The coldness in Alaric's voice when he spoke about me made my blood run cold. My wolf, who had been restless for weeks, went perfectly still inside me, as though something had finally broken past repair.
If Alaric had already decided to toss us aside, then I would beat him to it. I would leave him and raise this pup on my own.
I let out a bitter smile as my heart finally gave up. I pulled out my communicator and called my father in Valmoria.
"Dad, I've made up my mind. I'm rejecting the bond. I'll bring the pup and come live with you."
"I'm glad you finally came to your senses," came his voice through the line. "The Blackthorns might come from an elite bloodline, but ours isn't lacking either. If staying there only brings you pain, then yes, leave him and raise the pup on your own."
"You're right, Dad."
After hanging up, I immediately booked the next flight out.
I thought back to this morning, when I asked Alaric to come to my healer's appointment with me. He said he had pack business. Turns out he was just accompanying Ravenna to hers.
Nine months of carrying his pup and not once had Alaric ever come with me to the Moon-Healers' Hall.