Chapter 16. A Promise

Alison’s POV

I lay awake in bed, my mind racing. The ceiling above me seemed to stretch infinitely, an empty canvas upon which all my doubts were painted. How did I get here? A rejected mate, a broken life in Silver Moon… and now, standing on the verge of rejection yet again. Was I really so cursed, so unlucky in love? My heart felt like it was being shredded by invisible claws, and I didn’t know how to stop the ache. Every time I closed my eyes, Kendrick’s cruel smirk haunted me, followed by Xander’s pained, indecisive expression.

A soft knock pulled me from my thoughts, breaking the stillness of the night. I hesitated for a second before climbing out of bed. Wrapping a blanket around me, I shuffled to the door and opened it to see Luke, Xander’s trusted advisor and the only one in the Night Fang who treated me with any kindness.

“Luke?” I said, a bit surprised to see him so late.

He gave me a warm, polite smile. “Good evening, Ms. Alison. Alpha Xande