CHAPTER 004
980 Words
The New Title: Leaving Yesterday Behind
“Angie! Why are you leaving?”
My jaw clenched. I decided to end the conversation. I hung up fast.
Letting the hum of the car fill the air, Soren’s voice softened beside me. Get home first. Then we’ll talk to Alpha Emil. Take a breath.”
Inside, my thoughts were spinning. Home. I nodded, but my voice was stuck in my throat. I needed to see Mum.
A few minutes later, the house came into view. Soren parked. He didn’t say more—he just stayed with the car running. I stepped out into a cold breeze. Memories flashed: childhood laughter, endless fields, first training runs.
Mum burst through the door, arms wide. She looked older than I remembered. “Selene!” she cried.
I didn’t wait. I rushed forward, letting her wrap me up. Comfort. Safety. It was a sensation I hadn't experienced for quite some time.
“Selene, I miss you so much.”
“I missed you too!” Soren’s warmth joined hers as he hugged us both.
Dad stood back, asking, “Where’s our little Lea? Sleeping in the car?”
My heart dropped. Soren’s eyes met mine. I froze. The men by the car stepped forward and carried her coffin through the doorway like it was just another box.
Mum gasped. Dad stared, hands shaking. They looked at me, fear filling their eyes.
Then they held me tight. Mum’s tears soaked my jacket; Dad’s arms steadied me.
The house went quiet. We followed the coffin inside.
Sitting around the living room, I spilled it all.
The attack. Jonas is is leaving me behind. His cold shifts toward me and little Lea. The betrayal. I am filled with anger. The lies. The emptiness. I didn’t hold back.
Mum whispered through tears, and and Soren glared, fists tight as ropes. He appeared prepared to charge into Lauterbrunnen Crest Pack and rip Jonas apart.
I put a hand on his arm. “It’s okay. I’m alive. That’s what counts. I don’t want revenge.”
Mum, her voice soft but steady: “You’re safe now. You made the right choice. This place is home, Selene. Always.”
I gave her a shaky smile. I felt lighter for the first time in days. “I belong here.”
Dad, gripping the doorway frame, spoke low and broken: “Even so… Jonas took our daughter. He hurt her, then ignored her.”
Mum stepped forward, calm but firm: “Let’s give our granddaughter a proper goodbye.”
Soren nodded. “The funeral director is booked for" tomorrow morning.”
I whispered a quiet thank you to him.
Soren leaned in, low voice: “And the attack... you said it felt planned. Some whispers say it wasn’t random.”
“I’ll talk more at Alpha Emil’s office,” I said, breath-catching.
Soren’s tone softened. “We’ll sort it. You’re safe.”
I walked into Alpha Emil’s office, heart thumping. Memories chased me: me and Soren as kids, running to bring lunch to Dad at Silver Alp Pack. The office felt the same, but everything had changed.
Emil stood behind his big desk. He’d grown up too. Watching him now was like seeing a king. He smiled softly and reached out his hand.
“Selene, you’re back.”
I smiled, a smirk pulling on my lips. “Do I call you Em? Or Alpha Emil now?”
Soren chuckled next to me. “Still the same wise leader, I hope.”
Emil’s face softened and then hardened. His eyes locked on mine. “Tell me about the attack. What happened?”
I took a deep breath.
“In over three years as Luna, I’ve never seen us start fights. We stayed close with our neighbors. But that night… it felt deliberate. Like someone chose us.”
Emil nodded, seriously. “That’s dangerous." Soren, could you please reach out to the other Betas? We need a council.”
He turned to me, voice soft. “You held up strong.”
I shrugged. “I had to.”
After they got to planning, Emil and I talked about nothing heavy. I told him about my new work as a farming advisor and how I’d managed life since the raid.
He relaxed and joked about goats and cows. I laughed. I felt like myself again.
As I said I needed a rest, I left the office. My phone rang. I paused—it was Nelly, Jonas’s sister. I would rather not answer, but she’d keep calling.
“Hello, Nelly.”
Her voice was shaking. “Selene, you need to go back to Lauterbrunnen tomorrow.”
My stomach clenched. “Why?”
Her voice quivered. “Jonas... he lost control. His wolf went feral last night. He’s out in the woods, and no one can bring him back.”
The words hit me. I didn’t expect this. Part of me... pity flickered. But I stifled it.
He’d hurt me. Hurt Lea. He deserved his break.
“Listen, Nelly,” I kept my voice cool. I won’t go back to someone who doesn’t care about me. I’ve moved to Alpine Shadow Pack. Do not call me again.”
Silence on her end. Then she found the words: “He’s still your husband!”
“He’s not,” I said. “He’s already bound to his mate." She can help him.”
I hung up. Phone back in my bag.
Aurin stirred in my mind, sadness and loyalty swirling.
“Don’t worry, Aurin. We’ll make a new start. You and I.”
Although I could hear her faint voice in my head, she said, "It still hurts."
I paused, petting the bag strap. Her echo drifted inside me as I sensed eyes on my back.
My pulse jumped. I looked behind me. Someone was watching.
Any new names or places I missed?
- Writer
