Chapter 21
Theron stood on a street corner in Eastern Territory, salt laden ocean wind cutting through him.
He stared at the unfamiliar bustling city sprawling before him, exhaustion bleeding through every line of his body.
A month. He’d spent a fucking month hunting through every corner of this territory, and still no trace of Nyra.
His Beta’s intel had only confirmed she’d bought a ticket here-but this place was massive, full of wolves from dozens of different packs. Where the hell could
she be hiding?
Theron rubbed his temples, the relentless search leaving his eyes bloodshot.
He checked his watch-9 PM. The streets were finally clearing out.
He kept walking with no destination, his gaze scanning every face that passed, terrified he’d miss even the slightest lead.
suddenly, his entire body went rigid.
Jp ahead, a she-wolf in a white dress stood under a streetlight with her back to him.
hat slender frame, the way her hair moved in the breeze-everything about her screamed Nyra.
heron’s heart hammered against his ribs, his blood surging with desperate hope.
le lunged forward without thinking, his hand closing around her wrist: “Nyra!”
he woman spun around, startled-revealing a complete stranger’s face.
What the hell?!” She yanked free, backing away in alarm.
heron stood frozen like his world had just collapsed, all hope bleeding out of his expression.
¡ot her…
le stared into the endless crowd and suddenly started laughing.
le pulled out his phone and hit speed dial: “Keep searching. Turn this whole fucking territory upside down if you have to.”
fter hanging up, he looked toward the night sky, his expression becoming almost manic with determination.
yra… where are you now…
Morning sunlight streamed through gauzy curtains as Nyra pushed open her bedroom window, letting the humid sea breeze wash over her.
he inhaled deeply, her lips curving into a smile.
he’d bought this coastal guesthouse with part of her money-a three-story building with an ocean view and gardens full of roses and lisianthus she’d planted with her own hands.
Every morning, she’d cut fresh flowers for each guest room.
‘Nyra! Your breakfast is fucking amazing!” A group of young wolves called up from the courtyard.
Nyra leaned out the window: “Help yourselves to seconds if you want-there’s plenty in the kitchen.”
She headed downstairs and found Evander waiting in her garden, holding a mesh bag of fresh catch.
“Straight from the morning boats. Figured I’d make you that seafood chowder you mentioned.” He held up the bag with a bright smile.
They both hesitated, awareness crackling between them before they stepped apart.
Over these past months, Evander had become her anchor in this new life.
He was like sunlight breaking through her darkness.
The old Nyra had existed in other people’s shadows, never having her own thoughts or desires.
Just surviving.
Evander had shown her she was worth caring about, that she deserved to want things for herself.
Oh, remember you mentioned craving crème brûlée?” Nyra retrieved a tray from the freezer-perfectly set custard topped with caramelized sugar.
vander’s whole face lit up: “You actually made it. I’m so happy!”
le dug in eagerly, his expression melting at the creamy sweetness hitting his tongue.
Despite his usual preference for savory foods, he demolished three servings without slowing down.
This puts every fancy restaurant to shame,” he said with genuine appreciation.
Then I’ll have to make it more often.” Nyra watched him with soft eyes.
vander nodded, his gaze lingering on her face like he wanted to say something more.
What?” she asked gently.
e shook his head: “Nothing serious. Just… you look really good these days.”
5 different from the broken she wolf who’d first washed up here, always staring at the horizon.
yra’s expression softened: “Yeah, this place is just right for me.”
