Ethan grunted lowly and collapsed hard.
Owen was at my side in a heartbeat, coiled and ready, eyes fixed on Riley.
Ethan’s Beta lunged, knocking Riley to the ground.
She kicked and yelled, “Ethan! You’re still protecting her! Aren’t you scared she’s already with someone else—”
“Get her out of here!” Ethan exclaimed. “I never want to see her again!”
Before Riley could say anything else, they dragged her out, still screeching.
Silence fell, heavy and brutal.
Ethan opened his mouth, but I spoke before he did.
“Riley was right. I don’t need you anymore. Don’t ever show up in my life again.”
His eyes were raw with pleading, as if he would do anything to stay close.
Owen cut in, cool and sharp.
“I don’t know everything between you two, but maybe for once, you should actually listen to Lizzy. You keep crying about your own feelings. Ever think about what she wants?”
Ethan froze, his mouth working but producing no sound.
I stared him down, my voice flat and firm.
“Ethan, don’t make me see everything we had as a mistake. Or what-do you need me dead before you finally let go?” “No!”
He cut me off, his voice breaking with pain.
“Lizzy, I was wrong. As long as you’re alive, as long as you don’t disappear again… I’ll leave. I swear.”
He lowered his head and spoke with a rough voice.
“I’m sorry.”
Then he turned and walked away, a shadow of his former self.
Shortly after, the news broke.
Riley was apprehended by the Silver Moon Guards after assaulting a packmate and injuring young wolves.
Her family tried to cover for her, but it was too late.
Could not bury all of the dirt.
The real shock?
Ethan.
He pushed the case forward himself, determined to see Riley locked up.
After that, Ethan disappeared.
Some claimed he went into seclusion.
Others claimed he ditched the packs and went rogue.
Regardless, he was gone.
And me?
My life is finally at peace.
Hudson took the suppressant just in time, and he finished his first shift safely and strong.
And, Owen…
“Teacher! Uncle Owen’s here again!”
Hudson rushed into my arms, all grins.
I smiled and ruffled his messy hair.
“What’s he up to now?”
“He said he’s taking us out to play!”
Hudson’s silvery-blue eyes shone like the sun.
I cast a glance towards the door.
Owen stood there, sunlight catching in his hair, his demeanour calm and safe.
His eyes met mine, full of warmth and patience.
“Let’s go,” I said.
I took Hudson’s hand and stepped out of the cabin into the light, leaving the darkness behind permanently.
This was my new life.
Finally, it was mine to live.
