جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 9

After moving out of the Blackthorn main house, I settled into my parents' apartment on the western edge of the territory. Silas, as usual, did not contact me.That day I was walking through Market Street with my best friend, Freya. She scrolled through her phone while cursing Silas, then suddenly went quiet."I saw Iris’ update," she said cautiously. "She is at Moonstone Hot Springs with Silas. In the photo, he is smiling."I said nothing. In the past, after every time I gave way, I compulsively checked Iris’ updates. I zoomed in on every photo, staring at his expression until my eyes ached. This time, I did not.Freya softened. "You gave way again?"Only she knew the history. Every step aside, every reconciliation, every time I thought it would be the last."Yes."She sighed, offering a few comforting words. I listened without emotion. I had intended to tell her about leaving Blackthorn, but her phone vibrated. Her expression changed as she looked at it."Calla, look at this."It was

To avoid Silas interfering, I moved out of the apartment early and stayed in a hotel a few blocks from City Hall.I did not expect the first call would be from Iris Nightingale.I had heard her voice in Silas’ phone before, soft and gentle, like moonlight grass swaying in the wind. This time it was different.“Calla Hayes,” she said, her voice cold. “You gave way five times. Don’t you see who he really loves?”I did not answer.“The first time you said he was soft. The second time you said he had no choice. The third time you said it would be the last.” She laughed lightly. “Five times. How long will you keep lying to yourself?”I gripped my phone tightly.“Do you know why he chooses you each time?” Iris continued. “Because I need him. You don’t need me. You have your own territory, your own pack, the Hale Pack supporting you. I have nothing.”“So?” I asked.“So he will never choose you,” she said evenly. “He will only temporarily place you in that position. When I truly need him, he w

After landing, I got a new phone number. I changed all my social accounts. I only kept in touch with Freya.I returned to the Hale Pack territory. My parents were here, my pack was here, the place where I grew up was here.Mom would get annoyed every time she saw me curled up on the sofa, staring at videos on my phone and smiling like a fool.“Go outside for once. What are you doing cooped up at home every day?”“After all those wasted years with Silas, haven’t you had enough?” I teased.She pressed her forehead against mine, scolding me with her words, but placed a small plate of sliced moonfruit in my hands.I wrapped my arms around her waist and pouted.“Because I have you and Dad at home taking care of me.”“Of course I feel safe coming back. It’s because you and Dad are here.”Mom rolled her eyes, “You’re too sweet.”She had wanted me back for years. She knew how unstable my bond with Silas had been. Giving way, reclaiming, giving way again, reclaiming again. There was never an en

From that day, Kael and I spent a lot of time together.Freya scolded me for moving on so quickly.“Of course,” I said. “Why would I dwell on a former mate? The bond is broken. My wolf is free.”Freya grabbed my neck in mock outrage.“Who asked about Silas?”I laughed and freed her.“Later. We have plans at the lake today.”Freya lay back on the sofa with a sigh.“The world is harsh…”But she waved goodbye with a smile. She was the one who wanted me happy most of all. Seeing me settle into a new life, she could return to Blackthorn and handle her own affairs.Kael gave her a work offer and arranged accommodations. Once Freya returned, she wouldn’t have to deal with Iris anymore.Her eyes widened.“Didn’t expect you to be a rich heir.”“Actually,” Kael corrected. “It’s my own company.”A man who had mostly stayed in the Hale territory had a business in Blackthorn and could operate beyond Silas’ influence. I was surprised, but Kael quickly changed the topic.Kael and I spent over a year