John Maya's POV
As Mrs. Lorenzo dismissed us and told everyone to head to the bonfire—our nightly tradition at winter camp where we relaxed with music before bed—I stole a glance at Lima.
Instead of meeting her eyes, I found Lycan's warm gaze... and the icy stare of the new guy.
What was that supposed to mean?
I quickly looked away, pretending Lima had nothing to do with me.
Even though I was with Ava now, my heart had never stopped belonging to Lima. But I guessed it was too late to want someone you had already lost.
She'd probably forgotten me by now.
Poor Lima...
I loved her.
I watched her from afar, my eyes lingering on her longer than they should have. I was too much of a coward to admit that I loved her, yet I had still chosen Ava over her.
Not because I wanted to.
Ava wasn't exactly the kindest person, but she was the girl my parents had chosen for me. And I wasn't ready to go against my father.
So I stayed silent...
Even if it meant losing the only girl I'd ever truly loved.
---
Everyone gathered around the crackling bonfire, chatting while soft music played in the background.
Since Lycan had disappeared to spend the night with one of his flings, Bryan took the empty seat beside Lima.
Across the fire, Becca watched the two of them with a knowing smile.
"Hey," I called to Bryan. "Thanks for helping my sister earlier."
He smiled without hesitation.
"Anything for my princess."
Heat rushed to Lima's cheeks. Her heart skipped wildly beneath his intense gaze, and she lowered her eyes in embarrassment.
Just then, someone tapped Bryan's shoulder.
He turned and instantly broke into a grin.
"Logan!"
"Hey, dawg!" Logan laughed, pulling him into a hug. "Long time no see."
"You... know him?" Lima asked, completely stunned.
Bryan chuckled and casually ruffled her hair.
"You were still a little kid the last time we met."
"I'm seventeen now," Lima pouted.
Bryan and Logan burst into laughter.
"You've grown into a beautiful princess," Bryan said, his voice smooth and teasing.
"Why are you calling me—"
Before Lima could complain, Logan interrupted with a grin.
"Bryan... are you flirting with my sister?"
Bryan didn't even deny it.
"It seems so."
His eyes remained locked on Lima's.
She coughed awkwardly, wishing the ground would swallow her whole.
"She's off-limits," Logan warned with a smirk. "Besides, you know Lycan won't make things easy for you."
Bryan only smiled.
"I'm not backing away from a beautiful gem."
Lima coughed even harder and accidentally stumbled backward.
The burning logs were only inches from her leg.
"Lima!"
Bryan shot to his feet and grabbed her arm, pulling her away from the flames.
At the exact same moment, another hand wrapped around her wrist.
Bryan looked up.
His smile faded.
John.
John's eyes were fixed on Lima with an intensity that made the air between them feel heavy.
"Lima..." he whispered.
Bryan tightened his grip ever so slightly.
"Princess," he said firmly, "come here."
Frozen between the two men, Lima looked from John... to Bryan.
For the first time that night...
She had no idea whose hand she should take.