Chapter 11
342words
"Look. Hyde Park. Every full moon night, you'd keep me company."
During full moons, werewolves were forced to transform. A trusted companion could help them maintain their humanity.
"The Thames embankment. The first place I ever revealed my wolf form to you."
He'd transformed right by the water. A massive gray wolf, wild and magnificent.
"The Tower of London. Where you agreed to be my Mate."
Beneath those ancient stones, bathed in moonlight, he'd knelt and asked me to be his forever.
"Isabelle, does any of this feel familiar?"
He guided me through our shared history, golden eyes rimmed with red, forcing his lips into a smile that never reached them.
"I'm trying."
I earnestly tried recalling along with him.
But the memories held everything.
Except him.
Watching my blank expressions, his eyes slowly filled with bewilderment and despair. His mouth worked, but no sound emerged.
Dusk settled over the city. The sun sank below the Thames.
I watched him sitting alone on the embankment, then bought two coffees and approached, crouching to meet his downcast gaze.
The sunset softened the harsh edges of reality.
I caught my reflection in those inhuman eyes.
The evening breeze stirred his hair. Sunset painted him in gold and shadow.
I believed his every word.
Believed this Alpha had once loved me with fierce devotion.
Believed our connection had once been profound.
Believed we'd shared countless beautiful moments.
Believed our final argument contained volumes of unspoken pain.
But.
I'd already moved on.
While he remained trapped in amber, clutching desperately at memories, nursing his wounded pride.
Seeing his devastation, words failed me completely.
We stared at each other in heavy silence.
Until the sun kissed the horizon.
"Dominic." I pressed the warm coffee into his palm. "I'm sorry."
I rose and walked away.
He watched me go, frozen in place.
The wind picked up. Hot tears spilled down his face.
From deep in his chest came a sound—
The mournful howl of a wolf in pain.
