Howl for Me, Not Her

Chapter 3 Lila Fell. I Didn’t Help

Next morning, I packed to crash with my folks, Elder Thomas and Elder Mary. Downstairs, I called Mom. She bounded out, beaming, “Elena, you’re finally visiting! I whipped up your favorite stew—Come on!”

I trailed her into the den. Dad was at the table, slurping stew. I sat across from him, and we ate in we ate in silence. After a few spoonfuls, I steeled myself, I steeled myself. “Mom, Dad, we gotta talk.”

Their faces lit up, but I dodged their gaze for a sec before spilling, “I’m thinking of severing the mate bond.”

“What?!” they yelped. Dad’s spoon clanged to the floor. Mom fretted, “What’s wrong? You and Marcus tussle?”

“Tell me, and I’ll fix it!” she pressed.

I wavered. “It’s not a spat. We just… can’t keep going. He doesn’t care about me—not really.”

Dad’s brow furrowed, silence choking the room. Then he said, “I set up dinner with Former Alpha George tonight. Come talk it out with him.”

That evening, I rode with them to a swanky Moonridge joint. Pushing open the private room’s door, my heart skipped—Marcus was there, decked in a black tunic, looking sharp as ever. I flicked my eyes at him, then greeted warmly, “Hey, Former Alpha George.”

He grinned, “Elena, ages since I last saw you—you’ve grown fierce. Sit, eat with us.” I nodded, parking next to Mom to dodge Marcus. He hesitated mid-chair-pull, then shoved it back, his face souring.

George tried to bridge the gap, serving me food and filling my glass, but the vibe stayed stiff. Too much water—or tension—sent me to the restroom. As I stepped out, the next room’s door swung open. Lila. In a purple dress that hugged her frame, she blanched when our eyes met, trembling.

I iced her with, “What're you doing here?” My gaze raked the room behind her. This place screamed luxury—how’s an Omega swinging it? Suspicious, I moved to peek inside. She blocked me. I shoved her aside; she yelped, hitting the floor.

I didn’t rush to help her. Honestly? I almost laughed.For once, she got to feel what it’s like to fall—without me pretending I’m fine every time.

I’d fallen for years. No one ever caught me.

Reaching for the handle, Marcus barked, “Elena! What the hell?!” He rushed to Lila, kneeling to check her scraped knees, tears streaking her face. He shot me a glare. “Apologize to her—now!”

Rage flared. He’s picking her side blind? I dropped the handle, stalking over. “Apologize? Fine, but let’s sort this first—how’s your broke-ass sister affording this ritzy spot, Marcus? Ain’t that fishy?”

He squinted at Lila, who stiffened, then sobbed, “Alpha Marcus, it’s a friend thing—first time here, I…” Her words tripped over themselves.

Marcus gripped her shoulder, cutting in, “Enough. I trust her.” I gaped, ice flooding my veins—every word a gut punch. My hand shook as I snarled, “Oh? I want to meet these 'friends' who bankroll this. who bankroll this.”

I spun for the door. He grabbed my wrist, towering over me, growling, “Stop it, Elena! Why you gotta shame folks all the time?”

I glared up, fire bursting out. “Shame her?I'm just checking her story—what’s wrong with that?!” I yanked, but his grip was steel. His arm flexed, then slammed me against the wall. Pain ripped through my back—I cried out. He froze, then held back from helping.

Coldly, he said, “This ain’t your turf, Elena. She’s got as much right to be here as you. Not everyone’s born with a silver spoon like you. Her life’s been a grind—why you gotta drag her down?”

Disappointment carved his face. “I’m ashamed of you.”

I flicked my eyes from him to Lila, feeling like a clown. Was I that vile to him? Swallowing tears, I dropped my head, then met his stare. “Cool. If I’m such a letdown—not worth a speck of Lila—let’s cut the mate bond.”