Chapter 36: Stella's Fears Take Hold

Dreading the cozy dinner she could smell wafting up from the kitchen down below. Stella stalled, her hand held fast to the knob on the bedroom door.

She’d changed into a gorgeous designer outfit. Was wearing earrings that sparkled like disco balls and sandals that hugged her feet with lavish luxury. But she felt like last week’s trash, left at the curb. Rotten and unwanted.

While she appreciated Dana’s honesty. The truth of it all stung.

Stella had finally begun to believe, truly believe in the possibility of a life with Bennett. The alpha shifter next door. But after hearing what Dana had to say about Bennett’s father. About the promise made to another woman. A shifter. One who came from a powerful family. One already vetted and approved of by his own family.

It shocked her. Turned her inside out. Left her feeling empty. Useless.

Dana had left her with a few final words of encouragement, to pull it together.