SIX

Layla broke down into uncontrollable tears as she watched me pack my things. I feel overwhelmed really. All the times I envisioned leaving Eclipse, I didn’t ever consider leaving in this manner, not to be given out like some piece of overused dress.

I didn’t have much to pack, and even if I did, I don’t want to take much from this place, I do not want to be reminded of this place, so I just threw a few clothes inside my backpack.

I haven’t told Layla I found my mate and got rejected on my birthday because that would make her feel worse. I was trying to be strong myself, I know I believed anywhere was better than here, but I’m beginning to doubt that now.

The news is that the western wolves which is an aggregate of twenty four packs, of which Eclipse pack happen to be one of them have never been in the good books of the royals. I don’t know exactly what the story is but the hatred has been passed from generation to generation.

Even to date, the western wolves would do anything to gain favors and recognition from the royals and a tribute is given to the king whenever the occasion calls for it. About a week ago, the former king passed on and was laid to rest almost immediately. However, a ceremony was to be conducted after seven days which is today and all packs under the western wolves are giving out some of their pack members; well more like servants from their pack to the royals as a form of tribute to the late king. It is plain tradition and there’s no escaping it.

Alpha Simon has wanted to get rid of me for the longest of times and I just happened to fall into his trap showing up at his office the time I did. It’s not like he wouldn’t have willingly handed me over even if I didn’t ask to leave at that time. Now, I was going to be given off to the royals, Myself and Rose, another omega in my pack.

I would be a servant for the rest of my life. It seems like I signed my own death papers by myself. If I wasn’t there as at that time, If I didn’t approach the alpha about wanting to leave, maybe I would not have resigned myself to that fate. Right now, I’m not even sure which is worse. They say the devil you know is better than the angel you do not, I’m not sure what to expect but it’s too late now. I don’t have any choice whatsoever.

I’m going to miss Layla so much and no amount of words would calm her down. I’ve tried hugging her and telling her that she would be fine and nothing would happen to me but she’s uncontrollable. I hate that I have to leave her behind. She has been the only one close to a family that I ever knew. She doesn’t have many friends because of me and she’s the only one that ever looked at me and saw a person.

“Hurry up, what’s taking so long?” one of the warriors banged on my door. I’ve been in here far too long and the escort taking me away was already waiting. I turn to give Layla one last hug.

“Promise you would call me soon as you get there?” She asks and I stare around the room before picking up the old phone on my little table. I had almost forgotten about it. I’m not even sure if I would be allowed to carry one in the palace, or wherever it is I’m being shipped to.

“I’ll be fine and I’ll keep in touch as much as I can,” I assure her before walking out the door, Layla following behind.

I shivered as I saw the small crowd waiting outside for me. There were about two black vehicles, with tinted glasses and a truck behind. Two men were positioned on each side of the vehicle. Close to the pack house was Jordan, he was leaning against the walls, looking all pale and surprised, like he didn’t know I was going to be shipped off. I know he’s fucking jubilating in his mind, even though he doesn’t look like it. I suppress the urge to scowl at him and my eyes drift to his father who had a triumphant look in his eyes. He was besides his luna, who was in deep conversation with a very bulky man.

I’ve never seen these men before. It seems like this is all they do. The way they carried themselves was enough to tell me they had been sent here for us. A small crowd also gathered to watch the show. Many had pity in their eyes, but most of them looked on with scorn and amusement.

I didn’t miss the smirk on Beta Leo’s face as he watched me with narrowed eyes. He still had the nerve to wink at me. The insolence in the name of a man. He had been close to my dad as well but look at him now, staring lustfully at me. I would love to punch him in the face before leaving, but that’s not possible, not if I still want my head on my neck. Bella was among the small crowd watching too and when my eyes met hers, she stuck out her tongue at me and made a funny face..

I raised my middle finger at her and she gasps. The look on her face was enough to make me smile. I mostly wouldn’t respond to her silliness but what have I to lose right now? What could be worse than this? At least I take solace in the fact that I would not be setting my eyes on her again, she’s a real pain in the ass.

I feel someone nudge me from the back and I stagger forward. I turn to see another scary looking man scowling at me. He held open the back of the truck for me and pushed me in, then closed the door with a loud bang. There was very little light in there but I could see Rose already seated.

I peered out the little window to look outside and I caught Layla, still crying. She couldn’t see me from that little hole but I could see her so clearly. I haven’t shed any tear so far, but seeing her like that made water gather at the back of my eyes.

“I’m glad to leave,” Rose breaks the silence.

I turn to face her. I don’t know Rose so much but she was not one of those that had been a thorn in my flesh while I stayed here. She didn’t associate much and she was just as much of an outcast as I was.

I studied her but she remains impassive and just shrugged “I hated it here anyway. I hate alpha Simon especially, and I don’t think anywhere could be worse than this place,” she says.

While Rose may have been an omega all her life, I’d experienced a life of worth before things went haywire.

“I hope you know what this means. We would be subjected to a life of slavery till we die, there’s no escaping there,” I tell her.

She shrugged “I don’t mind. I’ve been a slave all my life here anyway. It’s even an upgrade for me because now I would be under royals. Not many people get the privilege of setting their eyes on royal blood, so I’m good with that,” she says.

Well, this just goes to show how different the two of us are. I want to be something more than a serving girl, not just because I was once a gamma’s daughter but because I believe life has more to offer, but Rose has resolved to settle for less. It would have been easier to run from Eclipse pack, but it’s not that easy in the royal palace. She did have a point about having to meet royals. Indeed, not many people get to meet with one and it’s considered great honor to be in the midst of one. But one thing I do know is that one way or the other, I would have to find a way to escape. The main thing is that I leave here first.

We hear the drivers door open and slam shut. I peered out again, and I see Layla waving at the truck. I wave back at her even though she can not see me. I hear the engine start and soon we are on our way. Somehow, I feel relief wash through me, as well as dread. Relief to be finally out of Eclipse pack, and dread for what the future holds. I closed my eyes and said a silent prayer to the moon goddess to keep me safe, and to protect Layla too.