Alexan

had locked it up, preserving the privacy of her belongings and the memories of our time together. It wasn't about being

lity of her no longer being here. I should have foreseen the change, but I was comfortable with the life I had with Frida as my mate and the mother of my children. The version of me before

ure I had become. That shift was largely influenced by Frida. Her serene demeanor and nurturing presence al

et-before she chose me in the woods. This return to my former self was an u

clinging to my body. Anger rips through me, a venomous surge winding its way throug

s, our wolves sensed a mate connection, but it's meaningless! Utt

Alfie and Amelia. How could she disregard the bonds she's built, the

e metal begins to yield under the pressure. Realizing my s

why I declared she'd be my personal maid. Yet, I can't stand the thought of her returning to the human world, not with my mark-a mark far larger and more possessive

d up a maid in my mansion, where I reside in the company of other servants. The loneliness of the house weighs on me, intensified by the departure of Alfie and Amelia two years ago. They left just as Frida, who decided then was her

es. Frida, in her wisdom and with her impending demise, urged me to find my true mate. She had made peace with her fate long ago, knowing her own mate had died in a war b

te felt misplaced. Yet, the complexities of my own feelings have only deepened. Alfie has his own life, happily married to Emily, and soon to be a college

ined by the mate bond, more profound than anything I experienced with Frida. The irony doesn't escape me; Frida wanted me to find this sort of connection, and now that I have, it feels like a cruel t

think this is her fault? You're the one who couldn't control yourself, Alexande

ce, echoing the reckless behavior I had shown. "She is innocent in this. And yet, you treat her like she'

. It's too much. Too soon after Frida..." I muttered,

mean forgetting Frida. But you owe it to yourself-and to Vanessa-to at least try to make this right. Stop running from what

aps it was time to confront the possibility that this unexpected bond could lead to a path of healing, both for me and for the pack. My hands, still stinging from the impact wit

every breath a bit more labored as the weight of Hunter's words-and my own actions-pressed down on me. My reflection

re filled with memories of Frida, each one a sharp jab at my conscience. The reality of my s

was truly alone, not just physically but emotionally. The recent events were not just a series of un

acting irresponsibly, not just as a mate but as a leader. Vanessa, despite everything,

wn feelings about Frida's death and what my future as an Alpha should look like. Accepting Vanessa might not be just about

but as a man trying to make sense of the chaos within. These were not just steps to mend a broken bond but necessary actions to regain my own sense of self

oughts. I couldn't shake the sense of betrayal and resentment that simmered within me.

e grew stronger, fueled by a mix of curiosity and bitterness. She had become an e

ess of my thoughts, for the desire to punish her for actions she may not fully comprehend. Yet, I cou

ut even as I tried to push aside the inappropriate thoughts that crept into my mind, I couldn't deny the all

, my grief over Frida's passing, and the tumultuous emotions stirred by Vanessa's

e rest: Why? Why had she chosen to betray her friendship with my children, her bond with F