MasukCamilla POVThree Months LaterThe pack lands look different in autumn.Golden and amber leaves carpet the ground as Diego parks outside the main house. The air is crisp, carrying the familiar scents of pine and earth and home. I haven't been back since everything changed, and now returning feels surreal."You okay?" Diego asks, squeezing my hand.I look at him—this man who learned my truth and chose to stay, who spent three months immersing himself in my world without complaint, who holds my hand now like it's the most natural thing in the world."I'm good," I say, meaning it.We step out of the car, and almost immediately, the front door bursts open. Gina rushes out, arms already extended, tears streaming down her face."Camilla!"I'm engulfed in her embrace, breathing in the comforting scent of lavender and pack. Behind her, my brother waits with a warm smile, and their little Princess stands in the doorway, smiling at me."Alex,Gina, this is my mate, Diego." I say when Gina finall
Camilla POV I wake to sunlight streaming through my bedroom window and the sound of my alarm gently pulling me from sleep. For a moment, I lie still, blinking up at the ceiling, and then the memories of last night wash over me. I told Diego everything and he didn't forsake me. He said he wants me and would crawl to hell just to be with me. A genuine smile spreads across my face. I roll over, burying my face in my pillow, feeling almost giddy. When was the last time I felt this light? This hopeful? My phone buzzes on the nightstand. It's a good morning text from Diego. The warmth that spreads through my chest is almost overwhelming. This is what it feels like to be chosen, I think. To be accepted completely, without conditions or complications. I get ready for work with more energy than I've had in weeks. My reflection in the mirror looks different somehow. It's brighter, less haunted. The dark circles under my eyes are still there, but they seem less pronounced. Or maybe I'm
Camilla POV I consider lying but decide against it.“ Yes.”Diego nods slowly, processing. Then he reaches out and takes my hands, pulling me closer."Camilla," he says seriously, looking directly into my eyes. "I don't care if you are a werewolf. I don't care if you're a devil from hell itself. If that's where you are, then I will crawl to hell with you."The words hit me like a physical force and tears spring to my eyes."You mean that?" I whisper."I mean it," he confirms. "This doesn't change how I feel about you. If anything, it makes me understand better why your past was so hard to leave behind." He explains. I want to cry, I want to crash into him and hug him like there's no tomorrow, but I stop myself."There's more," I say, needing to be completely honest. "If we do this, if we really commit to each other,there are traditions. We would need to visit my family and if things get serious between us, we will have to hold a marking ceremony." I explain then hold my breath, waiti
Camilla POV At 7:00 PM exactly, my doorbell rings.I smooth down my dress and open the door.Diego stands there with a bouquet of sunflowers in one hand and a gift bag in the other. He has changed into dark slacks and a white button-down and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows."You didn't have to bring anything," I say, but I am smiling as I take the flowers."I wanted to," he replies, stepping inside. "A fresh start deserves fresh flowers." I smile at that.I lead him into the kitchen, finding a vase for the flowers while he sets the gift bag on the counter."What's in the bag?" I ask curiously."Wine," he says. "And dessert. I stopped by that Italian bakery you mentioned liking and got us some tiramisu."My heart squeezes. He remembered. It was such a small detail from a conversation weeks ago, and he remembered."That's perfect," I tell him. "I'm making pasta. Nothing fancy, just…""It smells amazing," he interrupts, moving closer. "What can I do to help?"We fall into an easy rh
Camilla POVThree days pass in a blur of work and forced normalcy.I see patients, do lab tests and consult on difficult cases. I smile when I'm supposed to smile, laugh when something is funny, project the competence and composure expected of me.But inside, I am numb.I haven't heard from Theo. Not a call, not a text, not even a message passed through Alex. It's like that night never happened, like he has erased me from his life as easily as he walked out of my apartment.I should be relieved. This is what I need:space, distance, the chance to finally move on. Instead, I feel hollow.Logan checks in daily making sure I am eating,sleeping and functioning. Alex has stopped asking questions, though I can feel his concern through his careful text messages. Even Sienna has been extra gentle with me, bringing me coffee without being asked and running interference when I need a moment alone.It's Wednesday afternoon when Sienna knocks on my office door, her expression uncertain."Dr. Camil
Camilla POVI bury myself into work as if staying busy enough will keep the memories at bay.It works and for some hours, I stop thinking about it all.I attend to waiting patients, handle lab tests where necessary.The routine should be comforting, familiar. But sometimes, it feels hollow, like I'm going through the motions while some essential part of me is missing."Dr. Camilla?" Sienna calls, appearing at my elbow as I'm updating a patient file. "You've been staring at that same page for five minutes."I blink, looking down at the chart in my hands. She is right. I haven't written anything."Sorry," I mutter. "Just distracted.""Is everything alright?" Her voice is gentle, concerned. "You seem... off today."Off? That's one way to put it. Shattered would be more accurate. Broken and confused. Angry at myself for being weak enough to let Theo back in, angry at him for leaving, angry at the entire situation."I'm fine, Sienna," I say."I just didn't sleep well."She doesn't look co







