12

I didn't want to sulk around the house all day. It was hard for me to go outside and act as if nothing had happened.
I wanted to mock her with laughter. We both knew two different people; that much is obvious.
I deadpanned, saying, "Really, I had no idea."
He wasn't always like this, but when he was younger, something terrible happened. I don't know what occurred, but whatever it was altered him, and that's why he is thus, and I perked up at the sound of that.
What took place? Inquiring, I asked.
"I don't know the specifics; all I know is that he previously had someone he loved break his heart. The individual had duped him and the gang. I believe he's keeping you at a distance because he thinks you'll act in the same way because of this, she said.
Because someone who wasn't his mate broke his heart, he refuses to be with me and instead stuffs his crap where it doesn't belong, I reasoned.
"I'm sure it didn't mean anything."
Which portion? I jokingly questioned. When she realized there was no way I would allow her to win this argument, she sighed in frustration.
"I understand that he is your alpha and that you will always regard him considerably, but to me, he is a jerk. He has repeatedly stated that I am not welcome here, and I honestly don't want to be here and constantly be reminded of his rejection.
She questioned warily, "Where are you going with this?"
I said, "I'm leaving."
She gasped with disbelief, "WHAT!?"
There was a knock on the door, but I lacked the motivation to get up and answer it. I decided to disregard the person on the opposing side.
Hey, are you alright? Sophia questioned thoughtfully.
I sarcastically replied, "Just peachy" Even though I was in a foul mood, I knew she had done nothing wrong.
She failed miserably to reassure me, saying, "Look, I know you're hurting right now, but things will get better."
I kept quiet since I wasn't sure what to say.
He's not that horrible, she said.
"You cannot simply leave. Our Luna, you are. She reasoned, "Our pack
needs you.
"They were fine before meeting me, and I do not doubt they will continue to be great after I go. I cannot remain here, "I murmured, threatening to cry as my eyes glistened with unshed tears.
She responded, her eyes misting up, "You can't do this.
"You can't imagine the agony I'm going through right now. To be reminded that I wasn't good enough; I don't want to see him again."
I rebuffed him by shaking my head, "You are enough" I wasn't going to let her persuade me to stay.
"Consider everyone else. Would they feel their loss as well? You can't just go because of one event and be that self-centred "She vented her annoyance.
On one occasion, I considered correcting her but decided against it.
"OkayOkay, you're correct. I'm being a jerk. I'm
putting my needs ahead of those of the group when I should be putting their needs first." She exhaled with relief and said, "Thank you."
Me hugging you.
I pushed her away because I didn't want anyone to know that I was still in anguish whenever her flesh touched mine.
If I were being sincere, I just said those things to give the impression that I agreed with her reasoning. Although I decided with part of what she said, I was too upset to give a damn.
I've always prioritized the needs of others before my own, but this time, I only wanted to focus on my needs. I wished I didn't currently feel this depressed and damaged.
She had never experienced rejection, so she didn't understand how I felt. When they both met eyes for the first time, her companion accepted her. It must have been pleasant to have a partner that genuinely wanted you.
Was that asking too much?
"I'll give you some space to rest. I'll follow up with you later. "She gave a smile before leaving.
Even if she wanted to check on me later, I wouldn't be here because she doesn't.
You must be aware of that. I struggled to get out of bed as soon as she departed. The effects of last night were still wearing off, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from leaving. I was aware that leaving the pack in such a precarious situation was risky, but all I could think about was getting out of there as quickly as possible.
My wolf never questioned my choice, so I assumed she wasn't opposed to it. I know she experienced rejection more severely than I did, so this may be what we needed.
I didn't want to stay here to let her have lofty dreams that would repeatedly be dashed. I wanted her to be happy, but it was obvious that she wasn't in this situation.
The hell with my friends. I can be content without a partner. Numerous activities in this world could still make me happy.
I hurriedly threw a couple of outfits in a duffel bag and changed out of my pyjamas. I wore a pair of pants, a hoodie, and sneakers. As you go to the kitchen to get food, conceal the bag in the closet.
When I heard that annoying, high-pitched voice for the umpteenth time, I was going to enter the kitchen. Ugh. She acted like a child, which did not suit my mood. The memo by now. He preferred her to me. She didn't need to slam it in my face constantly.
Grats to her because she prevailed. I couldn't care less if she had him. Not that it was a competition or anything; if it had been, she would have always been in the lead.
Damn it, get over it.
I exhaled, went inside, and grabbed what I was after.
Good, good, good. Could you take a look at what we have? If that isn't the pretend Luna," she jeers, her face painted with a cunning grin.
Everyone stopped what they were doing to give us their full attention after she yelled, "Attention, everyone!"
"Our Luna here pretended to be in heat to entice our alpha. She is merely a needy b*tch who cannot accept that she is not required to be here. She is a power-hungry bitch; she told everyone.
"He's picked me already. He wouldn't choose a feeble, pitiful girl like you. "As she spoke, she gave me a disgusted look.
Everyone turned to look at me while shrugging their shoulders in dismay. It was evident that they accepted the blatant lies coming out of that b*tch's mouth.
I didn't see sense in being honest when it was obvious whose side they supported.
I won't pretend that her words didn't hurt because the truth is that they did. They cut like a knife. I was getting so many disgusted looks that I couldn't tolerate it. I hurriedly left the room and returned to my room to get my things before I started crying.
I could leave without being seen and continue my journey with ease. Sophia had informed me of every route I could take to leave the area undetected. I didn't need to know any of that back then, but I appreciated her sharing it with me.
To ultimately pass the pack's boundaries, it took several hours. The collection was that large. There were thousands of inhabitants. Therefore they need all of this land.
Right now, I'm incredibly proud of myself. I couldn't understand how I escaped the pack without being discovered.
My wolf questioned, "Are you sure you want to do this? We were positioned just outside the pack's perimeter. Even though I knew it wasn't too late to return, there was no way to do so now.
I answered with a radiant smile.
It was getting dark, and we were in the woods. Particularly at night, the woods weren't secure. Because I had my wolf and control over my powers, I was not as terrified as I had been the first time I ran away.
A few rogues should be relatively easy to defeat. In the end, I was an angel.
I barely started walking when I heard a twig break behind me. After hearing the noise, my wolf got aware and quickly went into defence mode.
When I turned around in response to a subsequent noise coming from behind me, a person pressed up behind me, firmly holding me in place, and a cloth was placed over my lips.
I fought against the individual who was unwilling to give up easily. More battles made people weaker. After much effort, my body finally gave way and collapsed into the person's arms.
"I'm done now. Go to bed "was the final sound I heard before going unconscious.
Marinas POV
From a distance, I heard someone yell, "Wake up." Someone called, "Wake up, sweetheart," I heard.
Back outside once again.
I struggled to open my eyes, but I was unsuccessful every time. My eyes should not have been so difficult to open, but they felt cumbersome. I gave up after making a second attempt after realizing they would not budge.
I could make out mumbles and whispers in the distance, but I couldn't understand their words. The next thing I knew, I was covered from head to toe in ice-cold water after hearing shuffling.
The moment the chilly water touched my skin, my eyes sprung up. When I attempted to move, I discovered that chains restrained my hands and feet.
I rapidly surveyed the surroundings as I started to freak out and discovered four men. One clapped his hands and grinned closest to me.
"At long last, you're awake. I didn't believe our medicine was powerful enough for someone like you. You are as helpless as everyone suggested. He frowned and sighed, "It's a shame."
I ignored him and turned to look at my chains-bound hands. Looking down, I noticed
My feet were tethered to the floor.
The man again spoke forward and pointed to the chains while saying, "Those are for security measures" Where am I? I questioned, shivering due to
Cold.
The man said in fake disappointment, "How impolite of me.
"I'm glad you're here, Red Stone pack. I'm Gray, the pack leader, but you may call me the alpha if you like, "He announced while beaming with pride.
This pack is familiar to me. Unlike traditional packs, this one comprised outcasts who decided to band together to increase their collective strength.
"Why am I here?" My teeth were chattering as I questioned.
"I've received a sizable bounty for finding you. Imagine my shock when you strolled into our arms, saving us from all the carnage and needless toil. You are truly a saint, don't you think?" He grinned as he approached me.
He said huskily, "I'm starting to wonder why I don't just keep you all for myself."
I hissed in pain and retreated from his hand as he ran a hand along my jawline. He gave me a disapproving look before slapping me across the face with his raised hand.
"You seem pitiful and frail for an angel. It makes sense why your partner doesn't want to interact with you. Even the reason why the person who paid us wants you is beyond my comprehension, "He spat at me before leaving the room.
One of the other males murmured, "You're lucky he wants you untouched and alive.
The door was slammed shut behind them as they all departed the room. I was still unable to protect myself even after all those training sessions. I was, in fact, pitiful and weak. Considering that I couldn't even defend myself from a pack of wolves, how was I supposed to save everyone?
I cried like the pitiful person everyone said I was as tears clouded my vision. With shock and so much pain inside.