The Awakening — Episode 2

A wave of cold cedar scent crashed over me. Powerful, overwhelming alpha pheromones. I looked up. Kale Mercer, Ryder's biggest rival. You are my mate.

The next second, our bond locked into place, sealed tight. The moment the mark settled, the pain vanished. I slumped against the hood. Kale's arms caged me in. Cedar scent everywhere. You okay?

We were both breathing hard. His voice was low and rough. I nodded, couldn't speak. I tried to stand, but my legs gave out completely. Kale picked me up, pulled the door open, and set me in the passenger seat. He got back behind the wheel, hands gripping it tight.

Where is he? I blinked. Dead? He clenched his jaw.

Ashford just left you out here? In the middle of your goddamn awakening? No, that's not- I was just trying to say Ryder wasn't dead.

You that hung up on him? Kale cut me off. Still making excuses for him? If I wasn't here, do you have any idea what would have happened to you?

I wasn't making excuses. I just couldn't bring myself to say it out loud. My awakening night. Everyone knows.

Without a mate's mark, the awakening can kill me. Ryder knew that too. And he still left me. For Chloe, it wasn't the first time. He chose her every single time, and every single time,

I forgave him. My phone buzzed. I snatched it up. Just spam. I felt pathetic. I was still hoping to hear from him, right before the pain hit. I'd had just enough consciousness left to send Ryder message. Come back. Please. Over an hour had passed. No call. No text. Nothing. I wiped the