Chapter 20. A Hard Decision

* Isabella *

I waited in the evening until my cousin Richard was finally back home at Alpha Mansion, wanting to learn if there was any improvement on his part while training with the warriors of the Cold Mountain pack. I left early to follow the Alpha’s order who made it clear that I should go home after our conversation. My cousin Richard however, stayed and went on with the spar.

"Richard!?"

I was happy to finally see him after I sat for a few hours on the couch inside his bedroom. But the smile on my face faded as I looked at him. His face is swollen and there is something in the way that he walks, it is obvious that he was injured.

"Are you alright?"

A worried frown appeared on my forehead. I watch him move to the single couch opposite where I am seated. My reaction made him shake his head.

"It's alright Isabella, this is nothing compared to what we have been fighting for."

I silently suck in my breath when I heard his painful words, more like I could feel the deep meaning of it.