Chapter 172

NATALIE’S POV The first thing I felt was the ache in my chest. Then the dryness in my throat. My eyelids were heavy as I slowly blinked myself awake. For a moment, I didn’t know where I was. Then it all rushed back. The attack in the woods. The rejection. Liam’s betrayal. The pain. I pushed myself up slowly. Every part of me was sore—my heart most of all. The door opened and Luna Catherine stepped inside with a soft gasp. “You’re awake,” she whispered, walking to my side. Behind her, Iris, Beta Zane, and two pack elders entered the room. Their faces were all filled with relief and something else—guilt. I looked at them all quietly. I had made my decision. “I want to leave.” “No,” Iris said immediately, shaking her head. “You’re not going anywhere.” “I don’t belong here,” I muttered. “Not with him. Not after everything—” “You do belong here,” Catherine interrupted gently. “Natalie, you were hurt. And we were blind. But you are part of this pack now.” “Why?” I laughed bitterly. “Because