The world felt cold, even though the night air was still. Every step away from the pack’s territory felt heavier, as though with each one, I was losing more of myself.
I had spent my whole life serving this pack, loving Derek, protecting everyone I could. Now, with just a few words, I was cast aside like I meant nothing.
When we reached the edge of the woods, a clearing where we could stop and breathe, I finally let out the sob I’d been holding back. It tore from me like a scream, my knees buckling beneath the weight of everything I had just lost.
Noelle was beside me in an instant, pulling me into her arms. “Kimberly…” Her voice cracked as she said my name, and it broke something inside me. I clung to her like a lifeline, the tears burning hot as they streamed down my face.
“I didn’t
