Chapter 4: Freed by Pain

Elena glanced upward, locking eyes with Dolphus's steady, perceptive stare. Her tight fists gradually started to relax.

Eight years ago, Dolphus arrived in Glendale from Atlanta. He located her, pursued her and presented a proposal. If she was ready to part with Drake, he’d set up for her to study overseas. Despite being her uncle solely by blood relation, he felt it was his duty to look after her. However, Elena had declined.

At that time, she was profoundly caught in the fantasy of love with Drake, unable to escape his caress and his assurances.

Dolphus was the sole member of the Farrington family ready to assist her. The others had turned her away, unable to accept the offspring of a traitorous wolf. The Hamilton family adopted her solely to gain the favor of the Farringtons, the family in power.

Her emotions for Drake became more intense as time passed. However, Drake was the only heir of the beta of Crescent Moon Pack. His parents would never accept their relationship. Ultimately, Drake moved forward, discovered another she-wolf to heat his bed. And Elena had lost her significance in his perspective.

Dolphus had come back, giving her another opportunity.

"Do you still wish to go with me?" he inquired.

Elena gazed at the ground, her tone gentle yet firm. "I appreciate both the Hamilton and Farrington families." I left Monroe's den in Atwater Village and was able to make it to the university. That's beyond anything I anticipated. However, I prefer not to depend on them anymore. Whether by blood or not, their actions have been enough for me.

Dolphus observed her silently, remembering what old Mr. Farrington had once mentioned: This pup is so soft. Yet Dolphus was more aware. Her kind heart stemmed from a heart that was overly generous.

To alleviate the guilt felt by the Farrington, Elena had suppressed her desire for love and family. She never requested anything. Opting to remain with the Hamilton family was her method of freeing the Farringtons from responsibility.

Elena exemplified the Farrington family's values of self-control and grace more effectively than any legitimate heir ever could.

"However, you know our pack is small," Dolphus remarked. "Mr. Farrington will eventually learn about your connection with Drake."

Elena’s fingers grasped the edge of her garments. Her voice was soft. "When the truth is revealed and Drake makes a public apology, I will pursue the divorce further." After that, I will depart from Glendale City. "I’ll sever all connections with him."

She didn't mention where she would head next, nor did she plan to inform Dolphus. The future of a solitary wolf was hers to protect.

Dolphus bent forward, placing his hands on his knees. His voice was low, "years back, you faced me and claimed Drake was more important to you than anything else."

"And what now?" he inquired, observing her intently. "Are you claiming you won't associate with him again?"

"Yes, Dolphus." Elena responded swiftly, with no delay.

Dolphus reclined, coolly pushing his sleeves up, with one leg draped over the other. He slightly narrowed his eyes while observing the she-wolf before him.

Drake had been eavesdropping outside the door. He walked away, furrowing his brows. His wolf growled inside, torn and hurt. He wished she was sincere in her words. No more revisiting previous steps. No more doubts.

Later, in his hospital room, Drake reclined and shut his eyes. Yet as soon as he did, a memory emerged like a predator stealthily moving through the foliage.

He spotted Elena once more, giggling as she playfully pressed him against a sunlit wall, and his heart started to race. He awoke suddenly, heart hurting, soaked in perspiration.

In reality, he had listened to tales regarding his history with Elena from both her and others. However, he was not interested in them. The previous events were insignificant. Not any longer.

At this point, his heart was given to another person. Cassandra. She was the one he wished to shield, the one with whom he'd share his lair, the one he'd race with under the moonlight.

Following a cold shower and a glass of water, Drake gazed at the vacant cup. Elena's voice resonated in his ears like a snarl: Publicly apologize and restore my reputation, and I will divorce you right away.

He was eager to bring it to life.

The following morning, Drake hurried to the hospital, determined to talk about the divorce. As he neared Elena’s room, his acute hearing detected a recognizable voice within.

"Elena, could you dismiss the charges?" Ezra begged. Maya was raised alongside you as if she were your sister. "Do you genuinely want to ruin her future because of this?"

"She merely sedated you to create an opportunity with Drake, to assist you both in becoming closer." "Can't you see that she had good intentions?"

"Did she have good intentions?" Does that grant anyone the permission to ruin my life? "To cause me pain and label it as kindness?" Elena asked.

Ezra exhaled deeply, brushing a hand through his hair. "I know that she took it too far." Indeed, it was a mistake. However, Drake is ready to ask Cassandra to marry him. Maya simply freaked out. However, no one anticipated Drake's reaction, particularly when he leaked your personal photos.”

After a moment of silence, Ezra said, tiredly, "What if Maya talks to Drake and explains everything herself?" "Would that be beneficial?"

Ezra and Maya had been friends with Drake since they were young. The trio had been raised together, stirring for the first time beneath the same blood moon. Maya had even supported Elena after she emerged from her coma, striving to keep her and Drake united.

Elena’s hand shook as she tightened her fists once more, her wolf stirring uneasily within her. "Why isn’t she present to share this with me directly?"

"She feels embarrassed," Ezra responded. She realizes she crossed the line. "How could she confront you?"

Elena inhaled deeply, her tone soft yet piercing like a sharp claw. "Do you really think Drake will believe her?" "Do you think that he will believe she’s not simply lying to defend me?"

Ezra remained silent.

Elena's laugh was soft and harsh, resembling a growl under her breath. Drake's opinions no longer hold significance to me. "It did before, but it doesn't anymore."

She faced Ezra with a determined look. "Never bring up such a discussion about me and Drake again." "In my opinion, that chapter of my life has been closed."