Chapter 33: A Letter from the Border

Amelia's POV

I pushed open our apartment door as quietly as possible, wincing at the soft creak that seemed to echo through the silent hallway. It was later than I'd promised to be home, and I half-hoped Mom had already gone to bed.

No such luck. The soft glow from our living room lamp illuminated Evelyn's tired figure curled up on our worn couch, a book open but forgotten on her lap. Guilt immediately twisted in my stomach.

"Mom, I'm so sorry. I should have been home earlier." I dropped my bag by the door, hurrying toward her with my shoulders hunched—all my earlier defiance from the day completely dissolved in her presence.

She looked up with that gentle smile that never held judgment, just concern. "I wasn't scolding you, sweetheart. Just worried." The pallor of her skin and the dark circles under her eyes made my heart ache. She was exhausted, yet she'd waited up for me.

"I got caught up at Isabelle's party, and then I—" The excuses tumbled out before I could stop them, my voice cracking slightly. With other people, I could be tough and defiant, but with Mom, I was still that little girl who needed reassurance.

"Honey," she interrupted softly, patting the space beside her. "It's okay. You're eighteen now. I trust you. I just need to know you're safe."

I sank onto the couch beside her, suddenly overwhelmed by everything—the fight with Vanessa, the party, Carlos, and the constant pressure of being the person my family needed me to be. A sob escaped before I could stop it, and I felt my tough exterior crumbling completely.

"Mom, I love you so much." The words felt inadequate for the emotions surging through me as I curled against her side like I used to do as a child.

Her arms wrapped around me, thin but strong, and I could feel the slight tremor in them that had become more pronounced lately.

"I know you're trying so hard," she whispered, stroking my hair like she did when I was little. "I'm proud of you, Amelia. Every single day. You're so much stronger than you know."

I wiped my eyes against her sleeve, feeling both embarrassed and relieved to let my guard down. "I don't feel strong right now."

"That's what home is for," she said softly. "So you don't always have to be."

After a moment, she reached for something on the side table. "This came from Nathan today."

My heart jumped at the mention of my brother. She handed me a sealed envelope, Nathan's messy handwriting scrawled across the front. My fingers trembled slightly as I tore it open.

Inside was what looked like two months' worth of wages and a folded letter. The sight of the money made my shoulders sag with relief—we could finally fix the leaking bathroom pipe and maybe even splurge on some decent groceries. But I frowned at the amount.

"This seems less than what he usually earns," I murmured, counting the bills.

"Gamma wages," Mom said quietly, confirming what I'd feared. Nathan's demotion because of me had hit him financially too.

I unfolded the letter, heart heavy with guilt as I began to read:

Hey little wolf,

Don't worry about the money being less than usual. Gamma pay sucks, but it's enough. I've cut back on my beer and pizza budget (doctor says my liver thanks you).

I'm not deep inside Eclipse Pack territory like you probably think. They've got me stationed at the northern border checkpoint with four other guys. It's actually pretty boring—mostly checking IDs and mapping patrol routes. The most dangerous thing here is Mitch's snoring keeping us all awake at night.

I'm NOT monitoring Richard directly like Alexander initially threatened. I think even he knew that would be a suicide mission. So stop picturing me in some deep-cover spy situation, okay?

I'm sending two months' pay in advance. The bathroom leak needs fixing before our ceiling becomes an indoor waterfall. And buy some real food for once—those instant noodles you live on are slowly killing you both.

I need you to know something, Amelia. I don't regret standing up for you. Not the first time when Daniel tried to hurt you, and not at the Luna Festival. I'd let them demote me a hundred times if it meant keeping you safe. That's what big brothers do. So STOP blaming yourself. I made my choices, and I'd make them again in a heartbeat.

You're the Alpha of the house now, so take care of Mom. Make sure she takes her meds and take care of yourself too.

Love you both,

Nathan

P.S. Tell Mom I'm eating vegetables. She'll know I'm lying, but it'll make her happy.

I clutched the paper tightly against my chest, vision blurring with tears. Even now, miles away at some border checkpoint, reduced in rank and pay because of me, Nathan was still taking care of us. Still trying to make us laugh.

"He's okay," I managed to say, handing the letter to Mom. "He's not in danger. Just bored at some checkpoint with other wolves."

Mom took the letter, relief softening her features as she read. "Your brother always had a gift for making the best of things," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

"It's still my fault he's there," I whispered.

"No." Mom's voice was firm now. "Nathan's right. He made his choices, Amelia. And neither of us would want a son or brother who'd stand by while someone he loves is in danger." She squeezed my hand. "We protect our own. That's what Thrones do."

I nodded, swallowing hard. "I miss him."

"Me too, sweetheart. Now go get some sleep. You look exhausted."

---

In my bedroom, I placed Nathan's letter on my nightstand before collapsing onto my bed. What a day. From the public showdown with Vanessa at school to Isabelle's birthday party to my embarrassing conversation with Carlos...

Carlos. The mysterious man who'd listened to me ramble about Alexander with such interest. Who'd seemed so normal, so approachable.

Despite everything, I felt oddly peaceful tonight. Maybe it was Nathan's letter grounding me, or the simple exhaustion catching up. For once, thoughts of Alexander and his cold eyes didn't haunt me as I drifted off to sleep.

---

The next day, I found a corner table in the university cafeteria, hoping to eat lunch without drawing attention. I'd barely taken three bites when I spotted Isabelle and Wesley approaching. After last night's revelation at the party—watching them both freeze during that slow dance, their eyes locking with that unmistakable recognition—I wasn't surprised to see them practically attached at the hip now.

"Hey there," Isabelle said brightly as she slid into the seat across from me. Wesley set down the coffees before taking the seat beside her, their shoulders touching.

"How are the newly fated lovebirds this morning?" I asked, accepting the coffee with a forced smile.

Isabelle blushed, but didn't deny it. "Still processing, but... good. Really good."

"We decided not to fight it," Wesley added, his fingers finding Isabelle's on the table. "What's the point, right? When something feels this right..."

I gave a bitter laugh before I could stop myself. "And just like that, you both accept that some mystical force has decided your future?"

"It doesn't feel forced," Isabelle said softly. "It feels like something I've been waiting for without knowing it."

I stabbed at my salad, thinking of the blood oath Alexander had made me write, promising to stay away from him and his precious fiancée. Some fated mates we turned out to be.

"Well, I'm happy for you both," I lied, trying to sound sincere. "At least the universe got something right."

Isabelle studied me with concern. "Did you have fun after you left us last night? You disappeared for quite a while."

I sighed, setting down my fork. "I ended up talking to this guy at the bar. Carlos. He seemed nice—actually listened while I vented about..." I trailed off, suddenly aware I was about to admit complaining about Alexander.

"About what?" Wesley prompted.

"Just... stuff. School. Life." I shrugged, trying to seem casual.

Wesley's coffee cup froze halfway to his lips. "Wait, Carlos? Beta Carlos? Alexander's Beta?"

My stomach dropped. "What?"