Chapter 5: Mom

The next morning, Mom came to my room. I poured my heart out to her, feeling like everything in my life was spiraling out of control. She listened patiently, her warm eyes never leaving me. When I finally finished, she sighed, her voice soft but firm.

“Aurelia, I know your heart is broken right now. You just lost your love, and I know how hard that is. But you can’t live in that moment forever. You have to allow yourself to heal, and to let go. He found his true mate. That’s a part of life, even when it feels unfair.”

The next morning, Mom came to my room. I poured my heart out to her, feeling like everything in my life was spiraling out of control. She listened patiently, her warm eyes never leaving me. When I finally finished, she sighed, her voice soft but firm.

“Aurelia, I know your heart is broken right now. You just lost your love, and I know how hard that is. But you can’t live in that moment forever. You have to allow yourself to heal, and to let go. He found his true mate. That’s a part of life, even when it feels unfair.”

She handed me a plate of breakfast, and wrapped me in a tight hug. I felt the comfort of her embrace, but even so, I could tell she saw the weight in my eyes. She kissed my forehead gently.

With that, she left me to my thoughts, and I headed to the bathroom to take a long, hot shower. That was always my therapy—cleansing, soothing, the one moment of quiet where I could just breathe.

When I returned, Mom was there, holding something in her hands. She smiled as she handed me a beautiful necklace. The pendant was a crescent moon with a wolf nestled against it, shimmering with a quiet elegance.

“Aurelia,” she began, her voice steady, “this belonged to my mother, and she passed it down to me. Now, I want to pass it on to you. It’s a family heirloom, and I want you to have it.” Her words lingered in the air, soft and meaningful. “The crescent moon is a symbol of new beginnings. And that’s what I want for you—a fresh start.”

I took the necklace in my hands, feeling its cool weight, and before I could speak, she added, “I’ve set it up for you to spend this summer with my family. You’ll be with us in Alaska, in Chase. It’ll be good for you.”

I didn’t even flinch. Without thinking, I threw my arms around her and hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Mom," I whispered.

At that moment, I didn’t think about her old pack in Alaska, or how cold I’d be there all the time. I didn’t worry about leaving my friends behind, not knowing when I’d see them again. 

There was no internet where we were going—just dial-up, which felt like some ancient relic. I thought I’d be completely cut off from the world. But, at least, no one could reach me either.

*****Third person POV

Amanda sat at the kitchen table, her fingers nervously tapping against the phone. She had spent the last few hours trying to convince herself that this was the right thing to do. But now, as she prepared to make the call, the weight of it hit her all over again.

Aurelia needed this. And so did she.

With a steadying breath, Amanda picked up the receiver and dialed the number she had memorized years ago. The phone rang a few times before the voice of Alpha Jerry came through, calm but laced with the authority that came with his position.

“Amanda,” he said, his voice steady but guarded, as always.

“Alpha Jerry,” she replied, her voice a little tighter than she’d hoped. “I hope you’re doing well.”

“I’m fine. It’s been a while. What’s this about?” he asked, his tone shifting slightly. He knew there was something important on her mind.

Amanda swallowed hard, trying to keep her nerves in check. “I’m calling because I need to ask a favor. Aurelia... she’s been struggling ever since everything happened with Jeremy. I think some distance would help her. I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and I believe it would be good for her to spend the summer with my old pack in Alaska. I’m asking for your permission.”

There was a long silence on the other end of the line. Amanda could almost feel him processing the request, understanding what it meant. The history between their families was far from simple, and the situation was delicate.

“Aurelia wants to leave?” Alpha Jerry finally asked, his voice even but holding a hint of concern. “That’s a big step.”

“She needs space,” Amanda replied quietly. “She needs to heal. Being around my family, people who understand where I come from, could help her find some peace. I want her to spend the summer there, away from the memories here.”

Another long pause, and Amanda knew he was weighing his words carefully. “You’re asking a lot, Amanda. Especially considering the... circumstances.”

Amanda’s heart clenched at the mention of her daughter’s past with Jerry’s son, Jeremy. “I know. But I think it’s what’s best for her. She can’t keep living in the shadow of what happened here. And, honestly... it would give Jeremy the space he needs too. He’s got Shanika now—his true mate—and I know he’s been struggling with the guilt of what happened between him and Aurelia.”

There was a brief silence on the line before Alpha Jerry spoke again, his voice softer now. “You’re right. Jeremy’s been torn. I don’t want him carrying the weight of that guilt any longer. He’s got to focus on his future with Shanika. And I can see how it’s been hard on Aurelia.”

Amanda’s voice softened as she responded. “I’m not trying to make it harder on either of them. I just... I want to give Aurelia the chance to start over, to breathe again. And I think being away from here, from everything that reminds her of Jeremy, could give her that.”

Alpha Jerry exhaled slowly. “Alright, Amanda. I’ll allow it. But this isn’t just a vacation. She’ll need to respect the rules of your old pack. I won’t have her causing trouble while she’s there.”

“I understand,” Amanda said, relief flooding her chest. “I’ll make sure she follows the rules.”

“Good,” Alpha Jerry replied. “I’ll let the pack know. But I also need you to make it clear to Aurelia—no contact with Jeremy while she’s there. It’s time for both of them to move on. They need to let go of the past if they’re going to heal.”

Amanda nodded, even though he couldn’t see her. “I’ll make sure she understands.”

Another pause filled the line, and for a moment, Amanda thought Alpha Jerry might say more. But instead, he just said, “Take care of her, Amanda. I know you’ll do what’s best.”

“I will. Thank you, Alpha Jerry,” Amanda replied softly, feeling a sense of finality settling in.

“Take care,” he said, and the call ended with the click of the receiver.

Amanda sat in silence for a moment, processing everything. Aurelia was going to Alaska. The space would be good for her. And maybe, just maybe, it would give everyone the opportunity to heal—Aurelia, Jeremy, and herself.