Chapter 77
Faith’s Pov…
+25 Points
A strange shiver went through me, right down to my bones. It wasn’t the cold; the air was actually quite mild for this time of year. No, this was something else, something deeper. My wolf felt agitated, a low growl rumbling in the back of my mind.
“What is it?” I asked her. “What’s wrong?”
I just could sense that something was happening and sometimes it’s hard to distinguish whether the feelings are mine or his.
Her reply made me think that she didn’t want to tell me which made me even more worried. You will know soon enough, she simply said, and then settled, leaving me with a heightened
sense of unease.
I forced myself to push it down, to focus on the task at hand. Mr. and Mrs. Gable stood before me, their faces bright with excitement for their new adventure, a long–awaited journey they’d dreamed of for years.
And I’m honestly happy for them because they sacrificed 5 years of their lives and all their savings to make sure that I’m the woman that I am today.
Marco, however, wasn’t sharing their joy. He clung to my leg, big tears rolling down his cheeks as he watched them.
Even as I said the words, a pang shot through my own heart. I was truly happy for them, for their chance to finally see the world. But a part of me felt heartbroken too. I would miss them terribly, their gentle smiles, their kind words, their wisdom. Still, a chilling thought settled in.
I don’t want them to be here for everything that is going to happen from now on. It was a selfish thought, but one born of a deep, protective instinct. We said our final goodbyes, full of hugs and promises to write, and then watched as their car slowly drove out of sight.
I hate goodbyes but I’m pretty sure that they’re going to be okay.
The uneasy feeling wouldn’t leave me. I walked back towards the pack house, my hand still holding Marco’s. As we got closer, I saw a crowd of people gathered outside, their faces etched with worry. My stomach clenched.
“What’s going on?” I asked, pulling Marco closer to my side.
A woman nearby turned to me, her eyes wide. “Something happened on the other side of the perimeter. We’re not allowed to go there, but… they say it’s bad.”
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< Chapter 77
+25 Points
My anxiety, which had only just started to calm, spiked. My breath hitched in my throat, and my heart hammered against my ribs. Relax, Faith, I told myself, forcing my shoulders down from where they’d tensed up around my ears. Just breathe.
The first person, I thought about was Astor and how he is but when I reached into my mind I could feel that he was okay so I relaxed a bit.
Just then, he arrived, his usual stern expression even more unyielding. His gaze swept over the worried faces. “Everyone,” he commanded, his voice deep and firm, “return to your respective duties and houses. I will take care of everything that is happening.”
Without another word, he strode towards the pack house, his presence radiating a kind of dark energy. I felt disappointed and I couldn’t stop the rejection from seeping into my soul.
He didn’t even stop to look at us and he claims that he wants to be a father to my son.
He went straight to his office and, with a soft click, locked himself inside.
My heart ached with worry for him. I just can’t help how I react even though he has no respect for me or us at all. Marco, still a little sniffly, was now distracted by the other children, who had started to gather, curious about the commotion.
“Go on, buddy,” I urged gently, giving him a little push towards them. “Go play with the other
kids.”
He looked at me for a moment, then at the group, his curiosity winning out. Soon enough, I saw him laughing, already getting along, lost in a new game. Only then did I feel I could leave
him.
My steps were hesitant as I approached Astor’s office door. A thick, dark atmosphere hung around it, a tangible weight that pressed in on me. I pushed the door open slowly, the heavy oak creaking softly. Inside, the light seemed dimmer, swallowed by the gloom emanating from Astor. He was hunched over his desk, his fists clenched, his shoulders rigid. His eyes glowed with
a sure sign of the struggle within him.
I think the biggest reason for my anxiety and what I’m feeling right now is because of what he’s feeling and most of these emotions that I feel are his.
“Don’t come closer,” he growled, his voice rough, almost a snarl.
But he was my mate. I knew, deep down, that I was the only one who could truly calm him. Ignoring his warning, I walked towards him, the heavy darkness parting slightly as I approached. I didn’t say a word, just climbed onto his lap, turning so I could face him, and
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pulled his head against my chest, wrapping my arms tightly around him.
“What’s going on?” I whispered, my voice soft against his hair.
+25 Points
He was stiff at first, but slowly, he relaxed into my embrace, his glowing eyes dimming a fraction. “You don’t want to know, Faith,” he murmured, his voice laced with pain.
“Yes, I do,” I insisted, my grip firm. “Tell me.”
He sighed, a shudder running through his powerful frame. “There was… a pile of bodies left on the pack grounds.”
The words hit me like a physical blow. My breath hitched, and my whole body went rigid. Shell–shocked, I could only stare at the wall over his shoulder, the reality of his words forming a horrifying picture in my mind. A pile of bodies. Here.
He followed me. All this time, he followed me.
I whispered the words, a chill spreading through my veins, “He found me.”
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