#Chapter 11: Public Introductions

“Nicholas.” I was dreaming. I must have been close to waking up to be so lucid. I stood in my old room at the Academy. Nicholas had his back to me, his hand on the door handle. A familiar curl of dread was growing in my stomach. A dull, physical ache rested behind my ribs. This was the moment I had broken up with him. “I’m sorry,” I said. “Save it.” His voice was rough. I’d hurt him, but he didn’t want to admit it. He wouldn’t let me see. “Nick, please –” “Don’t call me that.” He pulled the handle and the door swung open. The light of the hall was blinding, compared to the dimness of the room. I had wanted to stop him. I wanted to take back everything, and bring him into my arms again. But I couldn’t. I had a newborn baby waiting for me, and the loss of my wolf had left me hollow inside. Now, I wanted to awaken, but I forced myself to relive the moment, watching him leave me. When he was gone, my body crumpled, just as it had that day. I’d hid my pain in front