I set that letter aside with the first. No tears fell down my face. Honestly, I was just tired. A lot of this felt like they felt bad for what they did, but it didn’t feel like they truly understood the depth of it. They got the wake-up call I wanted them to have, but I wasn’t sure it was enough. They still didn’t know how to connect with me.
Then, I moved on to Milo’s letter, ready to finally be done. I meant what I said to Roxie. I did forgive them, but this just proved that I made the right decision.
The lack of emotion I felt meant that my omega had closed that chapter of our lives as much as I had.
Lana,
I’m not as good with words as the other two, and I know we aren’t worthy of you anymore. I’m barely worthy of calling myself an alpha.
The truth is, we never had to be at the arena like we were. We never had to stay late or any of that. We simply did.
It wasn’t that we didn’t love you or wanted to avoid you. We just let hockey be more important. I feel gross even saying that out loud. I wanted hockey to be a large part of my life, but I never thought it would cost me my pack. Yet, it did.
I know there’s no way to go back. We have no right to ask you to take us back. Just know that I will forever cherish our time together.
The letter fluttered to the floor with the rest and with it, a smile crossed my face.
I’d done it. I’d finally faced the letters and the truth head-on. It was draining, but at the same time, it was fulfilling.
My gaze shifted to the clock again, something I’d done all day knowing that my interview with Roxie was going live any minute now.
I hadn’t done anything except tell the truth. This was the only way to make sure our words wouldn’t be twisted, even if it hurt them in the process.
I nearly jumped out of my skin when my phone rang next to me. Roxie’s name flashed across the screen.
“Hey,” I said, answering the call.
“I know you’re over there freaking out about this interview,” she said. “So, come out and have a drink with me. I’m in theneighborhood; I’ll swing by for you. Let’s have a little girls’ night. If your pack wants to come, they can sit away from us at the bar.”
“That actually sounds a lot better than sitting here spiraling,” I admitted. “I did finally read the letters they gave me, though.”
“Oh girl, I can’t wait to hear all the details… off the record,” she teased. “Be ready in five. Get your ass moving, woman.”
She hung up, and I chuckled, loving how blunt and forward Roxie was. She had that energy that made you feel like you could stand a little stronger in her presence. She was honest, genuine, and completely unafraid to speak her mind.
I poked my head out of the bedroom door, calling out to the pack. “I’m getting ready! Roxie’s picking me up for drinks in five.”
I didn’t have to wait long. The house was small enough that I knew they’d heard me.
There was too much going on in the hockey world right now for me to go out without protection, but I really did need this girls’ night.
I pulled on a pair of ass-hugging jeans and a cute tank top I hadn’t had a chance to wear yet. I slid on a simple necklace my brother had gotten me years ago, brushed on light makeup, and headed downstairs. She had me rushing, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t look cute.
Lennon, Mason, Kieran, and Cade were all waiting for me, arms crossed. Wilder stood off to the side, pretending he didn’t care, but I could feel his worry even without the bond.
“I knew you guys would have something to say,” I chuckled. “She said you can follow along, but this is specifically a girls’ night. I need to be able to have these.”
“And your safety is important,” Cade said. “We’ll keep our distance, but I’m not sending you out alone.”
“Works for me.”
They grabbed their keys and wallets, following me outside just as Roxie pulled up in a cute red Jeep, waving me over.
I climbed into the passenger seat while Cade walked over to her open window. “Where you headed?”
“Lola’s,” she said with a smirk. “Somewhere you don’t usually see hockey boys hiding out.”
“Well, lucky for Lola’s, she gets to host us tonight.” Cade grinned. “Keep her safe.”
