Chapter 7
Three years.
That was after I stopped picking his calls. Even with all I had done, pushing him away, cutting him off, disappearing without explanation, they thought of me and kept my place for me. They waited for me.
The realization hits me like a truck. I press my hand to my chest, feeling like I can't breathe. My wolf whimpers softly, overwhelmed by the love surrounding us.
Hot tears spill down my cheeks. I try to wipe them away, but more keep coming. They never stopped believing in me. Even when I stopped believing in myself.
The phone is still pressed to my ear, Orion's voice coming through clearly.
"Athena? Are you there?" His voice is warm, familiar, like coming home after a long journey. "Ath? Baby, are you okay?"
That stupid nickname. I used to roll my eyes every t
