Determination–1
Sebastian’s POV
My wolf paws dug into the earth as I tore through the forest path, feeling the wind rush past me. Since becoming Alpha, I rarely got to night run with my wolf anymore–once our favorite activity. But tonight, I desperately needed this run to clear my head.
Moonlight spilled across the lake’s surface, illuminating the shadowy path ahead. I pushed harder, feeling the muscles strain beneath my fur, and my wolf and I let out a satisfied growl. Even in this form, I couldn’t escape the thoughts that tormented me. Guilt about Thea followed me like a shadow, pain and stupid regret raging through my blood. I hadn’t been able to face her since discovering my true feelings.
During the day, in human form, I stared at myself in the mirror and saw nothing but a despicable wolf. I was disgusted with myself. Sickened by what I’d done to her.
I once thought I was a good Alpha, the kind capable of loving fiercely. I’d been proud of how I clung to my love for Aurora. Thought it meant my feelings for her were real. But I didn’t realize that in doing so, I was hurting the woman I truly loved.
My howl echoed across the night sky by the lake, shattering the stillness. Fuck! I growled inwardly, cursing myself and the world.
How the fuck did I get here?
I bounded past the Pack territory line, racing toward the distant hills. My limbs carried
me at breakneck speed, my wolf pushing me harder. I had no time to slow down, because the moment I did, my demons would come back to torture me. Mock me with all my
mistakes.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her face from months ago, before she asked for the
divorce. I couldn’t even remember what I’d said, but it must have hurt her. I’d sneered
then, not knowing that one day I’d be craving the love she had once given me.
Now everything was fucked up, and I had no idea how to fix it.
My phone rang, interrupting my heavy thoughts. I quickly shifted back to human form, grabbing the clothes I’d prepared earlier and pulling them on.
1/3
Determination–1
“Alpha Ashworth,” I answered without checking the caller ID, my breathing fast and harsh.
“Dad, it’s me!” Leo shouted excitedly.
We’d been talking on the phone, but I hadn’t visited him lately. Because seeing him meant
seeing her.
“Hey, buddy, is everything alright? I tried to calm my voice..
“It’s awesome! I have super cool news to tell you,” he was practically yelling.
My curiosity won out, though part of me knew this might make me more anxious.
“What is it? What’s got you so excited?” I couldn’t help smiling. Talking to him gave me a moment of peace. He was my anchor now, keeping me from sinking into the abyss of despair.
“Remember my good friend Wyatt I told you about?” he asked.
“Yeah.”
“He’s been feeling down lately, seems like something happened. Anyway, I wanted to cheer him up. So I talked to Mom, and she agreed! We’re going to the amusement park
tomorrow. Mom, me, Wyatt, and his dad Jaxon,” he finished excitedly.
I felt my wolf’s fur stand on end, jealousy instantly surging through me. Since that Pack
gathering, I hadn’t heard Leo mention this Jaxon, and now he’s going out with Thea?
What if this Jaxon was already trying to court her? My fists clenched, nails nearly breaking the skin of my palm.
“Dad?” Leo called again when I didn’t respond, realizing I wasn’t as thrilled about his
news as I should be.
“Where?” I asked stiffly, turning to head back home.
What if Thea fell in love with him during this time? I know I said she deserved better, but every cell in my body rejected that possibility. The more I thought about it, the angrier I got at myself for being such a fucking idiot.
“Oh, that new theme park by the bay,” he answered. “Dad, are you okay?”
2/3
Determination–1
“Yes, of course,” I lied.
Determination–2
“Okay,” his voice full of doubt. “I’ll talk to you later. I just wanted to let you know I won’t be home tomorrow in case you wanted to see me. Bye Dad, goodnight.”
“Goodnight, buddy,” I said, hanging up.
I continued walking back. I’d intended to use tonight’s run to calm my thoughts, but it was a complete waste because now I was fucking angry on top of everything else.
Thirty minutes later, I was back at the Ashworth mansion. The cool night breeze swept over my heated skin but did nothing to cool the rage inside me. I wanted to rush to Thea’s place, confess my feelings to her. Tell her not to go out with this Jaxon, beg her to give me another chance.
“Alpha, someone is waiting for you,” Beta Rayne informed me the moment he saw me.
“Who?” I frowned.
Before he could answer, the scent of gardenia told me who it was. I turned to find Aurora standing in the middle of the living room, expectation on her face. Fuck, this was absolutely not the time.
“Aurora, what brings you here?” I didn’t hide the impatience in my voice.
Rayne left, leaving us alone to face each other.
“I wanted to talk to you, Sebastian,” she said softly, “about our relationship and future.”
I studied her carefully. She was beautiful, no denying that, but somehow, that beauty no longer moved me. Once, I would have been thrilled by just one of her smiles, but now, I felt nothing. Those once burning feelings had long since turned to ash.
“It’s late, and I just got back from a workout. Say what you need to say,” I replied coldly.
Her expression looked hurt, but she quickly regained her confidence. “The issues between us can be fixed, Sebastian. We’re perfect for each other, the whole Pack thinks so. We can…”
“What us?” I cut her off, my tone hard. “Aurora, don’t you get it, there is no ‘us‘ anymore.”
1/3
Determination–2
“That’s not true. I love you, and you love me. It’s always been that way. You can’t tell me things have changed.” Tears filled her eyes. “Is it because of Thea?”
I didn’t love her anymore, but I didn’t want to hurt her either, so if this was the only way to make her understand and leave, then I had no choice but to be honest.
“Yes, but I’ve also realized I don’t love you anymore. Maybe I did once, but not now. You’ve wasted enough time on me, Aurora. You should find someone who can give you the
love I can’t, or your mate, you know.”
“No!” she cried out, pain flashing across her face. But I couldn’t help it. I’d hurt Thea for too long. If I continued doing so, I’d be damned.
“You love her, don’t you?” she asked in a broken voice. Her reaction touched the part of me that had once loved her. I pushed it down, not allowing it to win.
“Yes. I know it’s not what you want to hear, but yes, I love her,” I told her as gently as possible. “Now that you know the truth, I also want you to understand that I’m going to pursue her, and I don’t want you standing in my way.”
“She’ll never give you a chance. She’ll never forgive you.” Her voice was bitter and hurt.
I ran my hand through my hair in frustration. “Maybe so, but that still won’t stop me from
trying to win back her love.”
“And I won’t stop trying to win back your love, Sebastian. I’ve lost you once, and I won’t
lose you again. I won’t accept defeat so easily,” she said firmly, wiping away her tears.
Before I could tell her she was wasting her time, she rushed past me and left.
I headed upstairs, pushing the encounter with Aurora to the back of my mind. Nothing
she said mattered. Thea was my main focus now.
No matter what obstacles lay ahead, I wouldn’t stop trying to win back my ex–wife. My
Luna. My Thea.
