Eric gave me a crooked smile and shrugged. I never felt so relieved to see him. He held out his hand for me to take but he was shoved out of the way by Rider. Rider shifted and snarled down at me.

"You little-"

"I would chose your words carefully." Eric warned.

"Now you're on her side?" Rider questioned.. "Do you not remember who killed your mate?"

"Just tell him the truth." I said, angrily. "Stop lying to everyone and for once in your life own up to what you have done."

"I've done nothing wrong."

"You killed her, Rider." Justin said. "That was your plan from the beginning. You kept everyone in the dark but I knew."

"I didn't feel our bond break when Sage was over her body. She was still alive." Eric said. "Tell me the truth. Who really killed my mate?"

I was surprised how calm Eric was at the moment. He had to be calm and take control of his wolf. Justin and Rider were still in a duel for the Alpha title.

"You want the truth? I killed that little bitch and I enjoyed every second of it. She was weak and pathetic. I threw all the blame on Sage and had her hunted down. I wanted her dead so she wouldn't fuck shit up." Rider growled out.

"You're going to spend the rest of your life rotting in hell." I hissed.

"Sage!"

I turned and saw Shayne running to me. I couldn't help smiling when I saw him making his way to me. He was here on time and he came for me. My plan had worked and everyone was finally here to hear Rider's confession.

I stood on my feet and took a step towards him, but I was yanked back. I turned around but I didn't have time to brace for Rider's attack. His hand came down at me and managed to claw at my chest. I cried out from the pain and was shoved to the ground.

"After him!" I heard someone shout. "Don't let him get away."

I felt hands trying to lift me up. I opened my eyes and saw Shayne moving me to his lap. He pressed something down on my chest.

"Don't get any closer." Shayne growled.

I didn't know who he was growling at and at this point I didn't care. I could smell the blood mixed with the wet earth. I remembered Eric doing the same to me not too long ago. To think he could have killed me sent a shiver down my spine. Things were different now.

"Don't kill him." Shayne shouted. "Capture him and leave him to me."

My chest felt as if it was on fire. I could feel my body trying to heal itself, but I just didn't have the energy to speed the process. My eyes felt heavy and I fought to keep them open.

"It's going to be okay." Shayne reassured me. "I'll be okay."

I struggled to open my eyes and when I did, I immediately wished I hadn't. There was a bright light I didn't know where it was coming from. It made my head begin to throb. Where was I? The last thing I remembered was seeing Shayne and being in his arms.

"You're awake?"

My eyes shot open and I found Shayne's warm brown eyes looking down at me. I noticed now that he was holding my hand. I reached up with my free hand to touch my chest, and I noticed I had gauze wrapped around. My wound should have been close to fully healing by now. The light coming through the window told me it was morning.

"Where's Rider?" I asked, alarmed.

"Dead." Shayne's voice held no emotion.

I couldn't hide the surprise. I admit I wanted him to die at my hands, but being dead was better than having him running around and still breathing. I was at least thankful that the nightmare had ended.

"Justin was able to track him down and kill him. Eric and I wouldn't have been able to kill him. Justin was still fighting for the Alpha title." He said. "There's a lot of problems he's trying to handle right now in Imperial. Justin is choosing a Beta and his third in command. We're going to form a peace treaty."

"It's really over?"

I didn't know why but I started crying. At first it was just the small tears but then I started sobbing uncontrollably. Shayne sat on the bed next to me and carefully moved me on his lap.

I felt at peace now. I didn't have this terrible burden hanging over me. Everyone knew I wasn't to blame. Justice had been served. I could finally start over with Shayne.

"It's okay, don't cry." Shaybe whispered.

"I'm so sorry." I sobbed.

"It's over now." He said.

"I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry for hurting you when we first met. I'm sorry for hurting you now." I cried.

"Why did you leave me like that? You could have told me."

Shayne's hold on me tightened and he tensed up. He was definitely mad about being me seducing him. It was the only thing I could think of. If I were to die then at least I was able to say my goodbye to Shayne and remember a happy moment.

"You wouldn't have let me do it. Eric had to hear it from him."

"I don't want you to ever do something like that again." Shayne warned.

I looked up at his serious face and then a small smile took over. He turned me so I was now facing him. I immediately wrapped my arms around his neck and brought his lips to mine.

We fit together so perfectly. His warm lips on mine were like sparks that set my body on fire. I didn't have a worry and that's what made it ten times better. He didn't hate me. There was only love.

"Please forgive me, I promise it will never happen again." I said pulling away.

"There's nothing to forgive, my love." He said caressing my cheek. "I will love you no matter what crazy thing you do."

He pecked my lips one more time and I giggled when he gave my sides a squeeze. I was about to pull him in for another kiss when the door opened.

"Well I can see you're feeling better." Jake said, looking amused.

I grinned and tried to move off of his lap but Shayne wasn't going to have it.

"I'm glad you're okay, sis." Jake said.

"Of course I am." I said. "I'm finally happy."

"Doc said you can go home now. Elle is missing her mommy." Jake chuckled.

I smiled thinking of my baby girl. Things couldn't be more perfect. Everything was great. It took me a long time to find the place of happiness where I belonged but I found it, and I wasn't letting it go.

"Shaybe, let's go home." I said smiling. "Our baby is waiting for us."

"Home it is." He said kissing my cheek and squeezing my sides making me giggle.

Nope, never letting go.