Karma

Shadows of the Past

Fear has never been a feeling I let consume me. The way my heart thunders in my chest, how every hair on my body stands on end, and especially how my legs feel like they're glued to the floor when my mind screams to run-it all sends me spiraling back to helplessness. But once I recognize it, that fear morphs into a simmering anger, propelling me toward the source: him.

Standing in the meat section, clutching a bloody steak and a precariously stacked pile of soup cans, he's just as I remember him. His sandy blonde hair, now longer than it used to be-classic guy. Those deep hazel eyes lock onto mine with that infuriating smirk plastered across his face.

"What are you doing here?" I hiss, rage coursing through me. I try to avoid his gaze; he knows how to manipulate it like a weapon.

His deep laugh sends an unwelcome shiver down my spine. I roll my eyes, the anger intensifying. I want to hit him, but I know he'd just revel in it.

"Howdy, Sunshine," he drawls, his eyes roving over me. "It's been a long two years, love."

"Not long enough, obviously," I retort, crossing my arms tightly. "Why are you here, Silas?"

He shrugs, mirroring my stance, his biceps straining against his tight blue shirt like he's trying to show off. A part of me feels a flicker of nostalgia, but I quickly squash it down. I only miss the familiarity, I remind myself.

"I can't just drop by and see you and your 'new family,' can I?" His emphasis on "family" drips with sarcasm.

"I told everyone I needed a break," I reply tersely.

"But then you went and started a family with a human. Quite the break, huh, Karma?"

I know my pack disapproves of my choices, but I fell in love with a human, and that's that. My dad supported me, and his approval meant everything. I didn't owe anyone an explanation.

"Look, Silas, I don't owe you or anyone else an apology. My dad was okay with me leaving, and I talked to him about who I loved. His blessing was all I needed. So, have a nice life."

"I came because of your dad. Something happened, Karma."

My heart stops. His tone tells me it's not good news. He lowers his head, mumbling just loud enough for me to hear.

"There was a fight. He was ambushed away from camp. No one saw anything until it was too late."

"What are you saying?" I demand, fear creeping in.

"I'm sorry, Karma. The Alpha is dead. Your dad is... dead."

My world collapses. My heart plummets, and I fight the urge to be sick. I can't form words, just a ragged breath that escapes as I feel myself teetering. Silas catches me, guiding me toward the store's entrance. My mind goes numb; I can't process anything, not even the tears that threaten to spill.

Outside, the brisk air jolts me, but Silas's hand rubbing my back feels oddly comforting. I look up to find concern etched on his face, and that's when the dam breaks. Tears flow, and I wail, the weight of loss crashing down on me.

I sink to the ground, and he kneels beside me, arms wrapped around me as he offers comfort. I should push him away, tell him to leave, but right now, I need him. We've both lost someone, and that bond feels almost stronger than anger.

"I'm sorry. I just..." I stumble over my words. "I need to go."

I rise and sprint to my car, the last place I parked replaying in my mind until I reach it. Fumbling for my keys, a hand covers mine, and I look up to see Silas's dark eyes softening. He gently takes the keys and opens the door for me.