That evening, just as I wrapped up a round of herbal research, I looked up and saw Ryan standing at the door.
Frowning, I turned on my heel and tried to walk past him without a word. But he reached out and pulled me into an embrace
before softly calling out, “Daisy.”
There was a trace of anxiety in his voice. It was something I had never heard from him before. After all those years together, it was the first time Ryan had ever called out to me like that.
I stared at him blankly. “What do you want?”
His eyes held something close to pleading. “I came to take you back.”
I looked at him in confusion. “Back where? I live here.”
Ryan reached for me again, but I stepped out of reach. “I mean back to where you really belong.”
A bitter smile tugged at my lips.
I remembered–crystal clear–the day he had once warned me, “Home? This will never be your home. Don’t be stupid. My pack
and villa have nothing to do with you.”
After that, I stopped using the word “home“.
“Ryan, I’m not that naive. You never loved me.”
His face paled. “That’s not true. I didn’t realize it before, but I do now. I’ll love you properly this time. I’ll announce us to the
world and mark you for real. I’ve already fallen for you. Come back with me.”
I tilted my head, puzzled. “And what does that have to do with me?”
Before Ryan could answer, another voice cut through the air.
“Daisy, are you coming home or what? I made your favorite lamb chop.” Jason strolled up casually, his gaze settling on me.
When Ryan looked at me, there was a flicker of longing in his eyes.
I stayed calm. “This is the Alpha I used to be with.”
When Jason heard my introduction, his eyes and tone held nothing but disdain for Ryan. “Does he want you back?”
Ryan scowled. “This is between me and Daisy. What is it to you?”
Jason took my hand. “She’s mine to protect now.”
And with that, we turned and walked away.
Ryan called my name behind us, his voice hoarse and strained.
But I didn’t stop. Not even for a second.
Over dinner later that evening, Jason asked about my past with Ryan. So, I told him everything between bites.
When I finished, he took a sip of wine and looked at me with quiet sympathy. “Don’t let it get to you. The next one’s always
better.”
