Chapter 3
The weight of my decision felt like a stone lodged in my chest, cold and unyielding.
“It’s just a photo,” I murmured, more to myself than to Kayden and Francis, though I knew they’d hear it. “We don’t need any more photos together.”
My tone was final, and I hoped they‘ d take it as the end of the discussion. But Kayden, always the one to keep hope alive, nudged gently, “The skies are clear tonight. Maybe we could still take a few later if you’d like. Besides, it’s been a while since we left the pack grounds. It might be good for all of us.”
Francis chimed in quickly, his voice brighter, as if he could will away the tension. “And we could bring Sharon along, too. She’s been asking to see the northern forest for ages.” His eyes held a glimmer of hope, clinging to the thought that one simple trip might hold our fragile
65% 23:27
1/7
Chapter 3
threads together.
The mention of Sharon–innocent, sheltered Sharon–brought a faint, bittersweet smile to my lips, though it was more in resignation than joy. I didn’t respond, just gave a small nod, knowing they’d take it as reluctant agreement. It was the only peace I could offer them.
They seemed relieved as we started toward the den, but their steps faltered when they noticed the stacked boxes by the door.
“What‘ s all this?” Kayden asked, confusion softening his voice, while
Francis‘ s face mirrored his shock.
I let out a quiet sigh, keeping my gaze on the boxes. “I resigned from the
intelligence division. Alpha Nathan already approved it.” My voice held firm, but a part of me felt exposed, as if admitting it made the whole thing more real.
The silence that followed was thick, stretching uncomfortably between us. Both
65% 23:27
217
Chapter 3
of them knew how hard I had fought for that position, how I’d ignored the toll it took on me to keep pushing forward. For them, it was an unspoken truth, a sign of my commitment to the pack–and, by extension, to them. Kayden’s brow furrowed, and his mouth opened as if to speak, but no words came.
Francis, always the one more open with his emotions, glanced between me and
Kayden, trying to find the right words. But before he could say anything, a sharp ring from Kayden’s phone broke the silence.
He answered, and Sharon’s small, anxious voice filled the room. “Kayden? My power’s out, and it‘ s… it’s so dark. I’m scared. I don’t know what to do.” Her words were fragile, trembling with unspoken fear.
Francis‘ s expression shifted instantly, a protective urgency replacing his shock. Before Kayden could respond, he interjected, “Don’t worry, Sharon. I’m
65% 23:27
3/7
Chapter 3
coming over.” Kayden gave a quick nod, his own worry evident, and in an instant, they both shifted into their wolves, powerful forms taking over as they bolted out the door without another word to me.
I stood there, watching as their paw prints scattered bits of paper and dust from my carefully packed boxes, leaving a mess in their wake. The silence they left felt vast and hollow, and I was left alone once again, just as I’d planned.
I let out a sigh and reached for my phone, dialing a familiar number. The line rang a few times before Anna’s voice, warm and steady, greeted me on the other end.
“Malinda?” Her tone held that gentle strength that had comforted me countless.
times since I was a child. Anna had taken me in, a motherly figure who filled the void in ways no one else had.
I hesitated, my voice softening as I finally spoke. “I’m calling to let you know I’ll be leaving soon. I’m heading to join my
65% 23:27
4/7
Chapter 3
mate–a match arranged by my parents.
There was a brief silence on her end, long enough for me to imagine her reaction. When she finally spoke, there was sadness woven into her words. “Have you told Kayden and Francis?”
“No,” I replied, steadying my voice. “They’ll find out in time. For now, I just need things to stay… uncomplicated. Please, Anna, don‘ t tell them.”
She sighed, the sound soft and filled with reluctant understanding. “You’ve been their anchor, Malinda. They‘ ve looked after you since you were a child, like you were one of their own. I always thought… one day, you’d choose one of them. It’s hard to see you going elsewhere.”
A faint, wistful smile tugged at my lips.
“There’s no pity in it, Anna. We weren’t fated mates, not for sure. They‘ 11 understand.”
Another pause stretched between us, her
65% 23:27
5/7
Chapter 3
silence heavy with the unspoken words that we both felt. Finally, she spoke, her voice tinged with regret. “Promise me. you’ll come see me before you leave, Malinda. It feels so sudden… and who knows when we’ll see each other again?”
“I promise,” I replied, warmth softening my tone. “I have something for you, anyway. I couldn’t leave without saying. goodbye.”
After we exchanged a few more words, we ended the call, and I found myself alone once again in the quiet of my empty home. I barely had a moment to collect my thoughts before another presence filled my mind–Alpha Nathan‘ s voice, firm and authoritative, reaching me through the pack‘ s mind link.
“Malinda, your work in the intelligence division has served the pack well. As a token of appreciation, I’ve had a crystal plaque crafted in your honor. It’s been delivered to your home.”
65% 23:27
6/7
Chapter 3
The link faded just as quickly as it had started, and I was left staring at the door, surprised by the gesture. A moment later, the doorbell rang, and when I opened it, Sharon stood there, clutching a small box
in her hands.
She held the box out to me, her expression a mixture of gratitude and something else, a question that lingered in her gaze, though she didn’t voice it. “It’s your reward,” she said softly, eyes tracing my face as if searching for answers.
65% 23:27
