Alethea
The past week has been an emotional roller coaster, and I feel like I’m slowly losing my sanity. Everything is falling apart.
I have no job to go to anymore. My superiors at work found out about what happened at the Redwood Pack, and without a second thought, they dismissed me. Just like that. No warning. No chance to explain myself. It hurts deeply to know that after all the years I dedicated to that company, they couldn’t even give me the benefit of the doubt.
But nothing hurts more than watching Declan suffer.
Every night, he cries in his sleep, calling out for his father. His little voice, broken and desperate, makes my chest tighten with unbearable pain. I can’t just stand by and do nothing.
Right now, I clutch him tightly to my chest, whispering soothing words as he screams in his sleep, his tiny body trembling. His eyes are still closed, lost in whatever nightmare plagues him. My heart shatters into pieces.
“Selena, please,” I choke out through my sobs, holding Declan even closer. “I can’t watch my son suffer like this. Do something.”
Selena sighs beside me with a soft, firm voice. “Ally, there’s only one thing we can do. Asher needs to know about his son. Declan is calling out for him, and it’s been three years. How much longer are we going to keep Asher in the dark?”
“No.” The word rips from my throat as I wipe my tears away with the back of my hand. My voice is sharp, filled with pain and defiance. “No way in hell will I let Asher know. He doesn’t want me, Selena. Why would he want my son?”
Selena looks at me with weary eyes, and I know she wants to press the issue further. But the look on my face isn’t welcoming in the slightest, and for that, I’m grateful. She lets it go without another word.
I gently lay Declan back in bed, watching his small chest rise and fall as he finally finds peace in sleep. With a heavy sigh, I slide in beside him, wrapping my arm protectively around him. Everything feels so overwhelming.
I have no job to return to. The thought alone makes my stomach churn. I’ve always hated being dependent on anyone, yet here I am, with no choice but to rely on Selena. And now, she’s moving to another town for one of her medical outreaches just like she always does.
This time, though, the town isn’t far from the Redwood Pack.
That realization alone fills me with dread. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to escape that place or the ghosts of my past.
I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I should continue pretending to be Zoe or if it’s time to finally face my reality as Ally. Pretending to be Zoe cost me more than I could have ever imagined, but the one silver lining? Beating Maya to a pulp. That memory alone brings a small, satisfied smile to my face.
I push myself up from Declan’s bed and return to my room, hoping I’ll get some sleep tonight. But it’s useless. Sleep has been impossible since my last encounter at Redwood Pack.
I don’t think I’ll ever set foot in that place again.
But as exhaustion finally drags me under, I allow myself one moment of gratitude. At least, for now, I can rest.
*****
“Hurry up, let’s go!” Selena calls out as I finally lock up the front door.
Declan is safely tucked into his seat, his little hands gripping his stuffed toy as he looks around sleepily. I drag the last of our luggage to the car, lifting it into the trunk before shutting it securely. Once everything is in place, I exhale and move toward the front passenger seat.
Selena turns on the ignition, and we pull away from the house, leaving behind everything I once called home.
I hadn’t planned to leave with her. But losing my job and wanting a fresh start left me with little choice. Maybe this is exactly what I need-a clean break, a chance to rebuild.
The town has already arranged accommodation for us, and from what I’ve heard, it should be comfortable. The drive is peaceful, the cool breeze brushing against my skin as I gaze out the window.
After a while, I glance back and notice Declan has drifted off to sleep, his tiny chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. When I turn forward again, I catch Selena watching me. I know she has things she wants to say and questions she wants to ask, but I refuse to give her the chance. Instead, I shift my gaze back to the road, trying to familiarize myself with the area.
I take mental notes of the buildings and businesses we pass, marking potential places where I could apply for work. Selena doesn’t mind supporting me, but I mind. I can’t just live off her generosity-I need to stand on my own feet again.
Finally, we arrived.
The car pulls into a large compound, and I can’t help but admire the place. It’s not that I’ve never seen a beautiful house before, but I’ve always had a deep appreciation for things like this. From the sparkle in Declan’s eyes, I can tell he’s inherited that trait from me.
Someone is already waiting in the compound to welcome us.
Selena brings the car to a stop, and as I slowly step out, I take a deep breath.
A new beginning. Let’s see where this takes me.
A man walks toward us, a broad smile lighting up his face.
“Welcome to Tarship! We’re happy to have you here,” he says warmly.
Tarship. The name sounds familiar, but this is my first time setting foot here.
“Thank you, Mr. Cole,” Selena responds, extending her hand for a handshake.
Cole turns to me next, his smile still in place. He has dark hair, warm brown eyes, and tanned skin that hints at someone who spends time outdoors. His physique is well-built and toned in a way that suggests he works out regularly. And then there’s his boyish smile-it gives him a certain charm.
Overall, he’s good-looking.
“Hi, you must be her daughter,” he says, his voice laced with curiosity.
I blink in confusion before realizing his mistake. “Yes, I’m Ally. Nice to meet you.”
His smile didn’t falter, but I could tell he was human. Does he even know that werewolves exist around him? That, however, is the least of my worries right now.
“Come right in,” he says, stepping aside to let us enter.
The house is cozy yet spacious enough for the three of us. It has a welcoming feel, and for the first time in a long while, I didn’t feel completely out of place.
Before settling in, I head to the backseat of the car to carefully lift my son into my arms. Declan is still fast asleep, his little face relaxed.
As I straighten up, I notice Cole watching him.
His gaze lingers on Declan for a little too long, making me uneasy.
I shift, adjusting my grip on my son. “Is something wrong?” I ask, with a firm voice firmer than before.
Cole quickly snaps out of his trance, shaking his head profusely. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable,” he says, apologizing. “It’s just… he looks like someone I know.”
My heart skips a beat.
Does he know Asher?
I study his face carefully, searching for any sign of recognition. My pulse quickens as I gather the courage to ask the question burning in my mind.
“Who?” My voice is steady, but inside, I’m bracing myself for his answer.