Divided

Chapter 7: Breakfast

After our encounter with Leah, I ordered the men to stay either at the pack house, or at their individual cabins. I didn't want anyone close to her, not before I was completely sure that there was no danger. I was willing to give this girl a chance. I had to. Especially after she showed true remorse when I confronted her. 

She broke her silence and told me about her past, which couldn't have been easy. Knowing what I know now, I fully understand why she's so strange and reserved.

The death of a mate, is the hardest thing our kind could ever face. The bond between mates is anything but superficial - it's the most intimate experience. The ritual links minds and souls and is performed by The Gifted. All but the individual's body is divided, and half is given to their mate - so that they literally become each other's, other half.

Leah not only suffered the loss of a part of her, but she also lost her people. I am surprised that she's alive. Most wolves who lost a partner, usually don't live long. They find it unbearable to go on and most commit suicide, or die of grief. That must be why she was in such bad shape when we found her. I'm more convinced than ever that she would have died without our intervention; if not at the hands of the UAC, then definitely because of her loss. 

Leah is stronger than she looks and I realize that I have a new found respect for her.

Breakfast at the barracks became routine. It was just the three of us: Ryan, Leah and me. Ryan wasn't supposed to be part of it, but he refused to stay away. He always came up with a different excuse to be around her. After the second morning, I decided to let him be. His persistence probably had something to do with the promise he made at the start, to take responsibility of her.

But his involvement was starting to annoy me, and I had no idea why. I know I should be thankful that he's willing to step in and take care for her. Because if it weren't for him, she would have been my responsibility. And that would have made my life with Tanya unbearable.

Tanya moved to her parents' house after she heard that the girl was actually a Luna. I couldn't say that I was surprised. I was expecting some kind of lash out. But nothing as dramatic as this. She made it very clear that we're still together, but that we needed some space. I hated the fact that it disrupted my life, but I knew she was right. Time apart might be good for us, if only to calm down and realign before we resume our life together.

This morning I arrived at the barracks to find both Ryan and Leah in the kitchen. Ryan was talking up a storm about the upcoming ranch bash, while he scrambled eggs. And Leah was busy with the kettle. Neither of them noticed me, so I stood in the doorway and just observed her for a moment. Her long brown curls looked healthier and for the first time, I noticed that she had put on some much needed weight. The jeans she wore looked good on her - it didn't sag off her hips and legs like it used to. Just then she turned around, her smile faded when she saw me. She was still pale, but I noticed that there was a splash of color to her cheeks.

"Morning." I said, trying to hide my embarrassment at being caught staring. Ryan spun around with a smile of his own.

"Didn't see you there." He was in his element, "I am teaching Leah to work the kitchen."

"Nice." I replied dryly, a bit put off by her reaction towards my presence. But she surprised me when she turned around and walked up to me with a cup. Like a child, she took small steps, as she tried her best not to spill the contents. She looked up at me with those big green eyes and handed me the cup. This time the hint of a smile that played at the corners of her mouth, was meant for me.

"It's tea." She murmured in the softest voice, and turned around.

"Thanks." Was all I could manage through my slightly separated lips.

"I hope you like tea." Ryan broke through the trans as he chuckled from the stove, "It's the only thing I taught her so far. Maybe tomorrow you could show her how to make that black bile, you call coffee."

She busied herself with the toaster, and I found myself staring once more. I literally shook my head in an attempt to compose myself. But my eyes would keep drifting towards her. So I took my tea and headed to the table. This distance thing with Tanya was beginning to drive me mad. She hasn't even been away for a week and I am already intrigued by the attention of other females. I'll have to go see her after breakfast.

"Do you reckon Leah could join everyone on Friday?" Ryan asked as he placed a plate in front of me. He sat down at my left and Leah took her seat next to him.

"I don't think so." I said simply and started to focus on the food in front of me. After I swallowed my first bite I realized that Ryan was staring at me. "What?" I looked at him.

"Would you reconsider?" He asked lower, obviously stunned by my abrupt response.

"No." I snapped. "You're being inappropriate." I said and without lifting my eyes, nudged my head in the girl's direction.

"Jack..." He started.

"What part of inappropriate don't you understand?" I erupted and lifted my eyes to him furiously. "For God's sake! She is sitting right there." I pointed my fork at her and found two big emeralds staring back at me. "If you don't want her to be alone during the bash, you can keep her company. Here." I said loudly, my anger fueled by some inexplicable emotion, "But she is not coming." I was riled up, and forcefully pushed my half empty plate forward and my chair back. "It's only been six days since she tried to rip your throat out." I said before I could help myself and stood up.

"Calm down." Ryan said slowly, as he came to a stand, placing himself directly in between me and the girl. "I'm sorry for bringing it up. You're right, it's inappropriate." I could feel myself calm down a bit. The anger that was heading to blind rage, simmered down to just agitation.

"In the future, Ryan, choose a better time and place." I said acidly before I walked out and headed for the pack house.