Chapter 65. Welcome-Back Gift

Lilly’s POV

My heart was aching as I ran up the few steps to the packhouse door. I could barely hold myself together.

Just a few more steps and I’ll be out of sight. You’re almost there. Don’t break down yet. Don’t give them the satisfaction of seeing you broken. I repeated this to myself over and over.

Tears burned behind my eyelids, but I didn’t let them spill—not until I was safely far away from everyone. I kept my head down, hoping no one would notice the storm raging inside me.

How could Lex be so cruel? Why would he let her touch him? The image kept replaying in my mind, each time sharper, cutting deeper.

“Maybe he’s confused,” Asena tried to defend. “Maybe he doesn’t know he’s hurting us.”

“He’s a werewolf, for Goddess’s sake!” I snarled, pushing open the door and running inside. “He knows what goes and what doesn’t!” My voice echoed, raw and broken.

Asena whimpered. She knew I was right. The ache in my chest only worsened.