#Chapter 197: Three Months

Cara’s POV As soon as the words left my mouth, I watched Noel, waiting for the moment the pain struck him. I saw it, aching as his face twisted with discomfort. Quickly, he said, “I reject you too.” Then, at once, he exhaled, and the discomfort eased away. He placed his hand to his chest. “Are you alright?” I asked him. “I am,” he said, but sounded out of breath. Then he looked up at me. “You? Did it trigger anything? Your wolf?” I didn’t feel any different, but to honor his sacrifice, I closed my eyes and tried to reach out to Lucy. For a moment, I felt a flicker of her presence. Almost like she was waking up! My heart leaped into my throat, even as it raced with blessed anticipation. She was reacting! She had to be! She was – As soon as the feeling came, it dissipated, disappearing like it had never been there at all. My heart sank back down to my chest as my disappointment swelled. Noel was looking at me with hope and anticipation. It immediately evaporated when