Six Years Hidden Now I’m Gone

The photo was of exquisitely plated dishes at an upscale restaurant I’d only heard whispers about.

Although no one was tagged, I noticed a shimmering pendant in the top-right corner of the shot.

Engraved on it was the Thorne family crest.

It was the Luna emblem. It should have been mine.

He had never wanted anyone to know he already had a fated mate.

So the emblem that should have symbolized our bond was now just a prop for a date with his mistress.

On Rowan's sixth birthday, he was enjoying a candlelight dinner with another woman at a high-end restaurant.

All my bitterness froze into a cold, hard calm.

I liked the post and then set my phone down.

Then, I turned and placed the birthday hat on Rowan's head.

"Happy birthday, Rowan."

In the candlelight, Rowan closed his eyes and clasped his hands together.

"My birthday wish is to be with Mom forever."

I had to capture this moment. These were the moments I would cherish, the only ones that truly mattered.

I studied the photo, my resolve to leave hardening into steel.

"Okay. I promise I will always be with you."

That night, neither of us mentioned Alaric.

It felt like this home had always belonged to just the two of us.

After Rowan fell asleep, I took the bond severance contract I had prepared from the drawer.

My last shred of hesitation vanished.

At two in the morning, Alaric finally came home.

When he saw the slice of cake Rowan had left for him on the table, a flicker of guilt finally entered his eyes.

"I'm sorry, I forgot."

I found it almost amusing.

He could forget, but couldn't the mind-link remind him?

Or was his mistress so enchanting that he could ignore everything else?

I didn't say a word, simply flipping to the last page of the contract and handing it to him.

I forced myself to remain calm.

"You can sign on this—"

Before I could finish, I felt a sharp fluctuation in Alaric's mind. It was Briar’s panicked voice, cutting through our link.

Alpha Thorne, I think there's an intruder at my place! Can you come over? I'm so scared!

Alaric shot to his feet, his eyes filled with concern.

"Wait there. I'm on my way."

After severing the link, he signed the document without a second glance.

Now that I had what I needed, I stepped back and let him go.

Alaric, remember this moment forever, I thought. You're the one who chose to abandon this family.