Chapter 2

“Will you be okay? I am still learning about the werewolf world, but I know they are not exactly accepting of a female Alpha.”

“I know; that is why I have to make a difference. It is going to be a tough one, but I can do it.”

“Maddie.” Ariel whined as she reached out for another of those arm hugs. “You are so strong. I will miss you when you go.”

“I will miss you too. I will try to visit whenever I have the chance, probably when everything is settled.” I told her, trying to soothe the pain, and she nodded her head as she sat down.

“Although I am honored you told me first, I think Toby deserved to know.”

“Of course.” I replied, although right now, I think running away may be the best option. We carried on with light conversation, and then without warning, Ariel stood up abruptly.

“I would love to continue, but I have to go now.” I nodded my head; no doubt the mate was already getting antsy.

I followed her out of the room and made for Toby’s room while she headed for their shared room. I stood in front of Toby's room, my hand wrapped around the doorknob, and I pressed it down, slowly opening the door and letting myself inside.

No matter how long I have been sleeping here, it still feels strange. It could as well be because I only slept there at night, and at the crack of dawn, I was back in my room the next morning like a thief.

I know it was a little stressful, but Toby would always hunt me if I didn’t sleep in the room, so I had to settle for a compromise.

But this time I sat on the bed and waited for his arrival, and like a dutiful alarm, the door opened at exactly 2 p.m. and he entered inside.

His eyes connected with mine, and his eyes widened—the only indication that he was surprised to see me. “Maddie, is something wrong?” Toby asked, his brows furrowed in concern, and he rushed towards me, his eyes racking over my body as he looked for signs.

I folded my arms, unable to withstand his scrutiny, but I nodded my head. “Yes.” The only time I entered his room was at night and to sleep so I could understand his concerns.

“I have to tell you something.”

“We need to talk.”

We said at the same time, and his lips widened, revealing that hint of smile that always made me go crazy. Toby was just so easy to love; he made everything seem easy. The way he could smile or laugh with ease or form bonds with literal strangers was amazing, and that was one of the things I love about him.

“You go first.” Toby said, and I shook my head.

“No, you first.”

“I insist, ladies first.” He probes ever so gently that it doesn’t feel like he is forcing you, and I was nodding my head before I realized it. That was another thing he was good at.

Manipulation.

I looked up to meet his eyes, his brown eyes that were so dark it was often mistaken to be black, but I knew better because I was the only one that had seen it up close.

I took a deep breath to steady myself before I shattered his fragile heart, then I opened my mouth and said those dreadful words.

“I am leaving.”

Ten seconds.

Ten seconds was all it took for Toby to process my words, and within those moments, his face went through different expressions.

His eyebrows pulled together, his forehead wrinkling as the words sank in, then his pupil subtly widened as he looked at me, and he squinted his eyes as if trying to determine if I was really the one in front of him.

“What?”

I swallowed rather painfully, my heart tugging for causing hurt to this man. He was the most perfect human, and yet I was causing him pain.

I don’t think my wolf would ever forgive me for what I was about to do. I have always denied her the opportunity to meet her mate because I knew that once they met, it was a done deal.

“I am leaving; it is time to take my place as the alpha. My pack needs me, and I have been away for too long.”

“Y-yea t-that.” Toby stuttered, and my heart lurched even more. “When are you leaving?” He asked me, his eyes still set on me, but I knew he wasn’t looking at me.

“If everything goes well, I will be leaving next week. I just have to tidy up some loose ends, and I will be gone.”

“Hmmm.” He made a small noise at the back of his throat, and he reached for his hair, running his hands through the perfectly groomed hair.

“Yea.” My voice broke as I replied, struggling to keep the emotions from my voice.

After what seemed like a moment, his eyes met me, holding my look, and my heart only sank even more. This man had been nothing but good, and all he wanted was a mate.

But the goddess likes to play with fate, and she had paired him with me. With Maddie, that would only bring sadness to his life.

But maybe this was better.

“I can tell that you have made up your mind.” He murmured under his breath, but my sensitive ears picked it up, and I nodded my head.

“I did a lot of thinking in my free time, and it was the only logical conclusion I could come to. There is nothing for me here, Toby.” There was a sharp inhale of breath as I called his name, but I continued. It was better to rip the bandage at once. “I can’t continue to toil for another man; I am an alpha, and it is against my nature to be under someone. I have endured this moment because of one thing, but there has been no progress. I can’t continue to stay here when everyone is doing something meaningful with their life and I am left stagnant.” As I started talking, the words only continued to pour out, but I stopped myself in time before I told him I was envious.

“Yeah, I understand.” This was what I wanted to hear, but hearing it didn’t make me feel better, not with that much emotionless voice.

He should be angry and be yelling at me, but Toby was never that man. He was too calm, too friendly, too nice.

The complete opposite of me.