August’s POV:
Has anyone ever felt like they were living a hellish life right in front of their damn face?
That’s exactly how it felt for me with the twins constantly having their hands on Lexi.
The bastards wouldn’t let her breathe or be alone.
“You know, your face says it all and it’s really annoying,” Ryan said sarcastically, then shifted his gaze to Lexi, who was sitting on his lap.
“If you’re really that annoyed by me, then why don’t you take your little show up to your bedroom?” I fired back as he looked at me coldly.
“Perhaps we will, perhaps we won’t. I see no problem with just fucking in front of you,” he answered, as Lexi lightly hit his chest.
He was insane. I could clearly see that, so there was no need to go back and forth with him.
“Then excuse me,” I said as I stood up from the dining table and walked out of the room.
I was waiting for the chefs to bring in the food, but now I had no appetite because of him.
“August,” Evan called from behind in the hallway.
I stood still and waited for him to either catch up or speak.
“Are you still feeling down?” he asked with concern.
“No,” I lied.
“You know that I can tell when you lie,” he said.
I turned and faced him seriously.
What did he want from me?
“What exactly is your deal, Evan?” I asked simply.
“Not too long ago, we talked and I believed you would get better and move on from what you’re feeling,” he answered.
I rolled my eyes, then turned to leave.
“You might still be hurting right now, but isn’t it a blessing to know that the person you care about is happy and in good hands, even if they aren’t with you?” he asked.
I glanced at him, then faked a smile. I was about to respond when I frowned. I could feel Whitney and Leo crossing our pack’s border.
I wasted no time rushing outside, with Evan right behind me.
We stood impatiently, looking at the main road when two cars came into view.
“Alpha Ian is here too,” Evan said cheerfully as I glanced at him with a raised brow.
I guess some things would never change easily. Despite Whitney being our pack’s Alpha, she was more joyous to see Ian.
Instantly, the cars parked and Ian stepped out. Evan rushed to his side, welcoming him.
I smiled, then went to Whitney’s door and opened it for her.
She came out with a smile and looked at me as I bowed low to show my respect.
“You seem well,” Leo spoke when he stepped out of the car.
“Welcome back, Leaders,” I greeted happily, then tensed when Whitney pressed her hand on my shoulder.
“What is it?” she asked through the pack’s mind link.
“What is what?” I asked back loudly.
“Your face tells it all, August. Remember, we grew up together. I can tell when something is wrong with you. Did Neo kick you out of the pack or send you away?” she asked seriously.
“How did you come to that conclusion?” I asked back, stunned at her words.
“Because you were supposed to still be on that side training. Seeing how you are here means something must have gone wrong at Ian’s pack,” she answered.
I looked at Ian and noticed his gaze was on me. He and the Alpha queen were looking at me seriously.
I gave a low bow, then shook my head.
“I was treated fairly on that side by Neo and Logan. Sadly, I couldn’t stay longer on that side because I missed home,” I lied with a smile.
“Alright, everyone, let’s all go in. Evan, show Amelia and Ian to their room,” she ordered as he quickly guided them into the pack house.
“Excuse me, too. I will have to hit the shower,” Leo said, then walked past us.
“You couldn’t even congratulate us on our wedding or ask us if we traveled well,” she said, and I felt bad.
“I’m so sorry, Whitney. I didn’t mean to act like this. It’s just that… Just…”
“Just what, my friend?” She asked in a soft voice, then moved her hand to my shoulder.
I blinked back the forming tears, then sighed heavily.
“When I went to that side with Sharon, it was discovered that she was mates with Logan,” I answered, then swallowed hard.
“There’s more. Tell me,” she demanded.
“It’s all your fault for asking me to go with her on that side,” I whispered in a cracked voice.
She dropped her hand, then frowned deeply.
“Did you catch feelings for her?” She asked as I shifted my gaze from her.
“What if I did?” I asked loudly.
“It would be a shame because you already said that she was mates with Logan,” she answered.
“I know, alright, but I couldn’t stop myself!” I yelled loudly, then stared into her eyes angrily.
“Don’t you find it weird how you fall in love with she-wolves that are already mated? Hell, I’m lucky that you didn’t go for me too,” she spat as I glared at her furiously.
I couldn’t believe she had said that to me, who had taken her as a sister! Did she think I was a sicko or a perverted bastard!
“I know you are very upset right now, but haven’t you noticed your flaw? Single women don’t attract you in any way, for some reason. They only become appealing if they have someone by their side, and that’s just wrong. For your own peace of mind, I suggest you take a vacation into human territory and just think through everything, eat healthy, and live your time without regrets,” she said seriously, then grabbed my hand.
“The former Alpha king took away our freedom to live freely because all we thought of doing was serving him. We thought love meant nothing, and we cared less about having partners. But now everything is different because we have a great Alpha queen we look up to, and I know she would want you to be happy and live a life full of freedom, love, and contentment,” she said as a tear rolled down my cheek.
“If I leave, who will stand as your right hand?” I asked sadly.
“My mate will. You may be my beta, but so is he. Be assured that I will be in good hands, plus the twins are by my side, so don’t worry about me,” she answered.
I took a step closer and embraced her as tears rolled down my cheeks.
“I promise you that when I do return, I’ll be a new man worthy of this pack. I’ll make you proud, sister,” I whispered as she hugged me back.
“I know you will,” she whispered back.
I was going to leave tomorrow and just live a content life for as long as I can since I had enough money to buy a great house in human territory.
“If I never return…” I trailed off, just wanting to hear her thoughts on that.
“Always visit if you find your peace on that side,” she answered as I smiled.
I was going to live my life accordingly.