Chapter 33

Knox

The dust kicks up behind me as my paws smack down harshly against the forest floor. My legs scream as I push myself to keep going. My legs are tired, hell, my whole body is tired, as I finally cross back into Onyx Ridge territory.

I’ve been running this loop so much that I’ve worn in my own trail. My wolf is restless and I can’t sleep. Every time I walk up to my room, I pass Thea’s door, and it's just a reminder of how my security failed, how I failed to protect another she-wolf.

Another she-wolf I care about.

‘I need you to come back to me.’

Her last words replay in my head constantly, fighting any other thought for dominance. Her light eyes, contagious smile, and soft features are there, staring back at me every time I close my eyes.

I came back for her.

Damnit, I came back!

I owned up to my fucking feelings, and this is what I get? This is why I didn’t want a relationship. When I open myself up and let others in, I always get hurt. I can’t break what I don’t share.