Chapter 8

“Thalia!” I gasped, my eyes making out the blazing green eyes in the dark. “I thought you were asleep.”

“Yeah, right.” She hissed, her voice cutting through the dark like a blade. “You were just going to slip away like a thief. Really, Raya?”

“It is not as you think, Tee.” I sighed, moving closer to take her hands, but she pulled back. “I don’t know how—” I tried to look for words to describe my state, but none could come out, and she shook her head.

“You are truly heartless, Raya. Were you really going to leave with that? Only a goodbye whisper in the dark, and I would never see you again? Really?” Her voice rose, her anger becoming so noticeable that I winced from the impact.

“I am sorry.” I whispered, finally reaching for her hand and squeezing it gently. “I am horrible at goodbyes; I just… I wish I wouldn’t have to.”

“That is a pathetic excuse.” She hissed, eyeing me, but I could already detect the crack in her voice, and my lips twitched in a smile.

“I know, and I am sorry.” I whispered, pulling her into a fierce hug before she could resist. “I will miss you, Tee.” I blinked back the tears that had begun to pool in my eyes, refusing to start any waterworks again, not at the risk of looking like a gargoyle.

Her shoulders slumped, her hands wrapping around me so tightly I was convinced she wanted to fuse with me. “I will miss you too. Who is going to braid my hair now? Who is going to fangirl with me over hot men?”

I laughed quietly, the action bringing the tears out of my eyes. “Shh. It is alright; I will always be here with you in the spirit.”

And we clung to each other, immersing ourselves in our scent, pretending that this will be enough.

We washed our faces, and Thalia helped with my bag before we headed downstairs. The living area was already overflowing with people. Families fawning over their members that would be leaving for another pack.

My eyes scanned the area, my heart still clinging to the hope that I would see the people who shared the same DNA with me, but my search came back fruitless, and my throat burned.

I knew I hadn’t let them know of my departure, but it wouldn’t hurt if they had tried to look for me. Everyone knew that the pack would be leaving today; surely they knew I would go with my mate.

I took another deep breath, trying to calm the storm raging in my heart. It was no use getting angry. After today I ceased to be their family, and I would be joined to another one.

Maybe they could even learn one or two on how to treat family better.

I chose to focus on the families saying their goodbyes, their tearful departure almost moving me to tears, and across the room, I sighted Theo.

His arms were looped protectively around his mate, his mouth in her ear as he whispered what could be comforting words.

My hands shot up, my eyes lighting up in recognition at a familiar face, and I waved, excited there was someone else that would at least be sad to see me go.

My feet were already making their way towards him, but he raised his head, his eyes finding mine, and they hardened into slits.

The warmth drained so fast from his face, replaced by a cold demeanor and a certain unfriendliness in them, and I stumbled, almost taken aback by the hatred in them.

“Theo...” The name slipped out of my lips, unable to believe such a reaction. We had shared so much together. He had been my first everything—kiss, fuck, love—yet he looked at me like I was nothing.

Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked furiously, swallowing the sob that was making its way out of my throat. I was fast becoming a crybaby, but I refuse to shed tears for any of the people here.

“It is alright,” Thalia’s voice brought me back to reality, and I snapped back to reality. I was still outside where everyone could see my reaction.

“I am fine; I was just—”

“Raya.” A voice I was fast recognizing as mine called me, and my eyes slowly widened, my heart beating fast. I turned towards the sound of the voice, my eyes slowly raking over him.

“Micah.” I sighed, a wave of relief washing over me.

“Where have you been? I have been looking for you.” He asked, concern dripping in his question, and I shook my head, too choked up with emotions to even reply.

Theo may have acted like I didn’t exist, but there was someone that cared enough about me, and that was alright for me.

“I was getting ready to leave.” I told him after I had gathered myself, and we stood awkwardly until Thalia pinched my hand. I raised my head to meet her gaze, and she gave me a pointed look. “This is Thalia, my best friend; she came to see me off.” I explained, and Micah gave her a small voice.

“It is nice to meet you, Thalia, and thanks for taking care of my girl.” He told her, his voice a deep baritone, and I think I melted into the floor.

I was his girl??

“It is my pleasure.” Thalia’s voice had gone to a lower register, her eyes on the ground, suddenly shy, and I shook my head. At least I wasn’t the only one affected by him.

We stood for a moment in an awkward silence just looking at the people bidding goodbyes to their loved ones, and their departures were slowly winding down when Micah turned to me.

“Where are your families? Aren’t they coming along?” He asked, and I stared like a deer caught in a trap, unable to form words to say.

“They have already said their goodbyes.” Thalia spoke up, rescuing me, and I shot her a grateful look. I don’t think I was ready to let Micah know about how horrible they were.

“Alright.” There was hesitation in his voice, but he didn’t push further, something I was grateful for.

We all filed out of the pack house to the garage where their cars had been lined up, and Micah guided me into one.

I stared outside, at Thalia waving furiously even as the tears continued to flow from her cheeks, and I couldn’t hide mine anymore.

They broke free, streaming down my cheeks until the world blurred, until everything I had ever known was gone, replaced by an unknown.