Lira's POV

I never thought packing my stuff could be this complicated. All the items I stashed into my box felt like broken pieces of my life with Varek. The life I had imagined would last forever.

I withheld my tears when I stared at the empty closet. I couldn’t believe this was happening.

How did we arrive at this point? We were supposed to be together for life. But instead, here I was, about to leave. I dried up my tears. Now was not the moment to be vulnerable.

I was worth more than this.

My phone beeped, and it was Anthony. He seemed unfinished with his lecture.

“Lira, please don’t make any hasty decisions that will have a disastrous outcome.

I’m quite sure Varek will handle the case very well. He is just a little preoccupied with some responsibilities. Spare him some time, he will make it up to you.”

I jeered and smirked slowly.

" Huh! You're definitely not serious.Fix this? How could he? Where was he? He called off the bonding ritual without a second thought.

He didn't even think of me. And I have to understand him," I hissed and ignored Anthony.

I stashed the last shirt into the box, trying to shift my mind away from the supposed bonding ceremony.

I had dreamt of walking down the aisle with the entire pack watching. But today, when my desire and joy was to come to fulfillment and reality, Varek's heart and soul went to Ravena, who conspired deceitfully to take him away.

I couldn't count how many times she had done it and how myopic and ignorant Anthony was about this.

"Damn them!"

I closed the box, grabbed my luggage, and headed out. I never told anyone, not even Androlina Wood, who cherished and loves me a lot as her daughter.

The taxi driver I called was already outside waiting. I rushed to stuff my things inside the car's trunk and went inside, instructing the driver to leave.

I gazed out through the window with a grievous heart as each passing street reminded me of the life I left behind.

I had fought for so long, but now I was done. I was taking back control, even if it hurt.

When I got to my old apartment, I stared at it before entering. I had lived here less than a year, and it felt like home, comforting but painful.

I wished to become the old me, full of hope and love for Varek.

I dragged my suitcase, and its weight felt lighter compared to what was in my chest. When I reached the bedroom, the small space felt foreign to me, but I welcomed the change.

As I unpacked, I tried to push thoughts of Varek from my mind, but they kept creeping back in.

Just as I was arranging my bed to lay on it, my phone vibrated again. I was reluctant initially before I decided to pick it up, thinking it would probably be Anthony or Ravena.

Lira's POV

But when I glanced at the name on the screen, my heart skipped.

It was Varek.

My breath was bawling as I read through the message.

"Please Lira, do you have time now? Can we talk? I need to see you."

I stared at the screen, my heart pounding increasingly.

Did he really think he could just fix his mess with a simple message? After everything?

I was trembling when I was responding to his message.

“I don't think I have the leisure of talking to you right now.”

Before I could even drop the phone down, it rang. It was an incoming call from Varek. I hesitated, my finger slightly moved over the decline button, but something was restraining me. I took a deep breath and answered.

“What do you want, Varek?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.

“Lira, I am sorry. Let's not escalate the issue. Can we talk about this please?" he said, his voice intertwined with a mix of desperation and warmth.

“Why? So you can call off the ritual again? So that you can tell me how much you love me, why your loyalty resides with Ravena?” My voice heightened, anger flaring up again.

"No! I wanted to explain. I know that you are really hurt. I understand your plight. This is not because of Ravena. I am an Alpha, and I'm responsible for every pack member's safety and welfare. She is my responsibility."

I scoffed, shook my head in disgust even though he couldn’t see me.

"Varek, she's always trying to buy you over to her side. Can't you see it? Don't you find her tricks and caprices a little odd?”

“That's not the point, Lira. Ravena was attacked by some rogues and she lost the most precious gift her late mom left with her. Besides, she sustained some injuries along the line.

It's very easy to understand by anyone.Varek spoke with a tinge of irritation in his voice.

"Are you trying to say that I

am I wicked and heartless? And Ravena is the one who is righteous?

"No, it's not like that. You have every reason to be upset. We have been preparing for the bonding ritual for over four months. But you know we can never predict what will happen. It's so unfortunate that something so terrible befell Ravena. She's my gamma and courtesy demands that I look carefully after her.

We can reschedule all over again. The bonding ritual will still take place. So, don't worry. What is a day or two of delay? It can't hinder us.”

“I can’t do this right now,” I finally said, my voice trembling.

“Lira, I beg of you. I just need you to hear me out. Can we at least meet? Just to talk?” Varek sincerely pleaded.

“There's no need for us to meet. What are we going to talk about? How you prefer Ravena over me? I am done hearing all these excuses and endless fairy tales, Varek.”