My mates.
My pack.
The choice wasn't even a choice.
"I resign," I said.
Emma blinked. "Reina, are you sure? This is your dream job."
"They're my mates. My fated mates." I looked her directly in the eyes. "There's no choice to make."
"Reina, don't be stupid," my mother started.
"I'm done listening to you." I turned on her, all the anger and hurt from years of her judgment finally breaking free. "You've spent my entire life telling me I'm dangerous. Broken. Wrong. But I'm not. I'm exactly what I'm supposed to be."
I looked back at Emma. "I'll clear out my desk today. You'll have my resignation in writing within the hour."
"Reina," Emma said quietly. "I'm sorry it came to this."
"So am I."
I walked out of her office, my head held high even though my hands were shaking.
My mother followed me to the elevator.
"You're making a mistake," she said.
"The only mistake I made was listening to you for so long."
"Those men will destroy each other over you. Just like they almost did twelve years ago."
The elevator doors opened. I stepped inside, turned to face her.
"No. We're bonded. All three of us. It's permanent."
"Trinity bonds are unstable. They don't last."
"Maybe they don't last for people like you," I said. "People too afraid to choose love."
The elevator doors closed between us. I made it to my car before the shaking really started. Sat in the driver's seat, hands gripping the wheel, breathing hard.
I'd just quit my fucking dream job.
Walked away from everything I'd worked for.
For them.
And I didn't regret it. Not for a second.
I conference called both Alphas with trembling fingers. They both answered on the first ring.
"Sweetheart?" Luca's voice was tight with concern.
"Pretty Girl, what happened?" Jaxon demanded.
I told them everything. The meeting. My mother. The ultimatum. My resignation.
Silence on the other end when I finished.
