| |
“Come with us.” We stand on the dock of the Barin Bay. Danny has found us safe passage to Japan. It will mean many months at sea, but it is a mixed barge. Some Weres and some Normals sharing quarters and the work to keep things going. We will be safe and finally away from everything that reminds me of my brothers. Kale stands with tears in his eyes. We have grown closer than I had imagined after spending that first night together. But I know that he made his promises, and while Violet and Danny can use the knowledge I have, I am an Alpha in my own right and cannot fully submit to her wills. Sure she can force me, but she is too good a person to do that. She knows that my heart is with leaving. That Davis and Blaine are my family, and are meant to go with me. But Kale, he so wants us to stay.
***
“DARLING,” I KISS HIS lips tenderly, “you know that I can't. There's too much here that I need to forget. Perhaps some time later. When I've accepted things, we'll come back. Danny has told me of her home. If you are there I will be able to find you.”
“I'll go with you then.”
I sigh at the sentiment. “Would you really find yourself separated from Orion?”
He drops his head.
“I thought not. And that's okay. My beautiful golden wolf. There is time enough for everything. We will both have long happy lives.” I kiss him one final time. “Until we meet again.”
I turn from him and head up the ramp onto the ship. He is the last I have to say my goodbyes to, and my heart feels like it is going to shatter. My chest tightens and I can barely breathe. But I push myself to walk away with my head held high. I don’t want him to hear me cry.