Chapter 10
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The Severing of the Pack
Benjamin and Adam settled at the table next to ours, showering Qiana with solicitous attention.
Their Guardian and Shadow wolves, usually reserved, were oddly animated, their attentions focused on the seemingly fragile Omega. Both he–wolves vied for the chance to serve her, their eyes full of an almost unsettling adoration.
Tiffany, her Charm Wolf’s usual calming influence disrupted, was furious, stabbing her steak with such force it almost tore through the meat. But I remained outwardly calm, my Perceptive Wolf sensing the undercurrent of manipulation, and she, sensing my controlled calm, held her tongue.
Soon, we finished the communal meal and departed.
After a final farewell to Tiffany, I returned to our Pack House. That night, Benjamin and Adam didn’t return. I didn’t care. I focused on packing my belongings, preparing to leave.
In the morning, I heard the sounds of their presence. Benjamin and Adam were home; it was moving day.
The thought of their new life, their new home, without me, felt like a strange, detached observation. The noise outside intensified as they began moving furniture and supplies. Ignoring it, I continued checking my luggage, when my mother called. Her voice, always a soothing presence, reached across the
miles.
“Lanie, what time is your departure? We’ll pick you up.”
I checked my transport ticket. “Around seven.”
The door opened. Benjamin and Adam stood there, their expressions hesitant.
Adam casually asked, “Who were you speaking with?”
“Nobody.” I hung up, my voice deliberately cold.
The chill in my tone startled them; my usual warmth was absent. Since Qiana’s arrival, I’d been distant. Their Guardian and Shadow wolves sensed my emotional shift. Benjamin, his Guardian Wolf uneasy, hadn’t thought an explanation was necessary, but my recent behavior kept replaying in his mind, unsettling him.
He spoke impulsively, “Lanie, Qiana is different. She had a harsh upbringing, a difficult life. That’s why I’ve been assisting her. There’s nothing more to it.”
Adam chimed in, “Yeah, we simply feel compassion for her. Besides, didn’t you introduce her to us? Why are you… jealous?”
I remained calm.
“Why are you telling me this?”
They said in unison, Because we care about you!”
We’d grown up together, sharing an unspoken understanding. A single word, a simple gesture, and they’d instinctively know what I needed. They knew I cared deeply. But now, they couldn’t read me anymore. My gaze was cold, detached, as if looking at strangers.
“I don’t care. Didn’t you say you just considered me a friend? She’s your friend too. So why should I care?”
They were speechless. After a long, heavy silence, Benjamin finally said, “Lanie, you know I don’t want to just be friends.”
Adam couldn’t hide his emotion.
“Lanie, you know how I feel about you. Do you truly believe we’re just friends?”
I knew what they were saying. They both liked me, wanted to be with me. But if their way of showing affection involved hurting me for Qiana’s sake, I
couldn’t tolerate it.
I nodded, “Yes, we’ll have a different kind of relationship.” Soon, we wouldn’t even be friends. Just… strangers.
Benjamin’s heart skipped a beat.
Unease washed over him. His Guardian Wolf sensed a profound shift. He was about to speak when the transport arrived to collect my luggage.
I stopped the driver.
You proceed ahead. I’ll take my bags myself.”
Adam was annoyed.“So much luggage! How would you manage? Don’t be difficult. It’s my fault. I apologize.”
1 refused.
< Chapter 10
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“I truly don’t need assistance. Help Qiana. She lives alone, she’s hurt, she can’t move easily. A fragile she–wolf can’t lift heavy things; she needs your help
more.”
Benjamin noticed the sarcasm, his brow furrowing.
His wolf felt a pang of guilt. At that moment, Qiana called.
“Benjamin, Lanie, can you come assist me? I’m so clumsy; I can’t manage anything.” Her vulnerable voice, laced with a calculated sweetness, reached everyone clearly.
They exchanged a look, seeing my firm refusal, and decided to leave. Benjamin hung up, looking at me.“Qiana needs help. I’ll go.”
Adam grabbed his keys.“Me too.”
Before leaving, Benjamin hesitated.“Lanie, I know you won’t listen now. I made a reservation. After we move into the new den, let’s all Kave dinner. I’ll explain everything about Qiana later.” He rushed out the door before I could give an answer.
I smirked, looking at their retreating forms. Explain later?
There was no later for us. And Benjamin and Adam’s actions had already said more than any explanation could.
My communicator buzzed. A message from Qiana, dripping with malice.
“Sorry, Lanie. I guess I managed to get Benjamin and Adam to leave you again. We’ll all be living together now. Take care!”
I smiled, typing a reply.
“It’s important that you three have a fulfilling life together. I’m departing.” I blocked Qiana after sending the message. Then Benjamin. Then Adam. My contacts were empty. They were gone from my life. Finally, I picked up my suitcase, walked out of that house filled with memories, and never looked
back.
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