Leiah

Leiah
Leiah POV

I returned to the Sanders Pack before everyone else. The mating ceremony was still burning brightly when I decided to leave. I was happy for Alex and Stormy. Alex’s been through a lot he deserved to be happy.

I couldn’t stay though. Ever since my injury, I haven’t felt like me. I felt like there was an imposter inside me, and I didn’t know how to get rid of it.

I was slowly losing my mind.

I arrived at my parents' house. Mom wouldn’t let me live in my apartment by myself because of the severe nature of my injury.

Thank goodness the house was empty when I arrived.

I flopped on the couch, and the one thing I didn’t want to think about kept on nagging at me. I could still feel Gareth’s body pressing me onto the bed.

He was my best friend’s fated mate. Gareth was a jerk to her most of the time, but Eva loved him with her entire soul. He was young and foolish, though. He changed in the end, but it was just too little too late.

Gareth and Eva were the first fated mates couple McGregor Academy had during my time. Everyone thought they would go on to be the power couple of the century.

Now that I think about it, Harlow had always been jealous of what Eva had. Eva got together with Gareth, and Harlow got herself Alpha Kaden Sanders.

I smirked, remembering just how badly that ended for her.

Sure, Gabbie came between Alex and me, too, but it was never meant to be. Alex is much better off with Stormy.

Over the years, I carried so much guilt for Eva’s death. I should have done something, even if it meant defying sacred battle laws. My friend would still be alive.

What would she think about Gareth and me being mates?

I grabbed the nearest pillow and stuffed my face in it.

I’d gone out with other men since Alex. There was that brief yet awful period where I’d been matched with Alpha Ivan. The Alpha, who lost his challenge against Harlow during battle season, which ultimately cost him his pack.

Our relationship was tumultuous at best.

I’d rather not talk about that unfortunate match-up by the moon goddess.

Now she’s gone and done this! How did she think this was better?

Gareth had been cursed for years. He’s got a lot to deal with.

“He’s right, he doesn’t need me,” I mumbled. “I’m broken anyway.”

“Leiah!”

I jumped.

My brother pounded his fist on the door.

“Atlas, what are you doing here?” I asked, opening the door.

He strolled inside and took me in. “You okay?”

“I’m fine. Please leave,” I said.

“You don’t live here, you can’t kick me out.”

My brother was one of Kade’s trusted men. He helped run the pack. During times like this, when the Alpha travelled, Atlas and Holden were in charge.

“I wanted to check up on you and give you a heads up about something.”

He walked to the couch and settled down.

“Okay, what’s up?”

I settled next to my older brother. He was my protector over the years and the one who knew the real me.

“There’s been talk in the Alpha’s circle. Kade wants to promote someone to be the Luna’s right hand. Someone to protect her and her children.”

“Does Gabbie know that?” I retorted.

“She’s on board. She’s got three kids now. They need to be protected, and so does she, even if she likes it or not. Anyway, I threw your name in the hat.”

My jaw dropped. “You did what?”

“It’s an incredible opportunity, Leiah. The Alpha already trusts you, and you’re the only other Alpha female in this pack. That position’s yours.”

How could something like this fall on my lap when my wolf suffered an injury so great it turned her into an omega?

No one knew I was an omega now. No one could find out either. I was going to fix this.

“How long do I have before I have to give an answer?”

Atlas frowned. “Why do you have to think about this?”

“B-Because what if I have other options?”

“Like what Leiah? You and Gabbie are close. This won’t even be weird for you. You two are always together.”

Gabbie won’t want me to be her right hand if I’m an omega. Omegas aren’t as strong as Alpha females and that’s a fact. I can’t heal fast enough, I’ll be small and fragile.

“What if I got a position out of town?” I lifted my chin.

Atlas knitted his brows together. “A position out of town? Where?”

“That doesn’t matter. I need to think…”

I stood and walked to the door. I had to get rid of him.

“Is this about a job or a man, Leiah?” Atlas questioned.

My eyes turned to saucers. “Why would you think that?” My voice came out mouse-like.

“Of course it is! Leiah, who is he?”

I swallowed. He could never know! Gareth was going to reject me anyway. This had to remain a secret.

I yanked the door open. “Goodbye Atlas!”

“Oh, children…” My Father— Step father walked into the house.

I stepped back to give him space. “Hi Dad.”

“You came back early. That’s good, but shouldn’t you be training to regain your strength?” He asked.

Atlas folded his arms. “She doesn’t need to train to regain her strength. If she’s still sick she needs to rest.”

Our Step father had always been more proud of Atlas than he was of me, but that didn’t mean they always got along. Atlas had been overprotective of me since we were children.

“You’re being too soft on her Atlas. Leiah is an Alpha female. She’s capable of so much greater things that you think.”

“Dad’s right!” I exclaimed.

They both looked at me in surprise. The truth was I wanted to escape them both.

I grabbed a random jacket from the coat hanger and slipped out of the house.

“I’m going to train and I’ll be out late. See you both later.”

“Leiah!” Atlas called, but I didn’t acknowledge him.

I just needed air. When I’d gotten far enough from the house a tender, masculine scent stopped me in my tracks.

“Mate,” I whispered.

He’s here.