In less than three seconds, his gaze slid away, his expression unchanged.
When only silence answered me through our mind-link, a humorless laugh escaped my lips.
My inner wolf lowered her head. Evelyn, snap out of it.
You should have known long ago that he would never love you.
What are you still hoping for?
I severed the link, took a deep breath, and turned to stride away.
Alaric, I thought, you won't have to keep up this act for much longer.
After leaving the council hall, I went straight to Rowan's creche to pick him up.
The moment he saw me, his face lit up with anticipation. "Mom, it's my birthday. Will Dad celebrate with me?"
On the bustling streets of the pack territory, tears welled in my eyes.
"Your dad—"
Before I could finish, a vibration hummed through the mind-link.
Alaric had finally replied.
I'm free. I'll be home.
Joy surged through me, sharp and sudden.
I scooped Rowan up, my voice bright with sudden hope. "Of course, Rowan! Don't worry. Your dad will be home today."
Rowan clapped his hands happily, jumping into my arms.
In the six years of our mating, this was the first time Alaric had ever agreed to celebrate Rowan's birthday.
That evening, I prepared a lavish dinner, and Rowan finished his homework early, buzzing with excitement.
Then an hour passed, then two, then three...
The moon rose high and then began to set. I mind-linked him again and again.
I asked Alaric if he was going to be late, but the link remained dead silent.
Rowan seemed to understand what was happening.
He looked at me hesitantly. "Mom, is Dad too busy?"
A sharp pain lanced through my chest. I wanted to explain, but I couldn't utter a single word.
Finally, I managed, "It's okay. I'll always be with you."
Rowan didn't ask any more questions. He quietly picked up his paper birthday hat.
"Mom, can you help me put it on?"
"Of course." I nodded, gently taking the hat from him.
Just then, Briar’s latest social media post caught my eye.
"Having the most amazing night! I'm so happy."
