Bile burned my throat as Jade let out a coquettish little laugh at something Nathan said. The sound cut through me like shattered glass. Last night I had lain naked in his arms, utterly his, believing the rest of our lives would be that perfect. And now...now I was nothing. With terrible comprehension, I finally found my voice. "Nathan, what is this? Who is she?" Though I already knew the horrible truth. Jade turned her doe eyes toward me. "Oh, you must be Terra," she said gently. "I know this is very sudden. But Nathan and I are mates." She looked back at Nathan meaningfully. "Bonded by the goddess." I stared at Nathan pleadingly. "Tell me this isn't true. Please." He met my gaze despairingly. "Terra...I'm so sorry." Jade pressed herself possessively against Nathan's side. He did not resist. "I know this may be difficult for you, Terra. But you must see now that you and Nathan were never truly meant to be." Brittany said with false sympathy.
View MoreTerraThe guards gave only cursory acknowledgment of my departure on foot, long accustomed to my moonlit ramblings when sleep proved evasive.For once Nathan's overprotectiveness played in my favour - he rarely sent escorts to trail my steps anymore, trusting the estate's security and my own combat expertise. As long as I returned before first light, I would attract no suspicion.The brisk autumn air helped clear the jumbled anxiety and anger churning through me as I slipped through the shadowy woods with directionless urgency. Crunching leaves and hooting owls soothed my restless spirit. Out here surrounded only by towering pines standing silent witness, the suffocating estate politics and posturing retreated some. I could breathe.But wandering aimlessly brought me no true peace. My feet carried me along the winding trail out of the forest toward town before I fully registered where I was headed.Passing the sleepy village outskirts, I made straight for the one place my soul most l
Terra"How about some fresh air, Alpha? A change of scenery could lift your spirits," I suggested gently.Nathan straightened from his slumped position in the chair by his father's bedside, alertness returning to his exhausted features. He scrubbed a hand roughly over his face before giving me a grim nod."You're right, of course. I've been cooped up here for too long. Will you sit with him a bit? I don't like leaving him unattended for long."I clasped Nathan's shoulder and offered an encouraging smile. "Of course. Take a decent walk to clear your head. Your father is resting well - I'll watch over him."Nathan's answering look held a world of unspoken gratitude. He had scarcely left the former Alpha's side since we brought him stabilised but still frail back to the estate from the city hospital. The ordeal had clearly taken an immense toll on Nathan's own health. But his stubborn devotion as guardian remained tireless.After Nathan departed with the last few instructions on medicati
But late one afternoon, Nathan reluctantly agreed to take a brief walk outside at my urging. The fresh air would restore his own depleted energy, and I could slip away for a few hours knowing the former Alpha rested stable and secure.I hastily scribbled a vague note about following up on a supply request since full transparency about my destination remained impossible for now.Nathan's hard-won trust felt too fragile to test with the truth. The knot of deception in my gut twisted sharply, but I forced myself out the door. I would unravel that tangled web later - right now my boys needed me.I took the winding forest backroads, windows down and hair whipping wildly around my face. The cool pine-scented breeze helped settle my frenzied thoughts as I neared the secluded valley town I now called home.Too soon the charming log cabin tucked against a hillside emerged into view, plumes of fragrant smoke already wafting cheerfully from the chimney. My heart swelled at the welcoming sight. I
.TerraAs the steady beep of the heart monitor filled the quiet hospital room, I let out a long breath. The former Alpha's condition had finally stabilised after days of touch-and-go uncertainty. Modern medicine had worked its magic under my and Collins' attentive care.Nathan kept vigil at his father's bedside, features softening almost imperceptibly in relief. No words were needed to express our shared hopes kindled anew. For now, the ever-present shadows had receded.I slipped outside to update Derek and Lianna, the estate's leadership needing assurance their beloved former leader was on the mend. Their stoic relief echoed my own churning emotions. Sleep could wait a bit longer.With the crisis tempering for now, my thoughts turned to the three bright souls I had missed dearly through this ordeal - my rambunctious boys. Collins' steady updates and photos had lifted my spirits, but nothing could replace holding them close.I decided I had earned a quick ride home to see my family.
NathanDawn's fragile light filtered into my quarters, At odds with the grim mood fogging my mind. I sat slumped at my desk, papers strewn half-finished. Thoughts kept drifting to my father's declining health, despite my best efforts to bury myself in Alpha duties.His condition plagued my steps like a shadow as I went through the motions of leadership. Reviewing land disputes and reports from allied packs now seemed meaningless formalities. Father's time grew short, and I was powerless to stop fate's cruel hand.A knock interrupted my brooding. I straightened as Derek entered, his assessing gaze missing nothing."You're looking rough, Alpha. Everything alright?"I forced a dismissive wave. "Nothing, some fresh air and exercise won't cure it."Derek's raised brow showed he saw through my deflection. But he simply briefed me on the day's tasks and packed matters requiring attention before departing. I envied his stoic focus. My thoughts roiled like stormy seas.As we walked to breakfas
TerraFor the past days Lily has been taking me out, catching on old times.Like yesterday we went out today too.The setting sun cast an ethereal golden glow across the sky as Lilly and I strolled slowly back into town after our fun-filled day together.Despite the autumn evening chill setting in, warmth blossomed in my chest. Spending these precious hours with my dearest friend again after so long apart felt like a gift.Lilly chattered away happily, filling me in on the latest happenings around town and her family. I was content to simply listen, interjecting now and then with a laugh or question. Being around her lively, upbeat spirit never failed to lift my own mood.As we ambled down the quiet lamp-lit streets, our conversation drifted to reminiscing about carefree childhood adventures we once shared.Like the summer we were convinced we could fly, so we climbed up on the barn roof with makeshift feathered wings tied on. Thank the goddess our foolish eight-year-old selves only e
TerraThe morning sun streamed in through the open window, warming my face and coaxing me gently awake. I stretched lazily under the plush down comforter before rolling over to check the time. Nearly nine o’clock already.After the long night attending to Nathan, I had slept like the dead.Speaking of Nathan, I should check in on his recovery. I slipped out from under the covers and shuffled over to peer out the window overlooking the central gardens.Sure enough, I spotted a familiar tall, broad-shouldered figure slowly pacing the graveled path below. Even injured, Nathan was never one to stay idle in bed.I shook my head in amusement and slight exasperation at his stubbornness. At least the limp in his stride seemed less pronounced than yesterday.After quickly washing and braiding back my unruly waves, I threw on soft jeans and a rose peasant blouse before making my way to the east wing kitchens.The sprawling mansion was largely deserted this Sunday morning. With Nathan on the men
TerraGolden dawn light filtering into the solarium made the crystal vials on my worktable glint and shimmer beautifully. But the radiance only darkened my brooding mood further. I should be feeling accomplished finalizing treatment plans today, my task here nearly complete.Instead, melancholy clung more suffocating than the estate's heavy velvet drapes. Each day brought me nearer to farewells I now dreaded making, despite resolve setting me on this course.A brisk knock interrupted my gloomy thoughts. At my call to enter, Derek stepped inside. I frowned slightly, registering his stiff posture and concerned frown. Something more than routine summons had brought him here."My apologies for disturbing you, Miss Terra." Derek ran a hand through his cropped hair, seeming uncharacteristically agitated. "But your...assistance...is required rather urgently."I tensed, chest constricting. Given the unspoken tension since my violent outburst, only one dire situation would warrant my direct ai
TerraThe scent of woodsmoke and crisp night air welcomed me as I slipped outside, escaping the estate's suffocating press of old ghosts and memories. My nerves sang with relief feeling open sky above instead of brooding antique woodwork and cloying velvet drapes shrouding the corridors.I sank gratefully onto the worn garden bench tucked against the rear veranda, angled to overlook the moonlit forest rolling unbroken to the distant sawtooth mountains.Out here I could breathe. The stifling weight of the past eased just slightly under vast stars winking down as they had my very first night fleeing this place heartbroken so long ago. Their celestial light remained untroubled by earthly turmoil.How foolish I had been, believing myself free of this torment. One imploring word from Nathan, and here I was again, willingly walking back into the lion's den. I should have known his earnest vows were temporary manipulations. Once I outlived my usefulness, he would discard me as coldly as befo
TerraThe entire penthouse was filled with the crème de la crème of werewolf society. Alphas from packs across the country had flown in to celebrate Nathan's 20th birthday and his official crowning as the new Alpha of our pack.I felt completely out of place among all these powerful, glamorous people. As an orphan without a family, I didn't have the fine clothes or fancy upbringing like the other girls here. But Nathan never cared about any of that. He had always treated me as his equal, his best friend, and now, his girlfriend.I glanced around nervously as I entered the party, hoping none of Nathan's snobbish relatives would give me a hard time tonight. A few of them shot me dirty looks, whispering behind gloved hands. They had never approved of Nathan's attachment to a poor stray like me. I lifted my chin, refusing to let their contempt shake my confidence. Nathan loved me, and that was all that mattered."Terra, you look beautiful!"I turned to see Lily, Nathan's cousin, waving at
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