Lose Me Once, and You'll Regret it Forever

Alexandra

The next day, Aidan promised that he would stay home, so when night came and he announced he had to take care of business, the alarm bells in my head started ringing. When he didn't share the details as to what business he needed to take care of, I didn’t ask.

Once he left, I paced back and forth, waiting for the sound of his footsteps to dull. When I was sure that it was safe, I wore the coat Nancy gave me with another wolf's scent to mask my own scent and slipped out the door with my heart pounding.

I wasn’t sure what I expected to find, but my instincts kicked in that he wasn’t heading to the pack house, so I knew I had to follow him. I trailed behind him, keeping my distance. I watched as he ran through our quiet neighborhood, turning down the farthest street away from our home. My nerves tangled as we neared a newly built modest home. It didn’t belong to anyone I knew, so why would he be here?

My breath caught in my throat as I watched Aidan walk up to the house, this time, holding a red rose, the same kind he usually brought home to me. My heart broke with each step he took toward the house. I could feel anger rising in my bones because, obviously, this wasn't about an important pack business.

When he walked to the front door, I wanted to scream. I wanted to run to him and ask him what he was doing. But I stayed frozen, rooted to my spot. And when the door opened, Brooke appeared. She looked surprised but pleased to see Aidan there.

I watched as he leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek, and looked at her lovingly. I immediately felt sick. I stood behind the thick trunk of a tree, my heart pounding. Nancy was right, but this was beyond what I had imagined. They were wrapped in each other’s arms, their laughter echoing in the cool night air like lovers lost in their own world.

On instinct, I committed the scene unfolding before me to memory. Aidan leaned in, kissing her softly. It was a kiss that spoke volumes, a language I never wanted to hear. This was a slap in the face. The truth hit me hard.

Aidan had chosen me. He had made a promise. I remembered the nights we shared, the dreams we spoke of. I had forgiven him for posting the ceremony and decided to still show my loyalty. Yet, here he was, betraying me again, and he clearly had no qualms about it.

I wanted to confront him right then, but I knew I had to think this through. Aidan didn’t just break my heart; he shattered our bond. A simple confrontation wouldn't help me at all. At the least, he would just admit that he was seeing Brooke, but that wouldn't be enough for me.

I could feel the weight of the anger in my hand. I could expose him and show everyone who he truly was. But what would that achieve? Would it bring back my trust? Would it fix what was broken? No, I needed something bigger.

I quietly slipped away, my mind racing. I couldn’t let emotions dictate my next move. I wanted to make them pay, but not like this. I felt that it wasn't the right time and place. I had to choose my words and actions carefully as the whole pack was at Aidan's beck and call.

As I ran back home, I could feel my wolf stirring inside, her instincts screaming for justice. At that moment, I knew I had to choose my path. No more hiding. No more watching from the shadows. I was a she-wolf, strong and fierce. I would not be a victim. I would rise from this.

"Hell hath no fury to a woman scorned, Aidan White," I whispered to myself.