99 No-Shows Later, My Son Calls Him Alpha & We Left

Chapter 4

Lauren's POV:

Benjamin didn't return until after midnight.

He sat on the edge of the bed and cheerfully recounted everything that had happened at Grace's house.

"Lauren, you should ask Grace for parenting advice sometime. Thomas is just like I was at his age."

When I didn't respond, he gently shook my shoulder.

"What's wrong? I'm throwing Thomas a graduation party tomorrow at 2 p.m. As the Luna, you need to be there."

"I'll be there."

Satisfied with my answer, Benjamin let the matter drop.

The next morning, he teased me when he saw me packing a suitcase.

"We're only going to a party. Why do you need a suitcase?"

"I'm deciding what to keep and what to leave behind," I said evenly.

Benjamin studied the suitcase, then took my hand. "Lauren, you promised you'd never leave me, didn't you?" His voice was strangely cautious.

My stomach dropped. Had he discovered my plan?

Before I could answer, he glanced at the time.

"Keep sorting things out. I have to take Thomas to his graduation ceremony."

He picked up the breakfast the housekeeper had prepared and left.

I watched him leave and silently answered the question he had left hanging.

'I did. But this time, Gabriel has given up on you too, Benjamin.'

Packing didn't take long. I left behind everything connected to my position as Luna and took only a few changes of clothes.

At the front door, I looked back at the house where I had spent half my life. I had expected grief. Instead, I felt numb.

"Gabriel, are you absolutely sure?"

Gabriel was only 8, and I needed to know this wasn't just anger talking.

"I'm sure, Mom. I don't want him as my dad anymore."

"Then we're leaving."

While Gabriel and I waited at the boarding gate, Benjamin called. I declined the call, and two messages arrived a moment later.

Benjamin: Why aren't you answering?

Benjamin: It's almost 2 p.m. Take a cab to the party. I'm shopping with Grace and Thomas.

A third message followed.

Benjamin: Remember to wear the dress Grace gave you.

He still had no idea we were leaving. As I looked at the plane waiting beyond the terminal window, I sent him one final message.

Lauren: Benjamin, you may be a good Alpha, but you've failed as my mate and Gabriel's father. Gabriel and I don't want you in our lives anymore.

Then I turned off my phone and boarded the flight with Gabriel.

End of Lauren's POV.