Chapter 11

Jamie's Pov

The moon was high over the Vale Pack territory, shining down on the woods that surrounded our pack palace. I stood on the balcony of my mansion, the cool night air on my skin, but it did nothing to calm the turmoil inside me. Cassie was gone and I was to blame. I had made my choice and now I was wondering if I’d made the right one.

Cassie was a low wolf, a mere shadow in the grand hierarchy of our pack. I had rejected her, thinking my duty as Alpha required me to choose someone of higher standing. Alexa, the daughter of one of the elders, was the perfect choice politically. She was strong, capable and had the backing of the pack’s influential families. But as I stood there, looking out into the darkness, I couldn’t help but think of Cassie’s laughter, her spirit and the way she made me feel alive.

“Jamie!” Alexa’s voice cut through my thoughts like a knife. I turned to see her striding into the room, her posture stiff and her expression annoyed. “You’re supposed to be getting ready for the meeting with the elders. They won’t wait forever.”

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. “I know, Alexa. I just needed a minute to think.”

“Think? About what? That low wolf who ran off? You need to focus on our future, not on someone who clearly didn’t belong in our world.” Her tone was sharp and I felt a flicker of anger rise up.

“Cassie was part of this pack, Alexa. She may have been a low wolf but she had a heart and spirit that many of our so-called ‘higher’ wolves lack.” I crossed my arms, trying to keep my voice steady. “You don’t understand what it’s like to be in her position.”

“Don’t lecture me, Jamie.” She stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. “I know exactly what it’s like to be judged by my lineage. But I’ve worked hard to prove myself and I won’t let you throw it all away for someone who didn’t have the strength to stay.”Her words cut deep and I felt my anger surge. “You think strength is all that matters? What about loyalty? Compassion? Cassie had those in spades and you—”

“I’m not here to discuss Cassie!” she snapped, her voice rising. “I’m here to remind you we have a pack to lead. We can’t afford to be distracted by someone who chose to abandon us.”

I clenched my fists, the tension between us crackling. The difference between Alexa and Cassie was stark and clear. Where Cassie had been warm and genuine, Alexa was cold and calculating. She was everything I thought I wanted but now I was questioning if I’d made the right choice.

“Fine,” I said, forcing my voice to remain calm. “Let’s focus on the meeting. But don’t think for a second I’ve forgotten about Cassie. She deserves better than to be dismissed like this.”

Alexa rolled her eyes, her impatience obvious. “You’re being foolish, Jamie. We need to solidify our position and that means showing strength. The elders expect us to be united, not caught up in some romantic fantasy.”

“Is that what you think this is? A fantasy?” I shot back, my frustration boiling over. “Cassie was real, Alexa. She was part of this pack and her absence is felt by more than just me.”

“Then let them feel it,” she snapped. “You’re the Alpha. You can’t show weakness. If you want to lead you need to make hard choices.”

Her words hung in the air, heavy with truth. I knew she was right in some ways but the thought of Cassie alone and lost gnawed at my conscience. I had chosen power over love and now I was left with the bitter taste of regret.

“Let’s just get this over with,” I said, turning away from her. I didn’t want to argue anymore. I needed to focus on the pack, on the future but the shadows of my past loomed large and I couldn’t shake the feeling I’d made a huge mistake.As we walked to the meeting room I couldn’t help but glance out the window, searching for any sign of Cassie. The woods were silent, the moonlight shining on the path she might have taken. Where had she gone? Did she think of me? Did she hate me for what I’d done?

“Jamie, are you even listening?” Alexa’s voice broke through my thoughts again and I turned to see her frowning at me.

“Sorry, I was just—”

“Worrying about Cassie again?” she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “You need to let her go. She made her choice and now you need to make yours.”

I felt a surge of anger at her dismissive attitude. “You don’t get it, do you? This isn’t just about me. It’s about the pack. It’s about loyalty and trust. Cassie may have been a low wolf but she had the heart of a true leader.”

“Leaders don’t dwell on the past, Jamie. They look to the future.” Her voice was firm but I could see the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. “You need to be strong for our pack.”

“Strength isn’t just about power, Alexa. It’s about understanding and compassion. Something you seem to lack.” I couldn’t help but challenge her, the words spilling out before I could stop myself.

“Watch your tone, Alpha,” she warned, her eyes narrowing. “You may be the leader but I won’t let you undermine our future for someone who isn’t even here anymore.”

I took a deep breath, looking to rein in my frustration. “I’m not undermining something. I just need to make sure we don’t neglect the ones who have been part of our lives, even though they’re now not with us.”

“Enough!” she snapped, her voice echoing in the hallway. “We’re here to lead, no longer to mourn. If you do not do this, then maybe you're not fit to be Alpha.”

Her words struck me like a bodily blow, and I felt a mixture of anger and hurt. “You think I want to be this manner? You think I enjoy feeling like this?” I stepped closer, my voice low and extreme. “I didn’t ask for this burden, however I must bring it. For the percent. For Cassie.”

“Then do it,” she said, her voice softer now but still cooperative. “But do it with electricity. We can’t have the funds to reveal our weak spot, Jamie. Not now.”

I nodded, the combat leaving me as I realized she turned into right. I had to recognize the percent, at the destiny we have been building collectively. But as we entered the meeting room, I couldn’t shake the sensation that I changed into losing an element.

Where on earth was Cassie?