“Jesus, Casey.”
She releases me instantly, pushing me away.I see it on herface that she’s chiding herself for losing control.
“When are you going to stop this?”she asks.
“Whenyoustop.”
“Can’t you see that I did it for you?”
“What did you do for me, Casey?I sure don’t see it.”
“You will.”
“You want me to just move on and forget about you?”
“Yes.”
“I can’t.How many times and how many ways do I have to tellyou?My heart is yours, Casey.At any point in any day, if someone asked mewhat I’m thinking about, my answer would be you.My answer willalwaysbe you.”
“Please… please, don’t do this to me.Why can’t you justleave me alone?”
“Because I love you!”
I would give my life for you!I’ve killed to protect you!Do you have any idea how many wolves we’ve tracked and killed?All for you, tokeep you safe!Stone has been eluding us so far, but I’ll get him if it’sthe last thing I do.
“You’ll get over it… Me,” she chokes out.
I run my fingers through my hair in frustration and gazedown at her.She’s avoiding my eyes, staring at her hands in her lap.Placingmy finger beneath her chin, I raise her face to mine.
“No, I won’t.I’d rather die than lose you.”She blinks andthe tears in her eyes roll down her cheeks.All this heartbreak because of somedumb fuck interfering in our lives.I pull her into my arms and hold her as shecries into my chest.“Baby, you’re my center… my compass.You’re my true north.Without you, I’m lost.”
She sobs, curling her fingers in my shirt.I hold hertighter as she shakes against me.When she finally breaks away, the hurt in hereyes turns to desperation.
“Please, Ethan, just let it go.Let me go.”
I can’t stand to see her like this.I need to figure a wayout of this situation.I’ll just give her the space she needs in the meantime.
“If you’re sure that this is what you want… I’ll leave youalone.”
I brush a tear away as it slides down her cheek.
“Thank you.”
I lift her down and step aside, giving her room to leave.
“Good-bye, Ethan.”
She spins on her good heel, poised to run away.I take her hand,but she doesn’t turn around.
“It doesn’t matter who I end up with, Casey.You will alwayshave my heart.”
I release her, leaning against the truck as I watch her walkaway, favoring her ankle.It’s time to get to the bottom of this once and forall.
***Casey***
“Case, get out of this bed.It’s time for breakfast.”
“I’m not hungry.”
