Chapter Two

Where are you going?" my best friend Sandra asked as I threw my few belongings into a suitcase from underneath my bed. I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. I didn't know how much she knew about the pack's dynamics, and I didn't want to reveal too much.

"Just leaving for a little while," I said, sounding casual. "I need some time to think."

Sandra's eyes narrowed. "Think about what? You're not even telling me what's going on."

I sighed, feeling a sense of guilt wash over me. I didn't want to lie to my best friend, but I didn't want to reveal the truth. Not yet, at least.

I couldn't tell her. I couldn't tell my best friend that I had been sleeping with the alpha of our pack for the last five months of my life. It was a secret eating away at me, making me feel like a traitor and a fool.

And now, as I was preparing to leave, I couldn't bear the thought of telling her about Damon's rejection. It was like a fresh wound, still raw and bleeding.

I thought back to how Damon had looked at me with disdain and disappointment. I had tried to play it cool, to pretend I didn't care, but inside, I was dying.

I couldn't tell Sandra about the months I had wasted on Damon, about the way he had used me for his pleasure. She would think I was stupid, that I had thrown away my chance at a happy life.

But most of all, I couldn't tell her about Aurora, the beta's mate who had taken Damon's place in his affections. The thought of her made my heart ache with jealousy and resentment.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. I knew I had to get out of there, to leave the pack and its toxic dynamics behind. But it was hard to let go of the past, of the memories and emotions that still lingered.

As I finished packing my bag, I felt a sense of determination wash over me. I was going to start a new life, one where my relationship with Damon or my status in the pack didn't define me. I was going to find myself and figure out who I was without the constraints of the pack.

And maybe, just maybe, I would find a way to heal from the wounds that Damon had inflicted on me.

"Just personal things, Sandra," I said finally. "I promise you'll be the first one I call when I'm ready to talk."

Sandra looked at me sceptically but eventually nodded. "Okay, Harriet. But if you need me, don't hesitate to reach out."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I knew she would be shocked if she knew the truth - that I was leaving the pack for good.

As we hugged goodbye, I felt a sense of trepidation. What would the future hold? Would I be able to make a new life outside the pack? And what would happen if Damon found out where I was going?

But as I looked at Sandra, I knew I had made the right decision. I was finally taking control of my life, and nothing would stop me now.

“I will see you soon,” I told my best friend as she gave me a final wave and left me alone in my room.

I looked around at the familiar surroundings of my den. It was small, but it was home. I had grown up here, surrounded by the pack. But it was time to leave.

I picked up my bag and slung it over my shoulder. It was heavy with all my belongings, but I didn't care. I was leaving behind the only life I had ever known.

As I walked out the door, I felt a sense of freedom. I was finally leaving behind the constraints of the pack and its rigid social hierarchy.

Damon wouldn't even care that I wasn't here anymore, and to be honest, he probably would not even notice. I was sure he would be far too loved up on Aurora and making her his Luna.

I made my way to the bus station, my heart pounding. What was I doing? This was wild. I had never been outside the pack before. What if I got lost? What if I didn't make it? Luckily, the patrol officers didn't even look at me walking down the long gravel path.

Nobody said a word, and I wondered if I was invisible. Did this pack not care about us omegas? Were we only noticeable when they needed something? When it suited them?

Just outside of the pack was a road that was deserted, but I saw a sign that said bus stop. So I decided to wait for a few moments, and sure enough, there came one rattling up the road. Then doubt hit me. Should I do this? Should I leave?

But I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the bus ride ahead. I had always been curious about the world beyond the pack's borders. And now, I was finally going to see it. Damon had hurt me badly, so why should I feel any guilt for leaving Milton Manor?

“Town, please,” I said, paying the driver with the coins I had in my pocket. I didn't have much money, but I guessed that I would be able to find a paying job in the town.

The bus ride was long and tiring, but I didn't care. I was too busy staring out the window at the passing scenery, dreaming of all the possibilities ahead.

I thought about all the things I had never experienced before. I had never seen a city, never ridden a subway, never tasted an authentic pizza. And now, I was finally going to experience all of those things.

I was going to make it here. I was going to make a new life for myself in this city.