Her ears turned a brighter red. “Oh shush. He just said something…funny.” She couldn’t even meet my eyes.
I held up my hand. “I can honestly say, I do not want to know.” She laughed as I pushed away from her. Her face was alight in a way I hadn’t seen in years. “You look happy.” Her face stilled for a moment.
Then she smiled bigger than before. “I am happy.” She looked down at the table and touched her phone. “Soon I’ll be able to see my mate again. And we can get back to the life the Goddess has given to us.” She sat back, then looked at me. “I spent so many years hurt and angry that he betrayed us. But sitting here knowing that it was me who actually betrayed him, and he is still willing to accept me puts things into perspective a bit.”
“What do you mean?”
“I will never say stay in an abusive or hurtful relationship, but I will say this. Forgiveness, whether it is for the other person, or just for yourself, is more important than holding on to the pain and anger.” Her eyes were soft. “Even if you never mate with Rowan, forgiving him…and yourself costs nothing and will save you so much wasted time.” I stared at her for a minute before I nodded and left.
Chapter Two
Ishifted into Megan for the first leg, just in case someone was out in the trees. I didn’t want anyone knowing that I came from this direction. Once Megan ran more than halfway, we dove under a bush and waited.
There was no sound, and neither my wolves nor my magic could sense anyone in the trees. I shifted to Nix, happy for her to stretch her legs.
You know, when we first found each other, I thought I would be happy just to be included. To be heard this time around. But being able to shift, to run, even for a small time has become such an amazing feeling.Megan’s voice held so much love it hurt my heart.
Megan, I’m sorry we never had this last time.
Megan snuggled up close to me.I’m not saying this to guilt you. Even Nix couldn’t shift last time. But I wanted you to know how much I appreciate you. And all the effort you have made to not only include me, but Nix more into your life. We have been truly blessed to have you to share our lives with.
Thank you.I wrapped my arms around her and looked back out, only to realize that Nix was already nearing the apartment.Goddess, you’re fast.
She snorted.While you two were hugging it out, I was focused. I want to see these letters.She ran the rest of the way to the front sliding door. I saw Sterling sitting at the desk and I shifted back. I walked in and he jumped up.
“Amy!” He ran over and gave me a hug. “How have you been?”
I smiled as I pulled away. “I’ve been great. How’s the family?”
He walked back to the desk and pulled out his phone, showing me pictures of his mate and their baby. “It’s been really great.” Then he slid the phone back into his pocket. “What brings you here?”
I smiled as I stared at him. “You have something that belongs to me.”
Sterling’s eyes widened a bit at that. “No, I don’t.” He looked away and I snorted.
“It’s okay.” I patted his back. “Tanka Sterling.” I watched the relief hit him. The sigh he let out was similar to the ones you give when you walk into your house after a long day. Pure and unadulterated relief.
He turned to me with eyes filled with so much emotion. “I didn’t want to keep it from you.” His shoulders sagged. “Honestly, I-”
“It's fine.” I rubbed his back a little. “I heard it all. And I know it wasn’t you or Jora.” I pushed him gently back around the desk. “I’m not mad at you. So please do not feel bad.” I leaned on the counter. “Let me know when you and your mate are free and I’llmake the trip to come see you guys.” I nodded and waited for him to settle before I questioned him. “Now that I know, can I ask questions?”
Sterling nodded, but I watched his eyes dart to the camera. I understood. “Of course.”
“How long has it been?”
He cleared his throat. “I have been waiting for you since the first year of school.”
That was a punch to the gut. It’s been that long. I nodded. “Fair enough.” I sighed. “I ran here. Since there is no one here, would you be able to drive me home?”
Sterling's eyes lit up, and then he picked up the phone. “Hello, yes, I have Alpha Amy at the desk asking for a ride to the Oakenfang pack lands. No, by me. Yes, she is here for a pickup.” Sterling’s eyes flashed to mine as he waited for the okay. Sterling’s lip twitched. “Not my intention, but I will keep that in mind. Okay, thank you.” He hung up and jumped up. “Okay, let me get the car, and I will get the delivery for you at the same time. Meet me up front in two minutes.” He smiled as he ran back to the security office.
I chuckled as I looked around. It should have been weird coming back to this place, but it wasn’t. This had been my home for a few years and I missed it. I missed how simple everything was in school. I got up, sparred, class, food, and training. Rinse and repeat. I didn’t have to worry about all this bullshit. Or who I was going to mate with. Thoth and Rowan flashed through my mind.
I heard the snarl before I could smell her. I turned around as the glass door slid open. “Why are you here?” Her voice was as vicious as ever and I felt my lips tug up as I turned to face Nina.
“Hello Nina.” I grinned as I faced her fully. “So rude to charge in here and demand why I am here.” I tilted my head. “Why are you here?”
She snarled. “I go here.”
