Chapter 7. They Never Stopped Believing in Me

Athena

Three years.

That was after I stopped picking his calls. Even with all I had done, pushing him away, cutting him off, disappearing without explanation, they thought of me and kept my place for me. They waited for me.

The realization hits me like a truck. I press my hand to my chest, feeling like I can’t breathe. My wolf whimpers softly, overwhelmed by the love surrounding us.

Hot tears spill down my cheeks. I try to wipe them away, but more keep coming. They never stopped believing in me. Even when I stopped believing in myself.

The phone is still pressed to my ear, Orion’s voice coming through clearly.

“Athena? Are you there?” His voice is warm, familiar, like coming home after a long journey. “Ath? Baby, are you okay?”

That stupid nickname. I used to roll my eyes every time he said it. Now it makes me cry harder. The way he says it, soft and protective, like I’m still his little sister who needs looking after.