“Because you’re free, Rosalinda,” he says. “Free in every way. Your pack’s countersuit and all their legal maneuvering… it worked. The conservatorship was denied.”
I don’t breathe.
“Not only that,” he continues, “but a restraining order was approved. Against our parents. They can’t come near you. Can’t enter the same town. Can’t contact you in any way.”
My vision goes a little hazy.
“The Blackbear Pack is livid, but they’ve made it clear—they blameour parents, not you. They’re not coming after you. Rosalinda? Are you still there?”
Ihearhim, but my body doesn’t feel real. My heart is beating so fast it hurts.
“I—” I try, but the words dissolve.
Something inside me has lifted. A weight so old and buried I forgot what life was like without it. Maybe I've never known life without it.
“It wasn’t just your pack either,” he adds, his voice softer now. “You know the case was overwhelmingly in your favor, right? They sent in… so many letters. Character witnesses. From people in that town of yours.”
“What?” I ask. “What letters?”
“Everyone, Rosa. Librarian. Shopkeepers. Café owners. Even themayor. More. I can’t even remember them all. We've never seen eye to eye. But… I get it. I see why you wouldn’t leave a place like that. Youreallymade something for yourself.”
A sob breaks out of my chest before I can stop it. Small and sharp.
“It’s okay, Rosa. You’re okay,” he says gently.
And just like that, all the resentment and hurt I’ve been carrying for so long—for the ways he abandoned me, for how he survived while I was trapped—none of it matters anymore.
“Benito,” I whisper, “come here. Come stay with me. You can crash on our couch. My alphas can protect you.”
I’mbegging, desperate now.
My stupid brother who still somehow managed to help me. Whocalled me first. Who said my name like it still mattered.
He chuckles—but it’s a hollow sound. And my stomach drops.
“Your alpha—the scary one—he already offered. No, Rosa. Youjustgot everything you wanted. Everything youdeserve. I need to figure my shit out.”
“But Ineedyou,” I say. “I need my brother.”
My voice is brittle, cracking through the tears streaking down my face.
“Te amo, Rosa,” he says.
Then the line disconnects.
I just stand there for a minute, the silence louder than anything. I don’t even hear the car pull up.
Doors slam.
“Rosie?”
Kai comes into view first—then the others.Myalphas. I’d called them that to my brother.
And I’ve never said anything more true.
Kai wraps me in his arms, holding me steady as my body trembles.
And even though I’m still sad—still hurting—that Benito won’t let us help him, there’s nothing I can do about it. Not yet.
