Determination – 1

Sebastian’s POV

My wolf paws dug into the earth as I tore through the forest path, feeling the wind rush past me. Since becoming Alpha, I rarely got to night-run with my wolf anymore—once our favorite activity. But tonight, I desperately needed this run to clear my head.

Moonlight spilled across the lake’s surface, illuminating the shadowy path ahead. I pushed harder, feeling the muscles strain beneath my fur, and my wolf and I let out a satisfied growl. Even in this form, I couldn’t escape the thoughts that tormented me. Guilt about Thea followed me like a shadow, pain and stupid regret raging through my blood. I hadn’t been able to face her since discovering my true feelings.

During the day, in human form, I stared at myself in the mirror and saw nothing but a despicable wolf. I was disgusted with myself. Sickened by what I’d done to her.

I once thought I was a good Alpha, the kind capable of loving fiercely. I’d been proud of how I clung to my love for Aurora. Thought it meant my feelings for her were real. But I didn’t realize that, in doing so, I was hurting the woman I truly loved.

My howl echoed across the night sky by the lake, shattering the stillness. Fuck! I growled inwardly, cursing myself and the world.

How the fuck did I get here?

I bounded past the Pack territory line, racing toward the distant hills. My limbs carried me at breakneck speed, my wolf pushing me harder. I had no time to slow down, because the moment I did, my demons would come back to torture me. Mock me with all my mistakes.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her face from months ago, before she asked for the divorce. I couldn’t even remember what I’d said, but it must have hurt her. I’d sneered then, not knowing that one day I’d be craving the love she had once given me.

Now everything was fucked up, and I had no idea how to fix it.

My phone rang, interrupting my heavy thoughts. I quickly shifted back to human form, grabbing the clothes I’d prepared earlier and pulling them on.

“Alpha Ashworth,” I answered without checking the caller ID, my breathing fast and harsh.

“Dad, it’s me!” Leo shouted excitedly.

We’d been talking on the phone, but I hadn’t visited him lately. Because seeing him meant seeing her.

“Hey, buddy, is everything alright?” I tried to calm my voice.

“It’s awesome! I have super cool news to tell you,” he was practically yelling.

My curiosity won out, though part of me knew this might make me more anxious.

“What is it? What’s got you so excited?” I couldn’t help smiling. Talking to him gave me a moment of peace. He was my anchor now, keeping me from sinking into the abyss of despair.

“Remember my good friend Wyatt I told you about?” he asked.

“Yeah.”

“He’s been feeling down lately, seems like something happened. Anyway, I wanted to cheer him up. So I talked to Mom, and she agreed! We’re going to the amusement park tomorrow. Mom, me, Wyatt, and his dad, Jaxon,” he finished excitedly.

I felt my wolf’s fur stand on end, jealousy instantly surging through me. Since that Pack gathering, I hadn’t heard Leo mention this Jaxon, and now he’s going out with Thea?

What if this Jaxon was already trying to court her? My fists clenched, nails nearly breaking the skin of my palm.

“Dad?” Leo called again when I didn’t respond, realizing I wasn’t as thrilled about his news as I should be.

“Where?” I asked stiffly, turning to head back home.

What if Thea fell in love with him during this time? I know I said she deserved better, but every cell in my body rejected that possibility. The more I thought about it, the angrier I got at myself for being such a fucking idiot.

“Oh, that new theme park by the bay,” he answered. “Dad, are you okay?”

“Yes, of course,” I lied.