Chapter 18: Space to Breathe (Sabine's POV)

I had expected them to follow me. I had expected the weight of their eyes to never truly leave me, to feel them lurking behind every tree, every shadow. But as I walked deeper into the woods, the silence around me felt strangely suffocating. The rustling of the leaves under my feet was a loud reminder of just how alone I was, and yet, their presence lingered in the back of my mind like an invisible chain, tethering me to them.

The tension in my chest didn't ease. It tightened with every step, every breath. I couldn't shake the feeling that no matter how far I ran, no matter how much space I demanded, they were always there—watching, waiting.

I found the small clearing I had been searching for, a secluded spot where the sunlight filtered through the canopy of trees, casting dappled patterns across the ground. It should have felt peaceful. It should have felt like an escape. But the moment I stood there, staring at the wild, untamed beauty of the forest, the weight of the pack's expectations crashed down on me again.

I wasn't supposed to be here. I wasn't supposed to be in their world. But I was, and it was a constant reminder that I was never truly free.

The smell of the earth was grounding, but it wasn't enough to stop the swirling thoughts in my mind. I closed my eyes, trying to center myself. I had been so sure of what I needed, so sure of my decision to leave the cabin, to walk away from the two of them. But now, standing alone in the woods, I questioned everything.

I felt the familiar brush of San's presence in my mind, her steady, comforting voice cutting through the confusion. You've done well, Sabine. You needed this. Time to think. Don't let their claims on you define who you are.

But I wasn't sure if I could take much more. The constant push and pull between what they wanted from me and what I needed was draining. The pressure of their expectations, their insistence that I fit into their world, made me feel like I was suffocating.

You are not their possession, San reminded me, but the words didn't bring me the peace they usually did.

Suddenly, I heard the faint sound of branches snapping in the distance. The familiar low growl of a wolf rippled through the air, and I knew exactly who it was.

I sighed, shoulders slumping. No rest for the rogue.

I glanced around the clearing, searching for a place to hide. But it was too late. The shadows shifted, and Owen appeared from the trees, his sleek dark form emerging from the underbrush. His eyes immediately found me, locking onto mine with that same intensity that had once made my heart race. Now, all it did was stir up a storm inside me—a mix of frustration, confusion, and... longing?

He didn't say anything at first, just stood there, his presence suffocating in its quiet strength.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice sharp, trying to keep my emotions in check.

Owen tilted his head slightly, his gaze softening. "You left," he said quietly. "I didn't want to follow you, Sabine. I wanted to give you space. But I can't just let you wander off alone."

I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to make myself feel less vulnerable. "I didn't ask for your protection," I muttered. "I just wanted to be alone."

"You were never alone," Owen replied, stepping closer, his eyes scanning my face. "I can feel it. You don't want to be alone."

I shook my head, fighting the knot that formed in my throat. "That's not the point. You and Cole—" I stopped, taking a shaky breath, "—you both are too much. I can't breathe with you both constantly watching me, constantly waiting for me to make a decision. I just... need space."

Owen's face hardened slightly, but there was a softness to his expression too. He looked torn between understanding and frustration. "I get it. I do. But you have to understand something. You're not just anyone to us, Sabine. You're—"

"I know," I interrupted, my voice trembling. "I'm your mate. I'm the one you and Cole are both bound to. But that doesn't mean I'm ready for any of this. I don't even know what this is."

Owen's eyes softened, and for a brief moment, I saw the vulnerability in them that mirrored my own. "I'm sorry. I never meant to pressure you, to make you feel like you were trapped. I just..." He paused, his voice lowering, "I just want you to be safe. But I'm also learning how to give you what you need, even if I don't always understand it."

I looked away, biting my lip as I tried to calm my erratic heartbeat. "I just need time, Owen. Time to think. Time to figure out what I really want. And if that means being alone, then that's what I need."

Owen took a slow, deep breath, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, his wolf-side seemed to soften as well, the tension draining from his posture. "I won't stop you. But I'll be nearby. Always."

I nodded, my chest aching at the sincerity in his voice. I didn't know what to say to that. I wasn't sure if I could trust him fully, or if I even trusted myself enough to let him in. But for now, his presence was a comfort—however complicated it made things.

"I'll be back soon," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Owen stood still, watching me for a moment before he shifted back into his wolf form. His golden eyes bore into mine, a silent promise hanging between us. With a flick of his tail, he turned and disappeared into the woods, leaving me alone once again.

The quiet returned, but this time it was different. I wasn't quite as alone as I had been before. I wasn't sure what to make of that, but for now, it would have to be enough.

I took a deep breath, pushing forward into the woods again. I couldn't stay in the clearing for long. I still needed to gather food, and I still needed to figure out what my next move would be.

But the one thing I knew for sure was that I wasn't ready to surrender. Not yet. Not to anyone.

Not even to my mate.

Not yet.

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