CHAPTER TWO

Elara's POV

“I, Jude Walker of Night Guard Pack, reject you, Elara Phillips of Night Guard Pack.” His voice sliced through the air, cold and final, like a blade cutting through everything we’d built.

I stood frozen for a moment, my hands shaking at my sides, the weight of his rejection pressing down on me. My throat burned, but I forced myself to speak, to hold onto the last shred of dignity I had left. “I, Elara Phillips of Night Guard Pack, accept your rejection.” My voice was low, trembling with all the pain I was trying so hard to keep inside. Each word felt like it was ripping something out of me, something vital, something I’d never get back.

A sharp pain pierced through my chest— The mate bond. It had completely shattered and it was fucking painful.

I didn’t look at him again, couldn’t bear to see the indifference in his eyes or the smug curve of Lily’s lips as she sat there, wrapped in his blanket, claiming what I thought was mine.

I turned to pick up all that I had bought before stumbling out of his room, my legs heavy. My heart was pounding so loud that it drowned out the music still thumping from his speakers. The hallway stretched out before me, and it wasn’t empty. Maids moved around as they tried to carry out their daily tasks, but one could tell that they knew what went on within those closed doors.

By the side of the hall stood Jude’s mother, the Luna, her face unreadable. Normally, I’d have bowed my head, offered a greeting, shown the respect drilled into me since I was a kid. But tonight, with the sting of their betrayal burning in my gut, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. She’d known. She’d told Jude to stay away from me, to choose someone “worthy,” someone stronger than my weak wolf. She’d smiled at me, welcomed me into their home, all while whispering behind my back that I wasn’t good enough for her son. The hypocrisy of it made my stomach twist, and I kept my eyes forward, my jaw tight, as I walked past  her.

The cool night air hit me as I stepped outside, the pack house looming behind me like a shadow I couldn’t shake. The sky was dark, the moon hidden behind thick clouds, and the ground was slick with the earlier rain. I didn’t know where I was going, only that I needed to move, to put distance between me and that room, that bed, that betrayal.

“Elara?” My father’s voice cut through the haze, warm and surprised, pulling me up short. He was just outside the Alpha’s Palace, his broad figure outlined in the dim light, his guard uniform slightly rumpled from a long shift. He stepped closer, his smile wide but his eyes squinting in the darkness, trying to make sense of me being there. “What are you doing here, kiddo? Aren't you supposed to be back at school?"

"Your mom’s gonna be thrilled to see you. Happy birthday, my girl!” His voice was so full of joy, so unaware of the storm raging inside me, it almost broke me all over again. “We should be the ones surprising you, but you’re always full of surprises. Come on, let’s get home.”

He reached out, his hand brushing my arm, and I caught the familiar scent of him, the one that always made me feel safe, like I was a kid again curled up on his lap. But tonight, it wasn’t enough to anchor me. The darkness hid my face, and I was grateful for it, because I didn’t want him to see the tears threatening to fall or the way my lips trembled. “I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me,” he chuckled, shaking his head. “Your perfume gave you away, though. I’d know it anywhere.”

Before I could respond, a light flickered on above us, one of the motion sensors outside the Palace kicking in. The harsh glow spilled over me, and my father’s smile faltered, his eyes widening as he finally saw my face. “Elara! What happened to you?” His voice cracked with worry, his hands reaching for me, hovering like he wasn’t sure if he should touch me or not. I must’ve looked like a mess—eyes red, cheeks wet, my hair tangled from running my hands through it too many times.

“I’m fine,” I lied, my voice barely above a whisper. “Just… go finish your duty, Dad. I’ll head home.” I tried to sound steady, but the words wobbled, betraying me.

He frowned, his brows knitting together, and I could see the questions piling up in his eyes. “It’s not time yet, but I’ll sign off early.  Wait for me, okay? I’ll be quick.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak again, and watched as he hurried back toward the Alpha’s Palace, his steps quick with purpose. I turned away, my feet moving before I could think, carrying me down the path toward home. But my mind was a mess, a tangle of Jude’s cold eyes, Lily’s smug voice, the weight of his rejection sinking deeper with every step. Home felt like it was slipping further away, like the ground itself was stretching out beneath me, pulling me into some endless void.

I didn’t notice the shift at first— My thoughts were too loud, drowning out everything else. I just kept walking, my boots sinking into the damp ground, the scent of pine and earth replacing the pack’s familiar warmth.

It wasn’t until I saw the deserted area that I realised that I had gone beyond our border. Oh shit!

I didn’t even know how far I was from the pack’s border, all I knew was that I’d never been here on foot before.

This was a major road which always got deserted at night. Right from when we were little, we had been warned to stay away from this road around times like this.

I picked my phone to check the time, and also to reach my father before I would become a victim of those stories I used to hear as a little kid.

“Shit!” I cursed as I stared at the red bar of my phone.

1%? Oh Goddess— can this day get any worse?

Tears tug at my lashes but I tried to fight them back, tried to stay strong as I began to retrace my steps.

I dialled furiously on my phone, hopefully I’ll be able to reach my father before my phone turns off, else— I’m doomed.

My dad and mom had left me several missed calls already, but because my phone had been on DND, I didn’t even realise it had been ringing in my bag.

We were told that from 9pm onwards, the major road was subject to thieves, kidnappers and those guys were mostly rogues. But then, I’m out here alone by 11:38pm.

Fuck you Jude!  I cursed within me. I should have just stayed back when Anita said to. Now look who’s the fool.

God! I feel like an idiot.

“Dad please pick up!” I cried into the phone.

Thankfully, I had his voice on the second ring. But then the network out here— oh shit! My phone finally tripped off.

“No, no, no... Please.”

My heart was beating really fast as I quickened my pace and started hurrying back.

The journey seemed unending and my foot was already hurting, plus the silence was creepy. That alone was enough to bring me to tears.

Goddess please help me!