Chapter 4
I didn't head straight to the Dewitt den after the call. Instead, I went back to our place-a sprawling 3,000-square-foot loft Isla and I had poured our hearts into decorating. It used to feel like home. Not anymore. Not since last night, when I found out she'd broken our bond.
The rings we were supposed to exchange at the ceremony? Isla had already given them to me. She'd designed them herself, sketching every detail while curled up in my lap. "These rings have hidden slots," she'd said, eyes sparkling. "Put them together, and they form a heart-proof we'll never be apart."
I shook off the memory, grabbed the rings, and called a courier. "I need a pickup," I said, my voice steady. Since Nathaniel was taking my place as groom, he could have the rings too.
I scheduled the delivery for 9 a.m. on the ceremony day. Watching the courier take the rings away, I felt a weight lift. This place, filled with memories of me and Isla, would soon be stripped of my presence. I'd leave it like I was never here.
---
When I got to the Dewitt den, my eyes were still red. Grace, Isla's mom, noticed right away. "You look rough, Evan. Where's Isla? She giving you trouble?"
Grace had always been kind to me, maybe because of my mom. But blood runs thicker than kindness, and I knew she'd side with her pup.
I forced a smile, rubbing my eyes. "Nah, just got some dust in my eyes outside."
She relaxed, chuckling. "If Isla's acting up, you tell me. I'll set her straight. She's busy with work, but you know how she is."
Before long, Isla's car rolled into the underground garage. Grace sent me to fetch her when she didn't come up. In the dim light, I spotted her car, still lit up. Isla sat inside, cigarette in hand, staring at her phone. She didn't see me coming.
"My back's still sore," she purred into the phone, her voice playful. "All your fault."
Nathaniel's laugh crackled through. "My bad. Come over tonight, I'll make it up to you."
Isla smirked, eyes glued to the screen. "You better do more than that. You owe me big time."
She lit the cigarette, taking a drag to calm herself. Isla never smoked or drank around me-she kept that side hidden. But the Isla I saw now shattered everything I thought I knew. The she-wolf who swore she loved only me was giving her warmth to another wolf.
My stomach churned, but I kept my face blank. As she put out the cigarette and killed the engine, I slipped back upstairs before she could spot me.
We walked into the dining room almost together. Grace shot Isla a look. "What took you so long? Making Evan go fetch you?"
Isla froze, her eyes darting to me. "You came looking for me?"
"Yeah," I said casually. "Saw you on the phone, so I came back. What's up?"
She stared at me, tense. "Did you hear who I was talking to?"
I shrugged, keeping my cool. "Didn't catch it. Work stuff, right? Who else would it be?"
Her shoulders relaxed, and she slipped back into that familiar, gentle smile. She took my hand, her fingers tracing circles in my palm. "Just the folks handling our couple's accessories for the charity gala next week. You'll be the star of the show, Evan, like always."
The Dewitt pack held a charity gala every so often, all in my name, to raise funds for causes tied to my past. Isla started it to wish me well, to keep me safe. Back then, it moved me. Now? I just nodded. "Do what you think's best."
After dinner, Grace handed me a rosewood box with a pair of jade pendants inside. "These are for the Dewitt mate," she said, smiling warmly. "Since Isla's our only pup, they're for you two."
The pendants were priceless, but they felt heavy in my hands. I pushed them back into the box. "This means a lot, but let's save it for the ceremony."
Grace didn't push, agreeing to present them on the big day. I noticed Isla checking her phone constantly, antsy. I took the chance to leave. On the drive back, she kept rubbing her lower back, wincing.
"You okay?" I asked, glancing over.
She froze, then pulled her hand away. "Just a work thing. Sitting too long. No big deal."
I bit back a bitter laugh. Sure, Isla. Whatever you say.
Back home, she pushed me to sleep, but I couldn't. Her phone buzzed, and her breathing shifted as she grabbed it, her arms tightening around me. Pretending to sleep, I felt her slip out of bed, change, and rush out the door. I stood by the window, watching her car speed off, and slammed my fist against the wall.
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