Against The Alpha's Rules

Chp 5

Willow POV

My phone vibrates against the bed, once and then again. I stare at it for a second before picking it up, my thumb hovering over the screen like I already know what I’m going to see.

It was Ethan, he wanted to see me. Come over. We need to get things done, It was simple and direct like always. I exhale slowly, glancing around the room. There isn’t much left of mine here, to tell you the truth there never was. A small bag sits half-open on the bed, a few clothes folded neatly inside, some worn-out jeans, a couple of hoodies, and a pouch of makeup tucked into the corner. That’s it.

No decoration, no personal touches and nothing that makes this place feel like something I’d miss. It is strange how easy it is to pack up a life that was never fully yours. I zip the bag shut, the sound louder than it should be in the quiet room.

For a moment, I just stood there, looking around, not because there’s anything worth holding onto but because leaving still feels… final.

Then I shake it off. “Enough,” I mutter under my breath. I grab my bag, slinging it over my shoulder before reaching for my hoodie. It is black and worn at the edges, familiar and safe. I pull it on, tugging the hood up as I quickly tie my hair into a loose bun. A few strands slip free, brushing against my face but I don’t bother fixing them, it doesn’t matter actually none of it does. I step out of my room without looking back.

The living room comes into view, warm lights casting a soft glow across the space.

And there she is, Lors.

She stands in front of the mirror, carefully applying makeup, her reflection lit up with focus and ease. She’s dressed like she always has effortless, polished, like she belongs exactly where she is.

A pink off-shoulder crop top. Shorts that fit perfectly. She notices me through the mirror and she smirks. I know exactly what she is thinking. Mother must have told her about the conversation that we had.

Our eyes meet and her gaze drops briefly to the bag in my hand. And then…she smiles.

Not warmly, not kindly, it's something that I can't describe.

“Good,” she says, turning around fully. “You’re finally leaving.”

The words land softly, too softly but I don’t respond. She crosses her arms, tilting her head slightly as she looks at me—really looks this time.

“Honestly, it’s better this way,” she continues. “You were becoming a problem.”

Something shifts in my chest, not sharp, not loud.

Just… there.

“At least now,” she adds, brushing her hair back over her shoulder, “the Alpha families won’t ask about you.”

A pause before she continues, “And Dad won’t compare me to you anymore.”

That one lingers and now I look at her properly.

Not the makeup, not the clothes, just her.

“I hated that,” she says, her voice tightening slightly. “You are good at everything. It was annoying.”

I almost smile at that, almost…

“Now it’s fine,” she continues quickly, like she needs to fill the silence. “You’re leaving, so I won’t have any problems. I can just… live my life.”

Her words are light and careless, like they don’t weigh anything at all but I hear what she’s really saying.

You were never meant to be here.

I adjust the strap on my shoulder. “You won’t have to worry about me,” I say quietly.

She nods, satisfied.

“Good.”

There’s a pause, a strange one this time, like something should be said— but isn’t.

“I hope you get what you want,” I added after a second.

It’s not sarcasm, not bitterness just… the truth because I mean it. Her expression flickers, just for a moment, like she wasn’t expecting that.

Then it smooths over again.

“I will,” she says.

Of course she will.

I nod once, I hope I have to cross paths with this family again. I turn toward the door and for a second…..just a second—

something pulls at me.

A memory: Bright wrapping paper scattered across the floor.

Her laughter filled the room as she opened the gifts one after the other, eyes lighting up like the world was exactly the way it should be.

And me… I was sitting on the couch, just watching. I want not jealous because she was the only one getting the gifts i was just… quiet because seeing her happy—

That was enough for me, It always was.

I blink, the memory fading as quickly as it came. My hand wraps around the door handle and this time, I don’t hesitate.

The cold air hits my face the moment I step outside, sharp and clean, like it’s trying to wake me up. Snow falls gently, settling against my hoodie, melting just as quickly. I pull my bag higher on my shoulder and I walk. No one calls after me and no one stops me.The door closes behind me with a soft click. And just like that— It’s over. I exhale slowly, my breath visible in the cold air. For a moment, I stand there, staring at nothing, letting it settle. Then I take another step and another because this time—

I’m not walking away from something.

I’m walking toward something.

Even if I don’t know what it is yet.

My phone buzzes again in my pocket.

Hurry up. And don’t get into another accident.

A small, tired smile pulls at my lips.

“Not making any promises,” I murmur.

And with that….I keep moving.