Chapter 11

Chapter 11
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And I bore it like a collar too tight.
I tried to run once.
I was thirteen. I packed a bag with a stolen canteen, a torn map, and half a sandwich from the pantry. I made it as far as the ridge overlooking the eastern border when the guilt hit me like a weight to the spine. Not guilt for leaving them, but guilt for leaving the pack behind. For failing the purpose they’d carved into my bones.
They found me before sundown.
My father didn’t yell, just looked at me, disappointment etched into every line of his jaw. He said five words that still echo when I close my eyes:
“If you leave, we all fail.” 1
That night, I didn’t sleep. I sat on the back steps of the pack house until morning, watching the moon crawl across the sky like it was judging me.
It still feels that way sometimes.
Even now.
Even when I stand at the head of the strongest warriors in the region.
Even when others bow their heads and call me Alpha.
Even when I tell myself I’ve made it.
Because I haven’t. Not yet. Not until I earn the Moon Goddess’s favor. Not until the pack is the strongest. Not until I take the Alpha President seat. Then maybe, just maybe, I’ll silence their ghosts.
I shook the thought from my head. I’ve spent years building this…
“I can’t divorce Ellie,” I said finally. “Not now.”
Ellie’s POV
Felicity stared. “But you want to.”
“I can’t afford to,” Nolan snapped. “There’s a difference. Not after you destroyed public perception of this pack, its unity.”
Felicity burst into tears. She cried pitifully, her face like a broken flower in the rain, so vulnerable and beautiful.
I knew why she’s upset-she can’t become Luna!
Nolan hesitated and tried to comfort her.
I let out a low whistle from my seat, folding my legs up under me like I was settling in to watch a play.
“So now I’m a political asset,” I said, tilting my head. “Good to know.”
Nolan turned toward me, irritated. “This isn’t personal.”
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Chapter 11
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“Oh, it never is with you,” I said, smiling. “Which is why you’re going to pretend we’re happily mated while your real girlfriend clings to your arm in every hallway.”
Felicity’s face flushed. “You’re not in a position to talk about what’s real.”
I stood slowly, brushing off her pants. “Actually, I think I’m in the perfect position. I’m married to Nolan-for now-and you’re still playing pretend.”
“Ellie-” Nolan warned.
But I didn’t stop, I looked like I wanted to yell more, tell him off. But my eyes flicked to that folder covered in coffee before letting out a sigh. “You want to keep your deal with Moonstone? Save face? Fine. I’ll stay. Smile for the cameras. Sit quietly at the table. But after that? After your precious alliance is signed?”
I crossed my arms.
“I want a divorce.” I declared. “You can have him, Felicity. In three months.”
Nolan frowned. It was clear he was pissed off, “You don’t get to announce our divorce. And why three months?”
I shrugged. “That’s how long you need, right? To look stable? I’m just giving you what you want.”
My tone wasn’t bitter. It wasn’t angry. It was practical.
I thought I was being thoughtful!
But he seemed bothered.
Nolan stepped forward, studying me. “Why do you sound so different?”
I shrugged, “What do you mean? My throat’s fine.”
“You weren’t like this before,” Nolan said coldly, “Last week, you had been standing outside my office, soaked from head to toe, holding my favorite jacket, the one I’d left behind after a long day.’
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“You hadn’t said anything when I opened the door, just held it out to me, said you thought I missed it, and beg for me to smile
His tone was slow and cruel, thought it would make me pain; but he suddenly paused.
Because I reached for the chip bag left on the table and popped one into her mouth.
Crunch.