chapter 5

The next morning the rush called packing began. My mum had stayed with me, which was fine with me. If we never saw each other again, these were our final hours.

I could barely open an eye, but no human or werewolf could sleep in my position.

My head was far too confused, inside I was completely restless. That wasn't particularly surprising, after all, Lilia had also isolated herself. When your own wolf was so absent, you were missing a part.

Ten thousand thoughts shot through my head, which is why I didn't have a really clear one. So I tried to concentrate on my current task.

Packing was tedious and boring in itself, but a distraction nonetheless.

My mum helped me and cleared her throat to get my attention. I looked at her questioningly and she said, "Then we'll find you something nice to wear."

She was already rummaging through my closet for a suitable outfit and I just watched her. Basically, I didn't care what I wore.

Maybe I got traded if the Alpha thought I was ugly. The idea was comforting and great. I should cling to that and start praying. Maybe the moon goddess was kind to me.

Excited, she asked, "How about a dress? That would be beautiful." She pulled out a short white dress and I raised an eyebrow.

I was honest with the answer, otherwise we would have an eternal discussion. "Mum, I don't want to impress that man one bit. I don't care what he thinks of me. This is a purchase."

She paused and the smile faded. I got a guilty conscience because it had probably been too direct.

I sighed and stood next to her. After taking a deep breath, I said, "Sorry. I'm just stressed."

My mum turned back to the closet and said, "No, you're right. Choose what you want to wear."

I was amazed at how quickly she responded. In itself it should relieve me, but the guilty conscience was still present.

With a sigh, I sorted through my clothes. Something suitable was sure to be found in my closet.

I had already ruled out dresses and the same applied to skirts. So I looked for a pair of pants and some sort of top.

In the end, I settled on blue jeans. It may be skin tight, but that was less prettifying than if I had put on a dress. I rounded off the outfit with a black top. It was something simple and that was perfect.

After I changed, my mum waved my hair. Thoughtfully she said: "Hmm. I could..." I immediately cut her off and slapped her hand away. "No, Mum. I'm leaving my hair down."

She should be grateful, actually I could tie her up in a tangle. But I wanted to accommodate her a bit.

She said: "I'm sure he'll find you attractive, no matter what you look like. You're still our most beautiful flower. He'll probably die with your beauty." She wanted to cheer me up with that and I had to laugh a little. She tried hard, but there was a funny mood.

We finished packing our suitcases together, we could chat a bit and try to pretend everything was normal.

~~~

So the time passed very quickly. Maybe it was because I didn't want it to be ten o'clock.

My sisters were no longer to be seen, which was lucky for me. Another drama would be unnecessary.

My father wouldn't say goodbye either, at least he had long since left the house. Maybe he had a guilty conscience, but that was unlikely with this man.

Jason was seriously in jail. To top it all Ana as well. She was my brother's mate and a very nice woman. I got along well with her, one of the few people in this family who loved me.

We had a long conversation about the Mindlink that night, but it didn't lead to anything. It was written in stone that I had to go.

It was now a quarter to nine and I was getting more and more nervous with every minute that 

My mum helped me take my luggage outside. She was carrying a large suitcase and a tote bag. I was assigned my handbag and a small suitcase.

She had always been a strong woman, she carried that with ease. I, on the other hand, was slim and small. I wasn't known as a giant then. Of course I could have done it on my own, but help never hurt.

We had just put all our bags down when my father came into view. He came towards us and looked angry. The nightmare par excellence came crawling and he seemed to be drunk again.

Arriving in front of me, he stopped and glared at me. This man of all people was upset when I was supposed to be the one who was mad at him. Given his actions, that would be justified.

Bitterly, he said, "Layla, get the fuck together. No matter what Alpha Blackmoon tells you, you do it, no arguments. Hopefully this gets through your stubborn skull."

Not intimidated one bit, I cocked my head. I put on a puzzled expression and asked, "Why should I obey your commands any longer? I'll be part of another pack soon. Your opinion doesn't mean a damn there."

He reached out to hit me, but my mum held his hand. She said quietly, "Please, not today." My dad snatched his hand from my mum and we locked eyes for a few seconds.

A miracle happened because he roughly grabbed her arm and pulled her with him. No further word had been addressed to me and the blow had failed to materialise.

My mum looked back at me and a tear ran down her cheek. She said: "I love you very much, Layla. Take good care of yourself." I smiled bravely at her and replied, "Me too."

Shortly thereafter, the two disappeared into the house.

Unfortunately, he had bid us a proper farewell. At least we could spend the morning together.

That was probably the last time I saw my mum.

I had just sat down on the big suitcase when Finns came through the front gate. He looked thoughtful while studying the floor. He'd probably been looking for a way out all night.

Yesterday I let him know in the Mindlink when the departure time was, which is why he wanted to come by.

I stood up again and my best friend looked up. For a moment he looked surprised and then he tried a smile.

His hair was all messy and there were small circles under his eyes. That was proof of a sleepless night.

When I got there, he wrapped both arms around me. I returned it and squeezed once firmly. He rested his cheek on my head and silence fell between us. Sometimes words were superfluous, a simple gesture could do the trick.

I often wished he was my mate. Finns was kind, polite, accommodating, helpful and always there for me. Unfortunately it never happened to us.

We let go of each other and then Finns handed me a bag that I hadn't even noticed. Apparently I was too engrossed to take a good look at him again.

I asked urgently, "What's in there?" My curiosity made him smile, only it didn't reach his eyes. That's the moment I focused on surprise because I got tears in my eyes. I didn't want to mutate into a waterfall during the farewell.

Finns replied, slightly amused: "All you have to do is open the bag and you know it." I did as instructed and pulled out the gift.

It was a white picture frame with two photos of us. One where we hugged and both grinned broadly. On the second we pulled stupid faces. I had to laugh, that was the perfect gift and always a nice memory of him.

I hugged him tightly and compulsively choked back a sob. Since I didn't trust my voice, I said very quietly: "Thank you, you couldn't have given me anything better."

"Thou shalt never forget me, Pumpkin." His nickname for me made me smile a little again. Honestly, I replied, "I never could, Finns." That was my nickname for him, a cool one. Because he didn't want to look uncool when we were out in public. I didn't care if he called me pumpkin, though.

We didn't get to talk any further because a car pulled up. It was a very expensive and beautiful car. This obviously wasn't a poor pack, but the mightiest never were. They had enough money and were far from poor.

I stowed the picture frame in my bag, I would definitely take it with me. This gift had been a wonderful idea and a very nice memory.

The car stopped and I watched a man get out. It wasn't the Alpha, we would have felt that. Alphas exuded their rank and we knew it right away. Nobody could miss that.

He looked very serious and annoyed. That was really great. The driver came up to us and looked at me questioningly. "Layla?" I nodded and replied, "Yes, that's my name."

He took my bag from me, fine, so there was no greeting. The guy radiated absolutely no friendliness.

We would have clarified that a pack member picked me up. But actually I never expected the Alpha.

Why should he do this trip? Just why?

It was six hours to his territory and who knows how far after that. No idea where exactly Xavier lived. Almost nobody knew that.

I sighed and Finns didn't say another word. He carried the large and small suitcase over to the trunk. The driver already put one of my bags there.

I would scream now if I could, but that would be inappropriate. I didn't want to lose my dignity. The driver said nothing to Finns and loaded the rest of the suitcases.

My best friend walked up to me and we hugged tightly again. Apparently it was too long, because the driver asked: "Can we leave today?" It didn't sound very nice and it was an obvious request for me to get in.

The guy was already getting in and I dreaded the drive. The journey would take a long time.

Finns hugged me very tightly one last time, and maybe forever. My heart broke more and more with every passing minute.

I said it back and he said, "I'm going to miss you very much." "Same to you." With that, I pulled away from Finn's and gave him one last smile. It was time to go.

Now it would start, I would leave my old life completely behind me. A new life would begin and I was terrified of it.

Just as I opened the door, Finns said, "Take care, Pumpkin." I looked at him and said, "You too, Finns." He looked at me infinitely sad and I felt no different.

I got in and as soon as the door was closed, the driver drove off. Apparently someone was in a hurry.

I felt the tears in my eyes and turned to look out the back window.

Finns disappeared into the distance the further we went.

Shortly thereafter he was no longer to be seen, now I was really alone.

Now the unknown awaited me, more of a cruel, cold-blooded beast.

My heart broke into a thousand little pieces, I had lost everything. My father had taken everything from me, everything he could take from me.