***
Entering the diner, there's a team of staff members at the door, ready to greet us.
It's not because they're eagerly anticipating the tips they'll receive, but because their alpha must have given his instructions.
That's how the Moonshine Pack operates in Portland—trading amongst themselves and running independently, away from the restrictions of the government, much like Bloodclaw.
Sean's pack, on the other hand, is hidden between the towns in Stowe, and everyone has fairly human lives outside of their duties as werewolves. They meet up every week to discuss the latest developments and to perform a ritual under the full moon to honor the Moon Goddess. It's been interesting learning how differently their pack operates, and it’s felt like the breath of fresh air I needed.
My decision to leave Bloodclaw after losing the alpha trials was an easy one, the idea coming as a dream that showed me the faces of the friends I've made throughout the years. Sean's pack was my first stop, and the pack members welcomed me with open arms.
Just as the Moonshine Pack appears welcoming. A young male smiles warmly at me as he shows us to a spot near the window. It's a table long enough to fit our group of Tyler's special guests who stayed over in Portland and now attend a luncheon in honor of his mate bond with Arianna.
As everyone settles in around the table, finding their places, I sink into my chair between Nicholas and Sean, wanting to disappear from the awkwardness of meeting Delilah's eyes again.
In broad daylight.
That's going to be impossible when Emily pushes her toward the chair across from me, and she doesn't have another option when Tyler, Arianna, and his parents enter the diner.
“Greetings, friends!” Tyler waltzes in with a beaming grin, arms opened wide as he heads to the table.
He's so different from the ‘designated driver’ role he played during our time in the military-style squad, and it's noticeable.
“Jeez, Ty-Ty!” Sean sneers. “You sound like an old man. Didn't you get any last night?”
“Hey!” Emily flings her napkin at him from across the table. “His parents are here!”
“He's a grown-up!” Nicholas retorts with a roll of his eyes. “He's the alpha of this pack. It's not like he's a virgin!”
Laughter echoes through the diner as everyone lightens up, even me. But not being on my guard means catching Delilah’s gaze for a brief second that stings when she purses her lips and looks away, as if looking at me churns her insides.
Gulping with remorse, the smile slips from my face as the former alpha and luna of the Moonshine Pack take their seats at one head of the table, while Tyler does the same with Arianna on the opposite side.
Conversation flows easily as lunch is served, but I can hardly enjoy my meal when Delilah is seated across the table. Doing my best to avoid her accusing eye—resentment I deserve—I'm grateful for Tyler's dad turning the conversation toward me.
If I can't disappear, at least I can be distracted by explaining what I've been up to these days.
“The alpha trials in Bloodclaw were gruesome,” I explained. “I guess I would have won if…”
Suddenly, my instincts pull my eyes to Delilah, and I notice how she doesn't look up from her plate, but she tucks her hair behind her ear. I know she's listening intently, focused on the sound of my voice, because I'd seen that reaction before when she was trying to play it cool in front of our squad.
That's when realization hits like a ton of bricks.
I didn't lose the alpha trials because it wasn't important. Heck! I wouldn't have participated at all if I didn't think it was.
I lost because I didn't have any reason to win.
I'd lost that reason when I rejected her and called our time together ‘fun.’
Shit!
“…if my opponent wasn't good competition,” I continue, clearing my throat as I turn back to Tyler's dad. “Besides, he'd spent his whole life vying for the alpha position,” I smile coolly. “I didn't need to prove myself. What I found during my time in black ops was more than enough for me. It was priceless and meant more than becoming the Alpha of Bloodclaw.”
Tyler's dad appears to admire my response, nodding thoughtfully. From the corner of my eye, I notice Delilah's hesitation as she dabs her lips with a napkin, and I wonder if she caught on to what I was implying.
I've only just realized it myself. The friendships I made in the black ops squad were invaluable, but the bond I found that was fated was an extraordinary experience that my inner wolf will never allow me to forget.
“Well, it seems you've won in life, then,” Tyler's dad smiles in approval. “Making true, lasting connections is what makes a good werewolf great, and you don't need any title to prove that. Good on you.”
