My hands shook as I loaded the suitcase into my car. The engine turned over on the second try, and I pulled out of the driveway without looking back.
The Moonridge Grand Hotel’s lobby was empty except for the night clerk, who didn’t bat an eye when I requested the presidential suite at 4:30 AM.
When the elevator doors finally opened to reveal two thousand square feet of luxury, I walked straight to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.
Moonridge sparkled below like scattered diamonds. Somewhere out there, Darrell was probably buried between Camila’s thighs, finally getting what he’d wanted all along.
I reached for the cheap bracelet on my wrist – the one Darrell had given me for our six-month anniversary. The clasp broke easily between my fingers. The fake silver fell into the wastebasket with a hollow clink.
My fingers found the turquoise bracelet underneath. The one Dad had given me on my eighteenth birthday. The stone felt warm against my skin, like a reminder of who I really was.
Sable Crawford. Alpha’s daughter. Not some abandoned orphan begging for scraps.
My phone buzzed. Dr. Martinez from Moonridge General.
*Sable? Sorry to call so late. We have a complex cardiac surgery scheduled for next week – Gabriel William. The patient specifically requested you as his surgical assistant.”
I frowned. “Isn’t Dr. Peterson handling his case?”
‘Peterson’s willing to operate, but Gabriel refuses anesthesia unless you’re in the OR. Says you’re the only one who’s treated him with dignity.” Martinez sighed. “Look, I know you’re just a resident, but this guy has severe trust issues after what his pack did to him.”
Gabriel William. A fifty-year-old silver miner whose pack had cast him out after a mining accident damaged his heart. No insurance, no support – just a broken wolf who’d been surviving on charity care.
‘When is the surgery?”
‘Five days from now. Can you assist?”
‘I’ll be there.”
Five days to assist in Gabriel’s surgery and officially close this chapter of my life.
I pulled out my phone and typed a message to Caelan:
“Have to assist in a surgery case in five days. Patient specifically requested me. Then I’ll come home.”
His reply came within minutes:
“Handle what you need to handle. I’ll be waiting.”
I stared at the phone, surprised he’d responded so quickly at this hour. He was probably dealing with pack business the Lycan King’s work never really ended.
A second message appeared:
“Are you alright? You sound different.”
Even through text, he could read me. After all these years apart, Caelan still paid attention to details others missed.
I typed back: “Just tired. Had a patient today who kept insisting his chest pain was because his ex-girlfriend was ‘stealing his heart. Turns out it was just gas.”
“Get some rest. I have a surprise for you, but it can wait until you’re properly awake.”
The simple kindness in his words made something tight in my chest loosen. When was the last time someone had told me to rest because they actually cared about my wellbeing?
“Goodnight, Caelan.”
“Goodnight, Sabi.”
I set the phone aside and walked to the bathroom. The woman in the mirror looked different now. Stronger somehow. Like she’d finally remembered who she was supposed to be.
“We’re going home,” Esme said quietly.
Not yet. We have work to finish first.
“And after?”
I touched the turquoise bracelet again. After, we become who we were always meant to be.
Sable’s POV
I’d managed three hours of sleep before my phone alarm dragged me back to reality.
I showered quickly and grabbed coffee from the hotel lobby before driving to the hospital. The familiar routine felt grounding – rounds, patient charts, the steady beep of monitors.
My phone buzzed during my lunch break. Caelan’s name on the screen made me pause.
‘Good morning, Sabi. Did you sleep well? Have you eaten anything today?”
I blinked at the message. When was the last time someone had asked about my basic needs?
*Slept like a baby. Currently having a romantic lunch with a vending machine sandwich.”
His response came quickly: “That’s not a proper meal. Promise me you’ll eat something decent tonight.”
“Yes, dad.”
Im serious, Sabi.”
Something warm unfurled in my chest. “I promise. Now stop worrying about my dietary habits.”
“I have something for you. Your engagement ring is ready – I had it custom-made and delivered to Lunar Jewelers in Moonridge. You can pick it up whenever you’re free.”
I stared at the screen. So this was his surprise. The timing felt impossible. I’d only agreed to the marriage several days ago, which meant he’d ordered this ring weeks or months earlier.
He was that confident I’d come back? Or has he been waiting all this time?
I typed back: “Okay.”
“That’s it? Just ‘okay’? I expected at least a few exclamation points.”
Despite everything, I found myself smiling. “!!! Better?”
“Much. Though I was hoping for more enthusiasm about our impending doom- I mean, blessed union.”
A laugh escaped before I could stop it. Several nurses looked over curiously.
‘Did you just make a joke about our arranged marriage?”
‘Who says I was joking? I’m terrified you’ll try to reorganize my entire kingdom within a week.”
‘Only a week? You underestimate me.”
“God help me.”
I realized I was grinning at my phone like an idiot. When was the last time I’d felt this light during a conversation? With Darrell, every text felt like walking through a minefield.
But with Caelan, even after all these years, talking felt… easy.
The brass nameplate outside Lunar Jewelers gleamed in the afternoon sunlight. I’d finished my shift early, claiming a family emergency. It wasn’t entirely a lie.
“Welcome to Lunar Jewelers. The saleswoman’s smile was professional but warm. “How may I help you today?”
‘I’m Sable Crawford. I believe you have a ring waiting for me.”
Her expression shifted to one of recognition mixed with awe. “Of course! Please, follow me to our private viewing room.
The back room was all cream marble and soft lighting. She gestured for me to sit in one of the plush leather chairs while she retrieved a black velvet box from the safe.
*His Majesty was very specific about every detail. She set the box carefully on the table between us. “He wanted nothing but perfection for you.”
When she opened the box, my breath caught.
A five-carat blue moonstone sat at the center, cut in a perfect heart shape. The band was platinum, delicate but strong, with tiny diamonds trailing down the sides like captured starlight.
“It’s beautiful,” I whispered.
“Would you like to try it on?” She lifted the ring from its velvet nest. “His Majesty was very particular about the sizing.”
I extended my left hand. The ring slid on perfectly no adjustments needed.
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