Chapter: 6

It felt like the air was sucked from my lungs. How could I tell this bright-eyed boy that the man who taught him to track deer just last summer was gone? I stroked his pajama-covered knees gently. “Honey, something happened tonight. Grandpa was hurt—”

“He's dead.” Daniel’s whisper carried an eerie certainty. “Our bond... broke.”

My hand froze. He was only nine—he shouldn't be able to feel the severing of a wolf bond. Yet he had. The sensitivity I'd prayed for his whole life had awakened in him.

Relief and awe mingled in my chest—he wouldn't be like me. He wouldn't bear the shame of being an Alpha’s defective child, a wolf whose beast never woke.

“Come here, my brave boy.” I pulled him into my arms, breathing in the scent of maple syrup and innocent sweat. No matter how much I regretted that disastrous Blood Moon Hunt, I would never regret the miracle it brought me.

Daniel was the only pure thing in my life—the only heart that loved me without condition.

As I draped his blanket, patterned with little spaceships, over his shoulders, he gazed up at me with eyes so deep and soulful—Kieran’s eyes in miniature.

“You and Dad will always be here, right?”

I knew his fear—that we'd vanish like his grandfather. I hurried to reassure him. “Of course, honey. Mommy's not going anywhere,” I promised, pressing a kiss to his furrowed brow. “Daddy and I love you more than anything,” I whispered. “That will never change.”

“I know.” Daniel drew back, looking at me. “But I don’t want to be a burden to you.”

“What? Daniel, why would you say that?” I asked, alarmed. “You're not

“No, Mom.” Daniel interrupted, his voice steady. “I know things aren't good between you and Dad. Tonight was hard for you... and he still didn’t come home with you.”

I wanted to explain, but he didn’t give me the chance. “You can get divorced, Mom.”

My mouth fell open. Of course Daniel knew there were problems between Kieran and me. We'd tried to act perfect in public, but children could always sense the truth.

“Mom, you've already decided, haven't you?” Daniel said softly.

I didn’t hide it. I nodded. He was nine now—honesty might make him feel safer. “If I do this... will you hate me for it?”

“No!” Daniel said quickly. “Lots of kids at school have divorced parents. Their parents still love them. I bet you and Dad will still love me too.”

“You just said so yourself, right?” he added.

I pulled him into my arms again. “Of course, sweetheart. That will never change.”

“Do it, Mom. I want you to be happy,” Daniel said firmly.

“Of course I will,” I promised. He was already getting drowsy. I soothed him until he fell asleep once more.

When I left Daniel’s room, I went to the study, downloaded a divorce agreement, and decided I needed a little alcohol.

The kitchen’s fluorescent light buzzed overhead as I rummaged through the fridge. Bottles clinked together—then froze mid-motion when the front door clicked open.

Kieran. He was home.