She Eyed My Spot, My Alpha Let Her

Chapter 17: An Escape?

Leia's POV

His presence filled the room immediately, but for once, it did not bring comfort. It made everything worse. His eyes went straight to me, taking in my tear-streaked face, my state. Something flickered across his expression. It looked like regret but it was too late.

“Leia…” he started. I took a step back. “Do not,” I said softly. The word stopped him. “I…” he tried again, but the words seemed to fail him. For once, the Alpha did not have control over the situation.

“You should not have done that, on her birthday of all days,” Derek said bluntly, stepping forward. Pete’s gaze shifted towards him, his jaw tightening. “Stay out of this,” he bellowed. “No,” Zadok replied calmly. “Not this time. We’ve done enough of staying out. Did you forget you two have loved each other all your lives and prayed to be mated even when it was dangerous? Now you are playing with that bond!” Zadok said.

“Everything that happened today concerns the pack. It came on her birthday, yes, but it couldn’t be put aside,” Pete said, his tone hardening. Clearly, these were Sharon's convincing words to him. “And she is part of this pack,” Derek shot back. “Or have you forgotten that too?” Silence fell again.

It was tense and uncomfortable. Pete looked back at me. “I did not mean for things to go that way.” A hollow feeling settled in my chest. This has always been his line. It had long lost its meaning to me a long time back. It is monotonous now.

“But they did, and it seems it has been the order of things for the past ten months,” I replied quietly. There was no anger in my voice anymore, but just the truth. I was tired of trying to make him recognize me or even see me at all.

“I was trying to…” he paused. “Protect the pack,” I finished for him. “I know!” It was apparent that I didn’t deserve any of that protection. I guess I was expected to carry that burden and live with it, even as an unrecognized Luna.

He stopped. Because we all knew that was exactly what he was going to say. “And what about me?” I asked. The question hung in the air unanswered. I guess it was unanswerable.

He had no response, because there wasn’t any. I wasn’t of any importance to him. I let out a slow breath, steadying myself. “I cannot stay here like this,” I said. His head lifted slightly. “What do you mean?” he asked, his voice sounding worried. “I mean…” My voice trembled, but I forced it steady. “I am leaving.”

The words felt heavy, but also… relieving. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had made a decision for myself. “No,” he said immediately. I looked at him. For once, I did not feel the urge to obey. “I am not asking for permission,” I replied. That stunned him. Derek and Zadok exchanged a glance.

“I wouldn’t blame her because this is what you have pushed her to,” Derek said quietly. Pete ran a hand down his face, frustration evident. “This is not the solution,” he protested. “Then what is?” I asked.

Again, he had no answer. Zadok stepped forward slightly. “There might be another way.” All eyes turned to him. He continued carefully, “If the problem is the business… then solve the business problem.” Pete frowned. “What are you suggesting? You know very well I would have done that long ago if I could.”

“Train her,” Derek said, catching on immediately. “Send her to study. Business, leadership, everything Sharon is using as leverage.” My breath caught slightly. “Give her the tools,” Zadok added. “Let her come back stronger, capable and undeniable.” Silence followed.

The idea settled into the room slowly. I wasn’t sure that he would agree to that. Though I had wanted to go to college, I wasn’t sure that, with my frame of mind right now, I would be up to it, but it also sounded like it would be an escape or a breather for me. At least I would have a safe place to think and even plan how to break this cursed bond.

Pete’s expression shifted. It looked like he was conflicted, or he was calculating. There seemed to be uncertainty. “That would mean sending her away,” he said. Derek shrugged slightly. “You are already pushing her away. Maybe she also needs that space. Perhaps she would re-think not going away from you indefinitely if you gave her that space? Or you might also see reason in her absence?" he said.

That hit hard. Pete’s gaze moved towards me again. Something in his eyes had changed, not enough, but there was something. “I…” he hesitated. For the first time, the Alpha looked unsure, and I realized something at that moment. He did not know how to fix what he had broken. Whatever decision he makes next would either save us or end us completely.