Chapter 0020

“No.”

“Don’t lie to me. The last time you held it like that, you collapsed.”

“It doesn’t hurt, I swear.”

“Then why are you holding it?”

“It’s… It’s nothing.” I didn’t want to tell him the scar reminded me of my own weakness. It would be permanent. Bruises fade. Small wounds heal. But this mark would remain forever. A constant reminder that even with the blood tie broken, I was still mated to Beta Marcus. Even after his death, it would linger. A testament to the horrible life I endured.

His crimson eyes narrow. His brow creases into a deep frown. He leans back in his chair, studying me intently. I offer no explanation.

“Scars fade with time. It won’t always look so prominent.”

How did he know my thoughts? Was I that transparent?

“You should see it as a survivor’s wound,” he continues.

“A survivor’s wound?” That concept had never crossed my mind.

He gives a slow nod. “It caused you immense pain and suffering. But look at you now. Standing before me. Probably the healthiest you’ve been in years. You survived, Athena. You might not believe it, but deep down, you’re a fighter.”

He had such faith. Time would reveal how mistaken he was. The only person I ever truly wanted dead was Beta Marcus. Beyond that, I was no fighter.

When reports confirmed no more beasts in the forest, Alpha Alexander dismissed me from his office. He said I was free to explore.

I stood at the open front door, watching the snow begin to fall. Delicate white flakes swirled in the air. Children were already outside, running and trying to catch them on their tongues.

I took one step outside. Then immediately stepped back across the threshold. I had never been outside alone.

“Are you going to do that all night?” I turned to see Isabella sitting on the bottom stair. Her elbows rested on her knees, chin propped on her hands. She watched me with an amused smile. I hated that I couldn’t scent them.

“It’s snow. You’ve seen snow, right? I mean, Silver Creek isn’t that far.”

“I’ve seen snow,” I muttered, looking out at the falling flakes. The snow was getting heavier now. Starting to settle on the grass.

“Then what’s the problem? I’ve been watching you for twenty minutes. I can’t figure it out. Is it because of that beast? We have the all-clear. It’s dead.”

I hadn’t realized I’d been standing there so long.

I heard her footsteps as she approached. She stopped beside me and linked her arm with mine. “You’re not alone here. There’s always someone to help. Or talk to.” She froze suddenly and ripped her arm away. “You’re not thinking of running, are you?”

“No. I’ve just… I’ve never been outside on my own.”

She grabbed my arm again, beaming at me. “Like I said, Athena, we are never alone here.” She pulled me out into the snow. She seemed completely unphased by the cold, spinning around in just jeans and a vest.

She stopped and smiled at me. “Everyone thinks we’re some horrible, raging pack that just wants to kill. But what we believe in is loyalty. Here, everyone protects each other. If you’re outside and someone attacks, everyone will come to your side.”

“Because I am Alpha Alexander’s bride?” I asked quietly.

“Partly. But mostly because that’s who we are. We protect our own.”

But technically, I still wasn’t part of this pack.