Chapter 3

I knew Nyx went too.

After that, he started coming home later and later, always carrying traces of Lisa's scent. Sometimes there was even lipstick on his shirt.

I'd confronted him. "Are you still not over Lisa?"

He denied it, accused me of being paranoid, and insisted they were simply discussing the alliance.

I even questioned myself, was I too sensitive? Did I not trust him enough? I told myself that if he truly didn't love me, he'd break up with me.

After all, we'd never formally bonded. We didn't share a mating bond.

Until the night Nyx came home drunk and forgot to lock the safe in his study. I went to close it for him and saw it. The photo of him and Lisa.

One single photo, kept in a safe he never let anyone touch. I'd always assumed it held pack secrets. Turns out it was merely a picture.

What he opened that safe to look at every single night, no matter how late. It was never pack secrets. It was her.

That was when I finally understood: the person Nyx loved had never been me.

And I knew it was time to let go.

My thoughts were interrupted by my phone ringing.

A caller asked, "Is this Alice?

"The three-year Outlands Medical Corps has been formed. You are the final member we need to confirm. Are you certain you want to join?

"Conditions will be harsh. The herbs grow on remote cliffs, and you will be away from your family for the entire mission. Are you sure?"

The mission was to develop a serum that would eliminate the pain of a wolf's first shift. The Lycans had organized the team, and since I'd learned some herbalism from my grandmother as a child, I'd volunteered.

I'd been hesitant before. Three years away from Nyx was a long time. But now I had no reason to stay. If anything, he'd probably prefer I left.

"I'm sure," I replied.

"Then please send your documents to our email address, and we'll arrange everything from there. Departure is set for the third of next month. Does that work for you?" The caller asked.

"Yes." I said firmly.

After hanging up, I looked around the room.

Three years with Nyx, and I'd lived here the entire time.

I had chosen the curtains, tablecloths, couch, and even the mugs. Nyx preferred minimalist gray, but I loved green, so he let me choose green and said my happiness was all that mattered.

I used to believe this was our home.

But it wasn't. It would only ever be Nyx and Lisa's home.

It was time to go.

I didn't take much. I left behind the clothes and jewelry Nyx had bought me and packed only the things I'd brought before I knew him.

I was about to close my suitcase when Nyx came home, reeking of alcohol.

He walked over and stared at my suitcase. "Going somewhere?"

I stared at the lipstick stain on his white shirt for a moment, then looked away. "No. Just realized these old things are taking up space. Figured I'd toss them."

Nyx glanced at the clothes in the suitcase. "I've been telling you to get rid of those. I've bought you more dresses than you could ever wear. Throw them out. I'll take you shopping for new ones in a couple days."

"Sounds good," I replied with a smile.

Nyx liked me docile. That was why he'd agreed to be with me in the first place... because I was obedient enough.

Whatever he said, I agreed.

But what I was really thinking was: Nyx, there won't be a next time for us.