Goodbye Dear Exes, I have moved on

I was standing at the top of the staircase, having a minor argument with my cousin, Emily. Her heels slipped on the polished marble, and she tumbled down the stairs. I gasped as I was horrified seeing her fall. Darek and Mike rushed to Emily’s side.

"Emily, oh my god!" Darek exclaimed while helping her up.

Mike glared at me, asking coldly,"What did you do?"

Darek's eyes narrowed as he accused me, "Janette, did you push her?"

My face turned pale as I explained,"No, Darek! I didn't touch her!"

Emily, looking dazed, pointed at me before responding,"You...you were standing right there. You must have..."

Mike stepped forward, saying,"We saw you arguing earlier. You're always jealous of Emily."

I suppressed my tears while saying, "That's not true! I would never hurt Emily."

Darek’s expression remained skeptical as he said,"We'll discuss this later, Janette."

I asked in a trembling voice, "Darek, how can you believe this? You know me, don't you? I would never harm anyone."

“Enough,” Darek’s eyes turned dark as he asked Emily in a gentle voice, “Emily, are you alright?"

Emily nodded. Her eyes were still locked on me. She further added,"I'm fine, thanks to you two. But I want answers, Janette."

My heart sank. I looked up at them. Hoping they would believe me, I said, "Please believe me. I didn't do it.”

It was my father's death Anniversary today. Two years ago, on this day my father left me forever. I got ready to go out and visit his grave. It had always been hard to see him in a graveyard. No one would like to meet their loved ones in the graveyards. Fortunately, I had two friends, Darek and Mike who always accompanied me there and never let me cry. I always wonder how difficult it would have been if I hadn't had them with me.

They used to come pick me up from my home and then go with me to the cemetery, offer flowers to my Dad along with me and tell him that they will always take care of me. However, I was getting late and they hadn't arrived yet. I wondered if they forgot the death anniversary of my father. But, how could that be possible? They never forgot anything related to me until Emily arrived.

I dismissed the adverse thought coming to my mind and came out of my room. I was just going to dial Darek’ number to ask him if he still remembered what day today was and suddenly Emily came before me, looking very excited.

“Janette,” She yelled from the door of her room, “Where are you going, all dressed up?” She asked while staring at me from top to bottom.

Emily was my cousin from my father's side. Two years ago, she offended the Alpha of a very sinister pack. Her mother asked help from my father, the Alpha of Silver wing pack. Though not being powerful and influential enough, my father went to save Emily. He managed to save her life but in that process, he couldn't save his own life and left me in this world all alone.

My Dad and Mom had taken divorce years ago. My mother left father's pack and settled down abroad. I lived with my father and now he was gone.

I couldn't help remembering how my father died saving Emily’s life by seeing her face in front of my eyes. I couldn't help feeling remorseful. I walked up to her and asked, “Have you seen Darek and Mike? Did they ask for me?”

Emily had been living with me for six months as her mother needed to go abroad and she couldn't leave Emily alone in her pack. She asked me to stay with her. Despite not being so fond of her, I couldn't refuse.

“Yeah! They came early in the morning but they didn't ask for you, my dear. They came to wish me.” She said while stroking her hair backward.

“To wish you? For what?” I raised my eyebrows.

“How can you forget, Janette? It's my Birthday, today. You should have wished me too.” She pouted.

“Oh, I didn't remember that. Have a great day, Emily. I wish you luck.” I wished her for her birthday before asking, “Where are they now? I’m getting late for my Dad’s cemetery.”

“They are decorating the hall for my birthday celebration. Do you know they brought a beautiful gown for me to wear to the party? It will look really pretty on me. Anyways, what are you going to wear in the celebration?” She asked excitedly, I chuckled. How could Darek and Mike forget my Dad's death anniversary and busied themselves in decorating the home for Emily's birthday celebration that was going to be held in the night.

I ignored Emily's question and walked past her while saying, “I’m getting late, Emily. I’ll talk to you after visiting my Dad’s grave.”

I didn't expect Emily to be full of herself as she came before me and kept asking me to stay and help her in preparing her birthday party. In annoyance I brushed her hands off. But, to my shock, she pretended to be pushed and rolled from the second floor down to the first, immediately drawing the attention of my two friends, Darek Collins and Mike Jones who just emerged from the main door.

Their eyes grew dark as they rushed to help Emily. After getting up, Emily looked up at me with pitiful eyes. She pretended as if I pushed her, even causing my friends to believe her.

The two of my friends looked at me with a pair of accusing eyes.

Despite my desperate plea, they didn't believe me and turned to Emily.

“We should immediately take her to the hospital.” Mike blurted out.

Darek went out to start the car while Mike carried Emily in his arms to bring her to the hospital, completely forgetting that today was the anniversary of my father's death.

I couldn't help recalling my childhood. When my father got divorced, he invited his friends, Daniel Collins and William Jones who were the Alphas of their respective pack. He had entrusted my care to Collins and Jones.

At that time their sons who were older than me, liked me very much and became my friends. Due to my congenital heart condition, Darek and Mike always took good care of me.

If anyone at pack school mocked me for not having a mother, they would stand up for me and beat the shit out of them. I was often envied for having two Alphas as my protector.

Soon, we grew older. I completed my graduation. Darek became a lawyer and Mike became a doctor—Mike’s choice motivated by the wish to one day perform surgery on me himself.

However, after my father’s death, Emily appeared and everything had changed. I shook my head and decided not to think about the past anymore.

I went to my father’s grave to say goodbye, deciding to leave this painful place and let the three of them be.

I returned home late at night to avoid Emily's birthday party. I didn't want to be a part of this party because I didn't want to see Darek and Mike happily celebrating the day and doing all sorts of funny things for Emily on which my father died. But, when I came back, I didn't find anyone at home. It turned out they hadn't returned from the hospital.

‘Is Emily’s condition really that bad?’ I thought. I remembered she wasn't injured much. She caught only a few scratches on her body. Though it was enough for my two friends to completely ignore me and think only about her whose worlds once revolved around me.

I took my phone out to call Emily and ask if she was alright. But, I was amazed by the number of messages she sent me earlier. She sent me several pictures of the birthday celebration in the hospital with a message that read [Doctor said I couldn't be discharged for two days. Hence, Darek and Mike planned to celebrate my birthday here. It's really fun to have two suitors crazy about you, isn't it Janette?]

Her texts were provocative. She had been doing it since the day she arrived at my home. First provoking me and then becoming a pitiful soul, painting me as villain before Darek and Mike. But, I was surprised with my two friends. How could they be so blind to always trust her and blame me? Didn't they know me well? Didn't they know my personality before? How could they be so easily fooled by her?

Even thinking that frustrated me. I had stopped explaining myself to them or trying to show Emily’s true color. I just let them be.

Since she had already answered my questions in her previous texts, I let go of the idea of calling her. Besides, she had Darek and Mike at the hospital to take care of her the whole night. What impact would it cause if I called her or not?

I knew she called me just to show off her fun with my two childhood friends whom she snatched very easily. She wanted to continue talking but I cut her off and said, “ Emily, I have urgent work at my Dad’s studio. I can't talk to you right now and about the clothes, I’m sorry I can't help.”

Before she could say anything or show off to me, I hung up and left for the studio.

I handled the work at the studio and when I returned home I found Darek and Mike waiting for me in the Hall. They were my childhood sweethearts. So, I had shared the keys with them. They could easily come and go at my home. There was a time when they kept lying at my home and chill with me but now their arrival only meant for Emily. I ignored them in the hall, thinking it might be another visit related to Emily.

“Janette,” Darek called me from behind. I turned back to meet their gaze. With just one glance I could guess something was wrong. Mike walked up to me, saying, “Janette, how could you be so inconsiderate towards Emily?”

“What happened now?” I asked, trying to remember if I did something wrong.

“Emily asked you to bring clean clothes for her in the hospital but you refused rudely.” Darek accused me.

“You didn't even visit her in the hospital or call her for once to know how she is doing. How can you be so inconsiderate towards her, Janette? She is after all your cousin?” Mike added.

“I had some work,” I replied flatly.

“Which work could be so important that kept you from asking your cousin’s health?” James asked with a pair of dark eyes. I smiled sarcastically before saying, “Work like visiting my father's grave on his death anniversary, handling an issue caused in his studio. Do you want me to explain more?”

Darek and Mike glanced each other before looking at me with a pair of eyes that laced with guilt and surprise. Darek asked, “ Janette, why didn't you remind us that it was Uncle Max’s death anniversary? We would have accompanied you there.”

“Since when you have started creating drama out of everything, Janette? You didn't tell us anything just to make us feel bad for you and blame Emily for everything, isn’t it?” Mike threw an absurd accusation on me.

Before I could say anything, Mike’s phone rang. It was Emily’s call. They then completely ignored me and walked upstairs to bring her clothes. So, the guilt and concern in their eyes for me was just for seconds.

They came back with Emily’s clothes and were ready to leave. But, I stopped them.

“Wait… I have something for you two.” I said in indifferent voice.

I led them in my room and opened my wardrobe. I took out the bracelets they had presented me on my birthday. I had kept them very safe. But now, I took those bracelets and gave them back because saying, “Please take it.”

They looked up at me in confusion and asked why I was returning their birthday gift.

“The style no longer suits me. I might need a new one.” I replied in a flat voice.

“You are right. After you said this, I also think this bracelet doesn't look very good on your wrist. I think It will look good on Emily's wrist. What do you think, Mike?” Darek said while looking carefully at the bracelets. Mike eyes' shined brightly as he said in an excited voice, “You are right. It was one of the latest collections and very expensive. Emily would surely love it.”

Darek then turned to me before saying, “ Janette, you didn't give any gift to Emily on her birthday yesterday. I think it can be the best present you can offer to your cousin.”

“ Darek is correct.” Mike added.

They didn't go to the depth of my words and promised me to buy a new one for me that would suit me better.

“Alright,” I said flatly before turning to my wardrobe to close it. Only now did they notice my wardrobe that was all vacant.

Darek narrowed his eyes as he asked, “Janette, why is your wardrobe empty? Where are your belongings?”

“What is going with you, Janette? Is everything alright?” Mike asked in a concerned voice.

I remained silent. I didn't want to tell them all this. Seeing me like this, they were worried. Darek asked in a more concerned voice, “Janette, are you having any trouble? Or you are going out on a trip? You can tell us. We will help you.”

Before I could say anything, Mike's phone rang. It was again Emily's call. He picked up the call and her pitiful voice sounded from the other end,

“Mike, where are You and Darek? I’m at the hospital alone. I’m feeling really bad. Can you please hurry up? I want to move out immediately.”

“Don't be scared, Emily. We are coming soon.” Mike comforted her before hanging up as if she was a kid who was scared in the hospital.

Both of them left immediately to bring Emily home, completely ignoring me.

I sighed and shut the door. At that moment, my phone rang. I picked up the call. It was my Mom.

“Janette,” she called me in a soft voice, “It was the death anniversary of your father yesterday. How are you now? I wanted to call you but I thought you had your friends to accompany you. I know they will never let you cry.”

My mother’s words brought tears to my eyes, but I suppressed them. She then continued, “Janette, I met with an accident yesterday and got hospitalized. I want to see you. Can you please come over and visit me when you have time?”

“Mom,” I called her anxiously, “ Why didn't you tell me earlier? How did this happen? How are you now?”

“I’m okay, dear. Don't be so worried. I didn't call you yesterday because I didn't want you to be so worried about me. It was already a hard day for you. It's just that I’m getting old. I don't know how many days I have left. I want to spend some more time with you.”

“Mom, please don't say that. You will live long and don't worry, I’ll immediately book a flight to come see you.” I replied.

“Janette, there is one more thing I want to tell you.” She paused for a while then continued, “ You see your father is no more and I’m getting old. It's time that you should also settle down and find a suitable husband for you so that your mother can rest in peace.”

“Mom, please don't worry about me so much.” I tried to stop her but she cut me off and continued,“Janette, hear me out please. I have fixed a date for you with Sebastian Moore. He is the Alpha of Knighthood pack, one of the most powerful packs among the kingdom. Earlier I didn't interfere in your personal affairs because I always thought you would pick one of your childhood friends as your husband. But, after knowing Sebastian, I think he will be the best choice for you.”

“ Janette, your father's pack was not strong enough and after his death, it's so hard on you to handle pack duties alone. Besides, many people in the pack oppose you because you are a girl. After you get married to Sebastian, your position in the pack will never be challenged and he will even help you in handling pack duties.” She added.

I remembered how my parents used to celebrate my birthday together every year, even after their divorce. They will joke how close I was with Darek and Mike that made them think I would surely marry one of them after growing up. On this, Darek and Mike would fight. They both used to take their names and say that I will choose them. Now, my father was gone and my two childhood friends had shifted their feelings.

“Janette, why are you not saying anything? Please, don't get anxious about what I said. If you already had someone in your heart, I would surely not force you. After all, both Darek and Mike are nice kids. I just wanted you to consider Sebastian as well. But, if you don't want…”

“I will consider it.” I replied in a stern voice and hung up.

After hanging up, I began searching for the flight and immediately booked one to visit my mother. I wanted to see her as soon as possible. Once I was done, my phone rang. It was a call from my father's beta, Uncle Mathew. I received the call and greeted him.

“Janette, yesterday I forgot to tell you something. Before dying your father had designed a beautiful piece of jwellery. He said it was the best design of his career. He said he would gift it to you on your wedding.” He paused for a while before adding, “He gave that pendant called Diamond Jade to me to keep it safe and the next day he died. It’s very expensive. I thought a lot about it and I think it can be the biggest gift for your upcoming birthday, the last piece of your father design.”

“Thank you so much Uncle Mathew for telling me this. I’ll keep his last design till my last breath.” I said with hoarse voice.

“I have sent the pendant at your home with my son. He may reach your home anytime soon.” Uncle Mathew said.

“How beautiful this is! I want to see how it will look on me…” she exclaimed, her eyes filled with greed.

“Don't even think about touching it.” I yelled from behind before walking up to her. She had already snatched my two childhood friends from me who were so close to my heart. Now seeing her having ulterior motives towards my father's last gift to me, I couldn't hold myself anymore.

“Why are you being so angry, Janette? I just want to try it once. It's not like I'm taking it for real.” She pouted, still holding the jwellery box tightly.

“You don't deserve that.” I said in a cold voice while raising my hands to take the jewellery box from her hand. But, she was too stubborn. She held it tightly, not letting me take it.

“Leave it, Emily.” I struggled.

I was surprised to see her reaction. A few minutes ago, she was being mean to me and now suddenly she turned into this. However, hearing Darek’s voice from behind I understood everything.

“Why are you being so mean to her, Janette?” Darek said while coming between me and her.

“You have now started fighting with her over a piece of inexpensive jwellery? I can't believe it's really you.” Mike also came between us. They both turned to Emily. Darek began wiping her crocodile’s tears while Mike began comforting her, saying, “Don't cry, Emily. It's not your fault. We know how sweet and kind you are.”

I was devastated looking at them like that. They called my father’s last design an inexpensive item, worth noting. But to me, it was the most precious gift from my Dad to me. He wanted me to wear it on my wedding but now it was broken. And instead of comforting me, they were blaming me for being mean.

Darek walked up to me and said, “Apologize to Emily, Janette. You made her cry over a piece of jewelry.”

“I will not.” I said stubbornly.

Mike pulled my arms to look into my eyes, saying in a cold voice, “Janette, Apologize…”

They were so lost in feeling bad for Emily that they didn't even notice my hand was also cut by the broken jwellery and was bleeding.

I suppressed the tears within me and didn't say anything this time. Meanwhile they were still insisting me to apologise to Emily. Just then my Mom called me. I took a few steps away from them to answer her call.

“Hello, Mom.” I said as soon as I picked up the call.

“Janette, I called to ask whether you have booked the flight ticket or I do it for you?” She asked.

“No need, Mom. I have booked the ticket. I’ll soon leave from here.” I replied before hanging up.

Darek and Mike overheard my conversation. They walked up to me and began asking me questions one by one.

“Are you going somewhere, Janette?” Darek asked,

“Why didn't you tell us before? We would have booked the ticket for you.” Mike added.

“Where are you going anyways? You know we don't feel good if you are away for too long.” Darek said with curious eyes.

“Yes, tell us. I hope it's not for long.” Mike said excitedly.

“Why are you not replying, Janette? Say something, where are you going?” Darek asked impatiently.

“Would there be any impact on you two if tell you where I’m leaving for?” I asked.

“What do you mean?” Darek asked, looking confused.

“Nothing,” I shook my head, letting go of the idea of telling them that I was planning to leave everything behind. I just said, “My mom met an accident a day before. She is hospitalized. There is no one in the pack to take care of her. I’m going to see her. I plan to stay with her for a while.”

“Aunt Sarah is hospitalized? Why didn't you tell us earlier?” Mike snapped.

‘Why didn't you tell us earlier?’ had become their usual questions because they were never available when I needed them the most.

“Do you want our help with anything?” Darek asked in a concerned voice.

“No,” I retorted, “I have done everything else. But, if you want you two can come with me. My Mom will be happy to see you. She was even asking about you guys.”

I genuinely wanted them to visit my Mom as she was quite fond of them. She would feel good if they could come visit her with me. However, Darek and Mike glanced at Emily before turning to me. Darek said, “I really want to go with you, Janette. But, you see Emily has just discharged from the Hospital. How can I left her alone here? I’m sorry, I can't.”

“Emily is still injured. She might need medical support anytime. Since I’m a Doctor. I should always stay with her.” Mike added.

They both denied coming with me just because they wanted to be with Emily. I was disappointed with both of my friends. There was a time when they used to make several excuses to leave their respective packs and come live in my pack just to stay close to me. Now, they were making excuses to stay with Emily. I could easily see through them.

Feeling disappointed, I go back to my room. The next morning, I came downstairs to prepare breakfast but was surprised to see all three of them available there.

“What is going on here?” I asked while raising my eyebrows.

“Janette, Emily was feeling bad for your jwellery piece. So, she has cooked breakfast for you.” Darek said excitedly.

“It was completely your fault, yesterday. But, Emily insist on doing something for you to apologise for her mistake. See how considerate she is!” Mike commented, reminding me that I should have apologized to her. Seeing them still accusing me for the last day's incident in which I lost my father's last design made me lose my hunger. I no longer wanted to eat anything.

“I’m not hungry. I don't want to have such a heavy breakfast.” I said while pointing at the Eggs Benedict.

Darek and Mike held my arms and took me to the corner of the kitchen with Darek saying in a low voice, “Janette, how could you be so unthankful. Emily woke up early in the morning just to make breakfast for you and here you are throwing tantrums.”

“I’m not throwing tantrums. I’m just not hungry.” I snapped.

“Even if you are not hungry, you can still eat some for Emily’s sake, can't you? Just be a little considerate towards her, Janette. After all, she is your cousin.” Mike whispered, “Look how hurt she is looking right now. It's all because of you.”

With a defeated sigh, I said, “ Okay fine, I’ll eat.”

I found it pointless to argue with them and came to the dinning hall. Looking at the breakfast before my eyes, I smiled ironically. My two childhood friends were so busy coaxing their new sweetheart that they completely forgot I hated eggs and they were now forcing me to eat Eggs Benedict.

I took one bite from my plate and my eyebrows twitched. It contained lemon juice and I had a very rare citrus allergy. In my reflexive response, I immediately tossed the plate aside, causing it to fall on the floor and stood up choking.

Darek and Mike stood up along with me. I thought they were going to help me. However, they were looking at me with cold eyes before shouting at me. Darek yelled, “What is this behavior, Janette? I get that you didn't want to eat but throwing it on the floor is just too much.”

“How can you do that? Can't you see the efforts Emily had put for you and be pleased?” Mike snapped. Meanwhile, Emily began crying while saying, “I’m sorry, Janette. I just wanted to ease your mind. But if you hate me because I touched your jewelry, I will… I will…”

She began sobbing. Darek and Mike rushed to comfort her.

“Don't cry, Emily. We are with you. And last night's incident. Just forget about it, okay?” Darek said while stroking her hair.

“How about we go shopping and buy new dresses for you, huh? Would you like that?” Mike asked gently. She nodded her head and both of them left with her, leaving me alone. I was choking continuously and needed someone. I had never been left alone in circumstances like this. Earlier my father and my friends were always with me. Even if I got minor scratches on my body, they would rush to offer me help. When I ask them why they care so much about me. They would reply ‘We love taking care of you.’

Their words that once filled my heart with joy were now piercing my heart like an arrow seeing how they had changed in the past six months. I didn't know that their love of ten years was so weak that it could be shaken easily by the arrival of new beauty in their life.

I was left all by myself. I didn't know what to do at this moment. I didn't stop Darek or Mike. They didn't notice what was wrong with me or why I was not saying anything. All they cared was Emily’s feelings that seemingly got hurt because of me. They took her to cheer her up.

I didn't know what to do at this moment. When I could ask for help or tell them I was having my allergic attack, they were already gone. I didn't know anybody to ask for help. Since childhood my lifestyle was driven by Darek and Mike. They didn't let me meet more people. They would say they were enough for me and that I didn't need anyone in my life because they would always accompany me like a shadow. But, where were they now?

I wasn't expecting Darek and Mike to return home soon since they went out with Emily. However, soon they came back. Emily was not with them. I didn't bother where she was or why they came back soon. It seemed like she forgot something and they had come to collect it.

They didn't like my silence over the matter and came to me to make me realize how wrong I was doing with my cousin. Darek stopped me from cleaning the floor by holding my mop as he said, “Why are you doing this, Janette? Is it to make us feel pity on you? Why are you becoming like a scheming woman? I can't even recognise you.”

“Darek is right, Janette. I couldn't even recognise you. It's not you. How could you be so mean? Do you know how hurt Emily was? She was even thinking of finding new place to live. She thinks you dislike her. Is it true?” Mike asked.

“Have you tasted the breakfast she prepared in the morning?” I asked, ignoring their hurtful words to me.

“Yes, we did. Why are you asking this?” Mike asked.

“So, you guys knew there was lemon juice in it but you kinda a forget that I have rare citrus allergy and I could die had I finished the whole meal, right?” I asked while smiling sarcastically, “And you guys call yourselves my childhood sweethearts.”

“Janette…”

“I’m really sorry. I”

Both of them said in unison but couldn't complete their sentence. They eyes showed emotions mixed with guilt and concern as they asked in unison, “How are you now?”

“Not dying anymore. Thanks to my childhood friend, Faye. At least she was there for me.” I replied flatly. They took a sigh of relief then apologized me.

“Emily had put so much effort for your breakfast and seeing you throwing it away, we lost our temper. It really slipped through our mind that you are allergic to citrus. Please forgive us, Janette.” They explained before adding, “It was really a bad coincident. No one did it intentionally. It's good that you are okay now. You should not dwell over this matter anymore.”

Their words were hint to me that they didn't take this incident seriously and were thinking I was over reacting now. They didn't stay for too long and left, probably going to Emily.

Making use of the time, I packed my bags and called the client I talked earlier for selling my house. Actually, the pack wasn't doing good after my father's death. It needed funds to be taken care of. My father's Alpha House was too huge for me to live alone. Besides, I was planning to leave the place for good. So, it wasn't useful to me. A rich family had just joined our pack. I planned to sell my house to them and use the money in developing my father's pack.

After selling my house, I took my luggage and came to my father's studio. I planned to stay in his studio for a few days before leaving. After a few hours, one of the worker came to me and said, “My lady, two handsome men are looking for you outside. Shall I call them inside or you will go see them?”

I knew who these handsome men were. I went to meet Darek and Mike. They looked angry at me. Darek began first, “Janette, What's going on? Why did you sell your house?”

“We went back only to find the house being occupied by someone else. Was selling the house over a minor allergy incident really necessary?” Mike accused, “You didn't even think about Emily before selling your house.”

They were concerned where Emily would live since I sold my house but they didn't bother asking me where I was going to live. I smiled sarcastically before replying, “ Since you guys care so much about Emily. She can stay at your place. As for me, my father's place was too big for me to live alone. I can buy a small house or just stay at his studio.”

Their anger seemed to lighten a bit. It seemed like they liked the idea of Emily living in their place. I couldn't help feeling remorseful. However, Darek seemed to notice something off in me or he just asked out of courtesy, “Janette, is everything alright with you? Are you feeling low these days?”

“How about we all go on a trip? It will lighten your mood.” Mike suggested excitedly. I thought for a while. It was not a bad idea to go out on a trip with my friends before leaving. After all, they were my closest friends since childhood. I nodded my head in agreement before saying, “After selling my father's house, I’m quite rich. I can arrange money for our trip.”

Mike smiled before shooting a glance at Darek, saying, “Emily was saying she had been feeling bored these days and wanted to go out for a trip. Let me give her a good news.”

Darek nodded his head as he commented, “Yeah, I have been considering this as well. Taking Emily out for a trip will divert her mind and she will not miss her mother that much.”

So, they asked me out on a trip only for Emily’s sake and I was a fool who was thinking they still cared about me.

Only a few days were left in leaving the pack. So, I decided to spend a day with Elder Victor. He used to be my grandfather’s beta and later he served the position of a qualified elder in my father's reign. He taught me many things, including hunting, shifting and identifying different smells. After my father died, he also taught me many tactics and helped me in running the pack. He was like a grandfather to me. So, I didn't want to hide anything from him.

“Elder Victor, you see I have been alone since my father left me and despite your teachings, I failed to run my father's pack and his studio smoothly. Besides, our pack members doesn't accept me as their Alpha.” I paused for a while before concluding myself, “So, I’m planning to leave the pack after handing everything to my Dad’s beta, Uncle Mathew for a time being.”

“Elder Victor, it's just one of the reasons behind my departure. I have other reasons to do it as well.” I cut him off. He sighed in defeat before responding, “Alright, if you have already decided, I’ll not stop you. When will you return to lead your pack then?”

“I have not thought about it yet.” I replied. Elder Victor was devastated after hearing me. He sighed, saying, “I always saw you as my own. I just wish you good luck and hope for your better future.”

Elder Victor’s eyes turned red and he couldn't help crying while imagining my departure. I couldn't hold back either. I hugged him immediately and cried while saying, “Elder Victor, you are also like my own grandfather. I really have no choice but to leave otherwise I wouldn't have left everything behind like this.”

“I understand, my child.” he replied while wiping the corner of his eyes. Just then Darek and Mike appeared along with Emily. They were surprised to see me with Elder Victor.

“Janette, what are you doing here?” Darek asked. Seeing Emily standing with them just enhanced my sadness. I was hoping a private time with Elder Victor but she had to intervene here as well. She had already snatched my two friends from me and now she wasn't even letting me spend some time with Elder Victor who was like a grandfather to me.

“Grandpa Victor is Elder of my pack. He is like a grandfather to me. It's very obvious for me to visit him. It should be I asking this question to you.” I said in an indifferent voice, they might not notice it.

“Emily said she has learnt hunting from Elder Victor. She wanted to visit him and thanked him for his service.” Mike said while Darek added, “So, we accompanied her to visit him.”

Emily’s mother was my father's sister. She belonged to the same pack and hence often visited us with Emily. Thus, she learnt many things from our elders. However, it was the only time she thought of visiting one of them. I doubt it to be a coincident.

Darek seemed to notice something and immediately asked, “Janette, why are your eyes swollen? Were you crying?”

Mike also turned to me and looked concerned. He asked, “Janette, is there something you are troubled with? Why don't you share with us anything now?”

As if they were available to listen. I shook my head and said, “It's nothing. Something got into my eyes.”

They didn't look satisfied with my answer and looked up at Elder Victor, hoping he would tell the reason. However, he chose to stay silent to respect my decision.

“Grandpa Victor, I’m leaving now.” I said while turning to him.

“Are you not staying for dinner?” He asked instantly, looking sad by my departure.

I had originally planned to stay and have dinner with him. But, after seeing Emily standing along with Darek and Mike, I lost my apatite.

“I have work to do, Grandpa Victor. I’m sorry but I can't stay.”

After saying these words I shot a glance over my two friends and Emily, then turned to leave. However, Darek held my hands and pulled me back. He looked deeply into my eyes and said, “Please stay, Janette.”

“Yes, Janette. Why are you leaving so early? Let's have dinner together.” Mike suggested.

‘I would have surely stayed if you guys hadn't brought Emily with you.’ I thought but remained silent for a while. Darek came up to me and held my hands, trying to pull me back with him. But, I gently brushed his hands off before saying in a calm voice, “Darek, I have to prepare for my flight. I’m leaving tomorrow. I can't stay with you guys. You two can have dinner with Emily.”

After saying this, I left. They kept staring at me with their stunned eyes. I go back to the studio.

The next day, I was preparing for the flight when Emily called me. She sounded very excited while saying this, “Janette, I’m very happy today.”

“What happened?” I asked casually while being busy at work. She continued, “Do you know Grandpa Victor handed me his potion infirmary since he doesn't have any child to inherit it. Not just that, he told me that he would mention my name in Pack's community. Now, I'll be one of the decision making members of my mother's birth pack.”

Though Emily's mother was an Alpha but her father was a beta. I doubt how she got Elder Victor to include her name in Pack's senior officials. She even managed to trap Elder Victor into her honey trap. She was indeed skillful in manipulating people.

“Well, Congratulations then. You now have my pack as well along with my two friends. Take care of them.” I said sarcastically.

“Yes, I will,” She snapped back while adding, “Do you know after dinner with Elder Victor, they took me to introduce me to their parents. Their parents seemed to like me very much. I’m so glad they liked me. They even said they want their daughterinlaw like me.”

“You have two suitors then. Choose wisely.”

After saying this, I hung up. I didn't want to sound hurt and let her enjoy it. So, before my voice could turn hoarse, I decided to cut the call.

Since my two friends were busy introducing their new friends to their family. I guessed they wouldn't be available to drop me to AirPort. Thus, I called my friend, Faye to drop me to the airport.

I came to know that my flight was delayed by two hours. So, Faye waited along with me to give me company. After chatting for a while, she asked, “Where are Darek and Mike, by the way? Why did you call me instead of them? As far as I remember they never let you take help from anyone else. They would always fight each other to take care of you.”

Her words passed chills down my spine as she just touched my hurtful part. Not noticing the change in my expression, she continued, “ I have always envied you for having two Alpha mates roaming around you like servants. Hah, getting one mate as an Alpha is so hard and here you are enjoying two mates.”

“Even before they knew they were your mates, they were crazy about you. They didn't let any male wolf come near you. I was even afraid of meeting you in their presence. They were so possessive of you. Only if I had such a possessive mate, hah…” she sighed before adding, “Anyways, where are they? How did they leave you alone this time?”

“Faye…” I called her with a hoarse voice, tears forming in my eyes.

“What's wrong, Janette?” Faye was startled. I then told her everything. I told her how hard it was for me after my father's death when my two friends stopped caring about me. I told her that she shouldn't envy me anymore because I was left with nothing now. I told her that my two childhood friends who were also my mate had shifted their feelings from me to their new lover, Emily.

Faye immediately hugged me. I couldn't help crying. She suggested that I go live with her when I return from my Mom's place. I broke our hug and looked up at her with a meaningful gaze. She chuckled and immediately asked, “When are you coming by the way?”

“I don't know…” I said as I hadn't thought about it when I decided to leave.

Just then I heard a familiar voice from behind. It belonged to Darek. He overheard our last few conversations and couldn't hold back himself from asking, “What do you mean you don't know? Have you not booked the returning ticket?”

I turned back only to find Darek and Mike standing along with Emily. Mike walked up to me and said, “Emily told us that you canceled your trip with us. Now, only three of us are going. Is there something wrong? That's why you are hurrying to visit your Mom?”

She shot a cold glance at Emily while saying the last sentence. She then added, “Janette is your mate yet you guys are always fooling around with another shewolf. All of you should feel ashamed while ridiculously wandering, holding each other's hands. Even Moon Goddess would be disappointed with all three of you.”

Darek and Mike, both turned to Faye. With a pair of cold eyes, they said, “Faye, apologize Emily.”

“Why should I apologize to her?” Faye asked with a pair of fiery red eyes.

“Because you have made vile accusations against her?” Mike said coldly.

“Oh, do you mean the seduction part? But, if it's just an accusation then why is she afraid of her image being damaged unless there is some truth behind it?” Faye said in a bold voice, enhancing their anger. Darek couldn't hold back and yelled at her, “ I said APOLOGIZE TO EMILY.”

Faye smiled sarcastically at this before saying, “Look, Alpha Darek. You might be the Alpha of your pack but you aren't my Alpha. I’m not obligated to follow your commands. Is that clear?”

Darek pursed his lips before turning to me. He then said, “Janette, tell your friend to apologize.”

I looked confidently into his eyes and said in an indifferent voice, “She is free to have her own opinion. I can't force her to be sorry about that.”

“Besides, she is going to help her father in leading the pack in my absence. So, you can't force the leader of Silver Wing Pack. Be wary of your words, Darek. It can disturb the alliance between our packs.”

Darek and Mike looked at me in amusement. It was hard for them to digest the tone of my voice.Just then my Mom called me and I took a few steps away to receive her call.

My Mom was concerned about me as she knew I was living alone. She asked if I packed everything needed. I comforted her while saying, “Don't worry, Mom. I have packed everything. There is no coming back.”

After hanging up, I turned back only to find Darek and Mike staring at me with stunned eyes. With the voice filled with shock, Darek asked, “ Why did you just say there is no coming back? When are you planning to come?”

“Do you really care or it's just an act of concern?” I asked in a sarcastic voice before saying coldly, “Anyways, I have an announcement for you two. Today, I free you from all the promises you made me or my father that you guys will look after me. From now on, I free you from all of your responsibilities towards me. I let you free from our friendship.”

“Janette,” Mike stammered, “Why are you sounding so distant towards us? Is it because we have been ignoring you for past few days?”

So, they knew what they had been doing with me for past six month, still remained unbothered about it.

I chose to stay silent. Darek was the first to start explaining, “Janette, you know Emily was feeling homesick. She was missing her mother and needed more care. We were helping her just to feel like home. Besides, she is your cousin. That's why we were close to her. That's it.”

I smiled ironically before replying, “She was missing her mother. Her mother is just a few kilometres far from her, Darek. She can meet her whenever she wants. But, what about me? I too miss my father but I can't meet him. Moreover, I can't forget the fact that he died because of her.”

“You are being unreasonable, Janette.” Mike yelled, “Don't act as if we don't know what the real reason is behind your anger.”

“What do you mean?” I raised my eyebrows.

It was a tight slap on their faces. Darek immediately held my hands and pulled me in his embrace, saying, “You are saying this because you are mad at us, right? Janette, you are my mate not just a friend, alright? Don't you ever say that there is only friendship between us. It never was.”

Mike also hugged me from behind before adding in a hoarse voice, “Janette, you are my mate and I’ll marry only my mate in this life. I want more than just friendship between us. You have to consider my feelings towards you.”

They were eager to listen to my response. However, I broke our hug and held my luggage before saying, “It's time to my flight. I need to go.”

Darek immediately snatched the luggage from my hands as he said, “Let me carry it for you.”

“Janette, don’t forget to call us once you reach your Mom's place. Also, when you are done with there, call us. We will come to pick you, okay?” Mike suggested. I didn't reply, just let them carry my bags.

Just then we heard Emily’s moan from behind. She had fallen along with her bags. She looked quite pitiful while saying, “Since you two were busy carrying Janette’s bags, I decided to carry my bags myself. But, I fractured my legs now. Ah, It's hurting.”

Darek left my luggage and immediately went to pick her up. Mike too rushed to carry her bags. I smiled looking at them supporting Emily. I silently held my luggage and went for boarding without saying goodbye to them.

After sitting inside the plane, I took my phone out. I deleted all the pictures I had with Darek and Mike. I blocked their contacts, switched off my phone then closed my eyes, hoping to block them from my thoughts as well.