chapter 124

It was a different kind of shower pep talk. While growing up, I’d broken down in the shower more times than I’d like to admit. I’d cried there to hide my pain. I’d talked myself into simply surviving. Making it until I was old enough to get out.

Now, I had the power and the capability of setting my standards higher. I no longer needed just to survive, I could start thinking about enjoying my life. I deserved happiness, love, and support. As did all the people in Wolf Creek who couldn’t stand up for themselves.

By the time I was finished in the shower, I was feeling renewed. Sure, I was tired from the run, and my emotions were still a messy roller coaster, but I felt like I deserved more than I’d let myself hope for.

Tyler was broken, but his kind of broken caused more damage. Aside from the occasional flicker of sympathy or sadness, mostly I felt relief. I wasn’t sure what it said about me that I wasn’t mourning my mate. Or feeling guilt about his death. I doubted he’d felt any sensat