Secret

The party had started and it's been a good 30minutes since it has. I know that I was told not to go, but I couldn't keep quiet, I keep thinking that there must be something and that's why Ian didn't want me to go.

Quite cynical, I know but can you blame me?

I tiptoed my way downstairs and by the get go, there were so many people. I was under-dressed and that's why I pulled my hood over my head. They were all going in one direction and I was thankful enough that they didn't notice me.

A joyous atmosphere was present in the air and everyone talking amongst each other. After a while of lingering in the kitchen, I heard an announcement.

"The Alpha is now greeting the elders, the Gamma and the Delta back, everyone go in the ballroom." somebody announced.

For a moment, I froze.

Delta?

Did I hear that right?

My heart started pounding hard against my chest. Ian had a delta? And he never told me?

Deltas were a replacement of an Alpha's mate as long as he hasn't found her and she hasn't found hers.

It makes sense... of course Panselinos would have a Delta. They have to keep their pack strong, having no Luna would weaken them considerably.

I wanted to turn away and go back to my room. Maybe I really should've just stayed in my room. I was going to go back, but my feet had minds of their own. They followed the crowd and I hoped with all of my heart that Ian wouldn't sense me.

I tried to conceal my aura with all that I could, the only trick I learned in my old pack to hide from my abusers. It seemed to work because even though I was at the back of the crowd, a good 30 meters away from Ian who stood mightily in front, he couldn't sense me.

"Tonight, Panselinos welcomes back its precious warriors after months of absence." Ian started and the crowd cheered madly, proud of their leaders. "As you all know, they had a mission to fulfill by going around different packs and meeting the elders of the Capitol. I hope you that you all welcome them back with your warmest hospitality. Tonight, we celebrate." he raised a glass in the air and everyone raised theirs also while cheering.

"Without further ado, let's call our elders!" Ian announced and the crowd divided. Since I was standing by the entrance, I had to move away too. Soon, three elderly men and two elderly women wearing black cloaks started walking in. They passed by me and I immediately felt the aura that shrouded them. They were strong alright.

The crowd was cheering once again and when the elders arrived in front of their Alpha, they all bowed. Ian merely nodded towards them and they stood up, going to Ian's left and stood there.

"Of course, our Gamma. Elliot Benjamin." the Alpha said and smiled, genuinely happy. A tall man started striding down the hall. He was as tall, dirty blonde hair and power oozing out of him. I wasn't able to catch anything else but he did seem intimidating.

Again, the crowd went wild upon seeing their Gamma enter. Like the elders did, he bowed in reverence and after went to stand by the elders.

I hoped there would be no one after the Gamma. I hoped that the announcements were done. However, looking at Ian, I knew that it must've been true. He glanced uncomfortably over to Alec who was standing beside him before he started to talk again.

"Lastly, let's welcome Sierra Northon, Panselinos' Delta."

And there it was.

All the hurt I felt earlier when I realized that I wasn't any of Ian's first came back. Maybe she was his first. His first of everything. And me?

Sierra started walking, passing me by and at the small glimpse that I caught from her, I instantly felt so small, so...insufficient.

Sierra was beautiful, there was no denying that. Her blonde and brown curls, her bright blue eyes and her red lips were eye-catching. As she walked down the hall, all eyes were on her as they cheered. She was smiling as she bowed down and when Ian nodded, his smile dropped.

The hurt inside me was getting intense. My heart was hurting, I could literally feel the hurt. The betrayal. I somehow knew that they had something going on.

My breaths were shorter, I was starting to feel warm and I knew that my eyes were starting to warm up.

Sierra stood up. "I'm back, Alpha." she said and I could hear due to my enhanced hearing. She took a step closer towards the Alpha and gave him a kiss on his cheek.

I felt that.

Ian nodded and the first drop of my tear dropped. As if on cue, his eyes widened and searched the crowd until his blue eyes met mine.

I was biting my lip so hard to keep the tears from falling, but it was no use. I felt so hurt.

I couldn't breathe and I had to get out of there. I turned around, pushing people out of my way. Images in my head started flashing.

Sierra's lips on Ian's. Her arms around him. It was already starting to haunt me.

I felt my wolf's hurt too. Our assumptions may have been just assumptions but we were both sure that they had that kind of relationship.

I found myself outside the pack house and next thing I knew, I was running mad fast towards the forest.

I wanted to get away.

Why couldn't Ian tell me about her? I would have been more accepting about the fact that he had a Delta. I would have prepared myself of the fact that there was her.

Because now, I'm just an emotional wreck. The hurt I felt was eating me up.

I knew it was things he couldn't control. But still, it hurt like hell.

I didn't understand. I normally could control my feelings no matter the pain that I felt, but when it was things revolving my mate, I'm an easy target.

Ian was messing with the coping mechanism that I had built for years, easily making them crumble in his feet. And I hated it.

I had to be strong no matter what, even in front of my mate. I couldn't dare to trust anyone with my life anymore, I had to carry myself alone.

'Not even Ian?' my wolf asked inside my head.

'Not even him.' I replied bitterly. As I ran towards who knows where, I shew my wolf to let her understand of how deep my emotions were. 'You're the only one I trust.'

And so I ran. I ran till I forgot about Sierra's face. I didn't even understand why I was so mad, but then I caught a glimpse of the almost full moon at the pond. I stopped, looking up, and feeling the water surround my feet.

A sense of peace dawned me and I remembered the weird dreams I have been getting. The name of Chári appeared in my head again. However, as I stared longer, I felt myself getting pulled by its light.

Shaking my head, I continued running. I wondered if I passed over the pack's borders but when I concentrated, I could see the barrier was still far. I looked behind me and tried to sense if there was anyone who followed me.

I doubt Ian or anybody in particular was able to follow me. The party had just started when I left and he sure couldn't leave the event without a good excuse. And knowing him, his pack would always come first.

I looked ahead of me. Maybe it was time to do what I'd always dared to do.

To go rogue.

My wolf instantly started scolding me, but I was ready. I had nothing to lose. I'll go anywhere.

I looked up to the moon once again who seemed to be staring at my every move and that's when I decided.

I was going to follow the moon.

After about an hour of running, I stood in front of the pack's barrier. I could feel how strong it was. It wasn't going to be easy getting out. I could get electrocuted by even trying to step out. Staring at how it glowed so brightly in the dark, it scared me. I remember learning that if it was powerful enough to glow, it was strong one cast by strong barrier users.

I breathed and tried to touch but immediately, I felt a stinging current on my finger.

It's impossible after all.

'You can get through.'

'How do I do that, smarty?'

'Shush, Hannah! Can't you feel it? The barrier, you can manipulate it. You don't have to be afraid, you have to be calm when touching it.' she instructed. I didn't understand what she was saying but I knew there was some truth in it.

I could feel the barrier's strength. I could feel how far the barrier's users were located. I took a deep breath and decided to trust my wolf's instinct. I calmed myself down, lifting my hand up.

A part of the barrier in front of me started dissolving, just enough for my height to be able to get out. I looked behind me, deciding for a moment.

Goodbye Ian.

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IAN's POV

I felt it.

It was a feeling so strong it made my wolf shew itself and growled lowly. The whole room stopped, turning their heads towards me. Some had puzzled looks while some were afraid. Luckily, I regained control and they all eased before continuing to talk with each other again.

Alec and Elliot were by my side instantly and that's when I received a link.

'Alpha, we're so sorry for interrupting but someone had just opened the barrier and left the pack unannounced.' Lewis, announced.

I worried it wouldn't be true, but when I tried sensing Hannah, there were no results.

My eyes looked for Alec's and it seemed like he was thinking of the same thing.

I nodded at him, standing up from my place.

"I am so sorry to announce that I have to leave along with the Beta. An emergency calls us to the borders. Don't worry, it's nothing too serious, please continue your celebration." I announced and hurriedly left.

I saw Elliot's and Sierra's worried look, but I chose to ignore it.

There was only one thing in my mind.

Hannah.