Chapter 4

After that talk, Damien still gives Nora everything she asks for.

Nora still accepts his care like it is only natural.

The only change is that they start to avoid me.

Damien stops coming to the Healer House to see me.

He stops texting me and calling me.

We are in the same pack, yet it feels like we are far apart.

Sometimes, when I get off work and go home, I see his car parked under the guesthouse where Nora lives.

It stays there the whole night.

Sometimes, when I eat in the dining hall, I hear some wolves talking.

They say Damien takes Nora to see a new movie.

They say Damien buys Nora an expensive bag.

They say Nora has already moved into our mate residence.

I do not go to check.

I am afraid they are all true.

My heart feels like it is burning on fire.

It hurts, but makes no sound.

I cannot sleep. Night after night, I stay awake.

When I close my eyes, I see Damien and Nora together.

I lose a lot of weight.

All the healers can see it.

The Chief Elder of the Healer House calls me in.

“Lola, something is wrong with you lately.”

“Did something happen?”

I shake my head. “No.”

“Maybe I am just too tired from work.”

The elder gives me leave and tells me to rest well.

My heart feels empty.

I do not know where to go.

In the end, I go back to our mate residence.

I think I need an answer.

I also need an ending.

I open the door. A scent that is not mine hits me.

A pair of high heels sits by the shoe cabinet.

Pink, with lace.

It is Nora’s style.

Damien’s coat is on the couch in the living room.

I walk in step by step.

The bedroom door is slightly open.

Inside, there is a woman’s laughter and a man’s low voice.

My legs feel heavy.

I stand at the door, but I do not have the courage to push it open.

At that moment, the door opens from inside.

Nora walks out wearing my pajamas.

When she sees me, she freezes for a second.

Then she smiles.“Healer Lola, you’re back.”

Her hair is wet. She smells like body wash.

I look at her, my whole body shaking.

“Where is Damien?”

Nora feigns a shy look and points behind her.“Brother Damien is in the shower. He says he is very tired today.”

I follow where she points.

Inside the bedroom, our bed is a mess.

Two empty glasses sit on the nightstand.

A loud crack goes off in my mind. My wolf roars inside me.

I turn and run.

I do not know how long I run or where I go.

There is only one thought in my head.

I never want to go back to that place again.