Severed Moon

Stars Aligned

Caleb's POV

The ground was wet and cold, smelling like bark and rain. My paws dug into the earth, my nose and ears alert for any predators lurking by. Leaving Colvin's pack to go back to my own was always a challenge for my wolf. I always told him that the Pact was in place, there wouldn't be a war of any kind.

Fuck that, you know how we are. Power always, he growled.

I forced him to go into a quick run. We were almost there. My pack was the closest to Colvin's. In fact, all of our packs, mine, Colvin's, Alistair's, and Rowan's formed a circle within the woods. It was the perfect placement at each point of the forest for practical defense.

"Alpha! He's returned!" My advisor, Doran, called out to the others as I began shifting to my human form as I got closer to him. Some of the Betas surrounded us, draping a cloak over my shoulders and I tied the soft fabric around my body, clothing myself.

"How's everything?" I asked, walking into my home, and they fell in line with me.

"Going great, Alpha. We had some disputes between the Betas but it was resolved quickly. How is everything with Alpha Colvin? How's he doing?" His voice lowered toward the end of his sentence, becoming softer.

All I could do was sigh. My shoulders drooped, and a frown ticked at the edges of my lips. "Not good."

"What can I do?" Doran looked at me with the desire to help.

I placed a hand on his shoulder. "Be here. Be in charge of the pack for me while I'm away. I'll need to stay over there for a little longer. Colvin's in no shape to run his pack. Alistair, Rowan, and I need to be there to help them all."

"Of course, not a problem, Alpha. You let us know if there's anything at all we can do for you."

I nodded, "I just came for more clothes and an update on the pack which you provided. Thank you, Doran."

As I headed up the stairs to my bedroom, the rest of them lingered downstairs. Opening my bedroom door brought the same scent I smell every single time I walk in here. Her.

She was in her once. Only once. And she lingered, refusing to leave like my favorite fantasy or worst nightmare. Maybe both. We could have exactly what we want...at least what I thought she wanted, but instead she was breaking my soul.

Clearing my throat, I threw my closet door open and grabbed a small bag and began stuffing clothes inside it. I had to force myself to not look at my bed. To not remember how it felt having her laugh on my sheets, it echoed around the room and, goddess, I never wanted her to stop. Seeing her happy made me come alive. And if her being happy meant not being with me... I would have to accept that.

And maybe...just maybe, if I find out what really happened to Aurora and who's behind her death, Stella will accept me. Accept us for what we are. We were made for each other, and that night beneath the stars on the balcony right off this very bedroom confirmed it.

I could never forget the fullness in my heart when the stars aligned, when the goddess clicked everything into place, and we knew right at the same time. We were made for each other, with one another we are whole and complete. And then my heart splintered and cracked like the most fragile thing to exist when she frowned. When I felt her heart burdened with a weight she didn't want. Someone she didn't want. A life she didn't want.

Me. Us. Ours.

I have tried and tried to convince her, but...ultimately, I wanted her to choose me...to want me, not to give in to me. And if I loved her like I always have, I will have to learn to let her go.

I zipped up the bag, throwing it over my shoulder. It was time to get back to Colvin's pack. To her.