Chapter 5

I got to the Warwolf pack's border checkpoint in the middle of the night.

As soon as I handed over my travel pass, I spotted Dad smiling and waving me over. I got into his car, noticing a big bag on the seat, stuffed with all my favorite candies and pastries.

Mom was sitting beside me, unwrapping a piece of candy before popping it into my mouth with a happy smile.

When I noticed the faint lines at the corners of Mom's eyes, everything I'd been holding back just came pouring out. "I never want to leave again. I just want to stay with you and Dad forever."

A sob tore out of me as I buried my face in her arms, tears running down my cheeks.

"Oh, sweetheart. No matter where you go, you'll always be our dearest Molly."

Dad didn't press me. He could tell I was upset, so he just let it be.

After reaching home, I found the dining table laden with all my favorite dishes.

Later that night, I got into bed and opened a video app, ready to unwind with a movie. But before I could start watching, a bunch of messages popped up.

Kate was shocked that I'd left so suddenly, and seemed genuinely worried. "Did something happen? Whatever it is, you have to tell me. Don't keep it to yourself."

I started typing a reply, but then another message came through. This time, a video.

"Molly, this clip of Jerry and Monica is blowing up in private groups."

I hesitated, but ended up hitting play anyway.

The video showed surveillance footage of an office, where only three people were present—Jerry, Monica, and the travel pass reviewer.

Jerry stared at the paper in his hand, clearly fuming. It was the travel pass I'd submitted. The reviewer kept talking nervously, his face apologetic as he lowered his head.

With a sharp motion, Jerry slammed the travel pass down on the desk.

Two minutes and 15 seconds later, Jerry finally waved the reviewer off. The reviewer let out a relieved sigh and hurried away.

Monica stood beside Jerry, handing him a cup of coffee with a tight smile. His arm shot out, knocking the cup to the floor, and she stumbled back, startled.

He stayed on his feet, eyes locked on his phone, not even noticing the coffee dripping down his shirt.

At first, his face brightened—something on the screen had excited him. But then his expression twisted, his brows furrowing into a scowl. His features had gone cold when he set the phone down.

Monica stepped closer, reaching out to wrap her arms around Jerry's shoulders. She was about to speak when he suddenly hurled his phone at the office screen.

Sparks flew as glass shattered and scattered across the room.

Monica's face paled with fear. She stumbled back, tears streaming down her face, but didn't see the chair behind her. She tripped and fell. Jerry turned and started toward her.

Then the video cut out.

I was certain Jerry would sweep her into his arms. He'd apologize, fuss over her, and spoil her with gifts to make it up to her.

I texted Kate back. "Even if we're not in the same pack anymore, you're always welcome to visit. I hope to see you again soon."

I'd been glowing since I returned home. Mom and Dad were spoiling me rotten, just like when I was a kid.

At a get-together with my childhood friends, they wouldn't let up. "Did you invent some magic beauty potion or what? Come on, share the secret. We all want that glow."

"Nope. I'm just happy. I guess it shows."

We kept joking around until my phone buzzed. An unknown number popped up on the screen.

I'd only had this new number for two days, so it was probably some telemarketer. I swiped to end the call.

The get-together had been wonderful, and my friends didn't want me to go.

I'd only been home for a few minutes when the doorbell rang. Thinking it was the clothes I'd ordered the day before, I hurried to answer it.

"That was fast—"

But it was Jerry, standing right there on the doorstep.

I froze, completely caught off guard. "How did you even find my parents' house?"

The last person I ever wanted to see was him.

Jerry's eyes were intense. The second he saw me trying to slam the door, he shoved his hand into the gap, forcing it back open with sheer stubbornness.

He looked haggard. "Molly, why are you ignoring my calls?"

My chest was tight with emotion, but I forced out every word without flinching. "We're done. Get lost. And if you don't want broken fingers, let go."

He laughed like I'd just told a joke. Snorting, he yanked harder at the door. "Done? Since when? And who decided that?"