MYLO
Had I messed everything up?I knew I was the one who ended things with Holden, but that didn’t stop the ache in my chest.
For the past three days, I’d been holed up in my cabin with the curtains drawn, my phone off, trying to shut out the world. I wasn’t proud of it. My eyes felt raw from all the crying, and the worst part? It didn’t make anything better. If anything, I was left with more questions—questions not just about Holden but about myself. Why did I let my fears take over, driving a wedge between me and the only person who made me feel safe and wanted?
Noah had stopped by at least twice, his knock loud enough to be heard over the pounding in my head. I stayed on the couch, pulling the blanket tighter around me, hoping he’d get the hint. I didn’t want to see anyone—not even him. Especially not him. Because if I opened that door and saw his kind eyes, I’d break down all over again. And I was done breaking. Besides, I was still mad at him too.
Maybe I was overreacting. Maybe… maybe I’d made a mistake. Sure, Holden was keeping something from me, something big. And yeah, it hurt to be left in the dark while everyone else seemed to know. But did it really matter? So whatif my mind had run wild—turning him into a serial killer or cult leader? Maybe—just maybe—I should’ve been more patient, given him the time he needed. Because whatever he was hiding, it couldn’t be worse than this emptiness gnawing at me now.
I shut that thought down quickly. This wasn’t who I was. I wasn’t the kind of guy who let people keep secrets from him, even if they thought it was for my own good. I’d worked too hard to become independent, to trust myself, to let that happen again.
But damn, I missed him. I missed his voice, his warmth, that ridiculous half-smile that made my stomach do stupid little flips. And I hated myself for still loving him, even after everything.
I needed out of here—out of my head, out of this cabin, and away from the endless loop of self-pity that wouldn’t quit.
I pushed myself off the couch, grabbed my jacket, and pulled on my boots. Fresh air. I needed fresh air. And maybe a ride—that always helped. Holden and I had been riding almost every day, and even without him, the thought of taking Snowdrop out brought some comfort.
The late afternoon air hit me the second I stepped outside, sharp and cold, but it felt good. It reminded me that the world was still out here, even if my head was a mess. I made my way to the stables, shoving my hands deep into my pockets as if that might help me hold everything in.
When I reached the stables, a guy—Mark, I think—gave me a small smile. “Hey, Mylo. Haven’t seen you in a few days.”
I managed a weak attempt at a smile. “Yeah, just needed some time.”
He didn’t press, thank God. He just nodded and led me over to Snowdrop’s stall. “Heading out for a ride?”
“Yeah,” I said, rubbing Snowdrop’s neck. Her warmth and steady strength beneath my hand were grounding. “Just need to clear my head, you know?”
Mark gave me a knowing nod. “I’ll get her ready for you.”
In no time, Snowdrop was saddled, and I guided her away from the main grounds, letting her set the pace. The gentle sway of her gait, the cool breeze against my face, the rhythmic clop of her hooves—all of it helped. It didn’t fix anything, but it gave me something solid to hold onto, something real.
As I rode, my thoughts wandered to what it would mean if I left. Tyler had offered me a place to stay, even a job at his family’s restaurant. I had options. But the thought of leaving Holden behind—leaving behind this feeling of belonging—made my chest ache.
Holden was here. As much as it scared me—the idea of some awful secret lurking beneath the surface—I didn’t want to leave him. I didn’t want to lose this chance at something real, something good.
Snowdrop’s ears flicked as we rode deeper into the property, and I realized I hadn’t been paying attention. The trees grew thicker here, the air cooler. I wasn’t sure where I was.
Then I heard it—a low growl that made my heart jump into my throat.
Snowdrop tensed beneath me, her ears flattening. I looked up and saw them—wolves. Three of them, their eyes locked on me, bodies low to the ground, muscles coiled. Panic clawed at me, my heartbeat hammering in my chest as I tried to stay calm.
Snowdrop shifted beneath me, sensing my fear. I tightened my grip on the reins, forcing my voice to stay steady. “Easy, girl,” I whispered, my breath shaky. “We’re okay. We’re okay.”
But we weren’t. The wolves were circling now, closing in, their growls growing louder.
My mind raced. What the hell was I supposed to do? Turn back? Try to run?
Snowdrop whinnied, her muscles bunching beneath me, ready to bolt. If she did, I’d be thrown. Or worse.
“Hey!” I shouted, my voice cracking. “Back off!”
The wolves didn’t flinch. If anything, they moved closer, eyes locked on me, teeth bared.
I was frozen—absolutely frozen.
The growling surrounded me, my heart pounding in my ears. This was it—I was about to die. I couldn’t even take a proper breath, let alone think. Every instinct I had screamed at me to run, but I was frozen. Snowdrop shifted nervously beneath me, and I tried to steady her, but my hands were shaking so badly I could barely hold the reins.
I should’ve listened to Holden. I should’ve… I don’t know, paid more attention to where I was riding instead of letting my mind wander. My eyes darted around, catching sight of the wolves inching closer, their eyes locked on me like I was prey.
