Chapter 8
417words
I've become the youngest full professor in the Institute's history.
My work has liberated thousands of Omegas worldwide.
Ethan remains my closest friend and research partner.
We never became lovers.
We both understand some bonds transcend romance.
Sometimes, I still think about the past.
About the Alpha I once loved desperately.
About the child who never had a chance.
But the pain has dulled.
Just occasional whispers of regret.
If he'd had more courage.
If I'd seen the truth sooner.
Maybe our story would have ended differently.
But life offers no do-overs.
Only forward motion.
***
Tonight's full moon hangs heavy in the sky.
I stand on my balcony, gazing upward.
No heat cycle to torment me.
My treatments have freed me from Omega biology's constraints.
Physiologically, I'm no different from a Beta now.
Free. Complete.
My phone chimes.
An email notification.
From the Blackstone Pack's legal counsel.
Subject: Thorn Estate Settlement Notice.
My heart stops momentarily.
I open it.
Ms. Carter:
Alexander Thorn passed away last month from bond-severance complications.
Per his will, his entire estate transfers to the Omega Rights Foundation.
He left only this letter for you.
Please see attached.
My hands shake uncontrollably.
He's gone.
Dead.
I tell myself this doesn't affect me.
We've been strangers for years.
Yet I open the attachment.
Emma:
When you read this, I'll be gone.
Don't mourn me. This ending was inevitable.
Alphas rarely survive forced bond severance.
You knew that, didn't you?
These five years were borrowed time.
I've followed your success from afar.
Your groundbreaking papers.
Your well-deserved accolades.
Your growing influence.
It brought me peace.
My one right decision—
letting you go—
gave you the life you deserved.
If there's another life after this,
I hope we meet differently.
I'll cherish you properly.
Put you first always.
Be the Alpha you deserved.
For now, I can only say:
Thank you for having once loved me.
I'm sorry I destroyed that love.
Be happy, Emma.
—Alexander
I finish reading.
I slide to the floor, hugging my knees.
No tears come.
Just stillness.
For a very long time.
Ethan texts: "Ready for tomorrow's presentation?"
I reply: "All set."
I stand.
Walk to the window.
The moon still hangs there.
Bright. Eternal.
It witnessed our bonding.
And our ending.
I take a deep breath.
Turn away.
Close the window.
Tomorrow there's work to do.
Research to complete.
Omegas who need my help.
Life continues.
As do I.
Never looking back.
(The End)
Author: wintercat
