Chapter 14

That night, Bella and I talked until the world blurred. She asked about everything, told me everything—Ethan's betrayal at the binding ceremony, Zoe's gruesome death, the Meadows pack's downfall.

When she stopped hearing my replies, she realized I'd fallen asleep. I'd let go of Ethan so completely that even hearing about him didn't keep me awake.

"Night, Melody," she said softly.

I woke at noon to her message. Smiling, I bought a new SIM card in town, sent Bella my new number, and told her to keep my survival a secret.

On my way home, I saw a young she-wolf cornering Marcus, the town's handsome healer, mid-confession. "Marcus, I really like you! Why can't I have a shot?"

"Because I'm already in love with someone," he replied.

His words caught me off guard. I knew I shouldn't eavesdrop, but I couldn't help it.

"This town's full of old folks and sick pups," the she-wolf said, brimming with confidence. "I'm the youngest, prettiest around. Whoever you like is probably miles away, so—"

"She's right here," Marcus cut in, his deep gaze landing on my retreating back.

I froze. When he caught up to me, I blurted, "I get it, you're just using me as an excuse. I don't mind—"

"No," he interrupted, ears red. "It's not that."

I blinked, stunned. Memories of childhood flooded back—Marcus trailing me, playing together before Ethan came into the picture. When Ethan and I went to the same college, Marcus headed to medical school without a goodbye, and I'd been bummed about it for a while.

"Melody, you've never been an excuse," he said. "You've been in my heart for years. Seeing you here again... you don't know how happy that made me."

He reached out but pulled back when I flinched. "It's okay. We've got time."

His gentleness hit me hard, and I mumbled an apology, bolting home.

For two weeks, I avoided going out, dodging Marcus. Then I landed a clerk job in town, and there he was again. He kept his distance just right—never bringing up his confession, never making me feel like a stranger. His quiet presence was worth more than any grand gesture.

I didn't even notice my heart thawing under his care.

The day before Marcus's birthday, I went to pick up a cake I'd ordered. Then a voice stopped me cold. "Melody!"

I turned and saw the face I dreaded most—Ethan.

He looked worn, but still striking, his presence out of place in this rundown town. My lips moved, but no words came. I turned and walked away.

"Melody, don't go!" he shouted, chasing after me.

A screech of brakes and a crowd's screams followed. Ethan had been hit by a car.

I didn't look back. Clutching the cake, I walked home, calm as ever.

I just wanted him to leave my quiet life alone.

But that night, he showed up again, blood and dirt staining his clothes, standing stubbornly at my door. "Melody, can we talk?"