54. Pushing Away

Laura - The alpha summit

My efforts in preparing for this event have paid off. Everything is sparkling under the chandeliers, from the colorful roses to the neatly arranged ballroom.

One by one, members of Paul’s pack come forth and vouch for me in front of the alphas. Some faces I know all too well, like Maria and even Alin. Some I know less about, like that guy from the tech department whom I helped with that hidden love letter. Even Radu speaks in my favor.

I don’t know why, but every word shakes me to my very core. I’m not worthy of their trust, and I’m not here to stay. Fate brought me here, carrying me like a leaf in the wind. But I wanted a single thing, and that wasn’t to find a family or a place to belong.

To what lengths is Paul willing to go just to keep me by his side? Isn’t he scared that he’ll eventually lose everything just for me?

I feel a twinge of guilt for making him do so much, for making him do all this for me. He shouldn’t have to bear this burden.

My soul craves