Chapter Sixteen
The forest was eerily quiet, as though it held its breath in anticipation of what was to come. Calla sat at the edge of the clearing, her thoughts tangled in a web of guilt, fear, and confusion.
Kael was nearby, sharpening his blade in methodical strokes. The rhythmic sound grated on her nerves, but it was Rowan’s voice echoing in her mind that truly unsettled her.
“You want to take what’s mine? Then come and fight for it!”
Rowan’s challenge had shaken her to her core. It wasn’t just about her anymore–it was about Kael, Rowan, and the innocent wolves caught in the crossfire of their personal vendettas.
Kael glanced up from his work, sensing her turmoil. “You’re too quiet,” he said, his tone light but concerned.
“I don’t know how to fix this,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kael set the blade aside and moved to sit beside her. “You don’t have to fix anything, Calla. This isn’t your fault.”
“Isn’t it?” she shot back, her eyes burning. “Rowan’s like this because of me. And if something happens to you or anyone else because of his anger-”
Kael gently placed a hand on her arm, cutting her off. “Rowan’s choices are his own. You can’t carry the weight of his actions.“)
She shook her head, pulling away. “You don’t understand. There’s… history between us. Things I haven’t told you.”
Kael’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “I don’t need to know everything to stand by you.”!
His words warmed her, but they also deepened her guilt. Kael deserved better than the mess she brought with her. -0
Meanwhile, Rowan paced the length of his tent, his wolf restless and agitated. From his mind link with his beta pack elders had gathered outside his packhouse, their whispers reaching his ears even as he tried to block them out.
“His judgment is clouded.”>
“He’s endangering the pack.”
“Perhaps it’s time for a change in leadership.”@
Rowan’s fists clenched. He couldn’t afford to lose control–not now.
A scout entered the tent, bowing slightly. “Alpha, the pack elders wish to speak with you.“8
Rowan growled low in his throat. “Let them wait.“}]
The scout hesitated. “They’re questioning your decision to pursue war over… personal matters.“}]
“Personal matters?” Rowan snarled, stepping closer. “She’s my mate. That’s not personal–that’s everything.”
The scout wisely retreated, leaving Rowan alone with his boiling anger. He slammed a fist onto the table, the impact causing the map to ripple.
“She was mine,” he muttered, his voice breaking. “And I let her go.”
Back in Kael’s camp, the tension was palpable. Calla couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to snap.
Kael stood at the edge of the camp, speaking quietly to a few of his warriors. She watched him from a distance, her heart heavy. Kael was steady, dependable, and fiercely protective. But Rowan… Rowan was a storm, unpredictable and all–consuming.
A rustle of leaves drew her attention. She turned, her senses on high alert. Following the sound, she found herself near the border of the two territories.
It was there that she heard Rowan’s voice.
“I failed her,” Rowan said, his tone raw.
Calla froze, her breath catching in her throat. She stepped closer, careful to stay hidden behind the trees.@
“I thought being strong was enough,” Rowan continued, his voice thick with emotion. “But I didn’t see what she needed until it was too late. I let her down, and now… now she’s with him.“)
There was a pause, and Calla could hear the pain in his breathing.
“She doesn’t know,” he whispered. “She doesn’t know how much I regret it all. Losing her wasn’t just losing my mate–it was losing myself.”
Calla’s chest tightened, her heart pounding in her ears. She had never heard Rowan like this–so vulnerable, so broken.
Kael’s voice broke the moment.
“Calla!” he called, his tone sharp.
Rowan stiffened, his wolf sensing her presence. “Calla?” he called out, stepping toward the trees.
Panic surged through her, and she backed away, her movements clumsy in her haste. Her foot snapped a twig, and Rowan’s eyes locked on hers through the shadows.
“Wait,” he said, his voice softer now.
But she didn’t wait. She turned and ran, her mind a whirlwind of emotions.
When she reached Kael, his expression was a mix of relief and concern. “Where were you?” he demanded.
“I needed some air,” she lied, her voice shaking.
ose Me Once And Maybe Am Gone Forever
“I needed some air,” she lied, her voice shaking.
Kael’s gaze softened, but he didn’t push. “Come back to the camp. It’s not safe out here.“}
As they walked back, Calla couldn’t shake Rowan’s words from her mind. He regretted losing her, but was it enough?
In the distance, a howl echoed–deep, mournful, and filled with a promise. Rowan wasn’t done, and neither was she.
