underlining it with gusto.

"And he's protective. But not in a controlling way--like walking me to my car, or he takes the curb side of the sidewalk." I added, feeling a little bashful.

Ansley nodded thoughtfully. "He's a total gentleman! Oh, Remember how he brought you chai tea that one time just because he knew you were tired?"