21. Half truths and Lies

(ARES)

I should feel happy. She was finally gone. This was what I had wanted the moment I realized she wasn't the woman I wanted, she wasn't my revenge, and yet here I was... staring straight into the woods where she had disappeared into a few hours ago, my heart twisting in confusion and panic.

My stomach was made of tight knots that just wouldn't unknot.

It wasn't like we were around each other every minute of every day. In fact, I had tried to avoid her most of the time. But now knowing she wouldn't be there stuffing her face with whatever Carella had made... or watching Dragons making love in the TV like she owned the whole pack house... it didn't feel right. Nothing did. It felt like someone was sitting in my stomach, digging a big pit.

I poured a glass of Wolven bourbon and took a swig, and winced when the hot liquid burned my throat. Warm wind messed my hair. I had things to do. I had to pay the vendors, put in the order for new weapons, calculate the budget for next month.