5
Those simple words stabbed into my chest like daggers, tearing my wolf apart. She whimpered at the injustice.
My broken heart felt like it was being ripped to shreds, bringing unbearable pain. My inner wolf howled in agony.
My mind buzzed, my eyes filled with numbness and emptiness.
The guests had somehow left; only the harsh lights illuminated my wounds.
I forced myself up, wrapping a kind server’s discarded jacket around myself, staggering out.
It was pouring rain; I walked blindly into the downpour.
Cold raindrops hit my face, sliding down like tears.
But I couldn’t cry anymore.
I didn’t know where to go, wandering aimlessly in the streets.
A car stopped beside me.
The window rolled down, revealing Ethan’s cold, handsome face.
“Get in.” His alpha scent, usually comforting, felt suffocating now.
I dragged my heavy body through the rain as if not hearing him.
Ethan frowned, his voice heavier.“Get in.”
I stopped, raising my pale face.
“No need for your concern, Mr. Gabriel. I’m just a beta.” My wolf bristled at the reminder of
my
subordinate status.
My frigid tone made Ethan’s heart tremble. His wolf recognized my pain and protested his actions.
He opened the car door, braving the rain to reach me, grabbing my hand. His touch sent a jolt of unwanted awareness through me, my wolf wanting to accept his touch.
“What happened tonight wasn’t handled well. But I’ve lost Isabelle once; I can’t lose her again. I’ll compensate you for the humiliation you suffered; don’t be mad at me.”
This time, I didn’t give in.
I used my last strength to break free, stepping back, my voice like stagnant water.
“Alpha Ethan, you’re joking. Someone like me, how dare I be angry with you and Miss Monroe? I was naive and foolish, unable to see my place. From now on, I’ll remember I’m just a beta, I won’t disturb your life anymore. Are you satisfied? Can you let me go?” My wolf snarled, wanting to lash out at him.
The more I said, the angrier Ethan became. His alpha flared, feeling challenged.
His face turned cold, his emotions overwhelmed him.
“You know I didn’t mean that! I never looked down on you. I said those things to appease Isabelle. In my heart, you
What he said after that, I didn’t hear.
and Lydia…”
9.6%
<5
My vision blurred; my eyelids felt heavy.
My strength drained; I swayed and lost consciousness… My wolf retreated, succumbing to despair.
I didn’t know how long it took, but when I opened my eyes, I was in the healers‘ den.
My wet clothes were changed; my wounds were cleaned and bandaged; healing herbs and warm broth were on the bedside table.
A healer adjusted the life–giving potion, smiling kindly upon seeing me awake.
“Awake? Your potential mate stayed with you all night; he just left.”
I opened my dry lips, my voice hoarse. “He’s not my mate, never was.” My wolf whimpered in protest.
My relationship with Ethan was just an accident from the start. His position as Lycan Chairman makes things more complicated.
Besides being his beta, he never acknowledged any other relationship between us.
I’d deceived myself, fantasizing about the future.
But now, I just wanted to wake myself up.
Then leave forever and never return to the Ashen Pack.
