Chapter 65
The distant rumble of thunder atched my racing heart as I sat at the desk with pen and paper. My hand shook slightly as I wrote:
Dear Victoria, Emma, Gina and Tyler,
I know my departure will shock you, but I’ve finally decided to take control of my destiny. I will forever be grateful for the warmth and care you’ve shown me, and I’ll cherish every memory we’ve share.
Tyler, I understand your,, You did what you had to for your Alpha, and I respect your loyalty to the pack. Please don’t blame
yourself for my choice.
هاية
Trust that under the Moon Goddess’s protection, my cub and I will find a bright future. I’ll always remember your kindness.
I folded the note, wrote their names on it, and placed it on the nightstand.
The second letter–to Nathan–was far more difficult. My tears splashed onto the paper as I wrote, each word a piece of my breaking
heart.
When I finished, I sealed it with shaking hands and placed it prominently on the bed.
At 7:35, I took a deep breath and opened the door to my suite. The guards outside looked startled.
Rachel?” Mia’s eyes widened.
I smiled, hoping my racing heart wouldn’t betray me. “I’d like to attend the engagement dinner.”
Mia exchanged glances with the other warriors. “But Alpha Nathan hasn’t given permission-”
“Madison is trying to make peace with me,” I sighed. “Wouldn’t it be rude if I didn’t at least make an appearance at her engagement
party?”
Mia hesitated. “Alpha Nathan didn’t authorize-”
“Nathan will be there,” I said, waving dismissively. “If he doesn’t want me there, I’m sure he’ll let me know himself.”
for threats.
Without waiting for further permission, I walked gracefully down the hallway. The warriors followed, as they always did, scanning
waision, the
As we approached the bathroom across from the dining hall, I suddenly stopped, letting tears well in my eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Mia asked, concern in her voice.
A twinge of guilt hit me–Mia would likely be punished for my escape.
“I’m just emotional,” I whispered, genuine tears sliding down my cheek. “Pregnancy hormones. Could I have a few minutes to freshen up?”
The warriors exchanged wary glances. “We can’t let you out of our sight. Alpha’s orders.”
I raised an eyebrow, dabbing at my cheek. “I only need a few minutes. Please? I can’t show up like this.”
Mia inhaled deeply, checking for any dangerous scents. “Alright, we’ll wait right outside. Please hurry.”
1/2
Chapter 65
“Thank you.” The gratitude in my voice was for more than just the bathroom permission.
The moment I entered, my mind raced. To my relief, Madison and David had prepared everything.
The window was already loosened, with a gap wide enough for me to slip through. A chair sat conveniently in the corner.
I quickly removed the outer layer of my dress, converting it to a more practical outfit. I grabbed a heavy soap dish and quietly placed it against the door handle, buying myself precious time.
It was 7:43–two minutes until my rendezvous with David.
My heart pounded like a war drum as I positioned the chair beneath the window, climbed up, and carefully maneuvered through the opening.
The ground was higher than I’d expected, but the rain–softened earth cushioned my landing, the storm drowning out any sound I
made.
As I steadied myself, tall figure emerged from the nearby bushes, making my breath catch.
a
“Quickly, Rachel, we must leave now,” David whispered, his eyes gleaming in the darkness.
I turned toward him, unable to clearly see his expression through the downpour. A flicker of fear coursed through me.
Was I making the right choice? Could I truly trust Raymond’s Beta?
The storm intensified, lightning illuminating the garden in brilliant flashes. David grabbed my arm. “We have to go now!”
I placed one hand protectively over my stomach, feeling the faint connection with my cub. Moon Goddess, please watch over us, I prayed silently.
silently.
With one last glance at the castle–at everything I was leaving behind, at Nathan–I followed David into the stormy night.