Back then, I was mad at Rory, but now I know he was right.
If I could go back in time, I would undo so many choices I made when I was young and inexperienced. I would warn my younger self the way onlyIcould warn her. When I started to see through him, it was already too late. Neither my education nor my intelligence was of any help, and they still aren’t of help right now. I might be able to slowly convince certain pack members that something is off, that I am being mistreated, and that Jordan is a wolf in sheep’s skin.
My father still has old friends in this pack, and as the young omega showed me, some of themknow.But there is no use in doing so. Right now, from a position of zero power, I can’t do much.
We need to leave,Alora says.
Previously, I was hesitant to give up the pack my father handed to me on a silver platter, but now things look different. I have hidden money and documents.I am just not sure how and when to leave. We need a plan.
You are ready to go? she asks.You kept saying we can’t leave the pack for those innocents still in there.
I still believe we can’t leave them behind. I am not planning to do that,I frown.But I can’t do anything from here.
A sudden pain in my stomach almost makes me double over. I can’t fucking believe it! He is at it again?! I ball my hands into fists. I feel him with someone else.I hate him!I snarl.I hate him so much. I want to see him burn!
Finally!Alora exclaims.I was waiting for you to get angry. We are going to leave, regather our strength, have a plan and then rip that asshole to shreds.
You would kill your mate?I ask her.
I wouldn’t hesitate a moment,she tells me coldly.
Good! Now, I just need to come up with an idea on how to leave, one that won’t get me killed. Jordan watches all my steps,he tracks my phone, he has warriors watch and spy on me; it will be difficult to just disappear.
Maybe if he is the one tossing me aside? But would he do it…
One glance at my watch tells me I need to go to the dreadful meeting with the elders. Hidden behind a small opening in my wardrobe, I have a stash of pills. They are hidden behind meaningless documents and papers from my former high school, and I have made sure to label them as pills for migraine and stomachache. One time, Beta Clemmens saw me take one, and I told him I was suffering from uncommon stomach pains. It was enough to stop him from questioning me. They all know Jordan is a cheat; obviously, they will always try to protect him. However, it makes it easier for me to take the pills. Rory’s best friend, Marie, the girl he was said to be dating, is our pack nurse, and she keeps secretly giving the pills to me—even after Rory’s presumed death, she’s stayed loyal to me.
She was devastated when he suddenly disappeared.
From the outside, she might look like a scorned woman, but like me, she doesn’t believe his disappearance was a coincidence.
And then, months after his disappearance, he was suddenly pronounced dead and branded as a traitor.
Not that she and I ever talk about it. We don’t talk much at all. Jordan doesn’t like me chatting with anyone in the pack.
I take one of the pills before putting them back in their place. Alora has healed most of the marks around my neck by now, so I don’t need to wear the scarf anymore. It’s the ups and downs of having a wolf and its healing abilities. On the upside, the pain doesn’t last, and wounds heal; on the downside, there is never proof on my body about what Jordan does to me. I am sure some of his warriors and ranked members are aware, but it’s easier to look away when my bruises fade so fast. As for the few remaining bruises… no one really minds them anyway.
With that, I make it out of my room and into the corridor. I always make sure to keep a calm, dignified demeanor. It’s the last thing I have. If I break down, I will lose the last ounce of respect my pack has for me.
“Luna.”
I don’t stop to look back to see who is behind me. It’s Beta Clemmens, formerly known as ‘Rory’s best friend’. His betrayal hurt the most.
“I came to pick you up,” he says.
I continue walking down the corridor. “Well, as you can see, I was on my way already.”
Clemmens walks behind me quietly. “Did you eat something?” he finally asks.
“Yes,” I say.
“You looked a bit pale this morning,” he adds.
The audacity! To pretend like he cares and worries, after all the time and the many ways he’s supported Jordan. There was a time after Rory disappeared that he promised me he would support me and protect me, but it was short-lived; he soon joined Jordan’s team.
“Luna—”
I halt in my steps, turning my head slightly to toss him a look. “Clemmens, it is as it is, and things are that way for a reason. Let’s not pretend it’s otherwise.”
