Chapter 9 9

_Selene's POV_

I couldn't sleep that night. Every time I closed my eyes, Kade's rejection replayed in my mind like a haunting melody I couldn't escape. The pain was raw and fresh, like an open wound. I saw his cold eyes and heard his indifferent tone as he said, "You're not enough."

I tossed and turned, gripping the blankets as if they could shield me from the memories. My chest ached, and my wolf whimpered softly in the back of my mind. Even she couldn't comfort me tonight. I felt hollow and broken.

Nightmares followed when I finally drifted off. In them, Kade stood with Aria, holding her hand while sneering at me. His voice was loud and mocking. "Why would I choose you when I could have her?"

I woke up with a gasp, sweat dripping down my face. The fire in the corner had dimmed, leaving the room cold and shadowed. I hugged myself, trying to shake off the lingering fear. But it stayed with me, clinging to my thoughts like a parasite.

The morning light eventually crept into the room but it brought no relief. A knock at the door startled me.

"Come in," I called, my voice hoarse from the restless night.

The door opened, and Damon stood there, his dark hair slightly messy but still looking infuriatingly perfect. His lips curved into a small smile. "Good morning, Selene. Did you sleep well?"

I forced a smile. "Yes, thank you."

Damon's sharp eyes lingered on me for a moment, as if he could see through my lie. But he didn't press. Instead, he said, "I'll be waiting downstairs for breakfast. Take your time."

"You don't have to wait for me," I said quickly. "You're the Alpha of this pack. You must have more important things to do."

His smile widened slightly, a glint of amusement in his gaze. "You're important too. I want to get to know you better, Selene. I need to know what kind of person you are."

His words left me momentarily speechless. No one had ever spoken to me like that before. After a beat, I nodded. "Okay. I'll freshen up and join you."

Damon left, and I closed the door, leaning against it for a moment. My heart was pounding for reasons I couldn't quite understand.

I took a quick bath, the warm water helping to soothe some of my tension. I changed into a simple outfit I had brought from my old pack-jeans and a soft sweater. My phone buzzed on the desk, and I picked it up, seeing several missed calls and messages from Rachel.

Rachel had been my only true friend back at the pack. She was kind and fiercely loyal. Seeing her messages filled me with guilt. She must have been worried sick about me.

I called her back immediately. She answered on the first ring.

"Selene! Oh, thank goodness. I was so worried!" Her voice was filled with relief and panic.

"I'm fine, Rachel," I said softly. "I'm safe. A kind Alpha gave me shelter in his pack."

"Where are you?" she demanded. "I have been trying to find you everywhere! You disappeared without a word. Do you know how scared I was?"

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my throat tightening. "I didn't mean to worry you."

"Why didn't you come back here? You know I would have helped you," she said, her tone softer now.

"I can't go back, Rachel. You know that. I wouldn't be safe there."

There was a pause on her end. Then she sighed. "I miss you, Selene. I hate that you're gone. I wish you would come back."

"I miss you too," I said, my voice cracking slightly. "Maybe one day we can make plans to meet. But I can't return to the pack."

Rachel was quiet for a moment. "At least tell me where you are. What is the name of the pack?"

My heart skipped a beat. I couldn't tell her the truth. If she knew I was at the Silverfang Pack, she would come for me. She would try to bring me back, and I couldn't face that.

I took a deep breath and lied. "It's the Goldenleaf Pack. They're nearby."

"Goldenleaf?" she repeated. "I have heard of them. They are good people."

I quickly changed the subject, hoping she wouldn't dwell on it. "How are things back there? Is everything okay?"

There was a hesitation before Rachel spoke. "Aria announced her engagement to Kade. They're getting married soon."

The words hit me like a punch to the stomach. My legs felt weak, and I sank onto the bed. I had known this would happen eventually, but hearing it out loud was a different kind of pain.

"Selene? Are you there?" Rachel's voice pulled me back.

"I'm here," I said, forcing a smile even though she couldn't see it. "That's... great news."

"Great?" Rachel sounded incredulous. "I thought you would be upset."

"I can't let it bother me," I said firmly, though my voice wavered. "It's a pity I can't attend the wedding. We could have had a cake-eating competition."

Rachel laughed softly. "Things aren't the same without you, Selene. I miss your jokes, your smile... everything. But I'm glad you're safe and happy, wherever you are."

Her words brought tears to my eyes. I wiped them away quickly. "I'll be okay, Rachel. Don't worry about me."

"Promise me that you'll call more often," she said.

"I promise."

After we hung up, I stared at my phone, my heart heavy. Aria and Kade's engagement was a painful reminder of everything I had lost. But I couldn't let it consume me.

I stood and looked at myself in the mirror. My eyes were red, but there was a spark of determination in them. I had to be strong. For myself. For my wolf.

I took a deep breath and left the room, heading downstairs. Damon was waiting for me in the dining room, as he had promised. He looked up when I entered, his dark eyes meeting mine.

"Ready for breakfast?" he asked, a small smile on his lips.

I nodded. "Ready."