August’s POV:
“Are you saying you want to go back without Whitney’s approval?” Neo asked seriously.
“What is hard to understand? I want nothing to do with this pack, so yes, I want to go back,” I replied calmly.
“Something came up, so I have to go back,” I answered calmly.
“What? Is there something important that you can’t share even with me?” he asked seriously.
“Yes, it’s personal. Look, Neo, I’m not encouraging you to send me off right now. I’m just telling you so you could be aware,” I answered, then stood up from my seat.
“I’m leaving today, but Sharon will stay behind. Only when I talk to Whitney will she be a part of this pack,” I said as he stood up and faced me.
“Why do I feel like you are hiding something from me?” he asked seriously.
“That’s because I am,” I answered calmly.
“And what is that?” he asked.
I didn’t want to lie, but I had no choice but to tell him the truth.
“I’m in love with Sharon. Seeing her with another guy hurts my heart,” I answered.
He frowned, then kept quiet for a few minutes.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” he whispered as I smirked.
“I don’t need your apology, Neo. All I need from you is your help. When Ian comes back with the Alpha queen, cover for me, but at the same time, keep my secret,” I said as he smiled.
“I understand, August. So you can leave without any regrets or burden,” he answered as I stood up.
“Thank you. I will go now, so please do your best to look after Sharon,” I said as he smiled warmly.
“Of course, I will,” he said, then extended his hand.
I moved closer and shook it.
When I let go, I felt sad but chose not to show my emotions.
I walked out of the office with him behind me. When I reached the pack house, I looked at my car with a low sigh.
So, I was really going back home alone.
“What is the problem?” he asked softly.
“Nothing,” I answered, then walked to the car and opened it.
“August, I know that it might be hard for you, but do you really have to go?” he asked as I smiled and got in.
“I do, Neo, and thank you for your hospitality,” I answered, then shut the door and started my car.
“I wish you could stay longer,” he mouthed the words.
I smiled, then drove off before I could change my mind. I didn’t want to be swayed in any way because, as it was, it was already hard for me.
“August!” Sharon’s voice came through our mind-link.
“What is it?” I asked seriously.
“How could you leave without saying goodbye?” she asked loudly.
“Because I had to,” I answered.
“What do you mean?” she asked loudly.
“I mean I had to because I was beginning to think stealing you away from Logan was a good thing to do,” I answered honestly.
“What?” she asked.
“You heard me, Sharon. I began thinking about how it would be nice to have you by my side,” I answered.
“That’s absurd! I have a mate!” she exclaimed.
“I know, that’s why I decided to leave your side. It may not show now, but I want you to live a happy, healthy life with him,” I said sadly.
It was getting hard to talk to her, yet I wanted to communicate with her for the last time.
“Thank you,” she whispered softly.
“No, thank you for tolerating my behavior,” I said sadly, then focused on my way.
Hours went by as I thought things through.
Was it bad that I was single? No, but why then did I think I was incomplete?
Was the Moon Goddess upset with me in any way? If yes, then what horrible deed did I do to make her upset with me?
Those thoughts were all I could think of until I reached the territory at night.
I parked the car right in front of the pack house and got out.
The twins and Lexi stood at the entrance, looking at me.
“I’m home,” I said once I was out of the car.
“We can see that because we aren’t blind,” Ryan said mockingly.
I smirked, then moved closer and stood in front of them.
“I thought I would never say this in my life, but I did miss you guys,” I said as Evan chuckled softly.
“Do you mean you missed our mate, Lexi?” he asked as I closed my eyes for a second before opening them.
“I didn’t because my mind was occupied with Sharon,” I whispered sadly as the twins frowned at me.
“Lexi, can you give us some privacy, please?” Evan asked softly.
“Of course. August, it’s good to have you back,” she said with a smile, then turned and went back into the pack house.
“What now?” I asked.
“Did you really mean your words?” Ryan asked seriously. He sounded very concerned.
“Yes, is there a problem?” I asked calmly.
“No,” Evan answered.
I looked at them carefully, then brushed my hand through my hair.
“I don’t know why I am a sore loser. My friends are mated by my age, and they are living in pure bliss, while I’m struggling with the fact that I have to be alone. What wrong did I do to go through such torment?” I yelled at the top of my voice as tears filled my eyes.
“I have no one, and I’ll always be that way. A jerk who has no goals in life and who doesn’t know what he really wants in life,” I said angrily.
“August, does a mate really define your very existence?” Evan asked seriously.
I hesitated before answering.
“No, but they would fill my life with happiness. I’m sure you understand because you are happy to have Lexi by your side,” I answered.
“Look, brother, we were already happy before we met Lexi. You should know the truth because we want you to be happy as well. Before anything else, you should know what your goals are and what makes you happy,” Ryan said as I grinned.
“Before anyone, you should put yourself first, always remember that,” he said as I felt my heart ache.
His words were hard yet true. I guess it was time I had to start focusing on my happiness above others.