Malachi’s face darkened. “Do not talk like that. He is a good boy.”
I moved away from him and grabbed a small jar of healing balm. I began to rub the cool cream onto my burns. My skin was swollen, but this pack medicine would heal the marks by morning.
“Let me help,” Malachi said. He took the jar from me without asking.
His fingers moved in circles over my skin. A few years ago, his touch would have made me feel weak with love. Now, it just made me want to pull away.
“Be patient with him,” he whispered, his breath warm against my neck.
I stepped back, breaking his hold. “I have something to tell you, Malachi.”
He looked annoyed. “Can it not wait? Marc’s birthday hunt is starting.”
“No, it cannot,” I said, looking him in the eye. “Today is the eighth year. I am leaving. I am never coming back.”
Rhea's POV
“What madness are you speaking?” Malachi thundered.
I watched as his face tightened with Alpha rage. The air in the room became heavy, the pressure of his power trying to force me to submit, but I stood my ground. I did not flicker.
“The eight years are finished, Malachi. I am leaving this pack,” I stated firmly.