Chapter 4
CARINA
62%
When Natalia announced she was leaving. I knew it was selfish, but I couldn’t help the small amount of happiness spark within my heart.
11
She had been offered a chance to study in Europe, to learn from the best pack doctors at the most prestigious school in the world.
It was a dream opportunity for her, one that solidified how far ahead she always was. I tried to be proud of her and focus on what a remarkable achievement it was. But deep down, I couldn’t help but wonder what her absence might mean for me.
I was 20 now, and some things had changed. My hair was lighter, my eyes brighter, and I’d started taking care of myself more. Training regularly, eating well, and pushing myself to be stronger every day.
It was going pretty well, but it wasn’t so obvious. I didn’t leave the house much aside from attending the common courses to become a pack doctor apprentice.
But even with all that effort, Natalia was still lightyears ahead of me.
The pack meeting was called on a sunlit afternoon. Everyone gathered in the main hall, wondering what was the reason for their gathering.
Natalia stood in the center, radiating confidence in a tailored dress that made her look like royalty.
“I have an announcement to make,” she said, her voice clear and commanding. She didn’t even have to try to hold the room’s attention. Her presence did that effortlessly.
I crossed my arms uncomfortably near the back, my gaze drifting automatically to Falco. His broad shoulders were accentuated by the fitted leather jacket he wore, and his dark hair fell messily across his forehead as if he’d just come from training.
My parents, who were beside me, nudged my shoulder before my dad handed me my pill box.
“You forgot to drink it,” he hissed.
My eyebrows raised.
Right. I was so happy about Natalia’s announcement in our house this morning that I forgot.
“It’s the only thing you have to remember, and yet you still failed to do so,” he said, shaking his head in disappointment.
“Sorry, Dad,” I sheepishly said before popping the pills into my mouth.
With that, I focused my attention on the front once more.
“I’ve been given an incredible opportunity,” Natalia continued, her voice filled with pride. “I’ll be studying in Europe for two years. It’s the best school in the world for pack doctors, and I couldn’t turn it down.”
Murmurs broke out in the back, both surprised and amazed.
“Oh no! Our Luna is going to leave?”
“She hasn’t even been crowned Luna yet. Their marriage should be coming up soon.”
“Then, what is this?”
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11:39 Mon, 3 Mar vi
Chapter 4
Two years he would be gone for two while years
“I’ll miss all of you Natalia arded with a sad smile. “But this is an opportunity I can’t pass up. And when I return, I’ll be even twitter equipped to serve the park”
The room, despite their initial disappointment for her departure, erupted into applause. She had them wrapped around her Ginger, as always.
But my foors wasn’t on her anymore–it was on him.
Falco stood silently as the rest of the pack celebrated Natalia’s announcement. His jaw was tight, and his eyes showed something I couldn’t quite name. Was it sadness? Frustration?
I couldn’t stop myself from watching him, sturdying the way the sunlight played off the sharp angles of his face. He was heartbreakingly handsome, even as his mate had just announced she would leave,
Natalia left that same evening
The pack gathered to send her off, showering her with well wishes and promises to stay in touch. I stood on the edge of the crowd, trying not to let my emotions show.
When her car finally disappeared down the road, the pack began to disperse, their voices fading as they returned to their lives.
I didn’t expect Falco to break.
But he did.
As soon as the last person was gone, his knees buckled, and he sank onto the steps of the pack house. His shoulders trembled, his head bowing low as he tried to hold himself together.
My feet moved before my brain could catch up, closing the distance between us.
“Falco?” I said softly.
He didn’t look up, but his hands clenched into fists.
“She’s gone,” he muttered, his voice rough. “I thought I’d be ready for this, but…”
He trailed off, his words breaking.
I hesitated for only a moment before kneeling beside him. Reaching out, I placed a hand on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his skin through the fabric of his jacket.
“It’s only two years, Falco,” I said gently. “She’ll be back before you know it.”
His head lifted slightly, his amber eyes meeting mine. For a moment, I saw the vulnerability in them, and it made my chest ache.
“Two years,” he repeated, his voice hollow.
Before I knew what I was doing, I wrapped my arms around him. His body was solid and warm, and I felt the faint tremor in his muscles as he let himself lean into me.
“It’ll be okay,” I murmured, even as my own heart cracked with my words. “You’ll get through this. And when she comes back, everything will be just like it was. Perfect.”
He didn’t respond, but his arms came up, hesitantly at first, before pulling me closer.
2/3
LUAM MOI, & Mar
Chapter 1
+13)
The world seemed to stop as I felt the strength of his embrace and the way his chest rose and fell against mine. His scent enveloped me, woodsy and intoxicating, and for a moment, I let myself imagine that he was holding me because he wanted
But I knew better
This wasn’t about me.
It was about her
I tightened my grip on him, pressing my face into his shoulder to hide the tears that threatened to spill. If this was the only time I’d ever get to hold him, then I would savor it, even if it wasn’t real.
Even if it was just for her.
“You’d always be here for me, right?” he asked, sounding vulnerable. I felt his lips against my neck, sending tingles down my spine.
“Of course,” I muttered. “Always”
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