Jacob didn't speak to me after that moment in the forest. I didn't know what was going on with him all I could do was presume it was the after effects of my wolf dying. I know many people would think I am heartless in allowing my wolf to die but I couldn't fulfil her wishes, it was selfish what she was asking me to do, to bond myself with someone who had betrayed us in every sense. There were no parting words, no goodbye's between me and my wolf. From my perspective I had accepted and mourned her loss eight years ago. She didn't come back for me, she came back for the mate who couldn't see our worth. I knew I deserved better than what Jacob was offering me.
Some people might feel broken without their wolf but for me, I didn't feel upset or hurt or pain. There was this sense of relief that settled within me. For truth be told, I was no longer hiding or running from a past that could catch up to me. I had faced my demons head on, they were no longer hanging over my shoulder. The minute my wolf left me I felt the sparks disappear, I felt the remnants of my bond with Jacob snap and I heard Jacob let out a gut-wrenching sob.
It wasn't before long that he left me in the clearing where it all begun. It was that moment that I reflected on my life. My whole family were imprisoned, Jacob was no longer my mate, Benji was now a mate of a Beta, my wolf was no more. I felt like I was back to square one, alone. The only difference was that rather than a decision being enforced on me, I was the one that chose this path. I truly had freedom.
It was now mid-day and I knew the elders would be back at the pack house. I knew they would want to speak with myself and Jacob before they gave him his sentence. I pushed my face to the sun and took a deep breath in and exhaled deeply. The warmth radiated on my skin as the sun softly touched my surface. No longer did I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders, the connection to the pack was no more.I stood up and made my way to the pack house and scouted out the Alpha's office. No longer did I smell Jacob's scent lingering on pack surfaces, no more was my senses heightened. I was truly human.
Elder Reece and Elder Roberts were in the pack lounge where they were stood with Jacob. Before Jacob looked tall and confident, whereas now he was disheveled and defeated. Huge brown circles were underneath his eyes. His skin was a pale sickly colour as the corner of his lips curved down. Both Elder's had a solemn look on their faces as they conversed with Jacob and as they looked in my direction, all three men looked at me sadly. I took a deep breath and made way to their direction.
"Good Afternoon gentlemen." I greeted with a small bow.
"Loretta, we were just speaking with Jacob. Would you mind if we speak to you on your own before we gather the pack?" Elder Robert asked.
"I am fine with that Elders." I gave them a curt nod.
"Jacob do you mind if we use your office?" Elder Reece questioned.
"Not at all." He said in a lifeless tone as he gestured to the direction of his office. Both Elder's gave him a tight nod. Jacob made his way out of the pack house, in the opposite direction of his office. While I simply followed on behind both Elders.
It wasn't before long that all three of us were sat in the Alpha's office. I made my way to one of the unoccupied seats opposite both Elders. Elder Robert looked troubled, while Elder Reece held a poker face. No longer could I sense overwhelmed emotions, I had to solely rely on my own skills that I had developed over the years. Even though my wolf had disappeared I still had some enhanced abilities.
"How may I help you?" I questioned.
Elder Reece let out a long sigh and sat back in the office chair that was placed behind Alpha Jacob's desk, he ran his fingers along the wood and gently tapped the desk. "We spoke with Jacob. He told us that your wolf is no more." He stated bluntly.
"That is the truth, I no longer have my wolf. I am now human." I replied.
"Do you mind if we ask you why you allowed your wolf to die?" Elder Robert' asked. I could hear in his tone that there was a sense of disappointment in his voice.
"It's simple I have lived without a wolf for eight years. I wanted to be human. I wanted to be able make my own decisions without a bond pulling and tugging me in one direction. I felt like after everything that has happened I deserved to make a choice." I explained.
Elder Reece gave me a sharp nod, while Elder Robert pursed his lips at my reply. It didn't take a wolf to see that he was irritated and annoyed by my choice. "I have to say I am shocked by your decision. I thought you would have saved your wolf and mated with Alpha Jacob." Elder Robert's retorted.
I folded my arms and looked at the man who was challenging my decision, it was clear that both of them left with the intention to allow me to bond with a man who didn't deserve me. Jacob did not deserve my love or loyalty for he had betrayed me in every shape and form. "It was my decision to make and I no longer believe I am destined to be with Jacob or be a Luna. I believe that everything that has happened, everything that has pulled me back to this place was so that I could return to my life without having to look over my shoulder."
Elder Robert's eyes widened in surprise at my words, whereas Elder Reece seemed to be contemplating my words. "You think this was your fate?" Elder Reece gasped.
"I think fate is an excuse. I think we make our own fate. I believe that if things were different years ago, I would have made different decisions. However because of the decisions that were made, by fate" I gestured with two fingers on my hand, "led me down a different path. That path led me to where I am today. It allowed me to help this pack start afresh, unearth secrets in which people needed to be held accountable for. My duty has been complete and in return I was given a choice. A choice which I do not regret making Elders."
Both stared at me which shock but there was a slight awe on their face at my response. I don't doubt that the goddess had created a bond between me and Jacob but I do believe she gave me a choice after I was betrayed by those who I trusted. Just like Jacob, I needed to be held accountable for my decisions. The death of a wolf was not something that the Elder's took lightly and especially one who was pre-destined to be a Luna.
"Do you not feel any responsibility for this pack Loretta?" Elder Reece questioned further.
"Responsibility for this pack? No. I don't. This place holds nothing but bad memories for me. I understand that the people in this pack were led astray by not only their Alpha but their Beta family. However, those people also ostracised me. I was alone despite living among many. My wolf she felt the connection to the pack but due to her absence in my life, I did not feel compelled to take responsibility for them. Not one person tried to befriend me or seek answers for the rumours made against me. If anything, the people in the pack carried and whispered the rumours further."
I sighed. "I may have been destined to be a Luna but the Goddess had other plans for me. I believe that this was a lesson for not only members of this pack but for other packs across the world. I know our story is spreading like wildfire. I believe that my duty was to the wolf race, that my story will teach people not to judge a book by it's cover or by rumours spread because of jealousy or hatred. I believe my story is something that will be shared to remind people that they are not above the goddess. That our decisions will have consequences. Essentially my story should be told to others to warn them of what will happen if you make a decision against the Goddess."
"Some stories don't have happily ever after's, but they do have a lesson that can be shared. In my story, those who tried to hide their poor choices, eventually will be need to be accountable. Lies will always catch up with us, one way or another." I finish with a sad smile.
Both Elders look at me with astonishment in their eyes, my words seem to resonate with both of them because my case is truly unique. For rejection is something spoken about, whispered about. This is the first time when an official trial was held because an Alpha rejected his true Luna. I know deep down my case isn't the first but it will be the first spoken about. All I can do is hope that those who have rejected their true mate try to rectify their mistakes before it is too late.
"You truly would have made an astonishing Luna. It really is a shame." Elder Reece voices as his brow furrows.
I give him a genuine smile because the compliment was something that Elder's did not often give. His voice was genuine and filled with sincerity. He understood what I was saying was true. My statement was wise and justified what my purpose was.
"Thank you." I nodded. "Now there is a lesson in humility that I need to learn. You both understand that I am refusing to be the Luna to this pack. However, I will help this pack thrive again which is why I will be investing some money into restoring this place to what it once was."
"Is this because you feel guilty for abandoning your pack?" Elder Robert's scoffed.
"No." I snapped. "I don't feel guilty. You may see this pack as mine but from the day that I was identified as it's true Luna. I have never been that. I am helping because that is what I do. The only thing I ask is that the elders will act on my behalf. I want to be a silent investor. I would prefer they not know it was me who helped them." I explained.
Elder Reece let out a small chuckle as he shook his head. "You are truly a unique character Miss Romano."
"I will take that as a compliment." I replied with a soft smile. "I would also like to extend that olive branch to the Elder's. I don't know if you are aware but I helped Alpha Jared when his pack was financially struggling. I would be more than happy to extend my services to any packs that are deemed worthy of financial aid. I know that many packs are struggling and I would be more than happy to help them develop their businesses to ensure the sustainability of their packs. Again, all I ask is that you act as a buffer." I finish speaking.
"That is a generous offer Miss Romano. What do you want in return?" Alpha Robert asked with a raised brow.
"Nothing. Nothing at all. Benji previously worked for my company and I will be mentoring him, however he will have duties due to being Beta of this pack. I doubt he would want to return to New York as I know he will not want to be away from his mate. So it might be a suggestion that you use him as my buffer as he has an understanding of how I operate and how my business works." I respond as I cross my arms and lean back in my chair.
"Well, we will accept your offer." Alpha Reece replies.
"Indeed. It is too generous for us to turn down." Alpha Robert continues.
"Great. I will speak to Benji and set up plans with him." I nod.
"Well now that we have discussed this new business venture. You show such wisdom for such a young age. For that reason, I would like to ask you one more question." Elder Reece cryptically states.
"Go on." I gestured with my hand for him to continue.
"What would you do with Alpha Jacob if you were in our position?" Elder Reece smirked.