Chapter 27
Matthew’s POV
The scent of her still lingered in our bedroom. A week had passed since Juno was taken, but I swore I could still smell her. Now it was fading with each passing day.
I sat on the edge of our bed and buried my face in my hands. The reality of her absence was finally sinking in, a crushing weight on my chest.
“We need to release her,” Zephyx growled in my mind. “If we don’t, the Alpha King will see our mark on her as a challenge.”
“I can’t,” I whispered. “I can’t just let her go.”
“You already have, my wolf replied. “She’s gone, Matthew. The sooner you accept that, the sooner both of you can move forward.”
I’d sent Isabelle back to her father’s house days ago. I told her I needed time to mourn. The truth was, I couldn’t stand to look at her. Every time I did, I was reminded of how I’d betrayed Juno. How I’d failed to protect what mattered most.
A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. It was Maddox, demanding I release Juno from our bond. I sent him away. This wasn’t about pack politics anymore. This was about me and her–about what we’d had, and what I’d lost.
Over the next few days, my mind kept circling back to the same thought: I needed to contact the Alpha King. If I could just explain, beg if necessary, maybe he would return her.
I shared this idea with Zephyx as I paced our empty living room.
“That’s unwise,” he snarled. “You’ll only make things worse. The Alpha King has claimed her as his prize. Challenging that will only bring his wrath down on what’s left of our pack.”
“Then what am I supposed to do?” I snapped, my voice echoing off the bare walls. I’d removed most of the furniture–too many
memories.
“Accept what she’s done for us,” Zephyx said. “She saved our lives, Matthew. If not for her choice, all three of us would be dead–you, me, and Isabelle. She’s smart. She’ll find a way to survive in Clifflands. But you need to accept she’s not coming back.”
I collapsed into the single chair left in the room, my body suddenly heavy.
“Honor her sacrifice,” my wolf continued. “Live the life she gave you. Find peace.”
For the first time in days, I listened.
The next morning, I sat at the table in my nearly empty living room. Two sheets of paper lay before me–one for Juno, one for the Alpha–King. The pen felt unnaturally heavy in my hand as I began to write.
My dearest Red Rose,
The nickname made my chest ache. Tears blurred my vision as I continued.
*I’m struggling through each day without you. The pack misses their Luna. I miss my wife. But I understand now why you made the choice you did–you did what I lacked the courage to do. You saved us all.
I need to apologize for what happened with Isabelle. It wasn’t planned. I never meant to hurt you that way. I would have tried for children with you, had you wanted them. I know you didn’t think you could give me that, but I would have waited forever.
1/2
Chapter 27
Life isn’t fair, is it? Destiny has a cruel sense of humor. But I hope, somehow, you find peace in Clifflands. Maybe even joy,
eventually.
If the Alpha King ever releases ou, know that you’ll always have a home here. But I realize now that’s unlikely to happen. So I’m doing the one thing I can to make your life there easier–I’m releasing you, Juno. I’m letting you go.
I will always love you, and Pineridge Pack will have no other Luna in my lifetime.
Forever yours,
Matthew
I wiped my eyes and reached for the second sheet of paper, the one addressed to the Alpha King.
*Alpha King Augustin Levenston,
I write this letter in pace. I had no knowledge of or participation in any offense from Forestvale against you or your pack.
My wife, Juno, volunteered herself as tribute to save my pack, my life, and my fated mate. I ask that you treat her with kindness, as her sacrifice deserves your respect.
She likes coffee in the mornings. She runs to clear her head. She loves hot chocolate on cold nights and takes baths with rose- scented sea salt. Her feet get cold when she sleeps, so she wears socks to bed. She values her privacy.
