A life that never included her.
No bond. No warmth. No shared memories. No shared blood.
Because there isn’t any.
There never was.
Just as that truth settles deep into my bones, the door creaks open behind me.
I don’t need to look to know who it is.
His aura hits first–ancient, powerful,oppressive.
The Alpha King.
I raise my eyes, and they meet his. For one long, heavy moment, we just stare at each other. His emerald eyes mirror mine, filled with a sorrow and pain I don’t want to understand.
I drop my gaze–not out of fear, but because looking at him feels like tearing open old wounds that barely started to heal.
“I didn’t know you were awake,” he says softly, his voice tight. “I would’ve come sooner. How are you feeling? Do you… remember anything?”
I steel myself. “No,” I lie, flatly. “And
‘t
I want to ”
Jack shifts beside me, about to say something, I see the hesitation in his eyes–he wants to give us space. He thinks maybe this is something I need.
It’s not.
I grab his wrist before he can move. “Don’t leave,” I whisper. “Take me home. I want to go. I don’t want to be here any longer.”
“Kali…” Jack murmurs, his voice gentle, trying to reason with me. He’s been sitting by your side for days. He hasn’t-”
“I said I don’t want to be here,” I cut in, sharper than I mean to. “I want to go home. Our home. Let’s complete the bond, Jack. Please.”
“Okay.”
He lifts me gently, cradling me in his arms. I can feel the Alpha King’s sorrow pressing against my spine–thick, suffocating- but I force myself not to turn around. I won’t look at him. I won’t let myself care.
Jack carries me past him, out of that room, out of palace. He doesn’t say a word–just holds me tighter.
Outside, a sleek black carriage is waiting–not what I expected.
I glance up at him, confused. “We can shift. Why are
we-?”
He doesn’t answer right away, but I see the truth flicker in his eyes. He must know about the poison. About the risk. That maybe
. my wolf didn’t survive. He doesn’t say it–probably thinks I’m too scared to face it. He’s considerate like that.
And somehow… that warms my heart.
There’s so much I want to say–about Celestia, about his uncle, the one behind all of this. But the words stay trapped. I’m just
too tired.
He helps me into the carriage, tucking a blanket around me with care. His hands linger on my shoulders, like he’s reluctant to let go.
“Sleep, my beautiful angel,” he whispers, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. “I’ll wake you when we get home.”
And for the first time in days…
I finally feel safe enough to let go.
I wake with a soft yawn, stretching slightly as my eyes flutter open and blink in surprise when I see our home just outside the carriage window.
Turning to Jack, I narrow my eyes playfully. “You said you’d wake me.”
He grins, completely unbothered. “I was enjoying watching you sleep too much.”
I laugh, shaking my head as he opens the door with one arm and lifts me effortlessly, carrying me straight into our bedroom.
He sets me down gently on the bed, his face close to mine, eyes scanning me carefully. I see his throat bob as he swallows hard.
“I meant what I said earlier,” I murmur, brushing my fingers across his cheek. “I want us to complete the bond.”
He opens his mouth, his voice low and cautious. “Kali… we don’t need to rush. We have all the time in the world. You need rest
“I’ve slept enough for six days,” I cut in, my tone firmer now. “And yes, there is a need. Not having your mark nearly cost me everything. I don’t want to waste any more time, Jack.”
My voice wavers at the end. “Let’s finish this. Let’s complete the bond. Let’s mate.
He stares at me, eyes dark and intense, filled with emotion. “I’m so sorry for-”
I place a finger gently against his lips, stopping him..
“No apologies,” I whisper. “Just take me.”
