Arianna:

After hearing everything from Nigel, I finally understood what was happening and why Hunter acted the way he did, but now I wanted to find myself again. I needed my family right now, so even though it was difficult, I made the choice to go home.

"I would like to go home to my parents. I need some time. I need to think about everything, and find myself again."

"Of course. I don't expect your forgiveness, and if you decide you don't want to give us a chance, I will accept that. Take as much time as you want."

"Thank you for understanding."

 He sat in the backseat with me while 2 guards sat up front.

"Take us to the train station."

"Train station?"

"It's the best way home from here. This time maybe you travel in a passenger car rather than a freight car."

"Probably a good idea."

Hunter made some phone calls and arrangements to send me home. I could hardly believe I was going home again. We made it to the train station after a 20 minute drive, and before I boarded the train, I hugged Hunter.

"I will keep in touch. I just need some time."

"I understand. I hope...I hope you come back to me. I'll miss you Arianna."

I wanted to reciprocate his feelings, but I didn't. I didn't want to lead him on. Especially since I don't even know what I want anymore.

"Goodbye Hunter. Thank you for everything."

"You don't need to thank me for anything. I hope I hear from you soon."

"You will."

It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I turned around and boarded the train. Hunter had reserved me a private car. Very nice. I sat in my seat and looked out the window. Hunter waved to me as the train pulled away. I waved back and watched him fade into the distance.

Hunter…

I can't believe she's gone. Although I should. I treated her badly. Cheated on her, and abused her. All for what? Thinking I was protecting her? My methods were stupid. I went about everything so wrong and now she's gone. I made it back to the pack house hours later. I walked into my office to find Zander working at my desk.

"I guess she didn't come back with you."

"No…she wanted to go home."

"I'm sorry."

"It's my fault. Anyway...Have Nigel and Mark made it here yet?"

"Just arrived. Nice and cozy in their new rooms."

"Let's go pay them a visit."

We headed downstairs and over to the prison. The guards escorted us to their prison cells. They are being kept in a special section of the prison for extremely dangerous criminals like murderers and kidnappers. Nigel and Mark are being kept on opposite sides of this section of the prison. We went to Nigel's cell first. He sat on the mattress, staring at the wall.

"How do you like your new room?"

"Kinda boring. Could use a paint job."

"I'll talk to the decorators. Get comfortable. You'll be here for a while."

He stood up and came near the bars.

"Silver bars, huh? Don't trust me?"

"Of course not. You killed my mother and manipulated my mate."

"Did you not also manipulate your mate? Did you not beat her and belittle her?"

"Tell me what you did to her."

"Nothing much."

"What were your plans for her?"

"I was planning on killing her after you signed over your pack and territories to me. You are much smarter than I anticipated."

"I have many allies. All over the territories."

"So I see…"

"Well, I must go. Enjoy your stay."

"You know...Mark was not my only spy."

"Who else?"

"I'll never tell."

He winked then chuckled and went back to sit on his mattress.

We went to Mark's cell next. He lay on the mattress, staring at the ceiling.

"Comfy?"

He looked up at me, then bolted up and ran over to the bars.

"How is Arianna?"

"Do you really care?"

"Despite my actions, I still care about her."

"Were you really in love with her?"

"No...I never loved her. I could never love anyone besides my own mate."

"I see...you just used her to get to me."

"Yes...we were gonna let her go afterward. She never came to any harm."

"Nigel told me he was going to kill her."

"What? I swear...he told me we'd let her go."

"He apparently lied to you too. What did he do to her?"

"I don't understand. She was never in any harm."

"Looks like Nigel kept you out of the loop a lot."

"He wouldn't do that."

"He did. If you want to continue living, I suggest you start talking."

"I swear. Everything Nigel told you is all of it. He was planning to kill you, but he swore that Arianna would live."

"And do what with her?"

"Send her home to her family."

"You really believed that?"

"I guess I wanted to."

"I must say...you are a good spy Mark. I had no idea what you were up to. I honestly just thought you were in love with Arianna."

"You weren't supposed to find that out either. My goal was to convince her to run away with me when you were gone on business."

"Who was the other spy Mark? Tell me and it may help your cause a little."

"I have nothing to live for anymore. I will not give that person away. I will not betray anyone else."

"I'll find them on my own. Goodbye Mark."

I left them and headed back to the mansion. I'm tired. So very tired, and now that Arianna is gone, I feel so lonely. All I have are my own thoughts and my wolf to keep me company.

You know...she'll forgive us one day.

Hello to you too Aden. Welcome back.

Did you think I would stick around while you hurt our mate? You're lucky I came back.

My wolf, Aden, left me after I started beating Arianna. I think this partly ensued my rage and I took it out on her. It's no excuse.

Thanks for coming back. I need the company.

Well...we are in this together.

It may just be you and me now.

We'll see…

I guess we will.