Chapter 16–The End
He had lost significant weight, his once vibrant demeanor now gone. “Anastasia, I’m sorry,” he pleaded, his voice ragged with exhaustion. “I’ve seen Adeline’s true colors. I won’t give her any more opportunities to be near us or contact her again. And I’m so sorry about Kieran.“@
The news of Adeline’s downfall and the subsequent shunning in high society had reached me, painting a clear picture of her humiliation.
“It’s all irrelevant to me now, Ronan,” I said, my voice steady despite the tears that brimmed in my eyes. “I don’t care what happens between you two or what lies ahead for you.”
Tears welled in his eyes as he continued to beg. “Do you really not want me anymore? Please, Anastasia, don’t leave me. What can I do to make you forgive me?“}
I looked at him, my heart too stoned to feel anything. “We will never go back, Ronan. Seeing you reminds me of Kieran. I could forgive you only if you could bring Kieran back to life!“}}
A wave of despair crashed over Ronan, extinguishing the light that had once flickered so brightly in his eyes. His shoulders sagged, and his expression saddened. I, on the other hand, was far from sympathetic. “If you need to cry, do it far away from me,” I snapped, my irritation barely contained. “I get irritated just seeing you.“}
It was maddening how, despite my clear declaration that I wanted nothing more to do with him, Ronan persisted in his attempts to insert himself into my life. He inundated my office in the pack with flowers and jewelry. He even extended his attempts to win over the pack members, showering them with favors and attempting to ingratiate himself.”
Meanwhile, Alpha Atlas took note of Ronan’s every move. He spared no effort in surpassing Ronan’s gestures. He hosted lavish feasts every night, bestowed gifts upon the elders, and ensured the safety of the territory.”
Meanwhile, Ronan’s efforts overwhelmed me in a bad way to the point where I seriously considered leaving everything behind. The constant reminder of Ronan, with his never–ending presence, made it nearly impossible to move on from the pain of losing Kieran.
Fortunately, Atlas offered me refuge in his pack. During my time away, Beta Magnus would oversee the Obsidian Howl Pack’s affairs. Ronan’s reaction to this news was immediate and frantic. He rushed over, his face a mask of desperation.}
“Anastasia, are you really going with that bastard? Is it because I’ve been bothering you?” His voice cracked with anguish. “I won’t bother you anymore, I promise. Just don’t go with him, okay?”
But why would I listen to him?
Even after I had my vacation at Atlas’s pack, Ronan’s efforts did not wane. He used every connection he had to gain entry into gatherings, where he made frequent concessions to me. Whether these were acts of compensation or guilt was unclear.
When I returned to the Obsidian Howl, my focus was on strengthening our pack. I forged alliances with Atlas’s pack and other powerful factions he introduced me to.
-8
Months later, fate threw me into another encounter with Ronan. He confronted me with a mixture of anger and confusion. “Why are you still with him?” he demanded, pointing at Alpha Atlas who sat across the table.
Alpha Atlas chuckled, his eyes twinkling with a dangerous blend of amusement and challenge. “What’s it to you?”
Ronan’s gaze then turned to me, his eyes pleading for an explanation that I was reluctant to provide. The weight of his despair was evident, but I had long since moved past caring.
Reaching into my purse, I retrieved a formal invitation and handed it to him. “I’m getting married next month,” I said, my tone clipped. “You’re welcome to attend. And by the way, we’re now mated.“}
The invitation seemed to shatter whatever remained of Ronan’s composure. His eyes filled with tears, and his voice trembled with a mixture of hurt and disbelief. “You’re marrying him? What about me? We were mated, so what am I to you now?”
His questioning was absurd, especially considering he had shown no interest in the mateship ceremony when it mattered. To me, that chapter of my life was nothing more than a distant memory.”
Alpha Atlas’s expression darkened, a sneer curling his lips. “You’re nothing more than her sucked former mate who doesn’t measure up. Now, get lost.”
Ronan had always been convinced that I was hopelessly in love with him, that my anger and rejection were just fleeting tantrums. He thought I could be easily pacified, but as he watched me in my wedding gown, exchanging vows with Alpha Atlas at a lavish ceremony, the reality of my departure hit him with full force. His pleas went unheard as I stood resolute beside my new mate.
Alpha Atlas held my hand, his gaze steady and affectionate. A playful smile curved my lips as I looked up at him.”
With a boyish grin that softened his otherwise intimidating presence, Atlas took my hand and kissed the back of it. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long, my Luna.”
The End
