Goodbye Dear Exes, I have moved on

Only a few days were left in leaving the pack. So, I decided to spend a day with Elder Victor. He used to be my grandfather’s beta and later he served the position of a qualified elder in my father's reign. He taught me many things, including hunting, shifting and identifying different smells. After my father died, he also taught me many tactics and helped me in running the pack. He was like a grandfather to me. So, I didn't want to hide anything from him.

“Elder Victor, you see I have been alone since my father left me and despite your teachings, I failed to run my father's pack and his studio smoothly. Besides, our pack members doesn't accept me as their Alpha.” I paused for a while before concluding myself, “So, I’m planning to leave the pack after handing everything to my Dad’s beta, Uncle Mathew for a time being.”

Elder victor was overwhelmed with this sudden news. He tried to convince me in staying while saying, “Janette, you have been doing great and the pack members will accept you sooner or later. You don't need to leave the pack just because they don't accept you. Always remember that you are an Alpha by birth, not by their choice. Besides you have two Alpha mates. If one of them get married to you and help you in running the pack, no one will chalange your claim and as far as I remember they both are fond of you. Have they not proposed marraige to you yet?”

“Elder Victor, it's just one of the reasons behind my departure. I have other reasons to do it as well.” I cut him off. He sighed in defeat before responding, “Alright, if you have already decided, I’ll not stop you. When will you return to lead your pack then?”

“I have not thought about it yet.” I replied. Elder Victor was devastated after hearing me. He sighed, saying, “I always saw you as my own. I just wish you good luck and hope for your better future.”

Elder Victor’s eyes turned red and he couldn't help crying while imagining my departure. I couldn't hold back either. I hugged him immediately and cried while saying, “Elder Victor, you are also like my own grandfather. I really have no choice but to leave otherwise I wouldn't have left everything behind like this.”

“I understand, my child.” he replied while wiping the corner of his eyes. Just then Darek and Mike appeared along with Emily. They were surprised to see me with Elder Victor.

“Janette, what are you doing here?” Darek asked. Seeing Emily standing with them just enhanced my sadness. I was hoping a private time with Elder Victor but she had to intervene here as well. She had already snatched my two friends from me and now she wasn't even letting me spend some time with Elder Victor who was like a grandfather to me.

“Grandpa Victor is Elder of my pack. He is like a grandfather to me. It's very obvious for me to visit him. It should be I asking this question to you.” I said in an indifferent voice, they might not notice it.

“Emily said she has learnt hunting from Elder Victor. She wanted to visit him and thanked him for his service.” Mike said while Darek added, “So, we accompanied her to visit him.”

Emily’s mother was my father's sister. She belonged to the same pack and hence often visited us with Emily. Thus, she learnt many things from our elders. However, it was the only time she thought of visiting one of them. I doubt it to be a coincident.

Darek seemed to notice something and immediately asked, “Janette, why are your eyes swollen? Were you crying?”

Mike also turned to me and looked concerned. He asked, “Janette, is there something you are troubled with? Why don't you share with us anything now?”

As if they were available to listen. I shook my head and said, “It's nothing. Something got into my eyes.”

They didn't look satisfied with my answer and looked up at Elder Victor, hoping he would tell the reason. However, he chose to stay silent to respect my decision.

“Grandpa Victor, I’m leaving now.” I said while turning to him.

“Are you not staying for dinner?” He asked instantly, looking sad by my departure.

I had originally planned to stay and have dinner with him. But, after seeing Emily standing along with Darek and Mike, I lost my apatite.

“I have work to do, Grandpa Victor. I’m sorry but I can't stay.”

After saying these words I shot a glance over my two friends and Emily, then turned to leave. However, Darek held my hands and pulled me back. He looked deeply into my eyes and said, “Please stay, Janette.”