Chapter 8
I heard a deafening roar in my head. I stood there, completely stunned.
Countless insults and mockery poured into my ears. I collapsed, covering my ears, but couldn’t block out the voices. Finally, as the crowd grew, security wolves dragged me out of the inn.
I didn’t remember how I left. I just felt incredibly cold all over, wave after wave of numbness threatening to drown me.
With nowhere to go, I went to the beach after dark and sat on the sand, staring blankly at the crescent moon above.
Wolves who recognized me kept their distance, avoiding me like a diseased omega. The only ones who came close wanted photos, one even cruelly tugging at my shirt to expose my silver scars.
At that moment, I finally realized that someone like me didn’t even have a chance to start over.
My life was ruined.
My dear sister, my beloved mate–to–be, my respected parents–they had destroyed me.
By the time the crowds dispersed, it was nearly dawn. Luke had called many times. I finally answered.
“Maeve, where are you? Don’t do anything rash, please. I’m coming to find you–just stay put, okay? Remember I’m still with you. Don’t be scared. I’ll protect you always. Just wait for me a little longer, alright?”
I softly responded “Mm,” my eyes completely lifeless.
When Luke found me, the ocean breeze had left me stiff with cold. Without hesitation, he pulled me into his arms, wrapped his coat around me, and repeatedly kissed the top of my head.
“Maeve, please come away with me. We can leave the territory and never return. I’ll help you forget everything. We’ll start fresh.” “You’re not broken and dirty! I care about you so much. No matter what they say, I think you’re amazing. Maeve, will you look at me? Please don’t scare me like this. I promise I’ll always be right by your Whenever you need me, I’ll be there in a heartbeat, okay?”
For the first time in forever, I let my guard down completely. I leaned fully into Luke’s embrace, soaking in his warmth. “But I’m ruined, Luke. Why are you wasting your time? Someday, you’ll regret this.”
I said it calmly, but Dr. Chandler laughed through his tears, kissing the top of my head again and again, promising over and over.
“I’ve known since we were adolescent wolves that I could never regret choosing you. Maeve, if I ever did, I swear I’d end my own life first. Just please don’t push me away again, okay?”
“Let me stay with you, just by your side.”
After days of holding it in, my emotions finally broke. I clutched Luke’s shirt and sobbed uncontrollably.
I had been so close to happiness.
Why didn’t my parents believe me? Why didn’t Dominic believe me? Why would my own sister do this to me? They wouldn’t even investigate what truly happened?
