Her growls were loud enough to burst the eardrums of everyone standing nearby. Her breathing was heavy as she looked up, her mouth covered in blood. The pure white fur was speckled with red stains.

She could feel the aggression coursing through her bones. All she wanted to do was tear apart every single person who tried to hurt her. Her wolf only wanted to protect her, to keep her safe from the world.

Kyle regained his composure and, stumbling, slowly got to his feet. His eyes fixed on Ashlee. She was undoubtedly a werewolf, but something about her was incredibly unique. Incredibly unique, more than he had ever seen.

Their eyes met. She saw the pain in his. The sight of his open wounds broke her heart. All Ashlee wanted to do was save him. His pack, which he cared for most of all. She didn’t want to hurt anyone; she just wanted to protect them.

As soon as Kyle locked eyes with her, he felt it. He knew it. The truth hit him hard. He knew she wasn’t his mate. His wolf was shattered inside. Everything he had felt for her now seemed like an illusion.

A misconception created to destroy his people. Everything Hagatha had said was true. She wasn’t his mate. The spell had broken with her death.

But there was something else—some strange pull that forced him not to lose her. He got to his feet and slowly walked toward Ashlee. He knew she wouldn’t hurt him.

He kneeled down and gently cupped her face, sliding his fingers through her fur. It was soft, smooth, glowing, and warm. For the first time in his life, he felt at peace.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, gazing deeply into her eyes. All he felt was regret. “I’m sorry you had to go through all of this.” He continued, breaking down in front of her.

Immediately, Ashlee began to transform back into her human form. But in her haste, she forgot she would be naked. Everyone’s eyes widened as they watched her shift back, only to be left exposed as the Luna of the pack.

“Eyes away!” Kyle shouted, growling at his pack and the others. Unexpectedly, the other pack followed his command, showing respect to their savior.

Ashlee squeezed her eyes shut, crying with all her heart. She collapsed into Kyle’s arms. Zoe quickly brought over a large coat to cover her. It was all they had at the moment.

Kyle swiftly covered her with the cloth, his hand caressing her head gently, trying to soothe her.

“Is this the end for us?” she sobbed, gazing up at him with pleading eyes.

“What?” Kyle asked, utterly confused.

“I’m not your mate anymore. Now that you know, would you leave me?” she asked again, tears streaming down her face. She had always believed he loved her because she was his mate. Now that it was clear that wasn’t the case, would he stay?

“Are you out of your mind?” Kyle almost shouted at her.

Ashlee flinched. “Huh?” she looked at him, astonished.

“Why would I ever leave you?” he growled, his voice thick and deep. “I don’t care if you’re my mate or not. You’re mine, and you’re not going anywhere.” He pulled her tightly to his chest.

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“What a scene!” Ryan smirked, watching the Alpha and Luna. “They’re not even mates, but I still feel the connection.” He winked at Zoe, chuckling.

Zoe rolled her eyes. “I doubt this will work. Not mates and still wanting to be together? Odd, but they’ll figure it out when the real mate steps in.” She voiced her opinion.

“That’s harsh!” Ryan sniffed, rubbing his nose. “Personally, I think if you love each other and want to be together, it doesn’t matter. Mates for life are just an ‘old tradition’ now.” He disagreed with her, implying that she, too, could make a choice.

“Live in the present, honey.” Ryan flicked her nose playfully. Zoe was so done with him, judging by the look on her face.

“Are you sure?” Ashlee wept, wiping her tears away, looking at him like an adorable, lost puppy.

“Of course I am. And…” he sighed, looking away from her, embarrassed, “I’m sorry for what happened earlier with Heather. But I can assure you, I haven’t slept with anyone since you came into my life.” He sighed again, looking embarrassed. “I… I may have thought about being with her, but when I saw her, I was disgusted. I couldn’t stop thinking about you, and it was tearing me apart. I’m really sorry, Ash.”

“Why are you talking about that?” Ashlee asked, blankly.

“Because that’s what caused all of this in the first place. You had to go through so much because of me.” Kyle rambled, but Ashlee cut him off by pressing her lips to his.

He was taken aback. Everyone around them froze. The moon had disappeared, and the sunrise bathed them in light. The long, chaotic night had ended, giving way to the dawn.

“I know you would never do such a thing. I’m sorry for yelling at you.” Ashlee whispered, breaking the kiss and resting her forehead against his.

“Wow. That was a good way to shut someone up.” Ryan chuckled, elbowing Zoe. She was clearly over it, her expression saying it all.

Suddenly, everyone was smiling. They had won the battle and secured peace with Collin’s pack. Ashlee, however, broke into a flood of tears.

“What… What happened? Are you hurt? Did I hurt you?” Kyle asked, his voice full of concern for her sudden outburst.

“No… it’s not that.” She cried louder, her sobs shaking her body. After everything she had just done—ripping apart the witch—it was a sharp contrast to her childlike cries.

“Then what is it?” Kyle asked, his face full of worry as he held her by the arms, sure she was hiding her pain from him.

“I… I…” she sobbed, choking on her own tears.

“Tell me.” Kyle was growing impatient, wondering if the kiss had caused her to cry. Had he done something wrong?

“I’m radioactive, too.” She wailed, sobbing even harder after confessing.

Kyle sighed, holding back his urge to do something drastic. How could he have done that to her?

“So you’re saying… no, I mean, you’re crying because you’re a werewolf, too?” He asked, his jaw clenching in frustration, holding back his emotions.

She nodded, still crying. “I would look so stupid telling people. What should I do?” She opened her tear-filled eyes, searching for an answer from Kyle.

“For fuck’s sake, Ashlee!” Kyle muttered, fed up. He stood up, letting go of her arm. “Is this ‘stupid physics’ of yours ever going to end?” He crossed his arms, exasperated.

“Where are you going? You don’t care about me now? I knew this would happen.” She whined louder, laying on the ground, acting like a helpless child.

“I’m not going anywhere. I…” Kyle sighed, looking down at her. “Why am I even explaining?” He muttered. “Let’s go. Get up.” He extended his hand to her.

Ashlee clung to his legs, pouting her lips. “I can’t walk.” She murmured.

“Of course, you can’t.” Kyle rolled his eyes and bent over to pick her up, cradling her in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, a faint smile forming on her face.

Collin walked over and smiled at Ashlee. “You’re really brave. And surprisingly, a werewolf. A unique one, I would say. But thank you. Thank you for telling me the truth.” He smiled at her, weakly but genuinely.

“Don’t hold back anymore. Sybil always wanted you to be happy.” Ashlee returned his smile, resting her head on Kyle’s chest.

Collin nodded, agreeing with her. He looked at Kyle, who was nearly exhausted. “I wish you both a peaceful future, even with this chaotic being. It might hurt to hear, but you chose it. Bear with it until the end.” He chuckled, patting Kyle on the shoulder as if offering him strength.

Strength to bear a life with Ashlee? Kyle thought sarcastically. He gazed at Ashlee as she grinned widely at him. Collin stepped back, joining his pack.

“It’s okay, I’ll go easy on you.” She gently stroked his chest.

“Alpha Daria, shouldn’t we go find our lost member?” Charlotte asked, serving food to Daria.

“She’ll find her way back home soon. We just need to prepare a proper welcome for the lost one,” Daria responded, smiling warmly at Charlotte.