Chapter 3

Back at the pack house, Carolina, the Gamma of the pack, headed to her room to freshen up. Meanwhile, Atlas Lynch, the Beta of the pack, was sprawled out on the couch, his tall, muscular frame taking up most of the space. His breathing was deep, and his furrowed brow revealed his discomfort. Seeing this, Charlotte Bennett got up and poured him a cup of hot coffee, handing it over to him with a respectful nod.

Atlas glanced up, realizing it was her, and spoke in a weak yet undeniably authoritative tone, his alpha aura faintly pressing against her. "Don’t tell anyone about this."

Though Atlas didn’t specify who he meant, Charlotte understood. Boone Lynch, a former Gamma and family elder, had always insisted that the family avoid risky behavior, especially when it involved Atlas because of a woman. In the past, Charlotte would have fretted over his neglect of his health, but now she simply replied calmly, "I understand, Beta Lynch."

Atlas was surprised by Charlotte’s reaction and raised his head, his sharp eyes studying her. But after a moment, he regained his composure, remained silent for a while, and then added, "There are plenty of good men out there; you don’t need to waste your thoughts on me."

Charlotte remained silent, her wolf whining softly in the back of her mind, but she pushed the sound away. Atlas continued speaking, his voice steady but tinged with an edge of command. "You’ve grown up now; you should think about your future. Ford Bennett from the New York pack seems like a good match, and it looks like he has an interest in you."

"I’ve raised you since you were small; I assure you, you’ll have a considerable dowry."

Charlotte shook her head, her fingertips digging into her palm, drawing blood. She forced a strained smile, "No need, Beta Lynch. I’ve already been enough of a burden."

Atlas listened to Charlotte’s detached tone and felt a pang of discomfort in his heart, his wolf stirring uneasily. He said in a deep voice, his alpha tone softening slightly, "I’m your uncle; there’s no need to be so formal."

Shortly after Atlas spoke, the pack’s Healer arrived. Upon the Healer’s arrival, Charlotte turned and went upstairs, her steps light but resolute.

That night, Charlotte had the same dream again. Since her confession, she had dreamt countless times of Atlas growing more distant, never turning back despite her calls. But this time, she simply watched him walk away quietly, not calling out.

Upon waking, Charlotte sighed at the photo by her bed and began to tidy the room. Her study-abroad paperwork was nearly finalized, and she could leave at any time. She needed to sort through what she’d take with her.

While packing, she came across the first plush toy Atlas had given her. Although Charlotte had acquired many more toys since then, this one remained her favorite. Yet, she only glanced at it before tossing it into the box. Having decided to let go, she knew she had to completely move on, not leaving room for lingering thoughts.

As she finished packing and was about to dispose of the box, Atlas stopped her, his presence filling the room. "What are you doing?"

Charlotte hadn’t had a chance to respond before Atlas retrieved the patched-up plush toy from the box. "This was the first gift I gave you. You’ve kept it despite moving several times; why throw it out now?"

Atlas frowned, his grip tightening on Charlotte’s hand. Her throat felt tight, and she forced herself to meet his gaze. "I loved it when I was a child, but now I’m grown, and it’s no longer my thing."

Atlas’s pupils dilated momentarily, as if he wanted to say something but ultimately released her hand gently, his wolf’s low growl fading into silence.

Charlotte then spoke, her voice steady but tinged with finality, "Beta Lynch, I’m going abroad to study."

"Atlas! Come here!" They both spoke at once, prompting Atlas to rush over, only to find Carolina merely sharing a TikTok video, her Gamma aura flaring slightly as she laughed.

When Atlas remembered to ask Charlotte again, she simply shook her head. "Atlas, look at this crystal! I want to replace my charm; this one’s too ugly!"

Charlotte’s head shot up, her eyes fixed on the charm in Carolina’s grasp, stunned. It wasn’t just any charm. Charlotte had climbed the Rockies to obtain the charm for Atlas. He had a fear of heights but had to fly frequently for work. To ease his anxiety, she faced her own fear of heights, ending with trembling hands, never uttering a word of complaint about the fright.

But seeing the charm in Carolina’s possession now filled Charlotte’s heart with piercing pain. She distinctly remembered telling Atlas to keep it close by. And for years, he had worn it. But now...

Noticing Charlotte’s gaze, Carolina smirked, her tone dripping with false sweetness. "Miss Bennett, are you admiring this charm? Atlas gave it to me after I mentioned having nightmares. He didn’t hesitate to take it off."

Atlas frowned at Charlotte’s frozen expression and explained, his voice firm but softened by his alpha tone, "I was worried about Carolina’s safety and didn’t think the charm was significant, so I gave it to her. If you mind..."

Hearing this, Charlotte lowered her gaze, hiding the sorrow in her eyes. "Beta Lynch, you don’t need to explain. I gave it to you, and how you handle it is up to you. Besides, it’s just a charm; it truly isn’t significant."

With that, Charlotte, ignoring Atlas’s stunned expression, left with the box. Tears streamed down her face as she stepped out. Once, the charm meant a wish for Atlas’s safety, hoping for shared years together. Now, she wished only for Atlas and Carolina’s enduring happiness, without her in the picture.