2: Leaving

JENNA

I ran up to my room, not stopping even when the luna called me back. I didn't stop until I was safely in my room, the door locked.

I tore the dress I was so happy to wear just a few hours ago, off me. With tears rolling down my face, I pull out the pins holding my hair up, tossing them to the floor with angry force.

I changed into a t-shirt and jeans then pulled on a hoodie over my head. It was too big on me. It took only a second to realize it was Jason’s. He’d give it to me that night, one week ago when we were out by the river. I was cold before we went to sleep. Right there on the river bank, naked bodies tangled and arms wrapped around each other.

My heart aches when I think of seeing him everyday. Having these memories forever. Both the good ones and the bad ones.

I couldn’t handle that.

I started removing the hoodie with trembling hands, but his scent kept me warm and made my insides flutter. I hated that he brought this pain upon me, but just his scent acted like a balm to my burn.

My legs are unable to carry me and I crumble to my bedroom floor, wrapping my arms around the hoodie tighter as I cried into it. Letting my sorrows soak the material.

I cried for a while before I got up and I started pushing clothes into a duffel bag. I took the little money that I had from working during the summer and shoved it into my pockets. I was about to climb out my window when a thought came to me.

The luna has been great to me. Both she and alpha, they took me in when I didn’t have a family and they had no idea who I was. They took care of me and raised me as their own.

Jason might have hurt me, but it isn’t their fault.

I tore out a piece of paper from my study table and wrote a short one line message. I signed it with my name and wrote the luna and Alpha's names on the back.

With one last glance at the room I grew up in, I go out through my window. Something Jason had taught me when we were fourteen, and thought it was cool to sneak out late at night.

I didn’t know where I would go or how I was going to do it. But I wouldn’t stay in this pack and live with the reminder that Jason didn’t want me. Knowing that he thought I was a freak just like everyone else.

If that meant becoming a rogue. Then I would take it.

It was easy for me to sneak out of the alpha’s house without being noticed. It was very late and I knew where most of the border patrol guys stayed.

This isn’t the first time I’m going out without permission or late at night. But it is the first time I plan on not coming back.

The pain and betrayal I felt earlier has reduced itself to a numb throb in my chest and everywhere else. I could feel it, I’m aware of it but it didn’t affect me.

“Hey.”

My heart drops to my stomach when I hear a sharp voice call out.

I planned on walking off and pretending I didn’t hear. The person clearly isn’t on the same page because they jog to catch up to me.

I’m yanked roughly by the arm. I turn and come face to face with Kristina.

Kirstina is the beta’s daughter and one of the people that bullied me the most. She is probably here to poke fun at me.

Her pink lips pursed as she watches me.

I regret following this part of the pack immediately. I should have gone for the darker sides. There were entirely too many lights here.

“What are you doing out so late?” She asked, looking me up and down.

My fingers trace the strap of my duffel and I shrug.

“I could ask you the same thing.” I muttered.

She snarls at me before bringing her hand up.

Usually, I didn’t fight back whenever they tried to hit me. Jason was mostly there and they were all scared of him.

I grabbed my wrist before she could land her slap. She gasped in surprise. Totally shocked that I would dare do that.

“Don’t even think about it.” I hiss through gritted teeth.

My wolf perks in my head, angry that she wanted to hurt us. After what happened with Jason tonight, she is pissed with everyone. I wouldn’t try to stop her if she chooses to pick a fight now.

Kristina looks at the bag on my shoulders and her mouth parts in realization.

“So, it is true.” I didn’t reply to her. “Your mate rejected you?!”

Tears sprang to my eyes and that hollowed pain started becoming real again. I shove her aside and start running in the opposite direction. Knowing her, she’ll let everyone know what happened and I didn’t want to be forced to stay here.

I ran for so long, until my lungs burned and my chest heaved.

The yearning in my heart grew the more distance I put between me and Jason. It didn’t make me stop, even when the pain threatened to steal my breath from my lugs.

The woods weren't safe this late at night. I was lucky I didn’t run into any rogues or hunters.

I felt it when I left our pack. The anguish I felt inside was almost like the pain I felt when the rejection hit. Like I was being torn apart.

I couldn't breathe well, my wolf was whimpering and howling in pain in my head. It is the worst I have ever felt in my life. Instead of letting the pain slow me down, I let it push me.

I refuse to stop until I'm as far away from the pack as I can get.