Chapter 30
Live clinice. The office builtin
them, heaving in a breath after
Handover the sink, splashing cold water on my face, trying to wool away lingering heat of 1o mas mall ban cozy, the kind of place where the wanna light and soft colors made it feel like home
ther, hair a I couldn’t believe what had just happened, I faced Amara for the first time since Trapa faci for the first time, I stood up in lier, gave her a taste of her own slan medicine, And Biotin–he was right there with me. His Isanils, large arul steary, wrapped around my waist like it
orld, avif he hadn’t puss saway for her all Humse years ago.
good. Too ggood. The way he stepped in, all possessive, protective–it was like he was trying to make up for everything in one roove. Five years agis, he treated mir like Liidn’t matter, like I was expenilable. Yet here he was guarding me as though I was someone precious.
Esqueezed my eyes shut, the memory that night crashing in again. “You’re not welcome here his voice had been so cold, like I was a stranger. İ remembered standing there, bruised and broken, laoping, praying, that maybe, just maybe, he’d still care. But all I got was his accusation, his daum ernel wind that cuit me dergier than any wound ever could
“You’re here to ruin things with Amara, aren’t you? You couldn’t stand that I moved on, so now you show up like some desperate little woll
Fjgripped the sink, knuckles white. That had been five years ago, but it felt like yesterday. He had made me feel worthless, like my very presence was a muisance. Hat noor! Now he was acting like I was the center of his world. Or was I, really!
The contradiction visted something inside me, a knot of confusion and frustration. Was he just playing a game? Was this his way of toying with The again! Or or did he really care!
I shook my head, staring into my reflection, trying to piece together what the hell I was supposed to feel. Part me wanted to trust him, wanted to believe that he was a new man. Someone who’kd protect me, who’d make up for everything. But the other part? The part that still felt the sting of his works, of his rejection–it was screaming at me to nim, to go the hell om before I let him break me again
Just as I was starting to wrap my head around
knock at the door shattered the silence. I jerked up, heart pounding again.
“Selene !” Matias’s voice, muilled beat unmistakable, echoed through the door.
I took a deep breath, bracing myself. Whatever this was, whatever Dorian had become–I couldn’t let myself get swept away. Not again.
I wiped my hands on a towel, took a deep breath, and left the bathroom 1 breathed in and out before opening the door. Marias stepped in, his expression serious. “We need to talk.”
“About what?” I walked back to the couch as he sat right across me. I swear to Goddess, this office is packed with everything I need. Glancing at Matias’s expression. I felt my stomach drop. The last thing I wanted was another conversation about Dorian and Amara. But Matias wasn’t here for
“It’s about Dorian and Amara,” be continued, his gaze steady but respectful. Great. I raised an eyebrow, curious, “What about theink
“You need to understand the stakes Amara isn’t just Dorian’s Luna, her pack is crucial to our pack’s survival. They’re his treasury
y heart sank. I had no idea things were that serious. “What do you mean!”
My l
He sighed, running a hand through lus hair. “The war with the Black Moon park has drained Dorian’s resources. We’re on shaky ground. If you don’t break it ull with lum, it could lead to a crisis for Duck Humler’s Pack”
I blinkre at Matias, trying to process what he was saying. “Wait, you’re selling me the war right now with the Black Moon pack has drained Dorian’s pack of resourcest Like, they’ve raining on fumes”
Matias nodded, his expression serious. “Yeah, and if it weren’t for Amara’s father providing support, we might’ve collapsed. This was the very same situation back then. Selene. I was there, in that very war Dorian had to make some rough calls back then–abandoning you. unfortunately, was
I felt a lump in my throat “But he loved me.“I whispered, almost to myself. “He still fucking loves inc. How could he
d he just walk away?!” I suppel muble to hold back the anger. This is bulblur
“He did what an alpha should do,” Matias replied, his torr firm. “You have to understand, he prioritized the pack’s survival over everything else Tut’s the kind of leader he is. It lant him just as much to leave you”
I can a hand through my laur, trying to wrap my head around all this, “So, you’re saying he left me to save his pack! And now, because of my little trumisi wathi lan. I’m just going to complicate everything”
Matias shrugged, crossing his arms. “It’s not that simple, Selene. Dorian still cares about you, but if you get too close again, it could jeopardize the Tragile balance he’s working so hand to maintain. Amara is his Luna and Dusk Howler Pack’s treasury. If you iwa ga rekindling things, it’ll only stir
Chapter 30
“Crap.” I muttered, the reality crashing down on me. “So, I’m supposed to just step back and let him deal with this mess on his own?”
“I’m not saying you shouldn’t be here, but you need to understand what’s at stake. I hope you can respect his position. The last thing he needs is mone chaos, and by the looks of it, I dont think he has any plans of letting you go” Matias advised, his voice softer now. “I know it’s tough, but his responsibility as a leader is everything right now)
“Yeah, I get that,” I replied, my voice low. “But it doesn’t mean I’m okay with it. It’s just… complicated.”
“Welcome back to Dusk Howler’s Pack–I wasn’t able to say that back then.” Matias said, a faint smile creeping onto his lips. “Nothing is ever straightforward
“Fine” I sighed, giving in. “But it doesn’t mean I’ll stop caring about him” Damn, right, I won’t.
“Wouldnt expect you to. Matias said, his voice reassuring. Just keep your distance for now. For everyone’s sake.” I nodded.
But could I really walk away!
Matias finally stood up, leaving the office. I clasp both of my hands staring at the now–closed door, His words hit me like a punch to the gur. I leaned against the sink, letting the reality sink in. Dorian had always loved me–there was no doubt about that. But could I really stand back while Amara and her park threatened everything he had fought for? It felt selfish to even consider it, yet the urge for retribution against Amara nagged at the edges of my thoughts.
I squared my shoulders, standing up and glancing down at the glass wall. It was five years ago,
I remembered that moment like it was yesterday, his words cutting deep even now.
“You’re
‘re not welcome here,” he had said, stepping closer, looming over me. Dorian’s eyes scanned me from head to toe–bruises, dirt, exhaustion etched into every inch of my skin. He noticed it all, but the only thing he gave me in return was a clenched jaw, cold and unbothered.
I thought maybe he’d care. Maybe there was a shred of the man I used to know still left, but I was wrong. Dead wrong.
“You think you can just walk back in and cause trouble? You think I don’t see what you’re doing?”
1 linked, totally lost. “W–what?”
“You’re here to ruin things with Amara, aren’t y
you?” His voice was colder than anything I ever heard before. I didn’t realize he was all doing that for the park’s sake. And yet, I know if he simply told me, I would have understood him better–better and I wouldn’t have ran off like a fucking
337 PM
