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NADINE. The crowd was still thick, and it looked like they were waiting for me, so instead of heading to Ron and the warriors, I stopped and addressed them.I could see happiness and hope on their faces. It was something I had always wanted—something I always wanted to give them. They didn’t say anything, but the smiles and the warmth surrounding me were already enough.I stood before them and assured them that a better future was ahead of us. I told them Anica was out of danger and already resting. I confirmed that Kenzo was alive and would still be the Gamma of the pack. I let them know that for many days to come, we would welcome the help extended by other packs so we could pick up the pieces and start building this pack together.I expressed my gratitude to them for their unwavering love and warmth, especially after learning that I was a Montrell.I assured them that they were free to go home and have a peaceful sleep tonight. They had no reason to be afraid of tomorrow. That wh
THEODORE. I noticed a small spark dancing around my parents’ tombstone. When I took a closer look, I realized it must be a firefly.“Mom? Is that you?” I softly chuckled as my tears fell again. My mother was fascinated with fireflies, and there were nights when my father would take her to the forest so they could find them and watch them. And I could see two at the moment, so it must be both of them.This was the best time to apologize. There was no turning back now. “I’m sorry…” My shoulders shook. “I’m sorry I didn’t turn out as you expected me to be. I’m sorry I didn’t avenge you. I’m sorry I stayed silent and left everything behind. Losing you—losing this pack—shook my whole being. It damaged me more than anything. I swear, Dad, at the beginning, I tried. But every time I tried to get closer, I would receive threats for our people. Instead of braving my fears, instead of facing them, I cowered. I already blamed myself for leaving the territory that week. I didn’t want to blame
FUTURE BETA FEMALE MINDY.The packhouse was filled with powerful auras, making me feel intimidated. I felt inferior and inadequate to be around them. I was grateful that Arlo had never left my side except for a few instances where he was needed, but he would immediately come back to aid me with whatever I was doing. I was trying to keep myself busy helping in the kitchen, as we had many people to feed. But it was overwhelming to see these Alphas and Lunas helping out like it was an ordinary routine for them. I couldn’t help but stare as they opened cupboards to grab a stack of plates and glasses, or whenever they cut vegetables and fruits for the salad bowl, and many other things that I had never seen any of the Trevinos do before.This was something new, but I was enjoying it.I thought I did well the whole night, smiling and conversing with them, but when everything quieted down, and many had dispersed to check the rest of the territory while the others were in some of the receivin
MINDY.The morning came, and the joyous atmosphere at the packhouse didn’t change. Everyone was in high spirits. Alpha Nadine was still asleep, so no one was allowed to go up and down the stairs at the moment as her father had requested to let her sleep. People come and go, but there is always someone helping out in the kitchen, where I remained most of the morning as they let me take charge of what we would have for breakfast and lunch. I was in the kitchen, but for the first time, I felt I wanted to be there. The Omegas serving and even the Omega Headmistress were in high spirits. As if nothing could go wrong. We didn’t discuss our newfound freedom, but we could all feel it. The only thing missing was Arlo. I hadn’t seen him all morning, and I was embarrassed to ask anyone where he was. I didn’t want to appear eager to see him, but that was exactly how I felt. This was the first time I felt this way—wanting someone to be just around me—and I didn’t know how to react.“Smells good
ALPHA NADINE.The rays of the sun touched and warmed the skin of my face. It made me open my eyes and find myself staring at the white ceiling. My forehead creased, as this was not the familiar view I always woke up to. My head tilted to the sides, and my eyes soaked in at the sight of the clean bedroom that I shared with Xander.I was not in my prison cell. Everything that happened yesterday night slowly began to sink in.“Alpha…” I mumbled to myself, smiling as I closed my eyes. My chest was puffing up with pride when the realization hit that I was able to defeat Maddox. That I made him surrender and that he ended up dead—either with the dagger I threw at him or in the hands of Mindy. Either way, he was gone. Forever. And so was Maximus. Four decades of tyranny and deception ended last night. I felt hot tears rolling down my cheeks as I reveled in the moment, knowing once I get out of this room, a new day awaits. I finally had everything I wanted in the palm of my hand.Xander
ALPHA NADINE. ‘Men, this is Alpha Nadine. Do we have anyone at the border?’ I tried to connect with as many warriors in my mind as possible. I knew it was Jake and Lawrence’s men manning the border overnight, but maybe my own men were already there.‘I’m at the south border, Alpha.’ One answered. ‘I’m at the east, Alpha.’ Another answered, and many more after them.Once no one was talking anymore, I asked, ‘Did any of you see Beta Xander cross the border?’ The question was a long shot, as my men probably just went for duty this morning, and if he left at night, then they wouldn’t know. No one answered. It was too silent, and it was deafening, like a ticking bomb waiting to explode. Then it happened. My intuition was right.‘Yes, Alpha. At the northwest border.’ Matthew answered. His voice was too low as if he didn’t want to speak.‘What time?’ I did my best for my voice not to croak, but my heart was already shattering. ‘Two in the morning, Alpha.’ He replied.I disconnected all
XANDER.(picks up from the scene where Anica is being attended by Catherine)I let go of Nadine as she stepped closer to where Anica and Catherine were before my gaze swept across the building lobby.I noticed Alpha Jace staring at me from the other side, and I realized I couldn’t put off talking to him any longer.I needed to stop him from telling someone about what he saw in the video. I made my way to his side and stood beside him. This time, he didn’t look at me; his eyes were fixed on his sister, Catherine.“Do you have a minute to spare for me, Alpha?” I asked respectfully.“Tell me why I should give you a minute.” He replied, still not looking at me. “The video. I want to explain.”His expression darkened, and I could tell by the way the veins on his neck protruded that he had seen it, and he was probably trying to stop himself from killing me. He turned around and began walking before he spoke. “Follow me.”I cast one last look at where Nadine was. I saw Catherine smile as sh
XANDER.“I don’t even know who I am anymore.” I wiped my tears and tilted my head up, looking at the starless night sky. Alpha Jace remained silent, and I knew he probably didn’t believe anything I said. But at least I tried.“I heard someone from your group of friends ask what I did while she was in prison, and they all shrugged their shoulders. They saw nothing. They heard nothing.” I continued. “Maybe I did nothing that anyone could see, but I did everything I could, Alpha Jace. Even the part where I looked like the bad guy just to protect her.” “You already saw what Maddox did to Catherine. Why did you allow Nadine here?” He asked.“I didn’t. If you think I met Nadine here when she came, I didn’t. I met her at Catherine’s Claiming.” I started by telling him that I didn’t want Nadine to know about myself and my pack, as I didn’t intend to take her home with me.I told him I should have known better that there was an agenda behind her showing up at the border and her refusal to le