As Ivy and I made our way back toward the house, the weight of everything felt like a boulder on my chest. The moonlight bathed the trees in a soft glow, but it didn’t bring me any comfort. I glanced over at Ivy, her wolf walking silently beside mine, her sharp eyes scanning the forest ahead. She had always been my confidante, my sounding board when life got too heavy. And now, as I tried to make sense of the mess my life had turned into, I needed her more than ever.
*What should I do, Ivy?* I finally asked, breaking the silence. *I liked Lucian. I still do. But now I’m mated to Ryder, and it’s…* I shook my head, unsure how to put the rest into words. *It’s so confusing. I don’t want to hurt Ryder, but I don’t want this. I never asked for this.*
Ivy’s wolf let out a soft sigh, her tail f
