Independence Novels & Stories

But in my quest for self-reliance, had I pushed him away? “I'm sorry if it appears that way, Nate,” I replied, my voice tinged regretfully. “I never meant to make you feel insignificant. But you have to understand, independence is something I've fought hard for. It's a part of who I am.” He scoffed, his frustration seeping through his words. “I get it, Eva. I really do. However sporadically, I just need to know that I matter to you. That we matter. That we're more than just two individuals sharing a space.”

"Then you change the plan." She was quiet. Rhoden continued. "Sunshine, you spent a long time believing that independence meant doing everything without assistance. It doesn't. Independence means having a say in how your life is managed. It means choosing the help that makes your life possible." Lela looked away, blinking. "You're getting philosophical." "I'm getting old." "You're not that old." "Don't tell my knees." She laughed, and the tension in her shoulders eased. Before she left, he handed her the revised exercise schedule.

Cyrus could not threaten my room because I rejected an opportunity. Asmodeus could not withdraw my housing or wages because I refused him. That last thought hurt more than the others. It also mattered most. Independence could not be real unless the man in power behaved well. It had to survive his disappointment. Back in my room, I placed the lease, bank documents, and phone contract on the desk beside one another. Three ordinary agreements. Three doors no one else controlled. For the first time, my safety did not depend on remaining pleasing, grateful, obedient, or useful.

I continued, “Independence does not mean never needing anyone.” Her expression tightened. “That is exactly what people say before they become a burden.” “Needing help sometimes does not make you a burden.” “What if I start relying on you?” “I will rely on you too.” “That sounds dangerous.” “It is partnership.” The word stayed between us. Not ownership. Not control. Shared weight. “I do not want you to stop working,” I said. “Or change your friendships. Or organise your life around my career.” “You may travel.” “Yes.” “You may need me.”

“Genuinely. I want you to tell me honestly, Sophie, not simply what you think I want to hear.” Sophie considered the question deeply, taking her time. “A little,” she admitted honestly. “Not of you. Never of you, Dominic. But of how completely it changes things, the sheer permanence of it. I’ve spent so many years building my own independence around the idea that nothing could ever be taken from me if I never fully let myself depend on anyone. Completing the bond means giving that defense up entirely, in the deepest way possible.” “You wouldn’t be giving up your independence,” Dominic said firmly, his eyes holding hers. “I don’t

He led me up to the Priest's elevated platform, where the pack gathered below instantly dropped to the ground in a posture of devout submission as soon as their eyes fell upon us. I immediately froze in place when I felt the sincerity of their submission. I suddenly understood that I didn't have to perform or strive for anything. By standing quietly on the platform, I gained the conviction and respect of every werewolf there. "I'll host the most lavish recognition ceremony for you, inviting every Alpha from every pack. You'll officially be acknowledged as the precious daughter of the Alpha of the Blazing Wolf pack under the witness of the Moon Goddess." Benjamin looked at me with profound af

I prompted gently. "But I understand now, hearing this directly, that accepting manipulation—however unwitting—fundamentally undermines the very independence I claim to champion," Vane said, genuine discomfort evident. "If my movement exists only through external vampire faction manipulation, it's not authentic rogue independence at all. It's simply trading one form of dependency for another, considerably less transparent form." Marcus, listening carefully throughout, finally spoke. "I appreciate your honesty, Kellan. Genuinely. This couldn't have been easy to acknowledge."

None move. "What? Don’t you understand? Our country's leaders are fighting for independence. War has broken out in the capital and the foreign officials imprisoned our leaders. Only these parts are not affected. Thanks to the immense distance from the capital and for having a different focus. So don't disrupt the peace through violence."

"That you're afraid of vulnerability. Committing to Damien means admitting you need him. That you can't just independently build a perfect life and occasionally let him visit. It means actual interdependence." The word makes my skin crawl. "Interdependence sounds like codependence with better marketing." "It's not. Codependence is 'I can't function without you.' Interdependence is 'I function fine alone but I choose to build a life with you because it's richer than what I can create solo.' Can you see the difference?" "Intellectually, yes. Emotionally, it all feels like giving up control." "Good. That's what growth feels like." That afternoon, I get an unexpected call.

I watched as they began to leave, I checked my watch once more knowing that they were all at the risk of being killed at night with the exception of Patsy, since Terrance and the others weren't branded by me nor did they own freedom papers, they were basically seen as 'strays'. I knew the branding brought them protection but it was something I couldn't bring myself to do. I had bought a big enough space for Terrance's wife so they all had a room of their own to stay in, so they could have a sense of independence until I purchased their freedom. "Is something bothering you?" Patience asked pulling me away from my thoughts and I turned looking at her. "Just thin