Girlfriend

Love

My boyfriend, Ellis Carter, is the alpha to one of the most powerful packs in the world, The Grey Lycan Pack. He is not only devilishly handsome and famous, but also a business mogul. 

We've been dating for ten years and are so in love with each other! Life was beautiful, and we were a powerful couple. I was the happiest woman in the world; he was my first love, and I was his.

I smiled when I felt his kisses over my neck, and I gracefully hovered over his naked body. His fingers ran over my body and caressed my breasts as he liked. He sat up and kissed my lips again.

" I love you," he said in a deep voice that made a shiver run down my spine. 

" What do you love about me?"

" Everything, your delicate pale complexion, your slim figure, your lovely smile, and your eyes, damn, your mesmerizing blue eyes are so warm and beautiful,"

I smiled at his words. Ellis' love was like rain, calm and refreshing. My love for him was as deep and beautiful as the ocean.

I looked down at his torso, feeling sad when I remembered he was not my mate. Ellis noticed this and cupped my face, " Babe, what is it?" I only shook my head. 

" Don't mind me. I'm thirsty. Can I have a drink?" 

He nodded, and I got off him. He stood and put on his pants, my mind going elsewhere as I was wet all over again. My man was a sight to behold, and no one compared him. Ellis was tall, with umber skin tone, thick eyelashes, and sterling grey eyes—his body - Oh goddess, carved to perfection. The gods had nothing on that man.

He entered our bedroom again and gave me a bottle of water. I spilled some on my skin as I drank, and he licked his lips as though they were dry. Goosebumps appeared on my skin, and he quickly got in bed with me. His finger found its way to my clit, and rubbed against it. The fire raging inside me made me shiver with delight,

" You're so wet," he whispers. I couldn't manage a word when I felt his large erection inside my core. 

" Ah! Ah." 

He smiled at me, and I blushed. I hate that he made me blush even though we have been in a relationship for ten years! How embarrassing. 

I was breathing and moaning as Ellis continued to move his hard cock in me, slowly accelerating. 

" Hmm," I moaned. " Fuck, I love you," 

His expression changed, and I felt his gentle kiss on my neck. 

"Repeat it," he orders, his kisses getting rougher. He loved it when I told him how much I adored him. 

"I- I adore you," I tried to breathe as he went deeper in me, ravishing me, and he shoved his tongue in my mouth without easing his movements in my core. I closed my eyes, focusing on the pleasure he was giving me. 

I couldn't hold my moans, and they resounded all over the bedroom, expressing my satisfaction. He pumped at me faster and rougher, like a man who has been denied for too long. With each thrust, he pulls more profoundly into the abyss of pleasure.

" You're tight..."

I held his shoulders and rolled my hips against him as we drew closer to our pinnacle. I could feel it building in waves. His moves were now getting reckless, and he groaned in pleasure. I cried his name as I cum undone, but he kept going. Fuck, it felt so good.

" That's it!" 

" Ahh,"

My legs were trembling as he rolled off me, and Ellis continued to caress me with his fingers. He was breathing hard as he gazed at me.

We lay in bed long, talking about life and our future. He had a great future for us, and I was there for it. I felt like I was living in his world and was okay with that. 

" Yes, whatever you think is best," I told him, and he smiled. 

" Let's get ready," he said. 

It was the day of the Great Beginning event. The Carter group hosts it every first month of the year, and all the city's socialites attend. 

" Is your father attending?" I asked him. 

Ellis' father, Blanco Carter, has taken a step back in business since he handed his alpha position to Ellis. He was so good to me and loved me for his son. 

" No, he's out on another continent, chasing down my mom," he chuckles. His parents were mates, but Alpha Blanco wasn't ready to commit to her, so she left him. After twenty years, he regrets his decision and wants her back. 

" That's good. I hope they can work it out," I said. 

" Me too. He shut down his harem for her," he sighs, getting out of bed. I did, too, and kissed his muscular back. His body went rigid, and he turned to me abruptly, grabbing my waist. He nuzzled his lips against my neck. 

" Want to go again," I slapped his toned torso playfully and turned around to leave him, going into the ensuite bathroom. 

...

I wore a beautiful black low-neck dress, and my blonde hair was perfectly curled. I wore heels and carried a small purse before going downstairs to meet Ellis. His jaw almost dropped to the floor when he saw me. 

" My lovely girl, you are exquisite," he said, giving me his hand, and I tilted my chin to meet his gaze. 

" And you look handsome." 

We left the penthouse building, and I got into the limo. My heart is pounding, and my inner lycan, Vee, murmurs something is wrong. I couldn't shake this dark feeling that suddenly came over me,

AN. Follow my new in.stagram username: AuthorSunshine97 

Mate

When we reached the hotel, everyone was smiling and interacting. They were in their best outfits and jewelry. They all noticed us and bowed. 

Ellis gave a short speech about how long more was to come and thanked me for always being by his side. 

" Hey," 

" Interact, I'll find Lila," I told him. He nodded and kissed my lips before going to his guests. Lila, short for Lilac, was my best friend and roommate at the university campus. Lila and I weren't close when I met her. She despised me because she thought her boyfriend, the pack beta, Jace, was secretly in love with me, but she was wrong. Jace only cared for me in a sisterly way because we originated from the same pack, The Golden Stone Pack. It is one of the largest and strongest packs in the world, and my father is alpha. We sat her down and told her our history, and now we are best friends. Like me, she left her pack to be with Jace. 

" Love!" I heard the excited voice of my best friend. I turned around with a smile on my lips and hugged her. 

" Baby girl, you look amazing!" she exclaimed. 

" You too," I smiled. 

" By the way, David Kofflin is looking for you," I sighed at that name; David Kofflin was one of the wealthiest, handsome bachelors in the city. Every year, top companies hand-pick five students in a field to do interns at their companies, and this year, David's company, K- Corp, picked me because I'm the best data analyst at my university.

" I don't want to see him. He only wants to use me to piss off Ellis," I said. David and Ellis were alphas to large and wealthy packs. However, they were rivals. 

"Yeah, but you can't deny this is a great opportunity," she says. It was an excellent opportunity indeed, though I didn't want to agitate Ellis by accepting the K-Corp offer.

"I'll work at the company Ellis recommended for now," I told her. 

We discussed more about work, and she told me she had an exhibit and I had to attend. Lilac was a great painter, and her work has been valued at the university since she switched her major to the arts. 

" Hello, ladies," We turned around and smiled at Charlotte.

Charlotte was a timid redhead omega wolf who attended our university. Students didn't like her because she was a lone wolf. A wolf with no pack was considered wild and treated no better than rogues. We recently took the lone wolf under our wing; she has gained some favor. 

" I didn't know you were coming here," I told her and kissed her cheek. We invited her to social gatherings, but she never attended because she felt out of place. 

" Lila invited me. I didn't want to, but I was bored on campus," she said, and I nodded. 

" Oh! Charlotte, you look pretty, and that cleavage, damn girl," Lilac teased, and she blushed—such a little cutie. 

" I didn't have anything else to wear. This is the dress you gifted me last month, Love," she told me shyly. 

" You look stunning in the dress," I complimented her. 

" So where is the host? We should pay our respects, right?" Charlotte asked, her eyes wandering in search. 

" The host is my boyfriend, Ellis Carter. I think you've met once, no," 

 I think they had, but they didn't interact as Charlotte hurried to leave, and Ellis ignored her. 

" Um, I- I s-saw him in a business magazine and on TV, but never in person," 

" Oh. I'll introduce you-" I didn't finish my sentence when I saw Ellis and Jace approach us, 

" There he is!" 

I smiled at him. My boyfriend stopped in his tracks. 

" Ellis," I called gently, about to go to him, but Lila held my wrist. She was worried. I followed Ellis' gaze. He was staring at the woman behind me. 

" Mate,"

My knees weakened as Ellis whispered the words. I took a step back.

" Ellis, baby," 

I regained composure and went to him in an attempt to get his attention from her. I kissed his lips in desperation, wanting him to pay me attention. 

"I'm glad to see you," I stammered, trying to keep my tears from falling. 

" Mate," he whispered again, ignoring me and looking at Charlotte. I could barely breathe, and all I did was step aside. Ellis took steps forward to her and slowly cupped Charlotte's crying face with trembling hands. 

" Hello, mate," 

 No, no, no. I silently begged the moon goddess to wake me from this nightmare, but Lila's touch told me it wasn't a dream. 

The two mates were lost in each other's gazes, and I couldn't watch any longer as I turned to leave. I was walking through the empty streets, not caring it was drizzling. 

" Love, Love, wait!" I had no strength or zeal to turn around and talk to Lila. I sat on the street bench and buried my head in my hands, crying. 

" Oh, my sweetheart," Lila hugged me, and I bawled louder. 

Ellis succumbed to the bond. When I turned eighteen four years ago and discovered he wasn't my fated mate, I was heartbroken, but he assured me it would be well. We don't need the bond to stay together, and even if we met our mates, we would reject them to be together forever. I was content with the forever promise he made me. 

Keep Your Promise

I spent the whole night crying in my campus apartment. I couldn't face Ellis after what happened tonight. I was still hurting a lot. I finally managed to get some sleep, but the door soon opened, and I felt someone shaking me. 

" What?" I groaned, opening my eyes. It was Lila, her expression solemn. She pulled me in her arms, and I held her tightly. 

" Ellis chose her. He went right past me," I croaked, my chest tightening. My best friend pulled away from me and held my hand. 

" He's an idiot," she said with venom. 

We stayed there for a while, silently. My phone beeped, and I rushed to pick it up, hoping it was Ellis, but it wasn't.

The day went by slowly, and Ellis had not reached out to me yet. Each hour he didn't call, my heart bled. 

Sleep eluded me, and Jace came to check on me the following day.

" Ellis is still confused," he said, and I shook my head, getting out of his embrace. 

" There is nothing to be confused about," I went to the mini bar, got wine, and drank it. 

" Is he with Charlotte?" I asked. He faced the floor, and I knew my suspicions were correct. Many questions ran through my mind. Did they sleep together? My inner Lycan was whimpering; she was hurt that Ellis didn't instantly reject his mate as we had planned. 

" I can't believe he hasn't contacted me," I murmured. 

The beta and Lila stared at me with sorry expressions on their faces, but I didn't want that. I ran a hand through my hair and gulped my wine. 

" Play the piano for us, please. I love listening to you play," Jace said with a smile. He was trying to distract me from thoughts of Ellis, and I appreciated that. I touched the keyboard on my piano as I asked. 

" What should I play?" 

" My heart will go on," he said, sitting before me. I sat and played with them. I played for a long time, and it calmed me. My chest felt lighter, yet tears were building in my eyes, and I closed my eyes as I freely let them fall. I was crying for good now. My heart would never go on if he chose her over me. I needed Ellis; I needed him to keep his promise to me, HIS VOW. I stopped playing and stood up. 

" I want to rest now," I breathed, wiping the tears off my face. Lilac was crying, too, and Jace held her closer. I couldn't stand the pain in my chest, so I rushed upstairs and threw myself on the bed. I curled on the bed, holding the plushie Ellis gave me tighter as my body shook. 

I grabbed my phone, hoping to find a call or message from him, but there was nothing. 

The next day, I woke up and took a long shower. I sat on my closet carpet, eyes on my phone. The door opened, and Lilac walked in. 

" Darling, are you alright?" she asked. 

"Fine, don't worry about me," I murmured, getting up and finding an outfit. I picked a short red dress. I eyed Lila. She was agitated. 

" What is it?" I asked. 

" Someone is here for you," she said quietly. I squinted my eyebrows. Who could it be? I followed her, and to my surprise, I found Ellis there. My heart is pounding against my chest, and I'm sure he could hear it. We held each other's gaze before I spoke, " I want coffee," 

I walked past him, and he audibly sighed and followed me out of my apartment building to his car. The car ride to the café was silent.

I didn't wait for him to open the door for me when we arrived at the Café. 

The waiter smiled, already knowing what we were taking. We sat at our favorite table. After a long time, Ellis took my hand and asked, " How are you?" 

" Do I look alright to you?" I retorted, annoyed. I took my hand back from him. He pressed his lips together. 

" What happens now, Ellis?" 

" I'll settle this. Give me some time, please," he said carefully. I didn't know what to say to him right now. The waiter served our beverages: black coffee for him and hot chocolate for me. 

" You and I made a promise, Ellis. How can you easily forget that?" 

" I know, babe. I love you so much. Nothing will ever change that," he said quickly, grasping my hands again. 

" So you want us both?" I narrowed my gaze at him. 

" No, my feelings are such a mess right now. My inner lycan wasn't expecting this at all and wanted to be close to her," his inner lycan, Lias, was strong and would survive the loss of their mate. Ellis needed to stop using Lias as an excuse. 

" You want her. You were meant for each other," A tear rolled down my cheek when I spoke. 

" I love you. You're my entire world," he said, sure of his words. 

" Then reject her and keep your promise," I held his hand this time. " Ellis, I love you so much," 

" I tried to reject her, but her inner wolf is weak. She's not like us, baby. She might die from the rejection," he says desperately. 

His phone rang, and I realized it was Charlotte calling him constantly. 

" Did you fuck her?" I asked. He looked at me as if I had pierced his chest with a dagger. 

" No!" he yelled. That relieved me, but my eyes turned fierce when I saw Charlotte enter our café. 

" You're fucking kidding me, right?" I growled.

Forgive Me

Charlotte spotted us instantly, with a smile plastered on her thin lips as she approached us. 

' Relax, please,' Ellis's mind linked me. I glared at him, ' She's innocent and timid. Already she feels terrible this is happening,' 

I rolled my eyes but kept my cold demeanor. Charlotte didn't look like someone who would feel terrible if this happened. I bet she loved it. 

" Love! I'm sorry about what happened at the party," Charlotte said urgently, sitting next to Ellis, closely, I might add. 

" It's not your fault, Charlotte," I grumbled tightly, unable to be nice to her. 

" I feel so guilty that we had sex yesterday, knowing well he is your boyfriend," My heart started to race in my chest... Sex? My body shook at realizing they mated, and my Lycan was wincing at this betrayal. Ellis lied to me. 

" Oh, love, I'm such a horrible person. It just happened over and over. It is the mate bond. I'm sorry, my friend," Charlotte cried. I was stunned, numb at what I heard. My broad stare snapped at Ellis. He looked incredibly guilty, and my lips suddenly quivered. 

" Y—you told me nothing happened," my voice trembled. Ellis glared at his mate. She cowered in fear of him, yet I could swear I saw a faint smirk curl on her lips. She wanted me to find out that they slept together. 

" It wasn't- Love, you're my everything. I didn't mean for it to happen," he was stuttering. This was the first time I heard him stutter. He tried to hold my hand, but I revolted against him. 

" My lycan, he-" 

" Enough," I growled, releasing my alpha aura. Charlotte jumped from her seat, scared and not looking at me. 

" You betrayed me, both of you," I said, glaring at them. Vee was growling now. All the earlier sadness was replaced with anger towards these two. 

Tears were building in my eyes, but I refused to cry. I wasn't going to cry in front of them. The tension in the café was palpable now, and the other customers were still watching us. My bloodline was powerful. My parents were both alphas. Hence, my aura was oppressive and commanding. It was usually light, calming people around me. Now, it was dark.

" Love, tame your lycan," Ellis said through his teeth. I glared at him for a long time. I could sense his inner lycan was trying to surface. We were alphas, but this was his territory; defianing him like that in front of people couldn't be tolerated, no matter how much he loved me. I looked away but refused to submit to him. 

He looked over to Charlotte as if getting his silent message. She bowed to us,

" Forgive me, Love," she still couldn't look me in the eye. Charlotte turned to leave while I glared at her retreating. Bitch. I noticed everyone in the café had left. It was just the two of us now.

" I was confused and disoriented after having so much to drink. I thought it was you," he was restless, trying to justify his actions. I didn't stop the tears that were streaming down my face. 

" Forgive me, please," he begged. I felt so much contempt for him. I've done nothing but love him, yet he betrayed me like this. I inhaled and stood to leave. Ellis grabbed my arm and spun me to him. He held me in a tight embrace. My body was shaking, and hot sobs escaped my lips before I felt darkness overtake my senses. 

My eyes opened later. I found myself in my bedroom. Did I faint? 

Arms were wrapped around me; it was Ellis. I carefully left, but he woke up, looking panicked. 

" Love, babe, you passed out. How do you feel?" he asked, sitting up. I stepped away from him and rushed into the bathroom. I locked myself in. I sat on the floor and wrapped my arms around my knees as I breathed in and out, in and out, trying not to cry.

" Love, Love, please open the door. I'm sorry, I'm so fucking sorry for the hurt I caused you," he is banging on the door. The door opened a second later, and he walked in. Ellis got on his knees and tilted my head towards him. However, I refused to look at him. I pushed him away from me. 

" Leave me alone," I implored, " I don't want to see you, Ellis," I buried my face in my legs. 

" No, Love," 

" You lied to me!" I shouted angrily, hitting his chest severely, but he didn't budge, " You said you wouldn't hurt me, but here we are! You fucked her, shared with her intimate parts of you," 

He was silent after my sudden outburst, filled with shame. 

" I hate you. I wish I didn't love you!" I screamed, tears rolling down my cheeks. Ellis gently grabbed my wrist and carried me to the bedroom despite my struggle. He laid me on the bed, stroking my hair, and sat next to me. 

" Rest, I'll see you tomorrow evening," he said, but I didn't answer him, just closing my eyes.

The next day, I was ready to go to class. I wore sunglasses because I had bags under my eyes from not getting enough sleep.

I step out of the elevator only to find Charlotte in the lobby of my building. I frowned as she approached me with a grin on her face. She wore a short skirt and a white dress shirt that I recognized as Ellis'. 

The omega reeked of my boyfriend, and my hands balled into a fist. 

" Hi, Love," she waved, and I narrowed my gaze at her. 

" May I help you?" I asked, looking at her icily, and she took a step back, intimidated by me. 

" Well, I just wanted us to walk to class together," she said. 

I didn't answer her and walked to the campus, "You hate me, don't you?" Charlotte suddenly said after a long silence. 

I stared at her sharply, my gaze piercing, "You slept with my boyfriend; should I commend you?"

Goodbye, Ellis

" He's my mate," she shrugged her shoulders. I stopped walking and looked at her, 

" What is it you want, Charlotte?" 

She hesitated for a while before she spoke," My mate, " 

Tears welled in my eyes, and my shoulders relaxed. I breathed in through my mouth and exhaled. 

" He's in turmoil. He loves you but is mated to me and is in pain," Charlotte continued quietly. 

" I'm not leaving him, Love. He's everything I've ever wanted in a man and is mine by right," she paused to breathe deeply and said, " You're the intruder, and if you love him, you'll leave him," 

I wanted to cry and scream, no, he was mine. He's been mine since I was six years old. He made me promises. He loves me so much. The moon goddess made a mistake by pairing them because Ellis was MINE, but I didn't do any of that. I scrutinized the girl in front of me. She was bold and not sheepish. 

" The mate bond is too hard to ignore, Love, and if he dares reject me, I'll kill myself, and my blood will be on your hands. Ellis will resent you eventually," Her brown eyes flashed, and I raised an eyebrow. Was that her wolf on the surface? Lone wolves were disconnected from their counterparts. Charlotte said so herself!

 I turned around to leave, but she called my name boldly. 

" We slept together after he left your apartment last night, and he told me he wants me but doesn't want to break your heart because you've been together for so long," My heart clenched in my chest after her words, and Vee winced. I walked away as if it didn't bother me, but I was dying inside. 

Once in my apartment, I grabbed my phone and responded to K-Corp's email.

I ACCEPT TO INTERN WITH YOUR COMPANY. I wrote and sent it. I went to my closet and started packing my things. Three hours went by, and I checked my emails. I was surprised to see that the president himself responded to me. 

David Kofflin: Amazing, we can't wait to have you here. The new company is in New York. Are you prepared to leave?

We discussed the details, and he told me they would pay me good money, which was rare. Interns always worked for free until they proved themselves. 

Leaving this pack was good for me, away from Ellis and Charlotte. What she said earlier was right. I was the intruder, and I was hurting Ellis. He couldn't decide, so I'll do it for him. 

I paced around the salon with a glass of wine in my hand. I've had such good times here, and I'll miss all my friends too. 

' We shall come back again, right?' My inner lycan, Vee, asked. 

' I don't think so, no,' I answered. 

She was sad. This pack had been our home for ten years, but she knew it was for the best. I wanted to forget Ellis. I've loved him for many years; now, this is where it ends. I looked at the pictures on my phone a few times, and tears rolled down my face again. He was a handsome man indeed, and Charlotte was a lucky girl. Charlotte. I've never seen her be so confident before. I cleared my throat and called my dad, Edward Chasia. I wanted him to prepare a plane for me as I can't use Ellis' anymore.

" Hello, my love," he greeted me, and a smile appeared on my lips. I missed him so dearly. I remember he was against my coming here, but I was adamant and just wanted to be close to my boyfriend. 

" Hi, Dad," We exchanged pleasantries, and I sighed. 

" I want to go home," I informed him. 

" That's great, we miss you. Are you coming with Ellis?" he growled, the last part. My father was protective of me. I was his little girl, and he was heartbroken when I joined this pack, The Grey Lycan Pack.

" No, I'm coming alone. Can you please make transport arrangements for me?" I was barely able to keep the crack in my voice. Dad was silent. I could tell he had questions because he could sense my sadness through the phone but didn't ask. 

" Alright, my Princess. I'll prepare a private plane for you."

" Thank you, Dad,"

I didn't tell Lilac that I was leaving the pack. She would cry and convince me to stay, so I'd call her when I landed in the Golden Lycan Pack. 

I called my driver to help me with my bags, and as soon as I stepped out of the apartment, I met Lilac. My best friend's eyes were glassy, and she was crying when she looked at the bags. She ran to me and wrapped her arms around me. 

" I'm sorry," my voice was soft. I caressed my cheek. 

" Don't leave me," she cried, and I wiped her tears away with my thumbs. 

" We'll talk, I promise. However, I can't stay," I said, dejected. Lilac was trying to understand. 

" Where are you going?" She finally asked. 

" I accepted an intern out of the country. It's a good opportunity," I told her. I couldn't tell her with whom or where because Ellis could command her to talk. She knew that, so she didn't ask all the details. No one could ever ignore an alpha's command, let alone one as powerful as Ellis Carter. 

" You will do great, I just know, but what about your courses?" she asked. 

" Well, I only have a few months left, so I'll continue elsewhere," I informed her. She smiled at me and gave me the longest of hugs. 

Lilac was sobbing. I'd never seen her cry so much, and I felt awful. I waved at her as I entered the car. 

" Airport," I said to the driver.

" Yes, ma'am," 

 I watched the scenery as we moved, and images of Ellis and I doing something came to mind with each building. We have a lot of memories together. He told me he would forever hold me because I was his soulmate, not because a deity chose, but because he did. He promised me his heart and soul. 

I felt like crying again, but I was tired, so I took deep breaths and closed my eyes. Goodbye, Ellis. 

Home

I feel nostalgic when I land in the Golden Stone pack, my father's pack. I left this place when I was sixteen years old but still came to visit on every holiday. I took off my sunglasses as I descended the plane stairs, and the first one I saw in my line of vision was my mom, Caliana Meyers Chasia. She looked breathtaking. 

" My baby!" she exclaimed in happiness, waving at me, and I rushed towards her, throwing my arms around her. 

" Mom,"

I pulled away from her, and she took off my sunglasses. 

" I missed you, baby," she said, smiling at me, and I kissed her forehead. 

" Mom, we spent last summer together," I chuckled. This woman was never satisfied with spending an entire summer with me. She always wanted me by her side. 

" I thought you'd be here with Dad," I said, noticing she had come alone. 

" Your father is working. You know him," she linked our arms as we entered the car. 

Caliana is not my biological mother. She is my father's mate, but she has treated me like her own since the day she came into our pack when I was four. We've had a strong bond, and I greatly appreciate and love her. 

" So, any gossip for me. I feel like we don't talk as much as we used to," I told her. 

" That's all because you never answer my FaceTime or calls," she complained. 

" It was twice, and I was busy!" I knew she wouldn't let it go. 

" Now, dish," I said. 

" Well, your uncle Marcus and Selena are having a fourth baby, another boy," she giggled. It is no secret that they wanted a girl. I'll tease them about it. " You should have seen their faces in the gender reveal. They couldn't even mask their disappointment," she said, showing me pictures of the baby's gender reveal. We laughed about it.

" I think they'll keep trying until a girl comes," I said. 

She said, " Yes, and Marcos and Elaine moved back to the main city from the district."

" Why?" 

" I don't know, they just go there for work these days," 

 My mom and I didn't go home immediately. We went to a restaurant by the coast to have lunch. I was forcing myself to forget what happened, but it was futile, especially now that Ellis was calling every minute, so I blocked his number. 

My mother must have seen something in my eyes because she held my hand gently and looked at me as she did when she wanted me to confess something to her. I felt bare under her warm gaze, and I tapped my thigh with my hand. I do that when I'm anxious. 

" Oh, sweetheart," I felt my face get wet. I closed my eyes and could hear the sound of water around us. 

" Ellis found his mate," I said softly,

" Oh, baby," Mom whispered, squeezing my hand. I opened my eyes to face her.

" I'm sorry, Love, I'm so sorry," she hugged me warmly. 

...

We headed to the manor, and my mom held me the entire time. I appreciated that she respected my decision not to talk about the issue. Once we hopped out of the car, I forced a smile on my lips. My mom warned me that most of my family was there to surprise me. 

" Do I look fine?" I asked her, and she smiled sadly, fixing my collar. Opening the door, everyone screamed welcome home, and I smiled at them. My three aunties, siblings, and cousins were there. 

" Athena!" I exclaimed, spreading my arms to my now almost teenage sister. She hugged me. 

" Where's Aerys?" Aerys is my sixteen-year-old brother, 

"Alpha Camp," she answered in a sweet voice. I kissed her. I couldn't believe how big she was now. 

They celebrated my return, as always. Spending a few days at home brought me some comfort. It was more accessible during the day, but at night, I cried a lot. 

I often think of the summers Ellis spent here with me, and no matter how much I tried to erase the memories, they lingered. 

I was turning and tossing in bed when I felt the urge to go outside for some fresh air. I walked around the manor until I found myself in the lonely streets of the night. 

" Love!" A deep voice jolts me out of my thoughts, and I turn around to see Luis. He was my best friend in the pack. 

" Hey, you!" I smiled at him, and he pulled me into an embrace. I hugged him back before pulling away. Luis grew up good-looking with soft curls, mesmerizing eyes, sharp features, and just the right height. No wonder everyone in the pack fawned over him.

" I heard from your mother that you were home." 

" And why haven't you been to see me," I slapped his shoulder. He scratched the back of his head, not knowing what to say. 

" I have no excuse," he confessed, and I nodded. 

" Where are you going?" 

" Just taking a walk, I couldn't sleep," 

" Should I join you?" he asked. We walked around the pack. My pack was the largest in this region and one of the wealthiest. We have modern technology and skyscrapers. 

" Love, is everything alright with you? You're sad." 

" Yes," 

Luis doesn't look convinced. He took my hand and led me to sit on a bench. 

" Love, how are you?" he asked, and I smiled, looking him in the eyes. 

" Luis, I'm alright," 

Luis repeated the question, and I frowned. What does he want me to say? 

' Us against the fucking mate bond,' Ellis's words rang in my head, 

" Ellis and I broke up," I told him. He looks shocked but collects himself. 

" I'm sorry. I bet it's hard for you," he said, 

" He found his mate and just couldn't resist," 

Luis looks pained. " Am I in the wrong for hurting this much? He's not mine," 

I feel guilty for crying and hating him because I shouldn't. It wasn't his fault. 

' But he slept with her before we could talk,' Vee said sadly. 

" No, not at all. It's alright to be hurt. You loved him," Luis took my hand in his. " Heck, you left home and your family to be with him," he growled, now sounding angry. 

I took my hand back from him and ran it through my hair. 

" I'm so jealous of his mate," I confessed with a forced laugh. I didn't want to earlier. 

" Ellis is such a wonderful man. He was good to me, and now, he'll be good to her," I forced a smile on my lips, but my muscles protested against it. 

" You'll be okay, I know it," he said with the kindest of smiles on his lips. I sighed, resting my head on his arm. I wished I could be numb and wake up the next day without any pain.

 Luis took me back home and hugged me before he left. I was on my way inside when I saw my parents on the veranda. They liked spending time together. A smile made its way to my lips as I watched them dance. They are so in love with each other, and for a moment, I saw a glimpse of Ellis and me in them, but my mom's giggle jolted me as my father carried her in the air and twirled her around before he sat down with her in his arms. 

Their journey to happiness wasn't easy. Dad was the biggest asshole to Mom. They parted for months but still found themselves back to each other.

I approached them and cleared my throat, but they only noticed me. 

" Hi, my lovely girl," Dad smiled, and I kissed his forehead. 

" Where did you go?" 

" I just wanted some air," They exchanged a glance, and Mom got off Dad's lap. No, no. I've been avoiding speaking about this with my dad. 

" Your mom told me what happened with Ellis. Should I kill him?" he asked casually, typical alpha Edward Chasia. 

" No, Dad, but thank you." 

" Then tell me what to do?" his look was serious. 

I sat on the chair's armrest, wrapping one hand around him. 

" Nothing, just let me heal my way. Don't threaten, kill, or disassociate from the Grey Lycan Pack," I told him. The two packs had a great relationship and even had businesses together. 

I told them about my plans to go to New York, and they agreed. My father opposed my decision to be alone, but my Mom convinced him it was for the best, and she always wins in this relationship. Go, girlpower.