ssa'

sper to myself as the door clicks sh

thoughts a whirlwind too rapid to grasp. It's all becoming too much for

, only to return and find myself ensnared in a bizarre twist of fate I never anticipat

much waiting for me at home. And I haven't fed my dog, though I left him with my neig

erless, I realize there's little I can do now with Alpha Alexander so furious. I've never seen him like this before. Sure, he was angry that time Alfie made m

inted directly at me. I've always known he has them throughout the house, and they never used to b

ulnerable, compels me to move. Shaking, I attempt to stand, but my legs, weak and unsteady, fail me, and I fall, my kne

times. Each breath is a struggle, and the burning at the back of my throat intensifies the feeling of vulner

r my skin, tightening it uncomfortably and making it difficult to even breathe. I didn't try to stand again. I

ce me simultaneously, and I surrendered to the consolation. Evie had been my solitary companion since I was eighteen, the one being I could turn to without judgment, long af

no place for me in the pack after Alfie's rejection. The pack understoo

ie, or perhaps from Emily, the woman he chose over me-his new mate. The idea of him p

espite my best efforts, thoughts of Alfie haunted me more often than I cared to admit, even though he was the last person I wanted on my mind.Alfie had broken eighteen years of friendship

't know what to say. I don't even understand what

oo exhausted to speak aloud. "This wasn't how things were

I never expected this from Alexander of all people. He is the mos

ery of Alexander's uncharacteristic outburst and l

flicked on earlier. I couldn't even recognize the Alpha I g

and the pain is still very much fresh," Evie suggested, trying to fi

influence of alcohol. I couldn't recall anything after I pressed that bottle of whiskey to my lips, the night blurring into a haze of shock and confusion. Discovering Alpha Alexander as supposedly m

blame for what we did, and I was the only option," I seethe, my anger boiling over as I

of forgiveness. But not anymore. I've stopped giving excuses to those who don't deserve it," I declare, my resolve

knew either!" Evie insists, her voice tinged with concern, likely beca

n that level of animosity. Despite his actions, some part of me still clings to the hope that

knowledges softly, her voice

is fucking son who rejected us four years ago. Why?" I question,

ion. But what other choice did I have? I couldn't simply accept her words without proce

ame. Was... was Frida his fated mate?" Evie responds tentatively, her words laden with uncer

ry each other as chosen ones," I confirm, my