Chapter 3
“It’s just a photo. We don’t need any more photos together.”
Her tone was so final, it left no room for questions, but Alpha Caleb, always the one trying to bridge gaps, suggested softly, “Well, the skies are clear tonight. We could still take a few later if you’d like. Besides, it’s been a while since we left the pack grounds. It might be good for all of us.”
He added quickly, his voice holding a hopeful note, “And we could bring Ivy along, too. She’s always wanted to see the northern forest.” As if this trip could somehow keep things as they were.
The mention of Ivy–sweet, sheltered Ivy- brought a faint smile to Marissa‘ s face, though it was more in resignation than joy. She didn’t let the moment linger, but Caleb took her silence as agreement, a tiny reprieve from the weight pressing down on
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them.
They started toward the den, their relief. visible, but the Alpha halted abruptly as he noticed the stacked boxes by the door.
“What’s all this?” he asked, bewildered.
Marissa didn’t meet his eyes, just glanced at the boxes before replying, “I resigned from the pack’s intelligence division. General Nathan already approved it.
Caleb‘ s brow furrowed, shock and disbelief crossing his face. He knew what her position in the intelligence division meant to her–she‘ d fought to keep it, refusing to let even her health stand in the way. His mouth opened slightly as if to question her, but no words came.
He stood there, flustered and at a loss for what to say, the faintest flicker of panic in his eyes. Finally, he moved his lips as if to speak. But before he could, Ivy‘ s soft, anxious voice floated down from upstairs, fragile as glass.
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“Alpha? The power’s out in our room, and it‘ s… so dark. I’m scared. I don’t
know what to do.”
His expression shifted instantly to concern, the tension in his jaw softening. Without hesitation, he turned and rushed upstairs, his footsteps quick and purposeful. Marissa watched him go, the urgency in his movements evident.
Bits of paper and dust from her carefully packed boxes stirred in his wake. The
silence settled into the room like an
exhaled breath, filling the empty spaces he
left behind.
Once he was gone, Marissa reached for her phone, dialing a familiar number. The call connected after a couple of rings, and Anna’s warm voice came through. Anna, the healer, was more than just a pack member; she had fostered Marissa during her early years, providing the warmth and care of a mother when circumstances had
left her alone.
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“Marissa?” Anna‘ s voice carried the
soft, gentle strength that had been her comfort as a child.
Marissa’s own voice softened in response.
“I’m calling to let you know I’ll be leaving soon. I’m heading to join my mate… a match arranged by my parents.”
Anna was silent for a moment, absorbing the news. When she finally spoke, her tone held a tinge of sadness. “Have you told Alpha Caleb?”
“No,” Marissa replied, voice steady. “He’ll find out in time. For now, I just need things to stay… uncomplicated.
Please, Anna, don‘ t tell him.”
Anna let out a slow sigh, and Marissa could almost picture the healer shaking her head, her heart torn between understanding and sorrow. “You‘ ve always been his anchor, Marissa. He’s guarded you fiercely since you were a child. I always thought… well, it’s hard to see you going elsewhere.”
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A faint, wistful smile played at Marissa‘ s lips. “There’s no pity in it, Anna. We weren’t even fated mates, not for sure. He’ll understand.”
Another pause, and when Anna spoke again, her voice was quieter, almost wistful. “Promise me you’ll come see me before you leave, Marissa. It feels so sudden… and who knows when we’ll see each other again?”
“I promise,” Marissa replied, warmth creeping into her tone. “I have something for you, anyway. I couldn’t leave without saying goodbye.”
They exchanged a few more words before ending the call, leaving Marissa alone once more. But the silence barely settled before another communication filled her mind- this time, it was General Nathan, his voice authoritative and decisive, reaching her through the pack’s mind link.
“Marissa, your work in the intelligence. division has served the pack well. As a
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reward, I’ve arranged for a crystal trophy to be crafted for you. It’s already been delivered to your home.”
The link went quiet as quickly as it had begun, and before she had a chance to consider his words, the doorbell rang. When she opened it, Ivy was standing there, holding a small box with the crystal trophy inside. Her expression was a mix of gratitude and something else–something deeper that Marissa chose not to analyze.
“It’s your reward,” Ivy said softly, holding out the box.
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