His gaze flicked to her, then back to me. “She can’t stay in the pack house. She’ll be moved soon.”
And just like that, he turned away and climbed back into the car.
My mother hesitated. She looked at me, her lips pressing together, as if she had something to say. But she said nothing. Instead, she followed my father, and I watched as the car disappeared into the falling snow.
Tears burned my eyes. If Kian had been here, I knew he would have fought for me. He knew how much I had loved Lily. He knew I could never have done something so horrible to a five-year-old child.
How could they think I was capable of such a thing? I was their daughter.
I took a deep breath and stepped into the pack house.
Silence fell as I entered. Heads turned, whispers spread like wildfire. The weight of their stares pressed down on me—accusing, disbelieving, venomous.
Then I saw him.
Marcus Delaver.
He stood near the entrance, talking to Anastasia. They were laughing, lost in conversation.
Until they saw me.
Marcus’s face stiffened with shock. Anastasia’s expression, however, was filled with warmth as she rushed toward me, wrapping me in a tight embrace.
“Gracie! You’re here! I’m so sorry I couldn’t come get you. You know how our parents are. They wouldn’t allow it.”
Her words carried guilt, but I only shook my head and forced a smile. “I understand. You don’t have to apologize.”
Marcus stepped forward, but there was no joy, no relief. I had imagined this moment so many times—his arms around me, his voice filled with emotion. Instead, he simply said, “You look fine. Not like what you told me in your last letter.”
His words landed like a slap.
My last letter. The one I had sent a year ago, pouring out my pain, my loneliness, my desperation.
He had never written back.
Something was different. I could feel it. Even my wolf sensed it. Our bond—once so strong—felt distant, severed after five years of silence.
“I’m fine,” I lied, forcing a smile so fake it hurt.
Marcus took my bag while Anastasia led me to my room. Everything was exactly as I had left it, untouched by time.
I wanted Marcus to stay, but he didn’t. He left with Anastasia after making sure I was settled.
Restless, I decided to find him. His car was still outside; he hadn’t left yet.
As I approached the library, I heard voices. The door was slightly ajar.
I reached for the handle, but then—I froze.