After collecting my thoughts, I grabbed the USB drive and headed out. My car was in the shop for maintenance, so I hailed a cab to get to the Moonlight Pack’s headquarters, where Timothy’s office was located.
The driver, Paul, a Delta in our pack, greeted me with a friendly nod as I slid into the backseat. “Heading to the Alpha’s office, Gamma Iliana?” he asked, his tone respectful but warm.
“Yes,” I replied, forcing a smile. “Thank you, Paul.”
When we arrived, I stepped into the grand building, the scent of pine and fresh earth—distinct to our pack—filling the air. The Betas and Gammas I passed bowed their heads slightly in acknowledgment, their deference to my rank as a Gamma evident. I returned the gestures with a nod, my heart heavy but my expression neutral.
When I handed Timothy the USB drive, I had to act as if everything was perfectly normal. It felt quite awkward, especially with the weight of his Alpha aura pressing subtly against me, a reminder of his dominance. He stood tall and broad-shouldered, his presence commanding the room as always.
Just as I was about to leave, Timothy suddenly took my hand, his grip firm yet gentle. His dark eyes softened as he said, “Having you in my life is such a blessing.” His voice carried the warmth that had once made me feel secure, but now it only stirred a bitter ache in my chest.
At that moment, William, a Beta and one of Timothy’s closest advisors, happened to walk by. He paused, his lips curving into a teasing smirk. “Oh, our Alpha’s flaunting his romance again!” he joked, his tone light but still laced with the respect owed to his leader.
I discreetly pulled back my hand, my smile tight. “I promised to meet Murphy for some shopping, so I’ll head out now,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm inside me.
Timothy nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer. Then, with a small smile, he reached out and gave a gentle pat on my head, his touch as familiar as it was painful. “Take care, Iliana,” he said softly.
I turned and walked away, my steps measured and deliberate. The pack members I passed continued to show their respect, their bows and nods a reminder of the world I still belonged to—even if the man at its center no longer belonged to me.
