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I gave myself twelve years to heal and I’ve done what I can to move on. The rest will need to be done where it all went wrong. I know the only way to truly get past what happened is to face it head on. At least I know enough about myself to know that’s what I need.
Time clearly hasn’t done shit for me.
We’re stronger than we were back then, my wolf says.We can handle whatever waits for us there. Remind them that leaving didn’t make us weak.
No, it didn’t. Not many wolves could have done what I did, nor could they have survived the soul-deep loneliness that came with not only leaving our home, but with severing ties to our fated mate.
I don’t know that I would have survived without my wolf, and she’s been the only companion I’ve needed in my life. At least until now. Though I don’t think it’s companionship I’m seeking by going home. Closure and a fresh start where I should have always been feels more accurate.
If Thane hadn’t shown up, I’m certain I never would have left my pack. Though I wouldn’t be the person I am now if he hadn’t, so who the hell knows what might have been.
With a sharp shake of my head, I reach into my back pocket and toss a hundred-dollar bill on the table. It’s more than quadruple the amount to cover my bill, but well deserved for how damn tasty everything was and the excellent service.
I pluck a few more fries from the plate and give the quarter of leftover burger a longing glance once I stand from the booth.
Food can be my mate, I think to myself and chuckle. I’ve entered into a very committed relationship with all things food and I have no complaints whatsoever.
Especially fudge brownies and ice cream. That’s my kryptonite. I’ll eat every crumb, even when I’m certain I’ll be sick.
If only the carbs you love couldservicemore than your stomach, my wolf complains with snark.
It’s not as if we’ve been celibate, you little hussy, I retort.It’s only been…
Eleven weeks and four days, she finishes when I take too long to sort out the timeline in my head.
Yes, I was lucky enough to be paired with a badass wolf, but she also has needs I never anticipated. Not to say that I don’t enjoy sex. It’s just…not all that great.
Because you’re doing it wrong.
I’m halfway out the diner door when her words make me stumble. I’m not sure if I should be entertained or insulted.
Both, she answers for me, all too smugly.
Damn wolf.
That’s enough from you, I reply, my irritation back in full force. Though it doesn’t last long.We’re going to East Texas and then maybe we’ll stop in New Orleans to see Matt.
She sighs.I guess he’ll do. His wolf is only mildly annoying.
I chuckle as I get into my car. Strong, horny, and picky. That’s my wolf.
Glancing back at the diner, I’m already having regrets about not taking my leftovers, but I don’t dwell for long.
I’ve made up my mind. We’re going to show Cait and Roman the respect they deserve and then we’re going to make our way back to South Carolina.
I have no clue if I’ll be welcomed. Especially after having killed a pack member. While I know it was in self-defense and the protectors promised me that I was safe from retribution, that doesn’t mean his family hasn’t held a grudge or even my parents for the ramifications I’m sure they dealt with from my leaving.
I haven’t spoken to them in years—really, only my mother—but at the same time, this isn’t about them. It’s about me and nothing is going to stop me from getting the closure I seek.
Returning to my pack will either give me back the home I’ve been running from for far too long or it will give me the absolution from the guilt I’ve held on to.
Either way, I’ll get what I need and I’m done waiting.
* * *
Chapter Two
Sophie
