Page 61 of Rejected and Regretted

Although my gamma was sympathetic, his expression lacked any surprise or sorrow over the passing of our friend. Alvin had never been particularly close to me or Gregor, but he was a genius. No doubt, he had already noticed Gregor's growing resentment toward me, which explained his calm reaction to the recent event.

“Beta Gregor’s death was a tragedy. Unfortunately, an unavoidable one,” I remarked, straightening myself in my seat as I prepared to change the subject. “But I know you didn’t call me here to discuss that matter.”

Alvin shook his head. “It’s about Opal Moon.”

I massaged my temple, distress settling in the moment I heard their name. “What happened now?”

“There’s been more conflict on the border between our territories,” he explained. “There was a disagreement between scouts from our pack and theirs. A fight almost broke out. Luckily, I was nearby and managed to prevent it.”

“Thank you, Alvin,” I told him wholeheartedly.

“I don’t think it will stop there, though,” he warned.

“I figured as much,” I admitted. “I have a feeling Grayson is trying to start a war.”

“Should we attack first?” Alvin suggested.

“No,” I promptly replied. “Whispering Hills has been responsible for pointless bloodshed, and it has given us a bad reputation. If we want to clean our name, we mustn’t seekconflict,” I instructed. After he nodded, I went on, “Nonetheless, we shouldn’t make ourselves an easy target. I trust you to conduct the preparations for the possibility of a confrontation with Opal Moon in the near future.”

“Yes, Alpha,” he said, bowing his head in respect.

Just as I was about to dismiss him, the landline rang. As if I didn’t have enough on my plate already. I hesitated, staring at the phone. It was reserved for communication between pack leaders, and while I couldn’t be sure it was bad news, I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that consumed me. Sadly, ignoring it wouldn’t change a thing. With that in mind, I picked it up.

“Alpha Koen of Whispering Hills,” I identified myself.

“Alpha Koen,” the man on the other side replied. “This is Alpha Charles of Obsidian Pelt Pack.”

“What can I help you with, Alpha Charles?” I inquired.

“Although I wasn’t able to attend the Alpha Meeting, I heard about the passing of your beta. I regret how tragic it was,” he said. That alone confirmed my suspicions—no leader would call just to express their condolences. “While I am sympathetic to your loss and grateful for our new alliance, I must prioritize my pack's safety. Without a beta, Whispering Hills is vulnerable.” He paused briefly, choosing his words carefully, but I already knew what was coming next.

I held my breath as he continued, “Obsidian Pelt would like to revoke its alliance with Whispering Hills.”

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A V R I L

I spent theafternoon catching up with my friends. Even after I shared everything about my short but eventful trip, they still had a lot to tell me. However, no matter how often I tried to change the subject, they kept steering the conversation back to my relationship with Koen. By dusk, I was tired of listening to them. Wanting some time alone to think, I decided to take a stroll around the town square.

At least roaming the lands of Whispering Hills gave me a different perspective. Outside, the pack members stared and scorned - they seemed to blame me for the loss of their beta, resenting me even more than they already did. Whispers of the past reached my ears, reminding me of why it was a bad idea to revisit it.

I had put everything behind me for a reason. If I hadn’t left, I would’ve never become who I was meant to be. Still, as much as the Avril of a couple of months ago would have hated to admit it, I never stopped holding on to Koen. The bitterness I always felt toward him helped me grow stronger, but it was gone now. I could finally forgive him and move on.

But was I really ready to let him go for once and for all? I kept telling everyone, including myself, that I was. However, I knew that was a lie. Past me had been brought back to life,and she contemplated what would happen if I gave my former mate another chance. I just wondered if it was worth it risking everything to find out.

Engrossed in my introspective journey, I almost missed the man sitting alone on a stone bench, staring blankly into the distance. It was as if being near him triggered my sixth sense; he became a beacon, whose light pierced through the darkness surrounding me, guiding me toward him.

The sight of him made me stop. I had a feeling he noticed me too, yet he didn’t move. It struck me as strange, though no more than his appearance: untidy hair, a dress shirt unbuttoned a third of the way down, and a glass of whiskey in hand. I had never seen the mighty alpha looking this careless, especially in public.

Before I registered it, my feet were moving toward him. Even as I stood right next to him, he didn’t turn to look at me. I immediately knew something was wrong, but I didn’t know how to ask him. So, I just sat by his side.

“Thought you didn’t drink,” I said casually when he remained silent.

“Desperate times,” he excused, bringing the glass up to his lips to take a small sip. The way he hesitated to swallow the liquor confirmed he indeed didn’t enjoy it.

When I turned to face him, he still didn’t budge. “What happened?”

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