I'm sorry that I need you so

The conversation was cathartic. Any tension that she had felt before had dissipated. Theory would do right by Shaye, no matter what it took. She could put her own convictions aside to make sure that her mentor was comfortable until the very end. Selflessness came easily to her, it was second nature. "Abaven has become what it is today because of you," she said softly, soaking up Shaye's embrace.

Theory wished she could spend forever here, side-by-side with her alpha partner and mentor. Even now she could feel the subtle changes - Shaye was ribby, even for winter, and her coat hung differently on her body. It was as if the color had been taken from her. "I love you, more than you could ever know," she insisted. "You are the reason..." Theo choked, trying to find the right words. "You made me who I am. I am so grateful for that."