Chapter 3

The weight of my decision felt like a stone lodged in my chest, cold and heavy. "It's just a photo," I murmured, more to myself than to Kayden and Francis, though I knew they'd hear me. "We don't need any more photos together." My tone was final, and I hoped they'd take it as the end of the conversation.

But Kayden, ever the optimist, nudged gently. "The skies are clear tonight. Maybe we could take a few later if you want. Besides, it's been a while since we left the pack grounds. A little trip might be good for all of us."

Francis quickly added, his voice lighter, as if he could chase away the tension. "We could bring Sharon along too. She's been wanting to see the northern forest for ages." His eyes glimmered with hope, holding on to the idea that this simple trip might stitch our fragile bond back together.

The mention of Sharon, sweet, sheltered Sharon, pulled a bittersweet smile from me, though it was more out of resignation than joy. I didn't respond, only gave a small nod, knowing they'd take it as reluctant agreement. It was the only peace I could offer them.

They seemed relieved, moving toward the den, but their steps faltered when they saw the boxes stacked by the door.

"What's all this?" Kayden asked, confusion in his voice, while Francis's face mirrored his shock.

I sighed quietly, my gaze locked on the boxes. "I resigned from the intelligence division. Alpha Nathan already approved it."

My voice was steady, but inside, I felt exposed, like admitting it made everything too real. The silence that followed was thick, stretching between us like a heavy fog. They both knew how hard I'd fought for that position, how much I'd ignored the toll it took on me. For them, it had been a sign of my commitment to the pack, and to them.

Kayden's brow furrowed, and his mouth opened as if to say something, but no words came. Francis, more open with his emotions, glanced between Kayden and me, searching for the right words. But before he could speak, the sharp ring of Kayden's phone broke the silence.

He answered, and Sharon's anxious voice filled the room. "Kayden? My power's out, and it's... it's so dark. I'm scared. I don't know what to do." Her words trembled, weighed down by fear.

Francis's expression shifted instantly, a protective urgency replacing his shock. Before Kayden could respond, he interjected, "Don't worry, Sharon. I'm on my way." Kayden nodded quickly, his concern clear, and in an instant, they both shifted into their wolves, their powerful forms taking over as they bolted out the door without a word to me.

I stood there, watching as their paws scattered bits of paper and dust from my carefully packed boxes, leaving a mess in their wake. The silence they left behind was vast and hollow, and I was left alone once again, just as I'd planned.

Sighing, I reached for my phone and dialed a familiar number. The line rang a few times before Anna's warm, steady voice greeted me.

"Malinda?" she asked, her tone the same gentle strength that had comforted me for years. Anna had been like a mother to me, filling a void no one else could.

I hesitated for a moment, my voice softening as I finally spoke. "I'm calling to let you know I'll be leaving soon. I'm heading to join my mate, a match arranged by my parents."

There was a brief pause on her end, long enough for me to imagine her reaction. When she finally spoke, there was sadness woven into her words. "Have you told Kayden and Francis?"

"No," I answered, steadying my voice. "They'll find out eventually. For now, I just need things to stay... uncomplicated. Please, Anna, don't tell them."

She sighed, her breath soft with reluctant understanding. "You've been their anchor, Malinda. They've looked after you like you were their own. I always thought... one day, you'd choose one of them. It's hard seeing you go elsewhere."

A faint, wistful smile tugged at my lips. "There's no pity in it, Anna. We weren't fated mates, not really. They'll understand."

Another long pause, her silence heavy with unspoken words. Finally, her voice came, tinged with regret. "Promise me you'll come see me before you leave. It feels so sudden... and who knows when we'll see each other again?"

"I promise," I said, my voice softening. "I have something for you, too. I couldn't leave without saying goodbye."

After exchanging a few more words, we ended the call, and once again, I was alone in the quiet of my empty home. I barely had time to collect my thoughts before a familiar presence filled my mind, Alpha Nathan's voice, firm and authoritative, reached me through the pack's mind link.

"Malinda, your work in the intelligence division has served the pack well. As a token of appreciation, I've had a crystal plaque crafted in your honor. It's been delivered to your home."

The link faded just as quickly as it had started, leaving me standing there, surprised by the gesture. Moments later, the doorbell rang. When I opened it, Sharon was standing there, a small box in her hands.

She held it out to me, her expression a mix of gratitude and something else, a question that lingered in her eyes, though she didn't voice it. "It's your reward," she said softly, her gaze tracing my face as if searching for answers.