Chapter 64

BLAKE

*** Five and a half years ago ***

It was mid-March, and my father had finally agreed to put off transitioning the alpha title to me until I completed college. I’d be leaving for Siberia in less than six months. While I should’ve been relieved, I couldn’t see past the pain that’d taken over my entire mind and body. I was completely possessed, with no relief in sight. It was just dark, always dark.

It hurt so much most days that I was sure my chest would cave in. When I’d breathe in deeply to stop the caving, it was as if my ribs were puncturing my lungs. What was the point of living anymore? The woman who’d finally brought light and relief to me after I’d tolerated years of my father’s abuse was gone from this earth. The woman who’d been carrying my pup, whom I’d promised to protect and foolishly allowed to go to battle with me. I deserved this anguish. I hadn’t protected my mate. I hadn’t protected my offspring. And now I was supposed to protect an entire pack? I was completel