Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Over the next two months, I traveled everywhere, soaking in incredible sights.[]
Snow–capped mountain ranges, endless fields of wildflowers, breathtaking desert sunsets, hidden cave systems, vibrant coral reefs…[]
I threw myself into freedom and really started living again.[]
It completely changed how I saw myself and the world.[]
My skin got darker and rougher from all the hiking and outdoor stuff.[]
But I was in the best shape of my life, and mentally I felt rock solid.[]
I was finally living as a true lone wolf–healthy, free, financially set, and getting stronger every day.[]
I
came back to ArtGrove with a head full of fresh ideas, ready to crush it in this field.[]
Started expanding into other design fields too.
7
0.0
I hardly ever thought about Zethar anymore, except when I’d catch pack gossip at the local bars.[]
Word was, he’d completely reverted to his old ways.[]
Blowing cash at nightclubs, getting shit–faced every night.[]
Different she–wolves warming his bed every few days.
Totally ignoring his Alpha duties and family business.
And his street racing had gotten absolutely insane–like he was
trying to get himself killed.[]
Vesper was apparently following him around, which just made Zethar more hostile.
They finally had some massive fight and cut ties completely.[]
Hearing all this, I didn’t feel hurt or satisfied or anything really.
Just… peaceful. Completely at peace.[]
I’d genuinely moved on.[]
(0)
Chapter 13
Chapter 13
I was heading out of work that evening, down in the parking garage digging for my car
keys.
Next thing I knew, someone grabbed me from behind and pressed something over my face. Everything went black.[]
When I woke up, I was back at Zethar’s villa.[]
Sitting on that same sectional where I used to snuggle up with him all the time.[]
Across from me sat two people–Zethar’s parents, Alpha Garrick and Luna Rowena.[]
Six months later, but they looked like they’d aged ten years.
Even Luna Rowena, who usually spent a fortune on anti–aging treatments, had deep worry lines carved into her face.[]
I shot them both a death glare.]
“What the hell is this? What’s your goal in using such deceitful methods to kidnap me here?“||
Garrick sat there rigid as a board, obviously not planning to say anything.]
After this super awkward silence, Luna Rowena finally spoke up, looking completely wrecked.[]
******** 11 my fault for
“Laura, honey, I’m so sorry we had to do this, but we’re out of options…Zethar screwed up big time with you, not raising him better. I’m sorry.”
and that’s
“We brought you here because we desperately need your help.“[
“Just help us talk sense into Zethar.He’s been a complete mess since you left–drinking himself stupid, racing cars like he wants to die. I’m terrified he’s gonna… He’s the only bloodline Alpha in our pack. Please,help us.
“He got his act together for you once. Now he’s self–destructing because you’re gone. You’re the only person who can reach him. Please, as his mother, I’m asking you to try.“[]
Luna Rowena was practically falling apart by the end.[]
I clenched my fists.[]
“Luna Rowena, you’ve got the wrong person here.I can’t do what you’re asking, and I don’t want to.If your pack pull this kidnapping bullshit again,I don’t mind Zethar gets even more fucked up.“]
Luna Rowena’s face crumpled as she covered her mouth.[]
“I’m sorry…We won’t bother you anymore.“[]
Right as she finished, thus low, deadly voice came from behind me that made my skin crawl.[]
“Who the fuck authorized bringing her here?”
I spun around and met Zethar’s eyes–they were blazing with pure rage.[]
His face had gotten gaunt, skin way too pale and sickly looking.
