[Nikolai]
I knew what she wanted to pick—the obvious choice. Her son. Any mother would choose their child. Should choose their child.
So I made it easier for her. Gave her permission. Practically pushed her toward the door, ready to use a harsher set of words if I had to.
But that didn’t mean it wouldn’t shatter me into pieces so small I’d never be able to put myself back together.
Without my identity as an alpha, without my legs, without everything I’d once stood for—and now without Isolde—what would be left?
Nothing. Just an empty shell taking up space in a hospital bed. And once she left, I’d already decided what I would do. I’d wait until the nurses changed shifts, find something sharp, and slit my throat tonight. Be done with all of it.
I hadn’t really had a reason to live for a
