Pru’s voice draws my attention back to the television. “Fourteen years ago, my parents left to protect you guys from Nicolai, and now I’m doing the same. Please don’t be upset with Sawyer and Elias, they only did what I asked of them. They helped me because they love you, Ryker.”
I slide my eyes over to Sawyer and find him sitting with his head down, staring at his folded hands. What Pru says makes sense, but it doesn’t soothe the pain of betrayal.
“I knew Nicolai would never leave us alone,” she says, “and would only bring death and destruction to the pack, and I couldn’t allow that to happen. Please try not to worry about me too much—I’ll be okay. I’ll find a way to be okay.
“I spent fourteen years feeling like I was missing something, something really important. I always figured it was my parents, but it turns out I had another family out there that was missing me—and a mate who was mourning me. These last months with you guys have been some of the best in my life. Thank you just doesn’t quite seem like enough, but thank you anyway.”
Even though she’s smiling, I can see the pain in her eyes as she talks to the camera. “Thank you, Remi, for being the sister I never had and for being the friend I always wanted. Don’t blame yourself for this either. I don’t blame you, and I know you’d do the same for me.
“Ransom and Ranger, thank you for making me laugh harder than I ever have before. Take care of each other, okay? And Sawyer, thank you for helping me today, even though it meant betraying your best friend. I know one day he will forgive you, forgive us. Give him some time and take care of him for me.
“Elias and Margot, thank you for welcoming me into your family with such open arms, even though it was only for a short time. Your love and acceptance mean the world to me. Thank you for taking care of my parents’ pack since they no longer could. I’m sure my father is proud of the alphas you’ve become. But most of all, thank you for raising the man I love.”
I don’t have to look around the room to know everyone is looking at me now. I can feel their gazes on me. I hear my mom sniffling, and I’m sure she’s wiping away tears, and I should probably do the same, but I let my strong façade crack, allowing the tears building in my eyes to fall.
“Ryker, I know you’re angry and making plans on how to get me back. I know you would burn down the world to find me, but I need you to promise you won’t.
“I made a deal with Nicolai that if I turned myself over, he would leave you and your family alone. He won’t hesitate to retaliate if you go after him or his people. If you do that, then what I’ve done today will be for nothing.
“Please don’t let this heartache be for nothing. It will be hard, but I need you to stay away, promise me, Ryker. I know you feel like you’ve lost everything because the idea of leaving you is killing me too. But remember you’re not alone, even though you feel like it right now, you’re not. Your amazing family is right there next to you. Lean on them now, don’t run away like you did before. We aren’t meant to be alone, Ryker. You’re always telling me we’re pack animals, and we need each other. Remember that, baby.
“Okay, I can hear you coming up the stairs. I love you all and wish the best for you guys.”
The screen goes black, but I continue to stare at it. I know she thought leaving me this video would make me feel better, but it doesn’t. If anything, it’s only fueled my need and drive to get her back.
“She loves you so much,” Mom sniffs. “I wish she were here with us too, Ryker, but what she did was so brave.”
“She would still be here if they hadn’t helped her,” I snarl as I get to my feet. I finally look at my father who looks exhausted, and Sawyer whose eyes are bloodshot.
“Ryker…” Sawyer takes hold of my shoulder when I leave. “Can we please talk about this. We didn’t—”
He doesn’t get to finish what he’s saying because my fist slams into his jaw. The force behind my blow sends him flying back. He falls to the ground and skids across the wood floors. I stalk toward him, fully indenting to continue my assault, but two sets of arms wrap around me, pulling me away.
“Get off of me!” I howl at my brothers who are struggling to keep me in place.
“He was trying to save your life!” Ranger growls.
“This isn’t going to bring her back!” Ransom adds.
“She shouldn’t be gone!” I roar and lunge once more at Sawyer. His dark green eyes are wide with fear as he stares up at me. “And as long as she is and not safe in my arms, you’re both dead to me!” I look between Sawyer and my father as I speak. When I stop struggling against my brothers’ grasps, they loosen their hold some, and I’m able to shove their hands away.
“Ryker!” Mom gasps, appalled I would say something like that, but I mean every word of it. I give them all one last look before turning my back on them.
I stalk out of the room, ignoring my mother’s calls as she yells after me. I storm out the back door and down the patio steps, not knowing where I’m going, but I don’t stop. I move across the yard and disappear into the woods surrounding the house. I need a minute to collect myself,
