Page 62 of My Fated Mate

"I want to leave," I repeat, my voice barely above a whisper.

The silence stretches. Thorne doesn't move. His gaze locks on mine until the air escapes him on a long exhale.

"Alright," he says hollowly. "I'll let you go."

Relief floods through me, so intense it almost steals my breath. Finally, I'm free. Finally, I can escape this pack, this forest, and everything that reminds me of his betrayal.

But even as the relief washes over me, a flicker of doubt creeps into my mind. Can he really be letting me go that easily? After everything that's happened, after the way I've treated him?

"Just like that?" I ask, suspicious.

There is sadness in Thorne’s eyes. "Yes," he says. "Just like that. You deserve to be free. You deserve to be with your own kind."

The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard. Is this the real Thorne, or is this just another trick, another way to manipulate me?

"There's… there's one condition," he adds hesitantly.

My heart jumps into my throat. Of course, there's always a condition.

"What?" I snap.

He takes a deep breath. "I can't let you leave without knowing you'll be safe. Shadow will accompany you."

Shadow lets out a low growl, nuzzling my leg slightly. The gesture, surprisingly comforting, throws me off balance.

"Shadow?" I scoff. "Why on earth would I want a wolf escorting me back to civilization?"

Thorne looks at me pleadingly. "He's more than just a wolf, Elowen. He's… he's my pack mate. He'll protect you."

The word "pack mate" hangs heavy in the air, a painful reminder of the bond I so desperately want to forget. But the thought of venturing into the unknown alone…

"Fine," I grumble, the defiance momentarily draining from me. "But I have a condition as well. We leave now."

He nods, his jaw clenched tight. "Yes. But…"

What is it now?! Ugh!

He hesitates, worry crossing his features. "It won't be easy. I could come with you—"

"I can handle myself."

Before he can say anything else, a loud commotion erupts outside—a chorus of growls and snarls pierces the air, sending shivers down my spine.

Thorne throws me a startled glance, then he takes two long strides to the door to determine the source of the disruption.

"What's going on?" I whisper, stepping up behind him.

Thorne looks over his shoulder, his face hardening. "Stay here," he commands.

But I ignore him. Curiosity, mixed with a strange sense of foreboding, propels me forward.

"No. I'm coming with you."

Thorne looks like he wants to argue, but before he can, I push past him and head out the door.

Shadow follows close behind, his silent presence a source of comfort amidst the escalating chaos.

We burst into the main hall just as Thorne throws open the heavy wooden doors to find a large group of wolves—his wolves.

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