Chapter 5

Crystal brought Mercedes fresh clothes since hers were torn. They were both silent, trying not to make the situation even worse. Crystal briefed Mercedes on what she had to know because she asked. She was told that her friend was going to leave and would never remember her. It was probably not a good idea to form an attachment with her. She couldn't help herself. Mercedes was just shy and sweet. Unlike the females in her pack.

Crystal was only treated well by the rest of them because she was mated to a Beta. If it wasn't for that, she wouldn't even be here. Every privilege she gets is because of her mate's status in the pack. Although she is grateful, it is not enough. She wanted people to like her for who she is, not who she is with. She doesn't want fake respect or concern like that. With Mercedes, it was different. She didn't know anything about her, and she liked her for her personality and character. In that short time, they established a solid bond that would soon break.

While they were headed to the Alpha's office, Mercedes stopped Crystal in her tracks and insisted she give her a tour of the pack perimeter. Crystal was hesitant to keep the Alpha waiting, but she thought, why not? This was the last time she would get to be here with her. So she took her around and showed the training grounds, some of the houses where families lived, the lake behind the packhouse, and the orphanage where pups who have lost their parents live. Crystal shared that she often went there to spend time with the kids when she had time. The place was big, and it would take time to go everywhere, so they decided to go where they were expected.

Before they could get inside the packhouse, Mercedes stopped Crystal again. " What is it, Mercedes? Are you alright?" She did not reply. She just threw her arms around her and hugged her tightly. " Thank you," she said, with tears falling from her eyes. Crystal teared up as well. It was so strange how she felt like she had known her longer than she did. It was hard for them both to say goodbye.

Thank you for everything. I know I won't remember it all, but I want to tell you now that I appreciate it."

" I will miss you, Mercedes. I hope that one day we will meet under different circumstances," she said with a teary smile. She wiped the tears from Mercedes's eyes and kissed her on her cheek. Crystal held out her hand and Mercedes connected their hands and walked inside together. Luckily, it was not awkward because most of the pack members were out on errands.

Crystal took a deep breath and gave Mercedes a reassuring smile to her. Jake opened the door and moved out of the way.

Mercedes was unhappy, but there was nothing she could do about it. The decision was made and she had to leave. It is what is best for everyone except her. Once again, she had to part ways with something. The last time she did it, it was not as painful as that because she was not leaving anyone behind. Now she is leaving Crystal, and she won't even remember her and not any of the moments that they shared. Life really had it out for her. Nothing was going well. She didn't even tell Crystal that she had nowhere to go.

Mercedes's eyes scanned around the room, and she took in the interior. Everything is made of wood and leather. It had quite a manly touch to it and was simple.

She saw the man she had met earlier and Jake. Crystal couldn't stop talking about him. She finally put the face to a name. He was no less attractive than the still brooding man and ripped. Come to think of it, she never came across anyone unfit in the place. It must be the werewolf gene they are blessed with.

Then lastly, she laid eyes on sexy Asian women with literally cat eyes. Her black sheen hair was in an uptight ponytail and her make-up was smokey and dark. Her whole get-up was goth style.

" Finally Crystal. Where were you?" Jake asked Crystal, who was still holding on to Mercedes.

" We went for a walk, and we lost track of time," she said, giving a curt reply. Now that she was close, Jake could feel her emotions through the mate bond. He felt bad for her, but it was the Alpha's orders, and she had to come to terms with it at some point.

' Please calm down my love. This kind of stress is not good for the baby," he warned in concern, but Crystal didn't reply.

" So this is the human who stumbled upon the beast land," the Asian woman sauntered closer to her and traced her dark purple nails on her neck. Surprisingly, Mercedes did not even flinch or cower. She looked right into her eyes. Mercedes had already figured out that she was Alexa, the witch who had to erase her memory.

" She is good-looking, Felix. Why would you not want to keep a human like her? Most humans are hysterical when they get to know about the supernatural world, but she is calm... not sacred." While Alexa was making her own observation, everyone else was quiet.

" I didn't call you here to make suggestions, Alexa. I'm calling in a favor. Do it so we can send her on her way!" Felix grumbled with his arms folded. He looked like a big baby who was making a fuss about not wanting veggies in his meal. Mercedes rolled her eyes at his behavior.

" Relax now Alpha. No need to get agitated, I'll do it alright?" she huffed. She looked Mercedes in the eye and said, " Are you, ready human?" Mercedes was getting annoyed at the human word. She knew she was just an ordinary human being. There was no need for them to keep reminding her of her inferiority.

She nodded her head, but before she looked at Crystal and mumbled," Goodbye," to her with a small smile on her lips. Alexa placed her fingers on her head and began to engage her mind. She closed her eyes in concentration. Mercedes felt the power on the tip of her fingers surge through her brain. It was not painful. She became immobile while Alexa worked her magic. She saw a playout of the events of her life, but everything went on quickly. Suddenly, Alexa let go of her and shock was expressed by her features.

There was pin-drop silence while everyone anticipated the results.

" Impossible!" Alexa breathed out in shock.