Chapter Eighteen
Rowan found Calla by the edge of the riverbank, where the moonlight painted her silhouette in silvery hues. She sat on a rock, her arms wrapped protectively around her abdomen, though she seemed unaware of the gesture. His heart clenched at the sight.
“I’m not here to fight,” he began, his voice soft, almost pleading.
Calla stiffened but didn’t turn to look at him. “Then leave.”@
“I can’t,” he said, stepping closer. “Not when so much is at stake.“}
She‘ scoffed, finally turning to face him. “You think you can just show up, say the right words, and everything will be fine?” Her eyes burned with fury. “You’ve done nothing but hurt me, Rowan. You don’t get to decide what’s at stake for me.”
He flinched at her words but pressed on. “I know I’ve failed you. Over and over again. But this child… it’s our chance to start over. A chance to make things right.”
Calla stood abruptly, the fire in her gaze nearly making him step back. “You think this child is a second chance for you?” she demanded, her voice trembling with anger. “This isn’t about you, Rowan! It’s not some redemption arc for the great Alpha who couldn’t see past his own pride.”
“I’m not trying to make this about me,” he said, his voice cracking. “I’m trying to make it about us. About what’s best for the child.“} “What’s best?” she repeated, her laugh bitter. “You don’t even know what’s best for yourself, let alone a child. You want me to keep it so you can stake your claim? So you can bind me to you forever?“}]
“That’s not-“D
“You want control, Rowan!” she shouted, cutting him off. “That’s all you’ve ever wanted.“}]
-0
The tense standoff was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Kael emerged from the shadows, his presence steady and calm, though his eyes flickered with worry.
“Is everything all right?” he asked, glancing between them.
“No,” Calla snapped, her voice sharp. “It’s not. And it never will be as long as Rowan keeps interfering.”
Kael stepped closer, his gaze softening as it landed on her. “Calla, whatever you decide, it has to be for you. Not for him. Not for me. Just for you.”
She looked at him, her anger giving way to something more fragile. “You don’t understand,” she said, her voice breaking. “No matter what I do, someone gets hurt. And I’m tired of being the one who’s always bleeding.”
Kael reached out, hesitating for a moment before gently placing a hand on her shoulder. “Then stop carrying the weight of everyone else’s choices,” he said. “Make this one for yourself. No one else.”
-0
Rowan’s fists clenched at his sides, his wolf snarling inside him. But he forced himself to stay calm. “I don’t want to hurt you anymore, Calla,” he said quietly. “I just want to protect you. To protect our child.”
The mention of the child made her flinch, her hand unconsciously moving to her abdomen. “Don’t act like you care now,” she whispered. “Not after everything.”
“I’ve always cared,” Rowan said, stepping closer. “Even when I didn’t show it. Even when I pushed you away. This child isn’t just a part of me–it’s a part of us. And I can’t let you go through this alone.“}]
Her eyes filled with tears, but she quickly wiped them away. “You don’t get to decide what I go through,” she said, her voice wavering. “No, I don’t,” he admitted. “But I can be here. If you’ll let me.”
Kael’s voice cut through the tension, calm but firm. “You need to step back, Rowan. You’re pushing too hard, and it’s not helping her.” Rowan turned to face him, his eyes narrowing. “You don’t understand what’s at stake here.”
“And you don’t understand what she needs,” Kael shot back. “You’ve had your chance to protect her, and you failed. Maybe it’s time to let her decide for herself.”
Calla looked between the two men, her heart pounding. She felt like she was being pulled in opposite directions, each choice promising pain and regret.
But Kael’s words echoed in her mind: Make this one for yourself.
She took a deep breath, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. “I’m keeping the child.”
Rowan’s eyes lit up with hope, but she held up a hand to stop him. “But don’t think for a second that this means I trust you,” she said coldly. “You’ve done nothing to earn that.”
His expression fell, but he nodded. “I’ll prove it to you,” he said. “Whatever it takes.”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” she replied, her tone cutting.
Kael stepped forward, his gaze locked on hers. “Are you sure about this, Calla?” he asked softly.”
She nodded, though her heart still felt heavy. “I have to be.”
As the three of them stood in tense silence, the sound of distant howls shattered the moment.
Rowan’s eyes darkened, his wolf rising to the surface. “They’re coming,” he growled.§
“Who?” Calla asked, fear creeping into her voice.
pase Me Once And Maybe Am Gone Forever
9:52 AM C
0
“Rogues,” Rowan said, his jaw tightening. “And they’re not just passing through.“@
Kael stepped closer to Calla, his hand instinctively reaching for his blade. “Looks like the decision’s been made for us,” he muttered.”
Calla’s hand moved protectively to her stomach as the howls grew louder, a chill running down her spine.
“This isn’t over,” she whispered, her gaze flicking between the two men.
“No,” Rowan said, his eyes glowing in the darkness. “It’s just beginning.”
As they hurriedly hid themselves.}
