“Precious, aren’t they?” he said, not turning as the door clicked shut behind me.
I followed his gaze to the children, their giggles infectious as they chased one another in carefree abandon. A small smile tugged at my lips. “They are.”
Then, he turned, his eyes piercing, his next words slicing through the tranquil moment.
“Tell me,” he asked, his tone low but weighty, “would you go to the ends of the earth to protect them?”
“I…”
I wasn’t sure how to respond. It wasn’t a difficult question. Of course, anyone with a sound mind would say yes, but I know that wasn’t the answer he was looking for.
Alpha Lycus’s gaze softened, his expression painted with a hint of sadness.
“I’ll never forget the day you arrived at Crimson Wolf.” He sighed. “The tragedy of your old pack took every bit of joy from your face, and seeing that was heartbreaking.”
“Alpha, where are you heading with this?” I asked.
Alpha Lycus puffed a cloud of smoke and continued, “What Jena did was terrible, and I know nothing I’ll do would be enough to make up for what had happened, but I’d still want to. You’re like a daughter to me and I wouldn’t want you to suffer,” he said, making it harder for me to respond.
I know he meant well and I have always appreciated him treating me like family after I lost mine, but I’m not dull. Jena was his flesh and blood, and I’m only a mutt he pitied and picked up. So, I wouldn’t decline his kindness even if he did this for Jena.
I thought deeply about what I wanted from this exchange and could only think of freedom.
“I’d like some time away. I’ll settle everything before leaving,” I said, firmly.
Alpha Lycus understood what I meant and nodded. “Alright. I’ve been meaning to send you on vacation, but knowing you, you’d rather work than relax so I’m sending you to an aid mission with Gamma Brandon. You’ll leave next week.”
“Thank you.” I smiled.
He did know me well. Gamma Brandon’s missions took months to complete. This was a perfect opportunity to get away from Axel. I know how greedy he was. He took all he could and played with our hearts. He’d never let me go even if he was secretly bonded with Jena.
Mate bonds were a crazy work of mystery, but I knew about his betrayal thanks to it. Screw the perfect mate image he wanted us to be. I would never sacrifice myself for their happiness.
I went home past the dark, feeling lighter than I was this morning.