Chapter 3

That evening, I returned to the room I shared with Alan, fully prepared to break our mate bond, only to find Eden asleep inside. I couldn't believe my eyes.

The sound must've startled her, because she stirred, rubbed her eyes, and sat up. When she saw it was me, she didn't even bother hiding the smug look in her eyes.

"It's already so late, Amy. What are you doing here? Come in. I didn't prepare anything to welcome you. How rude of me!"

My gaze swept over the room, now overtaken by her favorite decorations. There was that little white bear she adored, and the pink curtains I couldn't stand, but she always loved.

A hollow feeling settled in my chest.

While I was still in a daze, Alan and Dexter came back into the room, each holding a bouquet.

The moment Alan laid eyes on me, his expression twisted with disgust. "Amy! Can you stop with the drama already? I told you I'd make it up to you with another ceremony! Was all this really necessary?"

Dexter stepped forward and grabbed my wrist, rough and unyielding. "Eden's been through enough because of you. And now you want to kick her out again?"

I didn't say a word.

Alan slammed the flowers down on the table, clearly losing his patience. "Eden just got back from that frozen hellhole. She needs rest. Don't glare at her like that. I'm the one who told her to stay here and recover. So if you're angry, take it out on me."

Dexter yanked me out the door, furious. "We've spoiled you rotten, Amy! You should be grateful for everything we've done for you. Eden is our little sister. Get your temper under control. If it weren't for you, she never would've joined that pack or gone through everything she did.

"You're staying in your own room for the next few days. Think long and hard about what you've done, and don't come out until Eden's in a better mood!"

Alan gave me a look full of disdain. "Do as Dexter says. If you behave yourself, I'll give you a better ceremony. Otherwise, don't expect one at all."

I let out a cold, humorless laugh. I'd been through too much to still hold on to any hope for their love. At this point, all I felt was disappointment.

"I'm not here to stay. I just came to let you know that I'm leaving," I said.

They didn't love me. And that was fine. I'd go back to my real family—the ones who would welcome me with open arms, with love, and with blessings.

To my surprise, Alan and Dexter burst out laughing.

"You? Leaving? And where exactly do you think you're going to go?"

"You're just some Rogue we took in. You should be thanking us for letting you stay in our pack, and now you're talking about leaving like you have a choice?"

Eden stared at me, her eyes full of mockery, but her voice was soft and laced with pity. "I know you hate me, Amy. I'll go. I never should've stayed in the first place anyway. I'm sorry."

But before she could take a step, Alan grabbed her arm. "No. If anyone's leaving, it's her, not you!"

I was just about to speak when a sharp slap cracked across my face. My eyes flew wide as I stared at Dexter, whom I'd grown up with.

He let out a snort, like what he'd done was nothing out of the ordinary. "You need to learn obedience, Amy. Now get back to your room!"

My hand trembled as I touched my burning cheek. I turned away without a word. But when I got to my room, I found all my things dumped in the hallway—courtesy of Hank.

"Every time Eden comes home and sees your things, she breaks down in tears. I expect you to be more considerate. You've had our love all these years. Now it's Eden's turn. She's been through so much on her own."

With that, he turned and walked out without a second thought.

I crouched down and quietly started gathering my scattered things.

"I'll leave," I muttered.

If that was what everyone wanted, then so be it. I'd give them exactly what they asked for.