"Zyro," I blurted, looking back to where he stood.
He wasn't alone; Krisha was with him, smiling innocently like a lost angel. Alpha Zyro held paper bags, and Krisha clung to his arm, resembling a newlywed couple arriving at their new home. I hadn't noticed I was almost crumpling the paper in my hand from the betrayal.
Just then, Aunt Heilen announced her arrival. She paused, sensing the tension and observing the gift packages in the living room. She carried fresh cyclamen, accompanied by two scout werewolves.
Before she could speak, I interrupted. "Aunt Heilen, I planned to give these gifts to you and the pack members; it's been almost a decade since you welcomed me. I'm just so grateful," I said.
I also wanted to explain my departure from the pack to her but I don't want Alpha Zyro and Krisha to hear it.
Ignoring him and Krisha's arrival, I paid more attention to Aunt Heilen.
His furrowed brow showed he noticed my avoidance, so he explained, "Listen, Mikah. Krisha's ex-boyfriend has been stalking her for days. She's staying at my house temporarily to keep her safe. Don't assume it's anything more than that."
I took a deep breath, feigning indifference. "I know."
Turning to Aunt Heilen and the scouts, I smiled, "Scouts, please take these gifts and distribute them to the pack members. They're already labeled, so you won't be confused."
Alpha Zyro, believing I didn't care, relaxed. Then, Krisha stumbled. He instantly steadied her, touching her waist and pulling her close for support right before my eyes.
"Are you okay?" he asked, concerned.
Krisha's face contorted in pain. "Sorry. I was just dizzy. I'm fine."
Without hesitation, Alpha Zyro set down his bags and scooped Krisha into his arms in a bridal style.
"You two, take these bags to the guest room now," he ordered.
The scouts abandoned my gifts to retrieve his bags. My heart felt crushed, but I offered my help to Krisha as a healer. After all, she was our Beta.
"No need, Mikah. I don't think you can help," Krisha replied.
"Take care of yourself instead, Mikah," Alpha Zyro said and continued walking, seemingly oblivious to his long-term girlfriend watching them.
How could he? I breathed deeply, trying to ease the pain in my chest. I want to slap him for the insult but he's still our Alpha and he should be respected at all times.
"Are you okay?" Aunt Heilen asked.
Tears welled in my eyes, but I masked them with a smile. "I'm fine."
"Do you still want me to talk to him?" she offered.
"No need, Auntie."
I watched the closing guest room door. I can't helped but to compare my past self to Krisha. He had been just as attentive and caring with me before. I remembered the night I was injured during a full moon run with him for our anniversary, he'd stayed awake to guard me. Now, he was discarding me like trash.
Even after Aunt Heilen left, they remained in the guest room.
The next morning, I woke early and found Alpha Zyro cooking. Smiling, I approached and hugged him from behind.
"What are you cooking, dear?"
He stiffened and stepped back when he heard my voice. He scrutinized me for a minute and frowned, then ignored me as if I were a useless display of his house.
Then, Krisha's shrill voice broke the silence.
"Good morning, everyone!" She walked toward Zyro, bumping my shoulder as she passed. "Are you cooking?"
Zyro smiled. "Yeah. It's for you. Take a seat and wait. You deserve the most delicious dish in the world."
Stunned, I watched Krisha smile sweetly at him.
"Z-Zyro," I stammered, trying to get him to explain their affectionate interaction.
He sighed, as if burdened. "Don't overthink things, Mikah. I'm just making sure she eats healthy as my Beta. She's important to the pack, okay? I don't want any stress right now, and you're causing some."
"Are you mad at me, Mikah?" Krisha asked, pouting as she sat down at the dining chair. "Do you want me to leave?"
"What? No! Stay, Krisha. Don't leave. Mikah, if you're going to keep assuming things, you might as well leave."
His words widened my eyes. In eight years, he'd never spoken to me like that. What had changed? Was it because of Krisha?
Hurt, I stormed off to the forest for a solitary run in my wolf form.
Returning in human form, I went to Alpha Zyro's house to shower and rest, only to find them together in the living room, sitting side by side. Then, I saw Krisha move closer to Alpha Zyro and give him a peck on the lips.
I thought my heart had lightened during the run, but the heavy feeling returned. I walked inside, ignoring their gaze. Their infidelity was enough for me to finally leave the pack and sever our bond.
Once in my room, I retrieved my suitcases and packed my belongings. I waited for the two to sleep so I could sneak out to leave, hoping no one would notice.
