Chapter 5

Alas, I hadn't expected that my recent indifference would make Sebastian think I was sulking.

"Faye, I know you're upset, but an Alpha's promise outweighs everything. Wait for me. Once I've fully taken control of the pack, I'll bring Leo back to get you."

When I didn't respond, Sebastian merely frowned as he watched me continue stuffing his jacket into the suitcase.

He gave me the exact same promise as in my previous life, but in a gentle tone. However, I wasn't going to spend years waiting in an empty apartment for that promise ever again.

"Mm. Okay. I know. I understand." I zipped up the suitcase, brushing him off as I spoke blandly.

When he noticed that I had no intention of continuing the conversation, he turned even more silent. There was a look I couldn't decipher on his face. His sharp, invasive gaze lingered on me for a long moment before he finally turned and left.

…

Early the next morning, I was woken by the sound of engines outside the window.

The moment I opened my eyes, I remembered that this was the day Sebastian and Leo would leave.

Well, it just so happened that this was also the day I would leave.

Voices drifted in from the yard, along with the faint smell of pancakes and bacon in the air.

When I stepped outside, I saw that Elina was in the kitchen making breakfast.

Leo stood beside her, his small body leaning forward eagerly as he stared at the freshly made pancakes. Elina smiled gently and used a fork to feed him a piece.

"It's so good! Ms. Elina, your cooking is even better than Mama's!"

"Really? In that case, I'll make it for you every day after we return to the territory." The smile on Elina's face deepened.

As they spoke, Sebastian walked over to them. "Elina, you're a loyalist of the territory. Cooking isn't something you need to do."

Elina blinked and replied softly, "We're heading back to the territory soon. I might as well get used to these things in advance. After all, I'll have to take care of you and Leo in her place since she's not coming with us."

Sebastian fell silent.

After a while, he said in a low voice, "Thank you for your hard work."

He had his back to me. Therefore, I couldn't see his expression. Yet, I could tell that he was wearing a tender expression from his tone alone.

At that moment, Leo reached out and grabbed both their hands. "Papa, Ms. Elina, don't worry. I'll take care of myself. I won't hold you back."

His earnest, childish declaration immediately drew laughter from the yard.

Well, that lasted until my presence broke it.

All three of them noticed me this time. Elina spoke first, her eyes carrying a soft smile. "Faye, you're awake. Come try the bacon I just made."

She stood there with the air of a hostess. From where I stood, it looked as though both Sebastian and Leo were sheltering her.

It reminded me of things from the past.

I had never liked how often Elina came to our house. Nevertheless, it was a fact that she had saved both Sebastian and Leo. Plus, Leo liked her very much, always begging her to come over.

Back then, I'd felt jealous when I saw how close Leo was to her, but I couldn't voice it. So I tried hinting to Sebastian, hoping he would speak up for me.

Unfortunately, he blamed me for being unreasonable. "Leo needs guidance with his wolf instincts. Elina is the best teacher for him. Why would you stop her? Instead of being jealous, you should think about why you can't run through the forest with Leo like she can."

His words had been like a bucket of ice-cold water poured over my head. I had been left speechless.

Later, I understood why. It was simply that my bloodline was too weak, while they were true werewolves.

Leo had always admired Sebastian. He knew his father was no ordinary man and longed to become a powerful warrior like him. Sebastian had high expectations for Leo as well. The two of them often trained together in the forest behind the mountains.

I had wanted to join them. Yet, the things they talked about, like mind link, mate bond, and alpha command… I couldn't understand any of it. Over time, they spoke to me less and less.

Leo even said, "Normal werewolves are already fragile, but Mama is even more fragile."

Yet, he had been born from me, a mother with such weak blood.

It hurt.

So, I stopped involving myself in their training.

When they went hunting, I stayed behind trimming the lawn or baking pies. My days were quiet and peaceful until the day Sebastian took Leo deep into the mountains for training.

Leo was attacked by a grizzly bear. Sebastian was severely injured protecting him, and it was Elina, passing by, who saved them.

Her bloodline carried powerful healing abilities. After she learned of Sebastian's identity, she stayed in our town to seek his protection, training alongside father and son.

One time, Elina came by again.

I wanted to ask her about healing. Since I couldn't fight, I thought at least I could learn bandaging and herbal remedies.

However, Elina merely smiled after hearing me out. There was no warmth in her eyes, just mockery as she sized me up. "Faye, a werewolf's healing ability comes from the power in their bloodline. Yours is almost nonexistent. Don't bother wasting your effort."

I got angry. She wasn't as kind and gentle as Leo claimed. I didn't want Leo getting close to her anymore, so she left due to my outburst.

Later, both Leo and Sebastian blamed me, especially Leo.

He cried and shouted at me, "It's all your fault! You drove Ms. Elina away!"

To calm him, Sebastian drove into the mountains overnight to find Elina and bring her back.

Back then, it had looked just like this with both of them gathered around her, while I stood alone.

I didn't dwell on the faint arrogance and satisfaction in Elina's expression. I simply said, "I'm not hungry." Then, I turned to walk outside. Only then did Sebastian notice the large canvas bag slung over my shoulder, and something within him stirred.

"Faye, where are you going?"

There was a trace of unease in his voice as he stepped forward, blocking my path.

"To the convenience store at the edge of town," I answered plainly. "You're traveling far. You should at least bring some sandwiches for the road."

Leo curled his lip. "Mama, we're going to the airport to take a private jet. We don't need sandwiches from a convenience store."

He thought I was doing something unnecessary again, and I knew that full well. Heck, I was betting on it. After all, I wasn't really going to buy sandwiches.

On the other hand, Sebastian seemed relieved when he heard my answer. "Come back early."

"Okay."

As if.

I walked toward the road.

The misty conifer forests of North Arcton stretched out behind me, the morning breeze brushing past.

The mate bond deep in my chest twisted and tore at me with every step I took, but I didn't look back. I refused to turn even as the pain churned through my stomach.

They had their ancient estate to get to. As for me? Well, I had my own place to be, too.