Luna Aleksa's Escape

2. Going through the motions.

*Aleksa*

I woke up to what had been my favorite scent in the whole world up until yesterday; bergamot and sandalwood. Lachlan’s scent. When a werewolf becomes of age and when they are near their mate, they emit pheromones (a scent) that only their mate can smell. No one else can smell this exact scent.

I looked next to me and saw him curled up against the edge of the bed. Once upon a time, he would be cuddled up next to me. I guess there had been signs but I had been blind to them. I wriggled out of bed to check on the twins. I opened the door to the nursery. They were fast asleep. So I went back into the room only to find that Lachlan had left the bed and moved into the bathroom. I could hear the shower running. This was actually perfect because I couldn’t stomach seeing him right now and having to pretend that everything was okay.

Today I needed to make a plan for the twins and I. Today I would decide our future. But first I needed to get the twins ready for daycare, and then I would call in sick to work. I just needed some time to think and clear my head.

As I finished dressing the twins, I picked them both up and descended downstairs. Today the packhouse was a hive of activity. A far cry from yesterday when it appeared almost deserted. I had fed the twins upstairs so at least I could avoid running into Eva and Sam at breakfast. Poor Sam, I thought to myself. He has no idea what is going on.

As I was approaching the door, Lachlan called out “Aleska, where are you going?”. I looked up at him and prepared to put on my best act. “I am just taking the twins to daycare, and then off to work. I’ll see you later”. I said in my sweetest voice. Lachlan said nothing more and turned away. I exited the packhouse and made my way to the car. I decided to take the Black Mercedes Benz SUV because it’s practical and I can pack a lot in the boot without it gaining any unwanted attention.

I put on some relaxing cafe music as we drove through the woods. The pack’s daycare is on the other side of the training fields, so it’s just easier to drive there today, plus I'm trying to keep up appearances since I’m supposed to be driving to work.

I settle the twins at daycare, and I jump back into the car. I decided that I needed a strong coffee first. So I will drive to the nearest Starbucks, and then I find somewhere quiet where I can get my head around things.

As I made my way to the park across the road from Starbucks, I felt that familiar pain in my chest. Really? I thought to myself. It’s 10am. Sadly, I know what this means now. My mate is being unfaithful to me, probably with my best friend, but who really knows? Is she just one of many? My mind starts to race with questions that cannot be answered right now.

Strangely enough, as painful as it is, it’s mostly making me angry. After about half an hour, the pain started to subside. It’s at this time I realize there is only one thing I can do. I must break our bond. If I am to have any semblance of a life, I need to reject my fated mate. Oh moon goddess help me!

I realize it’s not as simple as just rejecting Lachlan, no Alpha will willingly accept a rejection from their fated mate. The reason being that this would mean they would lose their strength. Alpha’s need their fated mates close as they draw power from them. I had heard of Luna’s rejecting their Alpha’s and being denied that right. Some Luna’s had been held almost as prisoners in their own pack. That is something I planned on avoiding.

First things first, I think to myself. I need to get as far away from here as possible. I started googling and something drew me to Colorado. Colorado is so far from where we are right now. It’s actually on the other side of the country. Lachlan would never find us there. I love that it has such a diverse landscape. Colorado is full of forests and lakes, river canyons and snow-covered rocky mountains. It is the perfect place for two baby pups to grow up in. Now I just need to research the packs and territories in the area, to make sure I don’t overstep on anyone’s land. My plan is to find a quiet human town and live there with my pups.

I am brought back to reality by a voice in my head. I am getting mindlinked from Lachlan. A mindlink is like a mental messaging system that links everyone in a pack. It allows werewolves to communicate in wolf and human form. Lachlan is telling me that he has to leave town on urgent pack business, and he won’t be back until tomorrow night. I feign disappointment and we end the mindlink on a happy note.

Time goes way too fast and before I know it, it's time to pick up the twins from the pack daycare. I drive through the packground gates and wave to the warriors at the entrance, “Good afternoon Luna,” they say. “Good Afternoon Chad and Rick”, I say back. As I parked the car, I saw my pups waiting by the gate, with big smiles on their faces.

“Mommy!” they said in unison. “My pups!” I enthusiastically called back. I spoke with their teacher, who told me what a busy day they’ve both had. I'm pleased that they had a good day, and a little sad that we will be leaving all of this behind. They have made a lot of friends and have such great teachers.

As we walked into the packhouse we were greeted by Lachlan's parents. “Good Afternoon Aleksa” they said. “Good evening Cade, nice to see you again Caitlin”, I said to the previous Alpha and Luna of the pack. With them being my inlaws, we are on a first-name basis.

“What brings you to the packhouse today? “ I asked. As they live towards the back of the territory in a gorgeous loft-style apartment overlooking the lake, and don’t often come into the pack house unless they need to.

“We were hoping to see Lachlan, but we have been advised that he is away for the night.” They say curiously.

“Yes, Lachlan mind linked me earlier today to say that he was on his way out. I don't know any details -just that it was urgent, and it was pack related”. “I’m sure everything is fine, '' I said. By now, the twins have run off into the kitchen. They are always so hungry after daycare.

Cade and Caitlin are both polite enough, but they were never very excited about Lachlan choosing me as his Luna. They were difficult initially, but over time they realized I wasn't going anywhere - especially when I became pregnant with the twins. They are definitely not the type to hover, so they politely say goodbye, and I make my way into the kitchen.

As I walked around the corner, I saw my cheeky twins sitting at the breakfast bar with an oreo shake all over their faces and hands. Missy, the head omega cook, is standing in front of them shaking her head and smiling. Missy is one of my favorite people here. She's so kind and caring, she's like the grandmother I never had. I will surely miss her when we leave.

My thoughts are interrupted as the one person I was hoping to avoid strolls into the kitchen - Eva. “Oh Aleksa, there you are, I've been looking for you all day!” she says. “Since Sam and Lachlan are away tonight and I'm terribly bored I thought we could drink some wine and hang out together” she says with a big smile on her face.

“Oh Eva, usually I would love to, but the twins have had a big day, and I'm exhausted after a big day at work. Can we raincheck?” I looked at her with an almost pleading look on my face.

“Hmmn I suppose so, you're very lucky I'm such a patient friend. You know, Aleska, you've become a bit of a bore since having the twins, you really need to live a little”, Eva says disapprovingly.

Seriously? I thought to myself, this girl. Calm yourself down Aleska, I said to myself internally. I hear my wolf growling in my head. “Is this b#$%^ for real?'' my wolf says.

My Wolf’s name is Amber. Amber has been very quiet the past year or so, she’s been so distant since the pains started. I've been so busy with everything else; babies, work, Luna duties, that I really haven't paid her as much attention as I should. Come to think of it, I haven't let her out to run in a while.

Then I have an idea - a run. I need to go for a run and try to salvage my connection with my wolf. I need her now more than ever.

“Hello, earth to Aleksa? Selfish much! I was talking to you and you just zoned out! Eva yells. I realize everyone is staring at me.

“I'm so sorry Eva, what were you saying?” “Hmph! Eva groans and she walks out. I have no idea what just happened. I looked over to Missy, who was looking at me curiously. “Sorry I just zoned out then, what did I miss?” I asked Missy apologetically.

Missy takes a breath. “Eva was asking you if she could borrow the red dress and the matching ruby and diamond necklace that Lachlan bought for you on your birthday last year, then she asked if she could come over to try it on later tonight when the twins were in bed” Missy stated.

I am feeling a little gobsmacked that she wants to wear my special dress and necklace, but it sure is painting a picture to me. There is no way that woman is borrowing my things. I don't even want them myself now, because it all feels like a lie. But there is no way she's getting her hands on them. Not on my watch.

“Thank you for clarifying that, Missy,” I said. I will mindlink her once I've settled the twins. “Alright my little munchkins, it's bath time!” I say, and I whisk them off the stools and make my way to the stairs.

As I walk into our room, I smell a scent I can't place, it smells feminine, unlike anything I've smelt before. I let it go. I don't have time for this, I think to myself. I need to focus on bathing and settling the twins. I start to yawn. I realise that I just don’t have the energy to take Amber for a run tonight. But I will make sure that it happens tomorrow.