Chapter 9
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In my first year with the Onyx Pack, I met Mike–mentor, friend, and the first person who didn’t look at me like I was shattered beyond repair.
Under his guidance, I invested in the training grounds he founded, a place where warriors were rebuilt–not just in body, but in spirit.
By my third year, I’d gone completely off the grid. I poured everything into my research, shutting out the past and the people in it. I earned my PhD.
After two rounds of negotiations, I managed to open a branch of the facility within Eclipse Pack territory.
Then came graduation day–and with it, a phone call I wasn’t expecting.
“Josephine,” my mother’s voice trembled through the line, “I miss you so much.”
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My heart sank. I knew that tone. Something
was wrong.
“It’s me and your father… we owe you an apology. I can’t keep this from you anymore. For the past three years, Alpha Lucas has been suppressing Eclipse Pack–just to find you. And now… he’s pushed us to the edge.”
The moment I hung up, I packed my things and booked the next flight home.
And the second I stepped off the plane, I saw
him.
Alpha Lucas.
He stormed toward me like a man possessed, eyes bloodshot, jaw clenched.
He grabbed my wrist.
“Josephine,” he breathed, “I finally found you.”
His voice cracked as he continued. “They all
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I pulled my.hand free, my gaze steady and cold.
“And what exactly were you searching for, Lucas?”
His face crumbled. His voice caught in his throat as he tried to speak.
“Josephine, I’m sorry. I was wrong. I know I was. Just give me one chance–please. One chance to explain.”
“I’ve always loved you. From the very beginning, it was you.”
I stared at the face I used to dream about, now unfamiliar and distant.
“Loved me?” I said flatly. “During those five years you kept running off to Crown Shadow Pack to see Claire… was that love for me too?”
ine pay voice I didn’t need to
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I didn’t raise my voice. I didn’t need to.
“We’re even now, Lucas. Don’t drag Eclipse Pack into this anymore. Your pup would’ve been part of Eclipse Pack too… if it had survived.”
His eyes widened, redder than before, and he grabbed my wrist again–tighter this time, desperate.
“Josephine… I know I hurt you. I owe you more than I can ever repay.”
“I didn’t mean to hurt Eclipse Pack. I only did it because I couldn’t find you. I was going out of my mind.”
“And Claire–there’s no pup. There never was. If I ever have a pup… it would only be the one you give me.”
“I had a new wedding dress made. Just for you. Come with me. We can go try it on right now.”
Chapter 9
I used to laugh at those
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“chasing–the–wife–after–divorce” stories. You know the ones–the alpha regrets everything, cries a little, and the luna forgives him because love conquers all.
I used to think, Maybe the heroine should give him another shot.
But in real life?
It’s nothing like the novels.
The moment that person reappears, the pain hits you like it never left. The scars start to ache. Your body remembers the betrayal before your mind even catches up.
You flinch when they say your name.
Reunion? That’s not what this is.
I pressed a hand to my chest.
No, it still hurts. I won’t lie to myself.
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Ihree years ago, my pup died because of this so–called love.
And me?
I’ve long since lost the right to forgive.
