Chapter 111 111

Chapter 111 111
Leah

"Oh, I didn't know that you knew Tristian as a child," Carmen says as we sit around a fire taking me out of my memories. The smell of fish slow roasting makes my stomach rumble. "You acted as if he was a stranger before so I didn't even think..."

"It's alright." I shake my head. "He gave me strength at that point and I even stood up against Talia because of him. He was nice at that point... stayed with me all that time and his friend Penny kept me company until I had to leave for Royal Pack."

Remembering the kind sweetheart I met just over twenty years ago is bittersweet for me. I long put that version of Tristian behind me but then suddenly he came back out of nowhere. Who knew he'd become my mate after all... especially when someone like me became his second-chance mate? 

Carmen frowns. "I never went to those meetings until I was much older... same with Xander too. We were away training by then. We didn't even meet until much later when you were officially old enough for those meetings."

"Right... you two came back home after the meeting though." I sigh and watch the fire getting the warmth. "Healers rarely go to those meetings as well. Old Betty wasn't able to go to that meeting so I didn't meet her until then. I was lucky to attend to the next one as well." 

With a role as important as a healer, we tended to stay back in the pack so we could care for any sick or injured pack members. I haven't attended another five-year meeting since I was thirteen because of that too. After Betty passed away, I never had time to.

I smile sadly as I remember my old mentor. Betty was sweet and kind but also very strict. Without her guidance, I would never be the person I am today nor would I have the grasp of my wolf's abilities. She was truly an amazing and very patient she-wolf. 

"Oh right! You always seem to have a patient who needs you that you can't leave behind, especially without an apprentice to help you out." Carmen rubs the back of her neck. "With our pack's customs, the next healer will be one of your pups I guess."

In Royal Pack, bloodlines are important. Betty's pups would normally be in my position but she never had any due to infertility. It seems as though my fate was also to be the next Royal healer even if I was originally a Dark Sky member. 

"I guess he must have changed a lot when you sat him again huh? More of the Tristian Parker we knew... an arrogant prick." Carmen then shoots me a look. "Excuse my French of course but that's how he is or was even if he's your mate now."

I smile and nod. "It's all good. Your guess is right though. The next time I met him, he was unrecognizable... and he didn't even remember me." I look down and sigh. "Let's just say... whatever kindness and spark he had... it didn't last long. His legacy as an Alpha makes that clear."



Age 13

As I stand around and wait for the other packs to come in, my heart pounds in my chest. I didn't know if I would be able to attend but after Betty gave her permission, I practically jumped for joy. I could finally see my first-ever friend again. 

The Alpha King chuckles softly making me jump and spin around. He looks down at me amusement lighting his eyes. "I'm happy you're in much better spirits this time around." He smiles warmly. "I'm so proud of you, little Leah. You've come a long way."

I blush and put my hands on my face. "T-thank you, Alpha..." I say shyly and swallow hard. My nerves only get worse with his compliment but I do my best to push it back. I want to Tristian that I've grown and I'm not the same crybaby from five years ago.

"Now entering the Alpha and Luna of Moonlight!" I look up sharply hearing the announcement and beam happily. That means Tristian must be here! Then my heart sinks as another announcement comes. "Now entering the Alpha and Luna of Dark Sky!"

I clench my fists wondering how many of my family members are here as well. Will I run into them? Will I be scorned as a monster again? I grit my teeth and shake my head. No... Betty told me they're not worth my time and shouldn't take up any mental space in my head. They can't hurt me anymore!

I take a deep breath and watch as everyone walks in and starts to mingle together. This would be like trying to find a single herb in a pile of a hundred but all I have to do is breathe in and I catch his scent.

My heart beating loudly in my ears, I follow the scent. As my excitement grows, I think of everything I want to say to him. Thank you... I missed you... it's so good to see you again.. have you been well? I giggle softly and make my way over to him until I stop in my tracks.

I know he's a teenager now but I'm still amazed by his appearance. Tristian is so tall... and very handsome! My face starts to burn and I bite my lip as I falter. I'm shy now but for a whole other reason. 

"Come on, Tristian!" I blink and look at the girl standing next to him. She looks about my age but unlike my plain self, she's vivid and pretty. "You're supposed to show me around! Did you forget your promise?" She stomps her foot and puffs out her cheeks. 

"Of course, Dahlia," Tristian says and chuckles. I shiver at the sound of his deepened voice. "I'd never forget at all as you'd just remind me over and over again. Now come along! Don't get lost now."

As he starts to lead her away, I hesitate before taking a step forward. "H-hi!" I stammer making him pause and look at me. My face flushes but I continue. "It's been a while, huh? It's good to meet you again!" I smile brightly at my old friend but I falter yet again by his reaction.

Tristian frowns deeply and squints his eyes at me. "Hi, I guess? I don't believe we've met, however." He sniffs the air and scowls. "Especially not a healer wolf." He clicks his tongue and shakes his head muttering something under his breath.

I blink slowly. "Y-you don't know me? Is that some kind of joke?" I laugh a bit but his eyes only narrow into slits. My hands are clammy now. "W-we met at the last gathering! Tristian, it's me, Leah!"

Tristian looks me up and down and shakes his head. "I've met any she-wolves like you. Always trying to catch my attention no matter how plain and boring they are." I flinch at his tone. "You're no different it seems. It's pretty sad honestly. Just because I'm hot and attractive doesn't mean I enjoy being harassed."

My face pales and I take a step back. "N-no... that's not what I..." then a voice interrupts and my body goes cold. I look over slowly and see a familiar man walk over. Even being older, I'd recognize him anywhere: Liam, my oldest brother.

"What seems to be the problem, future Alpha?" Liam asks and casually looks at me. "Is this rat causing you problems? She's great at that. That's why we kicked her and her weird wolf out of Dark Sky. She's nothing but an attention-seeking freak!" He scoffs and smirks down at me. "She's lucky Royal Pack took her in." 

I flinch and tears burn in the corner of my eyes. "T-that's..." I force myself not to get upset. "I-I saved you, Liam! W-why..." I clench my fists and subconsciously look over to Tristian. He stood up for me last time. Surely... but my hopes were squashed instantly. 

"Is that so? Then I guess it's coming out even more now." Tristian scowls at me. "You should be ashamed of yourself." His words hurt like knives and he rolls his eyes. "And here comes the waterworks! Just go away and stop wasting my time. Come on, Dahlia."

As Tristian turns and leaves, Dahlia looks back at me and grins. "Run along to your herb den, useless thing!" She says before skipping after him leaving me alone with tears running down my face. 

How could someone change so much? Was this really Tristian or a fake? I hear a snicker and look up seeing Liam smirking at me. "You're not worth anyone's time so just run along and stay out of sight. I'm so glad you're no longer a sister of mine." He leans forward. "You can't fool a future Alpha like that again. Don't bother trying either." With that, he leaves me alone.

I stand there in stunned silence as tears run down my face. I never had a friend in Tristian after all. If anything... he only pitied me for a second before pushing me out of his mind forever. I was never important to him. To him... I serve no use.

No longer was Tristian a kind sweetheart... he was just an arrogant, self-centered prick. I turn and walk back to my pack my heart broken. Once again I'm all alone in a place like this crying and miserable... only this time, he won't be comforting me.