Chapter 6 — The Full Moon Rejection

Wakey wakey, Amber, and happy birthday, sweetie...

The voice floats through the air, a remnant from my dream, and a soft smile graces my lips. The light from my window illuminates the picture of my parents on my desk and I am reminded of my dream last night. In it, they were beside me as I blew out the candles on my cake wishing me a wonderful birthday. I haven’t dreamt of them like that in years and a small sadness settles in. But today is Monday. It also meant today is my birthday and that I am considered an adult. I could finally live my life my way without the worry of Mia and Zack trying to control me. Today will be a good day and to top it all off there will be a full moon tonight.

The shrill of the stupid alarm rings, causing a grown from my lips. I forgot that Monday also meant school. With a sigh, I sit up and fumble with this alarm clock. All I know is that when I graduate, the first thing I am doing is smashing this with a sledgehammer so that it does not cause me any more grievances in the morning. Finally turning off the annoying gadget I fling the covers back and head towards my bathroom for a long shower. I lean my head against the tiled wall as the warm water cascades down my body. It felt like a normal day today. No magical smell had me hunting down to find who the owner is. No enhancement to my body as an adult werewolf. I just felt normal. With a sigh, I finish washing and turn off the water to continue my morning. I had school to attend to but today I felt like dressing up. I was eighteen after all and I had a feeling I could run into my mate at any time.

With renewed vigor, I quickly towel dry off and start styling my hair. I kept the usual messy bun but only half of my hair was tied up into it. The other half of my fire red hair flowed down my body in loose curls. I look at the outfit set out last night and smile at the figure-skating high-low off the shoulder dress in navy blue with the white cropped jean jacket vest and black wedges. Something a little girly and a little edgy that matched my personality well. I couldn’t help but twirl a bit around the almost empty room before sitting at my vanity to put on the little bit of makeup I owned and the only set of jewelry I owned: My mother’s white gold necklace and matching hoop earrings.

I kiss the frame that holds my parents' picture smiling at me, taking one last look at my empty room.

“Wish me luck, Mom and Dad. Maybe I’ll find my mate today.” I whisper before grabbing my school bag and making my way down the stairs. Many pack members stop me to wish me a happy birthday or ask about my plans for moving out. Only a few sneers at me and ignore my presence.

“Morning Blue.” I sing out as I enter the kitchen, Marie handing me a plate full of food as I settle in beside the Alpha.

"Morning Am, happy birthday." He calls back, wrapping me in a one-armed hug as he pushes a cup full of orange juice to me.

“How does it feel being eighteen?” Marie asks with a smile as she puts a lunch box beside my bag for me to take.

“Honestly everything feels the same. Nothing unusual so far and everything is the usual routine before school.” I answer with a shrug as I shovel a big fork full of bacon and eggs into my mouth. I pause as a breeze floats through the window and I catch a hint of something in the air. Something that I could get addicted to. My attention is snapped back as an envelope is slid towards me and the scent disappears. With suspicion in my eyes, I stare at the envelope that sits beside my orange juice.

"It’s your birthday gift, not a bomb." Blue chuckles out as he sips his coffee, Marie giving me a look with a knowing smile. I could not help but laugh at my behavior as I open the envelope and taking the card out. It was unlike me to space out like that. I smiled at the check and frowned. It was five-hundred thousand dollars, not the three we planned, and another hundred in cash.

"Six-hundred thousand?" I question, my eyes wide in shock as I look to Blue. Sometimes I question what he is thinking with how he could spend money on everyone in the pack only to remember that he owns multiple businesses outside of the pack funds.

"That’s from me and Marie." Blue answers with a smile as Marie walks to a cupboard, taking out something large and wooden. My eyes widen again as she places an ancient oak box in front of my now empty plate before leaning back. I could see the connection between the two wolves and could not help but grin. It was about time they paired up after both being mate-less for years.

"This is from your parents. You're eighteen now." She says with a soft smile as I look down once again at the box. I was scared to open it, but I could not help as I lifted the lid with trembling fingers. Inside it is a beautiful diamond and white gold locket in the shape of a paw print, the diamond the shape of a wolf. Next to it is a pair of stud earrings also in the shape of a wolf as well as a card that looked a little old from the years of being kept away for so long.

Our dear Amberle, In case anything happens to us, Blue offered to take care of you and promised that on your eighteenth birthday he would hand you this gift. It must be so hard without us there but know that no matter what we are proud of the women you have become. Baby girl, you are strong and brave and meant for so much more, and we knew that when you first shifted that you would be a powerful wolf and force to be reckoned with.

Blue has also set aside the money meant for you to inherit in case of our passing as well as bonds and stocks shares that we were growing in hopes that neither you nor your siblings are left without a way to provide for your future. Whether you decide to go to college or build your own business know that we are happy for you in building a strong future our dear little spitfire.

We know that not having us around hurts but know that no matter what we will always be with you. It’s why we had the locket made specifically for you as it holds a picture of the three of us the day you were born as well as the last picture we took on your birthday.

Always know that we loved you no matter what and to keep your head held high.

Love Mom and Dad.

P.S: Dad is leaving you his cherished mustang. Goddess only knows how much he loves that stupid car. – Mom I read and reread the letter that was in my parents' handwriting, laughing at the note mom left at the end each time. It was clear that they took turns to write and I loved it even more. A hand wiping away tears from my cheeks makes me realize I had started to cry as the faint scents of my parents from the letter wraps around me like a warm hug. I missed them so much.

"How much did they leave me?" I ask, taking the offered tissues from Marie to clean my face as she carefully puts away the letter and envelope from my parents, Blue and her into the oak box.

"They left you and your siblings the same amount for each of your birthdays, just over two million." Blue answers, giving me another hug as I slowly calm my aching heart.

“Your siblings already earned their inheritance, but I had to wait for you to be eighteen to hand it to you.” I nod into his chest and pull away as Marie comes over to give me a hug as well. I was lucky that no other wolf comes into the kitchen this early in the morning. The two give me some space as I place the oak box and lunch box into my bag, making sure everything is secured before I sling it over my shoulder.

"I'm off to school," I whisper, passing my siblings who just glared at me.

"Remember Amber, your party is in the meadow" I hear Blue call out and I nod. I can hear Mia complain about wasting money and time for my birthday and calling me a jinx. Blue yells at her and I feel the love he has while protecting me from Mia, giving her extra chores and duties. I could not help but wait by the door as I hear everything Mia has to do for a week and a smirk spreads across my lips. For being disrespectful all the time these punishments served her right. With a chuckle, I head into the pack garage and make my way towards my Mustang. Today was my day and I would not let anything get me down.

Normally I would ride my mountain bike to school on the trails but today I wanted to make a statement. I wanted to show everyone who looked at me with contempt to see who I truly am: a force to be reckoned with.

The drive was short, and I stop at the café to grab a vanilla Frappuccino after checking I had more than enough time to treat myself before school. The parking lot was full once I reach the building, the only spot available for me to park being next to Leo and his jock squad. I roll my eyes as their heads turn to me, a wolf whistle directed at me from one of the football stars as I exit my convertible and strut past them. The delectable scent from this morning brushes past me, causing my heart to quicken as I eye the males surrounding a Hummer I believe belongs to the future Beta of Glacier Pack.

"Hey, Amberle, why the new change of clothes?" A voice calls out as I turn to stare at Matt, future Alpha to Glacier Pack, as his eyes rove up and down my body. Leo stands beside him and just stares at me with a peculiar look in his eyes.

"I'm eighteen today so I figured I would dress up in case I meet my mate," I answer with a wink and twirl around to show off. Kevin and Kent walk up to me as the jocks wish me a happy birthday whisking me away from the football players and towards our friends.

“Happy Birthday!” Ivory exclaims, her petite frame wrapping around mine as she hugs me. I could not help the chuckle the rises to my lips as I hug her back, feeling the four-foot wolf try her best to stand on her toes to reach my shoulders.

“Stop laughing, I’ll be your height in no time.” She pouts as Kent pats her head gently. Ivory was considered a genius. At fifteen she had already surpassed the other grades and would be graduating with us soon. She was the future Alpha of the Harvest Willow as the only child to the Alpha and Luna and could be the most serious wolf. But in our group, she is like our little sister.

“And when that day comes I will personally step down as your Beta and be your errand boy,” Kent says, Kevin nudging me with a wink.

[Twenty bucks says they are mates.] I link Kevin, a challenge in my eyes as I stare into his.

[Deal.] His voice enters my head as a smirk shapes his lips. Without warning he takes my Frappuccino out of my hand and walks away, sipping on the creamy drink.

“Give that back!” I yell, rushing after him and trying my best to take back the drink. Realizing my drink was long gone in the hands of the food thief, I resign with my fate and head into class with Kevin and Kent as Ivory heads off to hers.

The scent that’s been enticing me all morning was back and lingered in the room as I scan the wolves noticing the jock squad was early as I handed in my paper and take my seat. I could not help but nervously shake my leg and lose focus in class from time to time as I kept trying to find the source of the scent.

“You good?” Kent whispers, poking my shoulder with his mechanical pencil. I shake my head no and sigh quietly as I try my best to focus on the lesson. Luckily, the classroom phone rings, and Mrs. Marrywind stops the lesson.

“I think my mate is close.” I groan out as the teacher excuses herself to take a phone call and exits the room. The class starts to hum as wolves turn to talk to each other. It was clear that Mrs. Marrywind wouldn’t be continuing the lesson as I started to pack away my things and get ready for the bell to ring.

“Try to stay calm. You will eventually meet your mate. How long have you sense them?” Kevin asks, moving his chair to sit in front of me.

“All morning. I’m positive that my mate is from my pack.” I admit, catching the twins smirking at me. But Kevin is right. If my mate is from my pack, then I will eventually run into him in no time. The bell rings signaling the end of class as we make our way out and towards our next lesson. The twins split from me and we agree to meet at our usual lunch spot. Once again I catch the tempting scent and heave an exasperated sigh. The rest of my morning went well other than having a hard time focusing on classes wondering who I was mated to. Would I be mated to an Alpha or a Beta? Maybe even a Head Tracker, a Head Hunter, or even a Head Warrior. At lunch I head to the usual spot by the forest, my friends surprising me with a round vanilla cake. I couldn’t help the smile that spreads as I focus on them and watch as Dawn, Matt’s sister from Glacier Pack, tackles Kevin to the ground, smashing a piece of cake in his face.

“Your Alpha invited all of us and some of our pack members to your party. We’ll be there with you and hopefully, watch you ditch us for your mate.” Dawn calls out, a smug grin on her face as she looks at the mess she made on Kevin. Those two were always fighting to see who was stronger or faster. It was entertaining, to say the least. With a promise to talk later tonight I head to class.

My school day ended with my art teacher holding me back after class to wish me a happy birthday, handing me a sketchbook and high-quality art pencils and charcoals.

“You’re just like your mother you know that. I was happy to have taught her years ago and even happier to teach you.” She praises with a sad smile on her face. I knew Mrs. Wright has been teaching for years. Her gray hair showed her age and wisdom. She was the one teacher in the school I trusted wholeheartedly.

“Thank you.” I stay back and talk to her before making my way out of the school and towards my mustang. I could not help but feel slightly sad as the scent that has been frustrating me was no longer around. But hope ignited inside me as I remembered that there was a possibility of running into him at my party. As I drive back to the pack I bypass the packhouse and head straight for the shed that housed the trailer with things from both my bedroom and what I had packed away after my parents’ deaths. I pack away the gifts I have received into the trailer and sigh. I would be leaving soon sometime this week either before or after school ends. Probably buy a new house for myself or off to a college or university to get away from the pack for a bit.

I spend some time wandering the pack on foot, leaving my car in the shed ready to be hooked up to the trailer. I know that Blue was letting me decide where to move. He would understand if I left the pack for a bit to figure myself out and make my life more fulfilling to me. My mind wanders as I start to think about my future. The fact I would most likely meet my mate today also plays into what I would do. Would he understand my need to leave for a few years to follow my desires or would he force me to stay? Would my mate be nice and understanding or clingy and demanding? All these questions swirl in my mind causing my mood to dampen. My future is unknown, but I just hoped that the Goddess would bring some light to me tonight.

Soon I find myself in a familiar setting as I walk past the old mailbox that was battered and filled with weeds. The driveway showed the aging of the place as cracks were filled with dandelions, milkweed, and ragweed. Nature has taken over as most places held new plants and bushes as well as relatively new saplings. But the scent of charred wood still lingered in some places even if it was minuscule. My legs took me to the stone bench that stood in the front where a garden used to be. The roses and wildflowers my mother used to love overgrown and taking over the yard. Nothing remained other than a hole in the ground where the basement used to be. Everything is overrun by plants, moss, and trees. Even the shed where my father would butcher our kills was gone. The stench of blood no longer lingered near there as a fluffy little bunny hops across the front. Mia and Zack had done a good job of burning this place to the ground.

Music drifted in on the wind as a signal that the party was starting and as the guest of honor it is time to make my way towards the field and make an entrance. I stand from the bench and slowly look around at my childhood home, a sad smile playing on my lips before I start walking in the direction of the music. A sense of excitement courses through my veins as the music grows louder the closer I get to the meadow. A hum of energy has me moving faster until a crowd greets me. The scent that’s been haunting me all day grows stronger and much more powerful.

My mate is here.

“There’s the girl of honor!” A loud voice exclaims as I am pulled into a bear hug by Blue. Many pack members greet me, wishing me a happy birthday but those who were under Mia’s command stand as far away from the crowd as possible. No one from my generation wants anything to do with me as their disdain and scornful looks bear down on me. Even on my birthday, I am still an outcast.

Turning away from the group of young adults I come face to face with many pups who run around the field, chasing each other between tables and wolves who mingle about. Many pups come up to tug at my hand to wish me a happy birthday and give me hugs as other pups beg me to join them in either tag or soccer. I always loved their innocent views in life with only wanting to play with the older wolves as many of us have shifted. Their parents being members of the packs grew up with my own and knew of my unfortunate circumstance. They gave me a chance as a babysitter for their pups leading to the little ones being close with me as I would take the children off of the older wolves' hands to play in the field and give their parents a break.

“Now Miss Amberle, you aren’t going to run off before seeing your little sister,” Serena says as she pulls me away from the children and hands me a smiling little girl. I cuddle Claira for a moment as I pass the elders, stopping to greet them with the one-year-old in my arms. I may be an adult now but disrespecting an elder of the pack would lead to punishment and I was not willing to face one from them.

“How does it feel to be a fully-grown wolf?” Elder Sylvia asks, taking Claira from my arms to cuddle the pup.

“It’s strange but a good strange,” I answer honestly, accepting a cookie from her mate Elder James.

“Have you sensed your mate yet?” Elder James asks, getting a warning look from his mate.

“Actually I’ve sensed him since this morning. I am positive my mate is in our pack, but I haven’t been able to find him yet.” I sigh at the end, taking an angry bite out of the cookie. Knowing that my mate was so close yet always out of reach all day has started to irritate me. It is bad enough knowing that my generation hated me but what if he were one of those that used to push me down the stairs or use illegal moves during training that would lead me into the pack hospital for weeks on end. What if my mate hated me?

A hand reaches out and grasps mine and I am met with Elder Sylvia’s gaze as her eyes hold sincerity and hope in them. I could feel her worry for me and couldn’t help but send a reassuring smile her way.

“Remember that everything happens for a reason Amberle. Whatever happens means that it is meant to happen. The Moon Goddess has set your path on one that will make you stronger.” Her voice is soothing as she squeezes my hand in reassurance before turning her attention back to Claira. I know that Elder Sylvia is right and that by the end of the night my destiny will be revealed to me in some form.

“How about you go and get some food from Axel. He is manning the barbeque with a few of the Warriors and Hunters.” Serena intervenes, giving me a chance to escape and look for my friends. I say my farewells to the elders, receiving a bag from Elder Sylvia from the five of them with gratitude before heading in the direction where the smell of food was obvious. A few Omegas run around as they constantly replace the food on the table. Salads being refilled and treats being swapped as a new tray takes the place of an empty tray. I was grateful for their diligence and smile at them in greeting before walking over to Axel who is surrounded by a bunch of wolves his age.

“If it isn’t the birthday girl!” Axel exclaims, the Beta wrapping me into a bear hug of his own as my nose scrunches up at the smell of beer on his breath.

“Does Serena know you’ve been drinking?” I ask as I am set back on my feet, arms crossed across my chest.

“As a matter of fact yes she does. I have only had one so far so don’t worry. I am on baby duty tonight since she’s been busy with her duties as the Beta Female and acting Luna. She really needs a break and some T.L.C.” He reassures with a smile. If there was one thing I have learned since having Axel and Serena in my life as the fun Aunt and Uncle it’s that they were one hundred percent committed to each other.

“I’ll be happy to take Claira off your hands for the weekend if you two want to get away for a bit.” I offer as I grab a plate and allow Axel to place a few kabobs and sausages onto it. All the guys around the barbeque comments at how caring I am to help the Beta’s out, and I explain that they helped raise me. That Claira was like a baby sister to me.

"Thanks I may take you up on that offer." Axel chuckles out giving me another hug. He hands the tongs to one of the men before walking to a table and grabbing something that was hidden under the table cloth, a large smile on his face as he hands me a black bag that I Take.

“I know Serena plans to take you shopping but this is from me. I know you’re eying the Head Tracker position and hopefully, these will help.” Excitement courses through me as I place the plate on a table and hand the bag from the elders to Axel to hold as I open his gift, a smile forming when I find a few throwing knives and braces for my ankles inside.

“Thank you so much.” I couldn’t help the shock while my hands caress the blades of a throwing knife, the craftsmanship beautiful and light. These would be perfect in dealing with a soulless.

“You’re welcome. Now your friends from school are probably wondering where the hell you are. Go enjoy your birthday party Am.” I take back the gift bag from Axel and wave to the other wolves before grabbing my plate, filling up the remaining room with salad, and heading back into the crowd. Many wolves from different packs greet me and wish me a happy birthday before I finally spot my friends at a picnic table underneath a large oak tree.

“There’s our fiery redhead!” Dawn exclaims when she spots me, rushing towards me and taking the bags from my hand to place the gifts into a large box.

Any news on the mystery scent yet?” Ivory asks as I take a seat beside her, Kent passing me a bottle of water. A large sigh escapes my lips as I shove a large fork full of potato salad into my mouth and angrily chew it.

“Nope. I’m starting to believe the scent is something my imagination came up with just to play tricks on me.” I grumble out with a scowl. The music was starting to get louder and my eyes wander over the crowd of werewolves. I could not help but smile as pack members mingle with each other as well as the guest. But no one caught my eyes. I knew my mate is here in this crowd and eventually, I’ll meet him.

“How about we go and party the night away Miss Amber before you ruin your mood worrying about some mate.” I feel myself being lifted off of the seat as I am carried by Kevin into the crowd and sets me on my feet onto the makeshift dance floor. He was right though. Today is my birthday. My day. I should not be worrying about some stupid guy who may or may not be here right now. With a promise to my friends to shelf the whole mate situation aside till later, I focus on dancing with my friends and spending time with the pack members that care about me.

Time flew by and the box Dawn had set up for me to receive gifts slowly filled up until no room was left. The sun had set hours ago as the full moon slowly raised high into the indigo sky. I always loved the night sky especially here where the pack was. Far away from the cities where all you can see are the natural sparkling lights above.

“It’s time to blow out the candle and cut the cake birthday girl!” Blue greets as he comes up to the picnic table with Axel trailing behind him. It was close to midnight when the moon would be at its highest peak and a time to thank the Moon Goddess for the future that awaits the newly adult wolf. Excitement bubbles through me before I feel myself being lifted and hoisted onto someone’s shoulders.

“Axel don’t drop me, you idiot.” I cry out in shock, my arms instantly wrapping around his head as he walks towards the dance floor.

"I won't." He laughs out, his body shaking and causing me to cling tighter to his head. I hated being carried onto someone’s shoulders. I was not afraid of heights but being carried this way always made me scared for some reason. As we reached the middle of the dance floor a purple cake could be seen, and I could see why I was placed on Axel's shoulder. The cake was about ten tiers high with the typical happy birthday and my name scrawled on it in red icing. Roses made of red, orange, and yellow flowers of different shades cascaded down the cake in a way that resembled my fur in wolf form, and I couldn’t help but let a chuckle escape my lips. Leave it to Serena to make a statement with my cake. At the top of the cake sat a crystal wolf figurine howling at the moon, its fur reflecting the moonlight in a dazzling prismatic effect besides a large candle in the shape of an eighteen. It made the cake stand out even more in the night. Everyone started singing happy birthday—even the jock crowd joined in, which surprised me. They even did the usual "how old are you now?" song, and at the eighteen, I blew out my candle, the clearing erupting in cheers. A knife was handed to me by Serena, her blue eyes shining with pride as I took the crystal figurine down and handed it to her before cutting a slice of cake for myself. Blue takes the knife from me as Axel catches me off guard, causing me to stumble into someone. Shocks run through my body as a euphoric scent wraps around me, causing small shivers of pleasure to run along my skin where strong arms catch me.

MATE

The word runs through my head and my eyes widen as I turn to look at who I was destined to be with, whose scent has been causing me to go stir crazy all day, only to be met with the shocked face of Leo.

"You're my—"

"Mate? Now, why would I want to be mates with a sniveling idiot like you?” Leo cuts me off, a sneer on his lips as his eyes glare down with disgust at me. I could feel my heart break—more like shatter—as the man who is supposed to be my everything looks at me as if I were nothing but garbage in his eyes.

"Give me a good reason why would I want to be your mate? You're nothing more than a stupid bitch that got her parents killed!" The music was shut off and the crowd silent as his hurtful words carry over the crowd. I could see Ivory and Dawn holding back Kevin and Kent as they look on at me with worried eyes and contempt for the wolf in front of me.

“My parent died because of hunters not because of me!” I scream out, shoving my slice of cake into his face as rage courses through me.

“They died coming to protect us—to protect you—because Goddess forgive us if his royal fucking highness gets captured or killed. It was your stupid idea to head into the cave. It was your stupid idea to be sitting ducks when we could have kept running.” I continue. The years of being suppressed by him and my siblings surface in my mind as my hate and contempt for the man who is supposed to be my mate grows. I see the crowd slowly start to whisper as mocking eyes stare at the so-called future Alpha of Forest Paw. I watch as his muscles clench while Leo wipes away the cake and frosting off of his face, the purple from the frosting leaving a stain on his skin. Suddenly he grabs the collar of my dress and pulls me off my feet.

"I, Leo Bloodsbain, reject you as my mate forever!" He sneers at me, his face inches from mine as rage fills his eyes. Something inside me snaps as the pain of his rejection spreads to my vein like a raging inferno. I knew I was on the verge of breaking down, but I would not give Leo the pleasure of relishing in it. With strength I never knew I had, my hands clutch at his wrists and an unmistakable snap resounds in the air. Leo screams as I am released and find my footing long enough for me to send a roundhouse kick to his face and send him crashing into the cake.

[Your gifts are in your car Amberle. The trailer is hooked up.] Serena’s voice enters the mind link meant for her, Axel, and me as I catch Axel slowly going to stand beside his mate with a wink.

[Do what you feel is right, Amby Bamby. We will always support you.] Axel adds, his eyes showing pride as he stares at me. I smile at the two as I turn to look at Leo, his face contorted with pain as Blue tries to help him up. Leo never understood how lucky he is to still have his father there to help him out of the shit he gets himself into.

"Get this straight Leo.” I began as I stoop low to pick up the knife used earlier till its firmly in my grasps and make my way forward until I stood above him and Blue.

“Amberle you don’t have to do this.” Blue pleads and I hold my hand up, stopping the Alpha from continuing. Blue knew me well and knew that once my mind is made up there is no turning back. Leo had gone too far tonight.

“I, Amberle Crest, reject you as my mate and make a blood oath to the Moon Goddess vowing to become a strong wolf and an ally to her in exchange that you never find your second chance mate until you repent for treating me, your true mate, as nothing but worthless trash for all these years leading to tonight.” I hold my hand open and slowly cut a long slice into my palm. Blood begins flowing up into the air out of it and evaporating under the moonlight into the night. The knife drops from my hand onto the wooden dance floor with a loud thud followed by an agonizing scream from Leo as I turn on my heels and begin to make my way out of the meadow; the crowd parting like I was Moses, and they were the Red Sea. All I wanted was to leave now. To put this pack behind me and start fresh at a new life I could hear Blue yelling at his son for rejecting me before yelling for help from the pack doctor present. His voice fades away the farther I walk. I knew where I stood in Blue’s eyes.

No one stopped me or came after me as I walk past the spot my childhood home use to stand on. Everyone is either back at the meadow probably talking about what just happened or on patrol. The moon shines brightly down on me. Its brightness intensifying as if to compensate for the fact I was rejected, rejected on my birthday, and rejected on the night of the full moon.

I make it to the shed and pull back the doors wide open seeing the top down on the convertible and the gifts from tonight situated in the back seat. I knew what I had to do the moment I climb into the driver’s seat and start the ignition. I shift the gear into drive.

I drive away from the only place I knew.

I drive away from the life I have lived for the last eighteen years of my life from my friends and enemies. From the people who loved me and the many who despised me.

The fresh air fills my lungs as the pain of rejection finally settles in once the rage simmers down. Tears slowly fill my eyes as the pack border comes into view and a weight falls from my shoulders.

[Goodbye, everyone.] I send through the pack link for the last time before renouncing my place in this pack and crossing the border into neutral territory.

I was a rogue now with no obligations to anyone but myself. It is time I start caring about myself and doing what is right for me for once.