Something becomes nothing

The next morning, a chill of uncertainty settled in Morgan's chest as she stepped out of the bedroom.

The memory of the previous day’s events, Alex’s lingering touch, and the overwhelming luxury of the car, still played in her mind, Once she got back to the pack house yesterday, she wanted to see him, but was told that he was not at the pack house and was busy. She wondered if he slept out and if he was actually on a business deal or pleasure, knowing that he was involve with multiple women in the pack. She had hoped for a moment to gather herself, but as soon as she entered the hallway, she almost collided with Alex.

He stood there, leaning against the wall, his posture stiff, his expression unreadable.

“Morning,” Alex greeted, pulling forward as he took a step toward her.

“Good morning, Alpha Alex,” she replied, masking her surprise with a soft smile. She tried to lighten the mood. “Thank you again for the car. It’s... quite a gift,” she said, her tone light and teasing.

Shoving his hand in his suit pocket, Alex nodded, his lips barely twitching in response. “I’m glad you liked it,” he said, his voice flat. “It was... necessary.”

The look of indifference in his eyes made Morgan lose for words as her heart sank slightly at his tone, but she pushed forward. “Necessary or not, it’s an incredible gesture. I appreciate it.”

For a brief moment, Alex seemed to struggle with something, his gaze flickering as if he were unsure of what to say next. But when he spoke, his voice was distant. “There’s something we need to talk about.”

“What is it?” she asked, her voice gentle but laced with concern.

Silence settled between them, and Alex hesitated, his eyes avoiding hers. “I think it’s time for you to return to the Silver Claw pack,” he said, his words clipped and direct.

“Trying to get rid of me already?” Morgan teased, wondering what was going on in that complicated mind of his.

Finally, Alex looked at her, but his expression remained neutral as if he was trying to keep his emotions at bay. “Yes. It’s for the best. I know I... took you from your pack in an unfavorable way, and while Marcus informed them that you’re safe, the elders are demanding to see you. They’re worried, and it’s your responsibility to reassure them.”

“Are you sure that’s all there is to it?” she asked, trying to gauge his true feelings.

“Yes... You have a role to play in your pack, and it’s crucial you maintain your position. We can’t afford any instability, especially now.”

"Hmm, I got it."

Slowly, Morgan nodded, the coldness in his voice leaving her feeling adrift.

His expression didn’t soften as he glanced back at her. “I’ve arranged for Sophie to accompany you. She’ll make sure everything runs smoothly on the way back. The car is ready whenever you are.”

A knot of worry tightened in Morgan’s chest. Alex was pushing her away, and she couldn’t figure out why. She hesitated, wanting to ask him what was really going on, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she reached for something simpler, something that felt a little safer.

“Alex...” she began, her voice soft, almost tentative. “When I get back... would you maybe want to have dinner with me?” She bit her lip, a hopeful, almost shy smile lighting up her face as she tilted her head slightly, her eyes searching his for any hint of warmth.

But Alex didn’t smile. He didn’t even look at her. He just stared at a point somewhere over her shoulder, his face unreadable. And then, without a word, he turned and walked away, leaving Morgan standing alone in the hallway.

The silence that followed was deafening, and the ache in her chest deepened. She clenched her fists, trying to shake off the sting of rejection.

With a sigh, she headed back to her room to gather her things. Sophie was waiting in the lobby when she returned, her usual bright smile in place, though there was a hint of concern in her eyes as she studied Morgan’s expression.

“Is everything okay, Luna?” Sophie asked, falling into step beside her as they walked toward the exit.

Morgan forced a smile, nodding. “Just a long day, Sophie. Let’s get going.”

As they approached the sleek black SUV, the same Karlmann King that had stunned her the day before, Morgan couldn’t help but feel a pang of resentment.

Calmly, she slid into the passenger seat, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted between them, and she wasn’t sure why.

After Sophie got in the car, the driver closed the door behind them and started the engine, the soft hum of the vehicle filling the silence. As they pulled away from the estate, Sophie leaned back in her seat, her eyes bright with excitement.

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen the pack house,” Sophie said, her voice tinged with nostalgia as she glanced over at Morgan, her enthusiasm clear. “I never thought I’d get to go back, especially not like this... with our leader... Thank you for making it possible, Luna.”

Without a word, Morgan nodded absently, her gaze fixed out the window, but her thoughts were far from Sophie’s words. She couldn’t stop replaying the morning’s encounter with Alex in her mind, the coldness in his voice, the way he had turned away without even looking back. It felt like a wall had gone up between them, one she didn’t know how to tear down.

Not reading the energy, Sophie’s voice continued, a gentle stream of chatter as she talked about her memories of the Silver Claw pack, the people she’d known, and the places she’d missed. But Morgan only caught snippets, her mind too occupied with the ache in her chest, the uncertainty gnawing at her.

“...and I remember this one time, my father took me to the edge of the forest, right where the river curves...” Sophie’s voice trailed off as she glanced at Morgan, finally realizing she wasn’t really listening. “Luna? Are you okay?”

Turning away from the window slowly, Morgan blinked, pulling herself back to the present. “I’m sorry, Sophie. I’m just... a little distracted. It’s been a lot to process.”

Hesitantly, Sophie smiled, and then she said. “I can only imagine. But you’ve done so much already. I know the pack will be thrilled to see you."

"I hope so... I wonder if they said something to Alex that got him acting that way?" Morgan mumbled, fear slipping into her voice as she finished her sentence.

As her brows drew together, Sophie’s eyes softened with concern, her excitement momentarily tempered. “What do you mean, Luna? Acting what way?”

Looking away from the young omega, Morgan sighed, her fingers nervously playing with the hem of her shirt, and mumbled, "Nothing. Let's hope that it's nothing."