Chapter 6

Looking at the complete recording on my phone, I sent it with a single tap to Valeria and my parents. I also sent a backup to all the pack elders.

The audio file clearly recorded every one of Silas's words:

"The silver dust in your armor lining, the push off the cliff, and all those poisoned herbs... all my handiwork."

"Once you're dead, I'll be the one and only mate to the Alpha Female. And I'll be Mom and Dad's proudest son."

Then I blocked all their numbers and shut down every channel of my mind-link. There was no one left in this world I wanted to contact.

In the last twenty hours of my life, I had finally done something that mattered.

Now, I just wanted to walk my final path in peace.

The sky had completely darkened, and the neon lights outside the motel flickered with a harsh glare.

I dragged my aching body from the room and headed toward Bruno's diner.

It was the only place in the world that would still accept me.

After walking for about ten minutes, I finally reached the small restaurant. Through the window, I saw Bruno clearing tables, his movements swift and focused.

"Uncle Bruno," I said, gently pushing the door open.

He looked up and saw me, his rugged face immediately filled with concern. "Rowan? What's wrong, kid? You look terrible."

"Can... can I stay here for a little while?"

"Of course, sit down and rest." Bruno immediately dropped the cloth he was holding. "You look weak. Let me get you some soup."

He didn't ask any questions, just silently prepared food for me. This unconditional kindness made my eyes well up again.

Bruno brought a bowl of hot soup with fresh vegetables and healing herbs.

"Drink up, son. It'll make you feel a little better."

I drank the soup with difficulty, the warm liquid bringing some heat back to my cold body.

"Kid, why aren't you at home?" Bruno asked softly.

"I don't have a home anymore," I answered, my voice quiet. "They don't want me."

A flicker of pain crossed Bruno's eyes. "I had a son, about your age. He died in an accident. If he were still alive, I think he'd be a good man, just like you."

He reached out his large hand and patted my shoulder, like a father comforting his son.

"Rowan, would you let me take care of you? Just... just let me feel like I can still do something for my boy."

I couldn't hold back my emotions any longer. Tears streamed down my face. For the first time in so long, I felt true, fatherly love.

"Come on, let's go rest in the back room," Bruno said, helping me to my feet.

His small cottage was simple but incredibly comforting. On the wall hung a picture of his son, a boy with a bright, radiant smile.

Bruno helped me into a clean white shirt, then gently wiped the blood from my face with a warm, damp cloth. "You're a good kid," he said gently.

I leaned against the headboard, feeling a security I had never known. Even the pain in my body seemed to fade.

"Uncle Bruno, thank you."

"Don't be silly, kid," his voice was a little hoarse. "You're the one who reminded me what it feels like to be a father."

I closed my eyes, my consciousness starting to fade.

The flame of my life was guttering, yet my heart was more at peace than it had ever been. At least at the very end, someone had truly loved me.

I heard Bruno whisper, "Thank you, kid. You reminded me of my own boy..."

I wanted to answer him, but I no longer had the strength to speak. My body just felt lighter and lighter.

My wolf spirit was slowly dissipating, my soul preparing to leave its broken shell.