THE LAST REJECTION

ge

ing, I spent my days organizing, assisting with the pack's operations, and sometimes even conducting patrols. The more days went by, the more C

ms they wanted me to fix. Marcus never left my side, helping me when I stumbled and serving as a constant reminder that I wasn't alone in

rapping up some work, her face unsure. She was closely observ

in a serious tone, "I h

er serious face as I g

rward. "Mooncrest Pack told me some news," she replied, dropp

aid of using the words. The point out of his call made my

y voice steady, I asked. "Wh

ed to know. No matter what his motivations are, nothing ch

of feelings that washed over me. "Mia

she looked at me for a

m all right. It's just difficult to hear

've experienced. But keep in mind, you've changed from that shattered Mooncrest girl. Y

oothing my agitated heart. "Mia,

. My thoughts whirled with Logan, the connection we had once had, and the treachery that had shattered it. I had ma

was suddenly inquiring about me. I was afraid of revisiting those scars

ntil he was standing next to me. I felt anchored by his prese

larm as he said, "Angela.

, had been completely truthful with me and had always offered assistance without passing judgment. I couldn

d," I said, looking him in the eye.

took a seat next to me. "I'm right he

ed deeply. Logan is here. He

continue, his jaw tens

away. just before Dana, my closest buddy. He picked her as his girlfriend instead of me. As I pushed myself to face the histo

and over mine. As I talked, I felt hi

istory. "You've endured far more than anybody ought to. But you made i

t... I'm not sure why he would inquire about me now. I have a part of me that wants to push

ou have nothing to repay him. Not with your energy or time. However, I wil

resolution take hold of me. Logan's approval wasn't required of me. He didn't have to

, "Thank you, Marcus." "Without y

ile longer. "Angela, you underestimate how powerful y

interest derail the life I was creating. As Marcus and I got to know one another more, our relationshi

ry action demonstrated the strength and discipline he inspired in his pack. He moved with force and accuracy. In add

d smiled as she pushed me.

haps. But he's... he's unique. He sees more in m

"So, I would say th

roud of myself. I had been granted a second opportunity and a sense of belongin

ck members who were laughing and telling tales while the air was warm and smelled of freshly prepared

tly while leaning in. I have something

isting hallways and into the starry woodland. As the sounds of the forest s

grass soft underfoot. The woodland was illuminated by an ethereal light as

However, I want you to know that I'm present. I don't give a damn about your background or the wounds you bear. I can

on guard for so long, scared to allow anybody in. However, Marcus had shown me tha

ed me. You provided me with a second opportunity and a sense of belonging. I'm now no longer positive

b a lock of hair behind my ear. Then let's give it a go.

rcus and I. It was a little, hesitant spark of potential and hope. Pe

take the place of the burden of the past as we stood t