Chapter 5
1151 Words
Jane's Stance
The next day, Mother calls her sister, Karen, to tell her about my situation. I silently pray that she will accept me into her home.
“How did it go, Mother?” I ask eagerly.
“She said yes,” she smiles, though I can see the sadness in her eyes.
“I’m sorry, Mother.”
She pulls me into a warm embrace, gently stroking my hair. “You don’t have to apologize, sweetheart. They have bullied you enough. It’s time to leave this horrible pack.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
“I’ll be right back, darling.”
As I finish packing my bag, my mother returns to my room.
“Hi, baby, are you done packing?” she asks, sitting on my bed.
“Almost, Mother,” I reply.
“I hope you’re not forgetting anything.”
“No, Mother. I have everything I need.” I zip up my bag.
“Ready?” She beams at me.
“Yes, Mother. I’m ready to leave this pack and start a new life somewhere else.”
“Good. I’ve mind-linked your aunt about your arrival, and she’s looking forward to meeting you. You should get going, but please let me know when you arrive. If you don’t, I’ll worry.”
“Don’t worry, Mother. I will.”
We leave my room together. As we step into the living room, my father sits on the couch, sipping his morning coffee. Ignoring him is difficult, but it’s the only option I have.
“Where are you going?” he questions, eyeing my bag. “Where do you think you’re going, Jane?”
“I’m leaving,” I mumble, irritated by his sudden interest. For a moment, I wonder if he actually cares.
“Did you ask for my permission before deciding to leave?” he growls. “Answer me!”
“Father, you never wanted me. You’re in no position to question where I’m going. My presence disgusts you, doesn’t it? Then let me go. You’ll never have to see me again.”
He goes silent, staring at me without a word. Then, without another glance, he stands and heads toward his bedroom.
“Father,” I call, stopping him in his tracks. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m hurting. There’s still time to fix this. If you just told me you love me and wanted me to stay, I wouldn’t leave. I just want to hear you say it, Father.”
Tears stream down my cheeks. No matter how he has treated me, I never hated him—I just wanted him to love me.
I wait, hoping he’ll show even a sliver of care. But he doesn’t. He walks away, leaving me standing there, my heart breaking. Why is it so hard for him to say he loves me? Why?
“Let him be,” my mother says softly, patting my shoulder. “Let’s go. You don’t want to miss your ride.”
“Okay, Mother.” I wipe my tears and follow her.
She drives me to the bus stop, where I will take a bus to my aunt’s pack. Since I have no wolf, I have no other choice but to travel this way.
“I’m going to miss you so much, Mother,” I whisper, pulling her into a hug.
“I will miss you more, sweetie.” She smiles, though her eyes glisten with unshed tears. “I hope you’ll find someone who will love and accept you for who you are.”
“I hope so too, Mother. But I’m tired of hoping. I don’t want to place my faith in people who will never cherish me.”
“You’ll be fine, Jane. I know you will.”
My mother waits until my bus arrives. I never imagined I’d have to part ways with her, but I have no choice. I will never be happy here.
As for my mate, I hate him. I hope I never see him again. One day, I will return, stronger, and my heart will have healed. Time heals all wounds.
I say my goodbyes as I board the bus. I wave at my mother until she disappears from sight.
After a three-hour ride, I finally arrive at my aunt’s pack. They are already waiting for me.
“Welcome to our pack,” Alpha Tommy says. He is Aunt Karen’s husband and the Alpha of MoonStone Pack.
“Thank you, Alpha,” I reply, touched by the warmth in his voice. It has been a long time since anyone, besides my mother, has treated me kindly.
“We’re family. You can call me Uncle,” he insists.
“Okay, Sir,” I blurt out, then quickly cover my mouth.
“Call me Uncle,” he repeats, smiling.
“Okay, Uncle,” I correct myself.
“Welcome home, baby girl.” My aunt hugs me tightly, radiating a motherly warmth.
“Thank you, Aunt,” I say, embracing her.
For the first time in a long while, I feel at home.
Aunt Karen shows me to my room and introduces me to her children. Amira, her youngest daughter, is my age and still searching for her mate. She’s kind, but overly obsessed with finding her mate and romanticizing the idea. I don’t want to crush her dreams, but my own experience with mates has been far from magical.
“Well, I don’t think mates are as great as people make them out to be,” I finally tell her one afternoon by the pool.
“Jane, have you found your mate?” she asks.
“No. I have never met my mate, and I don’t think he’s special.” I lie.
“What’s wrong?” she presses. “Why do I feel like you’re hiding something?”
“No,” I whisper.
“Tell me, Jane. Did you get rejected?”
My breath catches. Did I give myself away?
“Don’t lie to me,” she insists. “Do you have a mate?”
“Yes,” I admit. “I already met my mate. But he rejected me. He humiliated me in front of everyone at our pack celebration.”
“What?” she exclaims, anger flashing in her eyes. “Who does he think he is? Did he even give you a reason?”
“He thinks I’m useless,” I say quietly. “Because I have no wolf.”
“What a jerk! He doesn’t deserve you. I promise, if I ever meet him, I’ll make him regret it.”
“Thank you.” I smile at her sincerity.
Amira is an amazing friend and sister. The entire pack is kind, accepting me despite my lack of a wolf. Here, I am not an outcast.
For the first time in forever, I feel like I belong. I love this place already.
- Writer
