"How could you not realize Magnus was cheating? Are you really that blind, Astrid?" Asher pressed.
"I trusted him," I cried. "I thought he was different."
Suddenly, a painful memory surfaced—the day Ingrid’s mate died. It had happened on my birthday. The worst part? Magnus had abandoned me that day to comfort her.
Every year, when my birthday came around, instead of celebrating with me, Magnus would visit Ingrid and her late husband's grave.
And I had been so naïve—so understanding, even when I was neglected.
It's true what they say. Kindness only leads to being taken advantage of.
"You know we can’t trust anyone, Astrid," Asher reminded me. "Your mother trusted them, and look what happened to her. She’s dead. You’re lucky to be alive—so don’t waste your life on that idiot."
My mother had once been involved with the Shadow Pack’s previous Alpha. She loved him. But my grandfather, Harold, dragged her back and killed her for having an affair with his mortal enemy.
After our conversation, I hung up the phone and continued packing my things.
I was caught off guard when the door suddenly opened, and Magnus walked in.