Camilla
I sent a message to the Alpha Kenneth-CEO of the property company where Santiago worked—a distant relative on my mother’s side. Years ago, I begged him to give Santiago a job. I did it behind Dad’s back, and Santiago’s too. I was such a fool, hoping he’d turn out to be the perfect mate for me.
[Can I meet you this afternoon? I need a favor.]
It didn’t take long for my phone to buzz. Kenneth replied within seconds. We agreed to meet at a café near his office.
In two days, Santiago, Jennifer, and Gabrielle would leave for Shanghai. They said it was for Gabrielle’s training. I played along, acting busy with their preparations and telling them I needed to go to the supermarket to buy socks and gloves for Gabrielle.
“Pick me up a razor, too. Mine’s busted,” Santiago said, not even looking up as he stuffed clothes into the suitcase I’d packed for him.
I nodded silently. In the living room, I spotted Gabrielle glancing around like she’d lost something.
“Mom, did you see my gloves? I left them on the sideboard yesterday, right?” she asked, pointing to the cabinet where we kept some family photos.
“I threw them out. They were torn. I’ll get you a new pair.”
“Oh, finally, Mom gets what I need,” she said with a shrug.
I didn’t answer. No point arguing with her over something so small. I’d told her a hundred times to keep her gloves in her room.
The drive to the café took about 45 minutes. When I arrived, Alpha Kenneth was already waiting. He waved at me, then pointed to the seat beside him.
“Let’s get straight to it. I know you’re busy,” I said as I sat down.
“Yeah, that’s life. Tell me—what can I do for you?”
“I want you to fire Santiago.”
He went quiet for a second, then picked up his latte. “Do I need to know the reason? I mean, I’ll have to give him one, right?”
“You can come up with a hundred reasons. He’s heading to Shanghai anyway. And I know he hasn’t even gotten his salary this month. Not a single property sold.”
There was a flicker of hesitation in his eyes, but then he nodded. “Okay. I’ll have HR send the notice. Anything else?”
“Sell my house. I don’t care about the price—just make it fast.”
He smirked. “You’re lucky you’re Serena’s daughter. Anyone else, I’d probably refuse a crazy request like that.”
Two major steps taken—each one a slap to Santiago’s pride, and he wouldn’t even see it coming. All that was left was to freeze his accounts and cancel his credit cards.
It was easy. I’d set everything up when I was still the pack’s consulate. The savings account, the credit cards—I gave it all to him. And now I was taking it all back.
The day of their departure came. I double-checked Santiago and Gabrielle’s luggage to make sure nothing was left behind.
At the airport, Jennifer hugged me tight. “Pray for us, Camilla. I hope the trip goes smoothly.” Her smile was sweet, like always—fake sweet.
“Of course,” I said flatly.
Santiago patted my shoulder. “I’ll bring you something from Shanghai.”
Gabriella chimed in, “Mom’s the best at managing the house. You really are, Mom. You should just stay home while Aunt Jen takes me on this trip.”
I forced a small smile, swallowing the bitter taste in my mouth. We said goodbye at the departure gate. The three of them walked off laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world. I stood there, watching them go, knowing this was the last time I’d see them so carefree.
On the way home, my phone vibrated. A message from Alpha Kenneth:
[It’s done. HR sent the termination letter today by email.]
I stared at the screen, exhaling a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Back at the house, I looked at the only family photo left on the sideboard. I wasn’t in it.
Once, that would’ve stung. Now? I felt relief. No trace of me in a family that never really valued me.
I blocked Santiago and Jennifer’s numbers. No more late-night calls demanding things from me. No more fake concern in their texts.
I called a travel agent and booked a ticket to Washington. Time for a fresh start. Antoine called me soon after.
“Camilla, did you get your ticket? I’ll pick you up at Dulles, okay?”
“Yeah, thanks, Antoine,” I said, my voice lighter than it had been in years.
That night, I started packing. I didn’t need much—just the essentials, just what was mine. I booked a hotel room with a spa. My first night in my new life, I’d treat myself. A soft bed, a real massage—comforts I hadn’t let myself have in so long.
I scrolled through a map of Washington on my phone. So many new places to see. So many new opportunities waiting. No more shadows of Santiago or Jennifer, or anyone who thought I wasn’t enough.
Soon I’d head to the LUPA office. Just thinking about walking through that door made me smile.
When I was done packing, I stood in the middle of the house. Empty. But for the first time, I felt full. Full of strength I thought I’d lost.
That night, my wolf, Vivian, whispered in my mind.
[You made the right choice, Camilla. The day will come when Santiago comes looking for you. That’s when you’ll break the bond.]
“Yeah. But first, we’ll visit Hoh Forest and seek guidance from the ancestors.”
The next afternoon, a call came from an unknown number. I answered—and heard Santiago’s angry voice.
“You canceled my credit card? Are you mad because we didn’t invite you?”
“Figure it out yourself. I’m not arguing over the phone. Goodbye.”
A smile spread across my face. Pulling my suitcase behind me and holding tight to Brave’s leash, I stepped out of the house that had felt like pure hell. This time, I swore, I’d choose my own happiness—no matter what.
