Chapter 32

Chapter 32

“But… but I’m so sorry,” Ivy stammered, her voice trembling as she took a step back, her wide eyes filled with tears. “If… if I had known-”

“Sorry?” Marissa‘ s voice was a dangerous whisper, filled with pure, unfiltered hatred. “Sorry doesn‘ t bring him back, Ivy. My father is dead. Dead, because of you.”

Ivy’s face crumpled, and she let out a soft, pitiful whimper. “Please, Marissa, I never wanted this. I am just afraid for me and my baby. I… I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”

“You didn’t mean it?” Marissa’s voice was filled with contempt as she took a step forward, her wolf pushing against the surface, her vision turning red with fury.

“My father died protecting this pack, protecting everyone. And where were you? Hiding behind the high ranking wolves and Caleb, pretending to be helpless while he was dying.”

Ivy’s tears fell freely, her lips quivering as she looked at Caleb for support. But he stood silent, unable to meet Marissa‘ s gaze, his own face shadowed with shame. The betrayal cut deeper than any wound, twisting like a knife in her heart.

“Marissa, please-” Ivy began, her voice pleading, but Marissa‘ s growl cut her off.

“Enough!” she shouted, her voice ringing through the air like a thunderclap. She felt the heat of her Lycan blood surging, her wolf’s fury filling every part of her. Her vision blurred, the anger, the pain, the betrayal merging into one overwhelming force.

Just as her rage threatened to consume her, she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her, pulling her close, grounding her. Idris. His touch was gentle but firm, his presence like a calming balm to the storm raging inside her. His arms wrapped around her, his warmth seeping into her, easing the fury that clawed at her chest.

“Marissa,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing. “Look at me. Breathe.”

She closed her eyes, focusing on the steady beat of his heart against her cheek, the comforting weight of his embrace. Hist fingers traced gentle circles on her back, his voice a soft, steady anchor in the chaos. of her mind.

“They‘ re not worth it,” he whispered, his voice filled with quiet conviction.

“Don’t let them take away your strength, your grace. Your father wouldn’t want this.”

Marissa s breaths came in shallow gasps as she clung to Idris, her body trembling with the force of her suppressed rage. She felt her wolf calm, retreating into the depths of her mind as Idris‘ s words washed over her, soothing the raw pain that threatened to consume her.

She lifted her gaze to meet his, her vision still blurred with tears, but her anger slowly receding, replaced by a deep, aching sorrow. “He’s gone, Idris. He‘ s… gone.”

Idris‘ s hand moved to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray tear as he looked at her, his eyes filled with unwavering love and strength. “I know, my love,” he murmured. “But you are his legacy. His strength lives on in you.”

She closed her eyes, letting his words settle over her like a warm blanket, a small comfort in the sea of her grief. She took a deep, shuddering breath, the pain still raw, but less suffocating with Idris beside her.