Chapter 294

**Chapter 294**
**Judy’s POV**

Having a quick moment in the backseat of the rental car wasn’t part of my plans for the day. Yet, there I was, slipping out of the car and trying to fix my clothes. It was unexpected, but sometimes life surprises you.

I felt like my clothes were torn off by a wolf’s teeth. I turned around and saw Gavin staring at me from the backseat. He said he would let me go first so that no one would become suspicious.

He was still getting dressed while he watched me walk away.

I didn’t know what to say to him. Everything was getting confusing. I wrapped my arms around myself and hurried back to the arena before the next round began.

We had one more match left for the day.

The second part of this week is the day after tomorrow. Since there were so many of us competing, we were divided into two groups: Group A and Group B. I would have been in Group A if I hadn’t gotten injured and missed out.

The match took place yesterday, and the second part of Group A’s competition is tomorrow.

I have to admit, I was feeling nervous about this round. I haven’t been able to shift into my wolf form for a while now. There were times when we would shift in class, during our training sessions, but lately, it just hasn’t happened for me.

It had been a while since my wolf wanted to come out to play. Ever since my breakup with Ethan, she had been distant. But recently, she seemed more active and vocal in my mind.

Despite this change, she still felt a bit off. I knew I had to figure out how to bring her back fully into my life. I wanted to embrace that wild side of myself again, to feel free and alive. It was time to reconnect with my inner wolf and let her take the lead once more.

I had been nervous about shifting, scared that she would reject me if I tried. I knew I should at least attempt to shift and practice fighting in my wolf form, but something kept holding me back.

“Judy!” I called out.

I heard my name called from a short distance and turned to see Nan rushing toward me. She had a bright smile and a water bottle in her hand.

“I thought you might be thirsty, so I came to look for you,” she said, handing me the bottle.

I reached for the water bottle and grabbed it eagerly.

“Thank you,” I said, feeling relieved.

“You’re doing great, by the way. You really kick ass!” she said, giving me a tight hug. After a moment, she let go and turned away, ready to move on.

A couple of girls and a boy stood behind her. “I want you to meet my friends,” she said. “They’ve been great while I’ve been here all alone.”

“You aren’t alone, Nan. I’m here,” I reminded her, rolling my eyes playfully.

“Yeah, but you’re so busy,” she told me. “So anyway, this is Kelsey, Mac, and Tyler.”

I smiled at each of them. They nodded while she sang.

“It’s nice to meet you,” I said to them.

“Mac and Tyler are cousins,” Nan explained with a smile. She looked up at Taylor, who returned her smile with a grin. Watching them made my chest feel tight. The way they looked at each other shared something special that I couldn’t quite grasp.

Kelsey is Mac’s best friend. She is here to support her older brother, who is competing.

Tyler walked over to Nan. He looked like the typical handsome guy, and I could see from his confident stance and the way he carried himself that he was sure of his charm.

There was a sparkle in his eyes that told me he knew he was attractive. I watched as he placed his hand on the small of Nan’s back. I noticed her tense up a little at his touch, but then she looked up at him and smiled.

“I’m…” she started to say, but I couldn’t hear the rest.

“Let’s make sure our seats are still available,” he said to her quietly.

She nodded, nervously biting her lower lip as she glanced at the others.

“How about you girls go with him? I’ll catch up with you later,” she suggested.

“Nice to meet you,” Nan said to them.

They both nodded in response.

—

**Chapter 204**

“It was nice meeting you, Judy,” Kelsey said as she turned to follow Tyler.

“Yeah, good luck out there!” Mac added, wishing them well.

“See you later!” she said, waving goodbye over her shoulder as she walked after her friends.

Nan shook her head and laughed at her friends before turning back to me, her face lighting up with a big smile.

“You’ve got this!” she encouraged. “Don’t be nervous. Your wolf will find you when the time is right.”

“You need her,” she said, placing a hand on my shoulder. Nan was my best friend for a reason—she really understood me. She knew about my worries and sensed that I was scared my wolf wouldn’t come, even without me saying anything.

I nodded and kept my eyes on Nan’s face. She was looking everywhere except at me.

“Nan…” I said, my voice steady. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

She hesitated, still avoiding my gaze.

She bit her lower lip and looked down at the ground.

“I’m not sure what you mean,” she murmured.

As she began to turn away from me, I quickly ran around her and stood in front of her. I made sure she had to face me.

I stood with my hands on my hips and asked again, “Is there something you want to tell me? Maybe about Tyler?”

She looked up and met my gaze, her eyes searching mine. I noticed her biting her bottom lip, clearly deep in thought.

“I swear, I saw blood,” I said. I looked back at her. When I looked into her eyes, I noticed they were filling with tears.