I cannot forgive you

Rose pulled her into a hug. "You are like a daughter to me."

She hugged Odette tightly, allowing the affection to soothe her troubled heart.

Over the coming weeks, Odette settled into life at the cabin. Rose doted on her, tending to her every need. Odette's wounds healed, both physically and emotionally, in the care of her "mother." She started to feel more confident, excited even, about the baby growing inside her.

Rose sensed the change in her. "You seem happier lately," she said.

Odette smiled. "I am. Being here, away from the pack, has given me peace. And the baby is a light in the darkness."

Rose smiled back warmly. "That light will grow stronger with each passing day. Cherish this time, Odette."

Odette rested a hand on her round belly. "I will," she said. "I have you to thank for giving me this joy, and this chance at a new life."

Rose took her hand and squeezed it. "No, child. The strength was within you all along. I merely helped reveal it."

Odette knew Rose spoke the truth. Though the road ahead was uncertain, with Rose's love and support, she felt ready to walk it with courage and grace.

Cole snapped at his pack, "Leave me!" He paced around his den, growling in frustration. It had been weeks since Odette disappeared, and he couldn't stop thinking about her. An ache had taken up residence in his chest; no amount of hunting or fighting could ease it.

At night, he dreamed of Odette dying or losing their unborn cub. He would wake up in a cold sweat, the images haunting him.

"Why won't she leave me alone?" he shouted.

A voice whispered, "She is your mate."

Cole scoffed. "Ridiculous! My mate, Odette?"

Yet the ache said otherwise. With each passing day, it grew larger and more painful. Cole knew there was only one way to ease it – finding her.

He murmured her name softly; it sounded sweeter than he'd realized.

Cole shook his head, trying to clear his muddled thoughts. But he knew the truth; only Odette and their unborn cub could heal the wound consuming him.

Cole said firmly to his beta, "I must find Odette. She carries my cub."

His beta said gently, "Cole, Odette is your true mate. She was chosen by the Moon Goddess."

Cole remained silent for a moment, processing this information. Finally, he said, "Then I must find her, before it's too late."

His pack wished him luck. Cole set off, following Odette's scent trail. Determination fueled his steps and something else, a stirring of feelings he'd never known. He'd speak gentle words to soothe Odette's fears, care for her needs. He'd be the mate she deserved. Now, he just had to find her.

Cole had been following Odette's scent for hours, tracking her down to a secluded cabin deep in the woods. He could hear two women talking inside. One voice was familiar; it was Odette's. The other voice was unfamiliar, but it sounded gentle and soothing.

Cole pushed open the door, and his eyes met Odette's. She looked exhausted, and her face was streaked with tears. The other woman in the room was holding a baby; Cole's heart skipped a beat when he realized that it was his.

Odette asked, her voice trembling with fear.

Cole replied sternly, "I came to take you and the baby home. You can't keep running away from me."

"I'm not running away from you, Cole," Odette protested. "I'm just trying to protect myself and our child."

"You have no right to keep our child from me," Cole growled. "I demand that you give her back to me."

The other woman in the room, whom Odette had introduced as Rose, stepped forward. "You can't just barge in here and demand the baby," she said firmly. "You need to talk to Odette and work out a plan that's best for everyone."

"I don't need to talk to anyone," Cole said sharply. "I'm the father, and I have every right to take my child."

Odette stepped in front of Rose and held up a hand, trying to calm Cole down. "Please, Cole, let's talk about this," she said softly. "I don't want to fight with you."

Cole's expression softened slightly, and he took a step closer to Odette. "I'm sorry for what I did," he said, his voice low. "I was angry and frustrated, and I took it out on you. I know I messed up, but I want to make it right."

Odette looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears. "I want to believe you, Cole," she whispered. "But you've hurt me so many times. I don't know if I can trust you again."

"I'll do whatever it takes to earn your trust back," Cole promised. "Just give me a chance."

Odette hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. "Okay," she said quietly. "We can try to work things out. But I need some time to think."

Cole nodded eagerly. "I'll give you all the time you need," he said. "But please, let me hold our baby."

Odette hesitated before handing the baby over to Cole. He cradled her gently, his eyes filled with wonder and love. "She's beautiful," he murmured.

Odette watched him for a moment before turning to Rose. "Thank you for your help," she said gratefully.

Rose smiled warmly. "Anytime," she said. "Just remember that you can always come to me if you need anything."

Odette nodded, and Cole handed the baby back to her. "We should go," he said, looking around the cabin nervously. "I don't like being out here in the middle of nowhere."

Odette stared at Cole with cold eyes. "I will not go with you," she stated firmly.

Cole took a step forward. "But Odette, I love you. I want to be with you and our child."

Odette held up a hand to stop him. "You have hurt me too much, Cole. I can't forgive the pain you've caused."

Cole pleaded, "I know I've made mistakes, but I will change. Please give me another chance."

Odette sighed sadly. "I no longer love you. My heart has grown cold towards you."

Cole looked stricken. "But what about our baby? Don't you want our child to have a family?"