Chapter 26 Helpless Idiot

~Anna~

A week went by and I’d say it was a success on my part. I’d been avoiding Liam and his fiancé, Salina. Most of the time, I was cooped up in my room, playing arcade games on my phone while waiting for Lexy to get off her shift at the pack’s clinic. When Gale had free time, he’d come over with Lexy and we’d spend our time chatting about anything or watching films. Other times, I’d take a stroll outside. I didn’t dare visit the pack, so it was just within walking distance from the castle. Still, without anyone’s knowledge, I would sometimes sneak into the woods.

This territory belonged to the Red Claw Pack – surely, there would be no surprise attacks or rogue attacks with the Alpha here. It was peaceful in the woods. I didn’t bother worrying about getting lost. I could always find my way back.

It was already mid-afternoon, but I couldn’t feel the sweltering heat of the sun as the trees pretty provided refuge. I took my sweet time, walking to who knows where going lefts and rights but heading forwards. Turning to look back, the castle could no longer be seen, and the uniform shouting of the warriors training could no longer be heard.

Finally, some me time. I was still thinking about this whole mate and Luna thing with Liam. Did I make the right decision by coming here? Was this what I wanted to do?

Funny how someone like me was destined to be two Alphas. I kept praying to the Goddess for an answer – what my purpose was.

Growing up, I knew what it was. It was denied to me and now, the red string of destiny led me to him, my second mate. I understood that I was supposed to accept the will of the Goddess, but… a part of me wasn’t sure that this was what I wanted for myself.

To be a Luna was a high honor and I would do everything in my human-level power to serve them, but…

There was always a but!

In my frustration, I pulled down on my hair as I let out an annoyed throaty sound. Being an adult meant making decisions and this had kept me up for nights!

Letting out a long sigh, I shook my head to get these thoughts out of my head. By tonight, I had to conclude. Liam was waiting for my answer. That night, he barged into my room without so much as a knock, all sweaty and panting. Upon seeing me, he engulfed me in a tight hug like he never wanted to let me go.

He seemed afraid of something… like he was going to lose me if he didn’t hold me as close as possible to him, our bodies pressed against each other. I didn’t say a word; raised a hand and ran it down his sweat-soaked back to comfort him.

I didn’t know how long it lasted, but that moment only made me more confused. “Stay,” he breathed, breaking the silence, and I didn’t have the heart to tell him “no”. I did tell him I’d think about it – that he give me a week.

Then he suddenly pulled away, turned on his heels, and was out the door, leaving me standing alone in my room, feeling like a discarded idiot, and maybe I am one. Something disturbed him but if he didn’t want to speak about it, I’d pretend to not notice.

For the next few days, I hadn’t seen him which was totally fine with me. Better yet, I avoided an awkward moment with Salina. My luck was working at an all-time high this week!

I took out my phone from the back pocket of my jeans. Why are women’s jean pockets so small! I tapped on the screen twice and input the password. The wallpaper was a picture of Carson and Flynn – with the former grinning widely and Flynn looking too serious, his brows creased. It was the first photo on my gallery, to remember them by – like I’d ever forgotten their faces.

I opened the gallery app and changed my wallpaper to the other picture. It was just Carson – a smirking, sexy Carson.

I tapped on the phone icon and went to my contacts which only had three numbers – Carson’s, Lexy’s, and Gales. I put off calling Carson because I didn’t know what to tell him and I wasn’t in the mood to – he would’ve noticed the distress in my voice and get worried. He already had a lot to do back at the pack. I didn’t want to add to it.

Forcing a smile on my face and a burst of small joyous laughter, I got into character. I tapped on the call icon and it rang for a few seconds before he picked up.

He assaulted me with questions right away, his voice sounding anxious as if something bad happened to me. “Anna? Are you alright? What happened? Where are you?”

“Wow…” I said, mentally giving myself a high five for delaying this call. “Calm down, Carson. I’m fine.”

He sighed. “It’s only been a week and you’re already calling. I thought something happened. Sorry.”

I let out a small gasp. “Something did happen!” I said excitedly.

“Are you going to tell me or are you going to keep squealing on the phone?”

“I missed you…” I whined.

“I missed you too, Anna,” he said, chuckling. There, now I was talking to my friend.

“I’m fine, Carson. I’m just checking in on you. How have you been?”

“Same as always,” he said. “So… how are you doing there? What’s it like to be Luna?”

I could tell he was smiling at the other end. “A lot of work like you wouldn’t believe.”

He chuckled. “I take it Liam’s treating you well?” he asked, and I bit on my lip.

“Yes. It’s… well, it needs getting used to,” I said. “Still getting the hang of this mate thing.”

“You guys getting married yet?”

“We… haven’t talked about it yet.” At least I had one truth to tell him today.

“You won’t forget me, right?” he asked. “I must be there at all costs.”

“Yes, Carson,” I said, laughing. “You’ll be on the front row to watch it all happen… if it’ll ever happen.”

“If?” he asked, suddenly serious, and I realized my mistake.

“Uhm… I mean, he hasn’t asked me yet… so…”

“If! Anna, tell me honestly, is everything alright?”

A long pause. “You know you can talk to me,” he said. “I’m here for you, Anna. I’ll always be here for you. Say the word and I’ll come to pick you up right now.”

I let out a small laugh. “I’m fine, Carson,” I said, a little exaggeratedly. “I’m not as affected as the rest of you by the bond so… it’s going to take some time for me to make this thing work. But I’m doing well, you don’t have to worry so much about me.”

“Sorry,” he said. “You’re right. I’m overthinking… things.”

Someone yelled his name from the background, calling him. “Sorry, Anna. Got to go. I’ll call you back later,” he said, then ended the call.

I stared at the screen which showed the call log. Probably an emergency. I put the phone in my back pocket and decided to head back. If I went further, I might reach the borders without me knowing – how far away was it anyway?

I lied to my best friend. I just placed myself in deeper waters. If Carson ever found out this mess I was in, he’d break down the gates if he had to just to get me out.

I’m ready. I’m going to talk to Liam…

Once I get back, I was heading to Liam’s office and we’d talk about this. The thought sent butterflies aflutter in my stomach. I’d have to face that jerk.

A branch snapped to my right, garnering my attention. A rustling came from my left. Turning, there was no one there. My heart began to race in my chest. The castle was too far.

I picked up my pace. The rustling came again, this time from behind me. I turned to look but there was no one there, again.

Please don’t let it be a rogue.

My palms heated up and my throat dried.

Please don’t let it be a rogue.

I started to run. I didn’t glance to my sides, focused on getting back as soon as possible. I reached for my phone, the rustling growing louder as whatever or whoever was out there chasing after me – this was an enemy. A friend would’ve let himself known immediately.

I tapped the call button for Gale and his phone was ringing but he wasn’t picking up. It was training hours! A growl came from behind me, deep and hungry.

It’s a rogue!

The castle was so far away. I’d never make it in time. Sweat broke out in every pore of my body as my legs carried me as fast as they could, my heart pounding in my chest as my lungs expanded to take in as much oxygen as they could handle in every inhale.

I tapped on Gale’s number again, but he wasn’t picking up. The growl came again, louder this time. Tears welled up in my eyes at the thought of getting torn to pieces.

Goddess, I don’t want to die. I don’t want to…

There was no way for me to outrun a wolf or any means to fight back. In the woods, I was a helpless prey. The rogue was playing with me for now, enjoying the chase, but it wouldn’t let me get too close to the pack that he’d be detected.

I tapped on Lexy’s number. It was ringing but she wasn’t picking up. She was on her shift!

Goddess, please…

One person came to mind and his number wasn’t on my phone. I truly was an idiot.

“Liam!!!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. I was crying now, fear gripping my entire being, the adrenaline keeping me going. I didn’t want to die… not yet. I still had too many things to do, too many questions to answer. I didn’t want to die…

“Liam!!”

Where are you? Why aren’t you coming?

A brown wolf jumped in front of me and I suddenly stopped, visibly shaking. It snarled at me, thick drool dripping from his mouth as he growled at me. I froze on the spot, my breathing coming in short intakes.

His name left my mouth in a stutter. I couldn’t scream...

Tears blurred my vision. The rogue snapped his jaws at me, and I flinched, taking a step back. He began to walk towards me, showing off his sharp teeth that in a few seconds would be digging deep into my flesh.

“L-L-Liam… Li-Liam… he-help me.”

Somebody… anybody… help me.

The rogue lunged for me, and I instinctively closed my eyes as my hand clutched at the empty vial on my neck. A shriek pierced through my throat, and the last thing in my mind’s eye was Liam… all sweaty and warm, hugging me tightly in his arms, his scent making my head spin.

I’m sorry…