Chapter 6

Elana POV

I have a mate, a sister, both of my parents, but I’m out of a place to call home.  Still, I refuse to let that stop me. With help from Alexis, I moved into a shabby little apartment with Gabby.

 I don’t have to force a smile on my face as I look around at the small apartment.  It may not be much, but it is Gabby’s and mine. It’s a home so long as she’s here. Victor can’t reach us here.  Not that I think he would come anyway.  My happiness turns to devastation as thoughts of him enter my mind.  Quickly, I push them away.  I won’t think about him.  Not right now. 

 The smaller of the two bedrooms is still full of boxes, but that is okay.  Gabby will want to sleep with me anyway.  She says the apartment makes weird noises, and she is scared.  I tried to convince her that it is just the radiator, but she is sure it is monsters.

 The rest of the apartment is set up nicely.  Alexis and I found a nice bed and couch in a thrift shop that she insisted on buying for me.  I did my best to talk her out of it, but she insisted.  I spent the car ride home promising I would pay her back.  When Victor approached me with divorce and rejection, I swore I would never rely on anyone ever again.

When Victor took me as his mate, I gave up my dreams of going to college.  At the time, I didn’t mind.  I was so in love that I would have walked across fire for him.  Never did I expect to be in this situation.  Lesson learned.  Never rely on anyone again.  They will only break your heart.  

 Next week I start working at the local college’s library.  They will be paying me a small salary, along with covering my tuition for classes.  With the money I make from the library, plus Victor’s child support, I hope to make ends meet.

 I am filling up all my time to force myself not to think about him, think about the dreadful mate bond severe ritual that’s coming.

 Someone knocks on the door, tearing me from my thoughts.  I open it to see Alexis standing on the other side.  She is radiant as ever, but I can see the concern in her eyes. 

 “Is that what you are planning on wearing?”  She asks as she comes through the door. 

 I look down at the simple dress I have picked out for the evening.  I thought I looked nice.  “Yes?” I reply.

 “Absolutely not,” she shoves me back down the hall.  “You need to look stunning.” 

 Gabby is coloring quietly at the kitchen table, but I know her nosely little ears are listening.  I don’t want to discuss this in front of her. 

 “I am being rejected,” I hiss through my teeth.  “Why would I want to look stunning?” 

 “To show him what he is giving up,” Alexis sighs as if it is obvious. 

 “He has already made…”

 “Shut up and listen,” she snaps at me.  “You are going to shower, shave above the knees, put on makeup, and that little black dress I bought you.”

 “I don’t have time for all of that,” I call after her, but Alexis has already walked into the kitchen. 

 I look at my reflection and realize that Alexis is probably right.  She usually is. 

After following all of Lexi’s directions, I take one final look at the mark on my neck. This is the last time I will see it.  Tonight, I will stand with Victor in front of the rest of the pack, and I will be rejected.  The bond that holds us together will snap.  I have been warned it is painful.   I want to say that I lie to myself and everyone else who has come to terms with what is about to happen, but that would be a lie.

My chest constricts as I think about it.  Victor may not have been the adoring mate, but I thought we were willing to make it work.  I thought my love for him would be enough for both of us.   After Gabby was born, we were happy for a short time. I thought he had forgotten all about Lara. I guess I was wrong.

I walk out into the main room, and Alexis looks up. 

"Are you ready?" She asks.

I pull my hair over my mark and grab my purse. "Bedtime is at 8:00 p.m., and there will be no ice cream before bed."

"You are such a party pooper," Alexa jokes, but it only lightens the mood slightly.

Before I can reply, Alexis pulls me into her arms. She squeezes me tightly.

"You have always been too good for him," she tells me. "This is a beautiful beginning to the rest of your life."

“He is the Alpha,” I roll my eyes.  “If anything, he was too good for me, and he finally realized it.” 

Alexis chews on her lip.  “Have you heard from Damon?” 

I bristle at the question.  “No, why would I have?”  I understand Lara would like, but why is everyone talking about Damon now? He knows if he comes back, he comes for his death.

“It’s just that Lara said he was coming, and I haven’t seen him.  I thought maybe you were hiding him,” she whispers. 

“I cannot hide a killer,” I sigh.  “I may no longer be the Luna of this pack, but I would never put the pack in danger like this.” 

“No one saw Damon do it,” Alexis defends him.

I groan in frustration.  “He was seen, Alexis.  He was seen escaping from the window of his father’s office.  I didn’t want to believe it, but the evidence was overwhelming.”

“Are you sure you aren’t trying to protect Victor?”  Alexis accuses me.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” I scoff.  “He cheated on me.  I don’t care what happens to him.”  It is a lie, and we both know it.  But what I don’t expect is for her to call me on it.

“Do you know he cheated?” Alexis sighs. 

“Whose side are you on?” I snap at her. 

“Yours,” she whispers. 

“Bedtime is at 8:00 p.m.,” I hiss before I slam the door behind me.

As I walk into the apartment complex parking lot, I get the feeling that I am being watched. The sun is setting, and it is causing weird shadows to be cast onto the ground.

A familiar scent swarms around me, a scent I haven't smelled in five years. I spin around, taking in the whole parking lot, but I am alone.

Maybe I am just hallucinating that he is here.  I miss him so much.  He was my best friend for so long.  He would have never let his brother treat me this way. 

The wind rustles the trees behind me, and I spin around.  I swear I see eyes peering through the bushes. 

"Damon?" I whisper. Nothing but wind. I huff, laughing at myself. All the talk about him is making me paranoid.