The Heart Of Deciet

Kathie POV I saw the signs—how he defended her against the pack’s ridicule and took her under his wing. The once cold Alpha became gentle and patient when she was around. The breaking point came when I overheard Emma thanking Jason late one night. “You’ve given me so much,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’d be lost without you.” Jason’s response was quiet, but his tone was intimate in a way it never was with me. “You deserve everything, Emma. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” I knew then that I had lost him. As the moonlight filtered through the treetops that night, I vowed not to let Jason or Emma define my story. Standing alone in the clearing, I stared at the moon, its light casting a silver glow over my skin. As Jason's words hung in the air, I felt as though the floor beneath me had crumbled away. My heart screamed in protest, but I couldn’t find the strength to argue anymore. He had made up his mind, and my feelings no longer seemed to matter. "Fine," I whispered hoarsely, barely able to hold back my tears. "Do whatever you want, Jason." He looked at me, surprised by my lack of resistance. Perhaps he thought I’d fight harder for him, but why should I? His actions had already spoken. That night, I locked myself in the bedroom, pacing the small space as memories of Jason and me flooded my mind. I wanted to hate him, but my heart stubbornly clung to the love we once shared. My phone buzzed on the nightstand, jolting me from my thoughts. The screen lit up with a text from my mother: "Kathie, come home. I have something important to tell you." I stared at the message, my gut tightening. My mother rarely reached out unless it was urgent. Despite everything going on, her words felt like a thread pulling me toward something more solid than the chaos around me. The next morning, I woke up to the sound of voices outside the door. Jason and Emma were talking in hushed tones, but I could hear every word. "You think she’ll leave quietly?" Emma’s voice was soft, but there was a sharp edge to it that I hadn’t noticed before. "She has to," Jason replied, sounding uneasy. "I’ve done everything I can to make this easier for her." Easier? The sheer audacity of his words made me clench my fists. "And if she doesn’t?" Emma’s tone turned icy. "Then I’ll make her leave," Jason said firmly. Something inside me snapped. I swung open the door, startling them both. Their guilty expressions only fueled the fire burning within me. "Don’t bother," I said coldly, my voice steadier than I expected. "I’ll leave." Jason’s eyes widened, and for a brief moment, I saw a flicker of regret. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared. "Kathie, I—" "Save it," I cut him off, my gaze darting between him and Emma. "I hope you two enjoy your happily ever after." Without another word, I turned and walked out of the house. I didn’t stop walking until I reached a quiet café down the street. I needed a moment to collect myself before heading to my mother’s place. But as I sat there, nursing a cup of coffee, a man approached my table. "Kathie Green?" he asked, his voice deep and calm. I frowned, confused. "Yes, that’s me." He slid a large envelope onto the table. "This is for you." Before I could ask any questions, he walked away, disappearing into the bustling street. With trembling hands, I opened the envelope. Inside were several documents and a handwritten note: "Kathie, I’ve been watching from the shadows, waiting for the right moment. You deserve to know the truth about Jason Taylor and Emma Gray. Meet me tonight at the Old Town Pier. You’ll finally understand everything. —A Friend" My breath hitched as I flipped through the documents. They contained financial records, photographs, and correspondence—all pointing to a twisted scheme involving Jason and Emma. I didn’t know who this “friend” was or why they were helping me, but one thing was certain: the truth was far more sinister than I had imagined. That evening, I stood at the edge of the pier, the cool breeze biting at my skin. A shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, their face obscured by the hood of their coat. "You came," the stranger said, their voice familiar yet unplaceable. "Who are you?" I demanded, clutching the envelope tightly. They pulled back their hood, revealing a face I never expected to see. "Hello, Kathie," they said with a wry smile. "It’s been a long time." My jaw dropped. It was Raymond Stone , Jason’s former beta—the one who had mysteriously vanished after their falling out two years ago. "Gabriel?" I whispered, shock rendering me speechless. He stepped closer, his expression grim. "You have no idea what you’ve gotten caught up in." Before I could respond, a loud splash echoed through the night. We both turned toward the sound, but the water was eerily still. "Someone’s watching us," Gabriel muttered, his eyes scanning the shadows. And then, in the dim light of the pier, I saw a figure lurking at the edge of the darkness. The twist tightened like a noose around my chest. Who was it? And how much danger was I really in? The answers would have to wait. Because at that moment, the shadowy figure lunged toward us, and everything went black.

Kathie POV The wedding date was set, the dress chosen, and the invitations sent. Yet it wasn’t my wedding. That evening, Emma waltzed into the room, carrying a tray with tea and a smug grin plastered on her face. “Kathie, even if your family is wealthier than mine, what does it matter? Jason still chose me,” she said, her words dripping with malice. Before I could respond, she “accidentally” tipped the teacup, spilling the scalding liquid onto my leg. I hissed in pain, clutching the burnt skin. Emma immediately shrieked, clutching her hand. “Ah! Kathie, why did you push me?” The sound of rushing footsteps heralded Jason’s arrival. He stormed in, taking one look at Emma’s fake tears and my stunned expression before turning to her with concern. “Emma, what happened?” he asked, his voice gentle. “She burned me,” Emma whimpered, holding out her hand with a tiny red mark. Jason didn’t even glance at me. Instead, he took her hand delicately, inspecting the mark like she was a fragile piece of glass. “Kathie!” His voice was sharp, accusing. “How could you? She came to make peace with you, and you do this?” I stared at him in disbelief. “She—” But he wasn’t listening. He swept Emma out of the room, promising to tend to her “injury,” leaving me alone with my throbbing leg and a fresh wound in my heart. Later that night, as I lay in bed nursing my leg, Emma’s laughter echoed down the hallway. It was accompanied by Jason’s deep chuckle, a sound that used to be reserved for me. The next morning, Emma cornered me in the kitchen, holding her phone up with a triumphant smile. On the screen was a photo of her in my wedding dress, the one I’d carefully chosen months ago. “Isn’t it beautiful?” she asked, twisting the phone so the light caught the sparkle of the diamond ring on her finger. My diamond ring. “Jason said there’s no point in wasting such a lovely dress,” she said, her tone syrupy sweet. “And this ring? It’s perfect, isn’t it? He picked it out just for me.” The diamond caught the light, mocking me as it twinkled. That was the last straw. I tore off my engagement ring and threw it into the trash without hesitation. The sound of it hitting the metal bin felt like liberation. Then, I packed my bags and left. A week passed, and I began settling into my friend’s flat. Jason, of course, noticed my absence too late. He called incessantly, but I ignored him. When I finally picked up, his voice was sharp with irritation. “Where are you? Emma found the ring I gave you in the trash. What does that mean?” “It means we’re over,” I said, my tone calm but firm. “Don’t be ridiculous, Kathie,” he snapped. “It’s just a ring and a wedding! Once this is over, I’ll—” I didn’t let him finish. I hung up, blocked his number, and began rebuilding my life. A week later, my colleagues threw me a farewell dinner. It was supposed to be lighthearted, but as the drinks flowed, a male colleague—known for his inappropriate behavior—decided it was the perfect time to confess his feelings. “You’re beautiful, Kathie,” he slurred. “Any man would be lucky to have you. Forget about Jason. He’s marrying someone else anyway. I’ll take you.” I rejected him politely, but his face twisted in humiliation. “Don’t act so high and mighty,” he sneered. “Everyone knows your rich fiancé dumped you for another woman. You should be grateful that someone like me even looks at you.” Before I could respond, a fist collided with his face, sending him sprawling to the ground. I turned, stunned, to see Jason standing there, his jaw clenched and his eyes blazing with fury. “Do you think you’re worthy of her?” he snarled at the man on the ground. For a brief moment, my heart wavered. But as soon as we stepped outside, his aura changed. His hand dropped mine, and his expression hardened. “Let’s stop this charade,” he muttered. “What charade?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. He smirked, pulling out a pristine white envelope. “Emma wanted me to personally invite you to our wedding. She says you’re her only good sister and wants your blessing.” The audacity of his words hit me like a punch to the gut. But instead of crumbling, I forced a smile. “Of course,” I said evenly. “I wish you both a happy wedding.” Relief washed over his face, and he patted my shoulder like he’d just done me a favor. “Good. I knew you’d understand,” he said smugly. “Don’t worry, once her mother’s wish is fulfilled, I’ll give you an even grander wedding.” I said nothing, my mind already racing with plans. That afternoon, I boarded a flight back to London. Two days after landing, I received a call from an unknown number. Against my better judgment, I answered. “Kathie,” Emma’s panicked voice rang through the line. “Something’s happened to Jason.” Her words stirred something dark within me, but I kept my tone neutral. “What happened?” “He’s missing,” she whispered. “The night you left, he started drinking heavily. Last night, he got into a fight at a pub and… Kathie, no one’s seen him since.” I felt a strange sense of detachment. “What do you want me to do?” “Help me find him!” she pleaded. “He still loves you—I know it. Please, Kathie, you’re the only one who can bring him back.” I hung up without answering. As I sat in my new apartment, staring out at the London skyline, a cold smile crept across my face. Emma and Jason had destroyed my life, taken everything I held dear, and expected me to save them? No. This time, I’d be the one pulling the strings. And they wouldn’t see it coming.

Katie POV Two days earlier, my mother had called with news that shattered the fragile peace I’d only just begun to rebuild in my life. "The Alpha of the Ludwig Pack has approached us. They want you to mate with their second son, Griffin Ludwig." I froze. The Ludwig Pack was legendary—one of the most powerful and ancient werewolf packs in the entire realm. And Griffin Ludwig? His name was whispered like a ghost story among both wolves and humans. A ruthless Alpha-in-training, he ruled his pack with cold efficiency, leaving no room for dissent. His reputation for being indifferent to women was just as infamous as his knack for power plays. The idea of being bound to someone so distant unsettled me deeply. But after everything that had happened in my life—Jason’s betrayal, the pain I’d endured—it felt like fate was forcing me to take a leap into the unknown. Without telling my family, I decided to return to the pack early. I wanted to surprise them, to show them I was ready for this, whatever it might mean. Three hours later, I arrived at London’s main train station. The air smelled of human exhaust and faint traces of lingering wolves who had passed through the city’s crowded streets. As I dragged my suitcase through the terminal, I was caught off guard by a commotion ahead. A well built man with sharp, predatory eyes snatched my bag and darted toward the exit. Instinct took over. My wolf stirred within me, growling for justice. Without thinking, I bolted after him. Despite my speed, I couldn’t stop him. Just as he disappeared into an alley, the bag fell from his hands. I grabbed it, relieved—until I looked inside. It was empty. How did he switch my bag with the exact same type? It didn't make any sense. Still trying to understand what was going on, an old woman was pushed to the floor by another man. My chest tightened. Something felt off. As I turned back toward my luggage, my wolf snarled a warning in my mind. The old woman was no victim. Another man was dragging my suitcase toward the station doors, and her accomplice—the strange man—was waiting for her on an electric scooter. "Hey!" I shouted, sprinting toward them. Before I could reach her, a tall figure emerged from the crowd. With a fluidity that could only belong to a trained warrior, he launched a kick that sent both thieves sprawling. The scooter crashed onto its side, and the crowd gasped. The man crouched, lifting my suitcase with ease, and handed it back to me without a word. "Thank you," I stammered, breathless and overwhelmed. He nodded slightly, his voice low and commanding. "Be more careful next time." I barely managed to mumble another thank-you before he turned and walked away. He was taller than any wolf I’d seen, his presence radiating raw power. Though his physique was striking, his expression was so cold that it discouraged further conversation. I watched his broad shoulders disappear into the crowd just as the local enforcers arrived to apprehend the thieves. My wolf stirred, curious, but I brushed the feeling aside. When I finally arrived home, I was greeted by the familiar scents of my family—the comforting blend of pine and lavender that I’d missed so much during my time away. Grandma fussed over me as though I were still a pup, her frail hands patting my cheeks. My parents’ warm smiles eased the tension I’d carried for years. For the past seven years, I had stayed in Edinburgh for Jason, neglecting the family that had always stood by me. Now, surrounded by their care, I felt my walls crumbling. Tears spilled down my cheeks, unbidden. My mother mistook my tears for heartbreak. "If you can’t let go of Jason, we won’t force you," she said gently, stroking my hair. I shook my head, wiping my face. "I’m willing to mate into the Ludwig Pack." My parents exchanged worried glances. Even in the world of wolves, arranged matings weren’t uncommon, especially among powerful packs. But the Ludwig Pack was a league of its own. The next morning, the Ludwigs sent a formal envoy to arrange the mating bond ceremony. My mother explained that Old Alpha Ludwig had spent years searching for the perfect match for his second son. Dozens of prominent she-wolves had been rejected by Griffin himself. I couldn’t help but wonder why he’d agreed to mate with me. Although our pack was respected, we were nowhere near the Ludwigs’ level of influence. My family didn’t have the kind of strategic alliances that might explain this union. My mother seemed just as worried. As she helped me choose a gown for the ceremony, she took my hands in hers, her usual confidence replaced with vulnerability. "If you don’t like him when you meet, we won’t go through with it," she said softly. I tried to smile, though my stomach churned with uncertainty. "Honestly, Mom, I’m more worried he won’t like me." Her laughter filled the room, lightening the moment. "If Griffin Ludwig doesn’t see your worth, then he’s a fool." The next morning, as I prepared for the ceremony, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my life was about to change forever. The venue was held deep in the Ludwig Pack’s territory, an ancient forest that buzzed with the energy of hundreds of wolves. The ceremony itself was simple—just the exchange of vows and the marking of the bond. As I waited in the ceremonial hall, the heavy oak doors creaked open. My wolf stilled, every sense sharpening as Griffin stepped inside. It was him. The man who had saved me at the station. Our eyes met, and for a brief moment, the air seemed to still. His expression remained unreadable, his gaze piercing through me as though he could see every secret I’d ever kept. He walked toward me, his movements fluid yet restrained, like a trapped man.

Kathie POV Griffin stopped a few feet away, his piercing silver eyes locked onto mine. In his gaze, I saw the weight of duty, the steel of a man who bore countless responsibilities, and a hint of something I couldn’t quite decipher. He was intimidating, yes, but there was a magnetic pull to him that my wolf recognized immediately. The elder overseeing the ceremony cleared his throat, bringing me back to the present. The room was silent save for the rustling of leaves outside. The Ludwig Pack’s ceremonial hall was simple yet grand, its stone walls etched with the stories of their lineage. The scent of incense filled the air, mingling with the energy of the gathered pack members watching from the shadows. Griffin extended his hand toward me, his movements deliberate. I hesitated only for a fraction of a second before placing my hand in his. His palm was warm, his grip firm but not crushing. “Are you ready?” His voice was low and steady, a question that seemed to carry more weight than the ceremony itself. “Yes,” I replied, meeting his gaze with as much courage as I could muster. My wolf stirred, an odd sense of calm washing over me. The elder stepped forward, holding a ceremonial blade. The blade’s edge glinted in the dim light, etched with runes that carried the power of ancient oaths. “In the eyes of the Moon Goddess,” the elder began, his voice deep and resonant, “we gather to unite two souls, two wolves, into a bond that transcends time. This union is sacred, forged in trust, loyalty, and the blood of your lineage.” Griffin never took his eyes off me, his gaze unrelenting. It was as if he were silently assessing whether I truly belonged in his world. The elder turned to me first, offering the blade. “Do you, daughter of the Silverlake Pack, swear to uphold the bond, to stand beside your mate as his equal, and to honor the traditions of the Ludwig Pack?” My hands trembled as I took the blade, its weight heavier than I expected. The words felt monumental, but deep down, I knew this was a leap I had to take. “I swear,” I said, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me. With a deep breath, I pressed the blade lightly to my palm, the sharp edge biting into my skin just enough to draw a thin line of blood. The crimson drops glistened before they fell onto a small ceremonial bowl below, symbolizing my commitment to the bond. The elder then turned to Griffin. His expression remained unreadable as he took the blade, his movements fluid and practiced. “Do you, Griffin of the Ludwig Pack, swear to protect your mate, to stand beside her as her equal, and to honor the traditions of your ancestors?” Griffin’s voice was calm, but there was an intensity behind it that sent a shiver down my spine. “I swear.” He watched my actions, drawing blood with the same precision and letting it drip into the bowl. The elder placed the blade aside and held the bowl high. “The Moon Goddess bears witness to your oaths. May your bond be blessed and your union be eternal.” Then came the final step: the marking. My pulse quickened as Griffin stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. This part of the ceremony was intimate, a declaration to the pack and the world that we belonged to one another. “May I?” he asked softly, his voice dropping to a tone meant only for me. I nodded, my throat dry. I tilted my head, exposing the curve of my neck. My wolf stirred with anticipation, a mix of nervousness and excitement coursing through me. Griffin’s hand brushed my shoulder, firm yet gentle, as he lowered his head. His breath was warm against my skin, and then I felt the sharp, precise sting of his fangs. My body tensed for a brief moment before warmth spread through me, an unfamiliar but not unpleasant sensation. My wolf howled within, the bond forming as his mark sealed the union. It wasn’t just a mark on my skin—it was a connection, a tether that hummed with power. When he pulled back, his eyes met mine again. For the first time, I thought I saw a flicker of something softer other than his cold exterior. The elder spoke again, addressing the pack. “The bond is sealed. From this day forward, you are mates, bound by the will of the Moon Goddess.” The pack howled in unison, their voices echoing through the hall and into the forest beyond. I felt the weight of their approval, their acceptance, even if I was still an outsider to them. Griffin extended his hand again, and this time, I took it without hesitation. Together, we turned to face the gathered wolves. “Welcome, daughter of Silverlake, to the Ludwig Pack,” the elder said, his tone formal but warm. Griffin’s grip on my hand tightened slightly, a silent reassurance. As we walked out of the hall, the cool night air greeted us. The forest seemed alive, the rustle of leaves and the distant howl of wolves creating a symphony that felt like it was just for us. He led me to a clearing just beyond the hall, where a sleek black car waited. I hesitated, unsure of what to say or do now that the ceremony was over. “Do you regret it?” he asked suddenly, his voice breaking the silence. I looked up at him, surprised by the question. “No,” I said honestly, though I wasn’t sure if I was convincing myself or him. He nodded, his gaze shifting toward the distant trees. “Good.” We stood there for a moment, the silence between us heavy but not uncomfortable. I realized then that this wasn’t just about a bond or an alliance. This was a new beginning—for both of us. As we got into the car, my wolf stirred again, a quiet but firm reminder that whatever lay ahead, we were in this together.

Kathie POV After the mating rite, my mum and everyone else insisted I leave with Griffin and spend a few days. Usethe opportunity to get to know each other. The car ride was quiet, except for the soft hum of the engine and the faint rustle of trees outside. Griffin sat beside me, his posture relaxed yet commanding. The air between us felt charged, though neither of us spoke. My neck still tingled where he had marked me, a reminder of the bond we had just sealed. I tried not to fidget, clasping my hands tightly in my lap. The silence was growing heavier, so I finally decided to break it. “Where are we going?” I asked, my voice soft but curious. Griffin glanced at me briefly, his silver eyes unreadable. “You need a dress,” he said simply, his tone matter-of-fact. “A dress?” “For tonight’s banquet,” he elaborated. “It’s tradition for the newly bonded to present themselves formally to the pack.” Of course. A public display to affirm my place within the Ludwig Pack. My wolf stirred uneasily, the prospect of being under scrutiny daunting. Still, I nodded. The car pulled to a smooth stop in front of an upscale boutique nestled between towering glass buildings. The shop’s display windows showcased elegant gowns that practically radiated sophistication and wealth. Griffin exited the car first, moving with a grace that made it impossible not to watch him. He walked around to open my door, a gesture that seemed out of character given his reserved aura. “Thank you,” I murmured, stepping out. Inside the boutique, the air was perfumed with the scent of fresh flowers and expensive fabric. A tall, impeccably dressed woman greeted us with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Mr. Ludwig,” she said, her tone deferential. “What an honor. How can we assist you today?” Griffin gestured toward me. “She needs a dress for tonight.” The woman’s sharp eyes turned to me, assessing me in a way that made me feel both self-conscious and defiant. “Of course,” she said smoothly. “Right this way, madam.” I followed her into the main showroom, where racks of gowns in every imaginable shade and style awaited. The woman began pulling dresses that she deemed “appropriate,” each one more extravagant than the last. Griffin remained near the entrance, his arms crossed as he observed silently. His presence was a constant weight, a reminder that this wasn’t just shopping—it was preparation for stepping into a role I hadn’t asked for but had chosen nonetheless. I tried on dress after dress, each one more ornate than the last. The boutique staff flitted around me like bees, adjusting hems and draping fabric over my shoulders. But no matter what they brought, nothing felt quite right. When the woman held up a midnight blue gown with intricate silver embroidery, I hesitated. The color reminded me of Griffin’s eyes, deep and piercing. “This one,” I said, surprising myself. The moment I stepped out of the fitting room, Griffin’s gaze flickered to me. His expression didn’t change, but there was a subtle shift in the air around him, as if he’d momentarily forgotten to keep his mask in place. “That’ll do,” he said after a pause, his voice steady but quieter than before. The staff quickly packed the gown, and soon we were back in the car. I leaned my head against the cool glass of the window, my thoughts swirling. Just as I began to relax, Griffin’s voice cut through the quiet. “Do you still feel uneasy about the bond?” he asked, his tone unexpectedly gentle. I turned to look at him, startled by the question. “It’s… a lot to process,” I admitted. “But I don’t regret it.” His lips pressed into a faint line, as if he were weighing my words. “Good,” he said simply. We got back to the car and got in. The car pulled into a parking lot outside another boutique, this one catering to bridal wear. My brows furrowed in confusion. “A dress for the banquet wasn’t enough?” I teased, attempting to lighten the mood. Griffin gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. “You’ll see.” We stepped into the store, where rows of white gowns shimmered under the soft lighting. Brides-to-be floated around the showroom, their laughter and excited chatter filling the air. As we walked further in, something caught my eye—or rather, someone. Across the room, a woman stood on a small pedestal, surrounded by attendants. Her auburn hair was swept into a loose updo, and the lace of the gown she wore glinted under the lights. She radiated confidence, her smile easy and genuine. It was Emma. The blood drained from my face, my wolf growling softly in the back of my mind. I hadn’t seen her for a while, not since the fallout with Jason. Yet here she was, trying on wedding dresses. She hadn’t noticed me yet, too engrossed in whatever her consultant was saying. But as if sensing my presence, her gaze suddenly lifted, her green eyes locking onto mine. The air shifted, the lively chatter around us fading into the background. For a moment, neither of us moved, caught in the tension of an unspoken history. Griffin noticed the change in my posture and followed my gaze. His expression hardened slightly, though he said nothing. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Emma, memories of betrayal and heartbreak flooding back in an instant. My wolf bristled, protective and wary. Emma’s smile faltered, her confidence replaced by something else—unease, perhaps? Or maybe guilt. The weight of her gaze pinned me in place, and I suddenly felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. Whatever came next, I knew it wouldn’t be simple.

Kathie POV The moment Emma’s eyes locked onto mine, I knew she wouldn’t let this go. I turned my back on her, pretending to inspect a display of fabric swatches near the counter. My heart raced, my wolf pacing with restless energy. This wasn’t the time or place for a confrontation. “Kathie?” Emma’s voice called out, hesitant yet insistent. I closed my eyes briefly, willing myself to stay calm. But when I turned around, she was already walking toward me, her white gown billowing slightly with each step. “I thought it was you,” she said, stopping a few feet away. Her smile was nervous, like she wasn’t sure whether to be happy or apologetic. “It’s been so long. How are you?” I crossed my arms, my posture stiff. “What do you want, Emma?” Her smile faltered. “I—I just wanted to talk. I didn’t know you were back in town.” “That’s because I didn’t tell you,” I said, my tone sharp. “What are you doing here?” Emma looked down at the dress she was wearing, then back up at me. “I’m… getting married.” The words hit harder than I expected, but I kept my face neutral. “Good for you,” I said coldly. “Why are you talking to me?” Her shoulders sagged slightly, and she took a cautious step closer. “Kathie, I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I want to apologize for what happened with Jason . It was a mistake—” “A mistake?” I snapped, cutting her off. “Sleeping with my mate was a mistake? That’s what you’re calling it now?” Emma flinched but didn’t back down. “I was wrong. I was selfish, and I hurt you. I’ve regretted it every day since.” I laughed bitterly, my wolf growling low in the back of my mind. “Regret doesn’t erase betrayal, Emma. You didn’t just hurt me; you destroyed everything we had.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I’m not asking for things to go back to the way they were. I just want to make amends.” I took a step closer, my fists clenched at my sides. “Amends? Do you even hear yourself? You think an apology will fix this? If I never see you again, it’ll be too soon.” Emma opened her mouth to say something else, but I wasn’t in the mood to listen. My wolf was clawing at the surface, demanding action. “Leave,” I said through gritted teeth. “Before I do something we’ll both regret.” She hesitated, her hands wringing together. “Kathie, please—” “Is there a problem here?” a deep voice cut in, steady and authoritative. I turned to see Griffin standing a few feet away, his piercing blue eyes scanning the scene. His presence was like a bucket of cold water over my simmering anger. “No,” I said quickly, forcing myself to relax. “No problem.” Griffin didn’t look convinced. He stepped closer, his broad frame exuding quiet strength. “Are you sure? It doesn’t look that way.” “I said it’s fine,” I replied firmly. Emma glanced between the two of us, her face pale. She looked like she wanted to say something else, but Griffin’s imposing presence seemed to hold her back. An awkward silence settled over us, thick and heavy. I could feel Griffin’s gaze on me, steady and assessing, but I kept my eyes on Emma. Before anyone could speak again, the boutique door opened with a soft chime. I glanced over, and my breath caught in my throat. Jason walked in. The room seemed to shrink, the air around me charged with tension. Jason ’s eyes scanned the boutique, landing on Emma first before shifting to me. My wolf stirred uneasily, the tension in the room thickening with every step. Of all places to run into him, why here? Jason’s presence was commanding as always, but his proud smile carried the arrogance that I’d learned to despise. Griffin, standing close to me, shifted slightly. His sharp eyes flicked between Jason and me, his body rigid with silent readiness. It was clear he was prepared to intervene if necessary. Jason walked straight toward us, his smile unwavering. “Kathie,” he greeted smoothly, as if nothing had happened, as if he hadn’t ripped my heart out and left me in pieces. I straightened my shoulders, refusing to let him see how unsettled I felt. “What are you doing here?” I asked coldly. He chuckled, the sound infuriatingly casual. “I could ask you the same thing. But fate seems to have brought us back together.” “Fate?” I said, my voice laced with disbelief. “You think running into you here is fate? Don’t flatter yourself, Jason.” He raised his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just saying, it’s good to see you again.” “I can’t say the same,” I snapped, turning away from him. Before I could take a step, his hand shot out and grabbed my wrist. The contact sent a jolt through me—not from any lingering affection, but from sheer anger. “Kathie, wait,” he said firmly, his grip tightening slightly. “We need to talk.” I whipped my head around to glare at him. “Let go of me.” Jason’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t release me. “You can’t just walk away like this. We have unfinished business.” “Unfinished business?” I hissed. “You made your choice, Jason. There’s nothing left to say.” Before he could respond, Griffin stepped forward, his towering frame casting a shadow over Jason. “You heard her,” Griffin said, his voice calm but dangerously low. “Let go.”