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“What? Who? Your guys?” Violet sounded both confused and outraged on my behalf.

I swiped at the angry tears streaking down my cheeks, trying to catch my breath enough to drive. "Yeah, apparently, they've known from the very beginning that I’m their scent match. I didn’t know because, well, you know, I couldn’t smell anything. They paid off my mom's debts, Vi. They essentially bought me.”

There was stunned silence on the other end of the line for a beat before Violet hissed sharply, fury coloring her tone. "They did what?"

"They basically paid my mother off in exchange for marrying me," I admitted, my voice cracking painfully. "That’s why she pushed so hard. I feel so fucking stupid. Like...like some object they just decided they wanted."

"Oh hell no, that's not how this works," Violet growled protectively. "We both know those idiots adore you, but fuck—buying you from your mother? They better have a damn good explanation."

"They say it wasn't like that," I sniffled bitterly, finally starting my car and putting it into gear. "They said it's because we're mates. But all I heard was my mother sold me. She sold me, Violet."

She sighed heavily on the other end, a mixture of anger and heartbreak filling her voice. "Get here fast, Fallon. We'll talk it out, and I'll plot murder with you. Just...be careful. And if you feel like you're gonna lose it, pull over. Promise me."

"I promise," I whispered, grateful beyond words for her strength.

As I ended the call and started driving toward her house, I fought to silence the echoes of their desperate voices still ringing in my ears, begging me not to leave him.

Chapter Thirteen

Fallon

April 13th

5:09 P.M

I've never known guilt like this. It coils around me like a living thing, wrapping itself tightly around my heart and squeezing until breathing feels nearly impossible. Curled beneath Violet’s plush black duvet, I bury myself deeper into the comforting softness, desperately trying to hide from the ache burning through me. My chest feels hollow, empty without the familiar warmth of my pack. Without them, everything is colder, darker—lonely in a way that makes me physically ache.

I sigh softly, running a shaky hand through my tangled blue hair, a chaotic mess around my face. It matches the chaos swirling inside of me. My heart clenches painfully as I glance at the bedside table, illuminated by Violet’s dim lamp, the soft glow highlighting the photo wall across from me filled with memories of laughter and brighter days. I envy Violet’s uncomplicated life at this moment, though I know it hasn't always been easy for her, either.

Unable to help myself, I pick up my phone, heart aching with each notification I swipe through. My breath hitches as Voss’s texts flood the screen again, each one more unhinged and broken than the last. His pain is almost tangible, and I can feel it tearing through me, ripping open wounds that haven't even started healing.

I can’t fucking breathe. You took the air with you.

Did you really think you could walk away without destroying me, Fallon? Without breaking every piece of me I gave you?

I’m suffocating in this darkness. It’s dragging me under, and you’re the only light that keeps it from swallowing me whole. You’re fucking killing me, princess.

Answer me, even if it’s just to scream. To curse me. To hate me. Just don’t be silent. I’ll take your anger, your hatred. Anything but silence.

Come home. Hurt me if you need to. Punish me. Rip my fucking heart out—but just come home.

A sob escapes my throat, raw and painful, as I clutch the phone against my chest. I wish I could hate him, hate them, but instead, I just hurt. Voss’s words have shredded the protective numbness I was clinging to, exposing all my wounded pieces, and I feel exposed, vulnerable, and utterly miserable without them.

My breath catches again when I move onto Kingston’s texts, his usual icy mask clearly cracked wide open, his desperation seeping through.

Fallon, please talk to us. Yell, scream, throw things, do whatever you need to do—just don’t shut us out.

I should have told you sooner. We all should have. I never meant to make you feel bought. You’re priceless, little one. Please come home.

I close my eyes against the tears, my body shaking as I flip to Jace’s messages. His usually stoic personality makes each vulnerable word stab deeper into my heart.

I miss you, kitten. The house feels empty without your sass. Please don’t stay away.

Please tell me what I need to do to make this right. I’ll do anything. I’ll give you the world if you’ll let me. Just don’t give up on us.

Finally, I brave Romano’s messages, knowing they’ll destroy me the most.

Little Love, I know you’re hurting. But so am I. You’re my everything. Please don’t take yourself away from me.