Chapter 4

“I saw Alpha Nathan on the way up here. He looks livid. I am really scared for you,” my Mom says while wiping the tearsfrom my face.

“I couldn't do it anymore. He went out of his way to hurt me, to rub it in my face that he didn't want me. I can't live like thanymore,” I sob.

“I completely understand, honey. I didn't expect you to. I don't know how safe it is for you here right now,” she explains.“What will happen now that I rejected him? Will the mate bond be severed?” I ask.

“For the most part, for you anyways. On the next full moon, it will be completely severed. For Nathan, he'd have to acceptyour rejection, and then come next full moon, he would be fully severed from you as well’ she explains.

“It's not safe for you here, Lo. You need to get far away from here. At least for a little while,” my Mom explains, and I nod.“Where do 1 go?"

“I think I might know someone that could help you. I used to work for her. Do you remember me talking about Peggy? Shewas like a second mother to me, back when I was your age. We were very close. Shes a human, but she knew what I was.were so close that I told her, and she accepted me. I have kept in touch over the phone throughout the years,” sheresponds.

I've heard her mention Peggy before. She pulls out her phone and starts dialling. I hear a small knock on the door, and I'filled with relief when I see it's Julien and Sadie. I mind-link them both about what happened tonight so I don't interruptmy Mom's phone call. This is a lot to take in for Sadie. She wasn't expecting me to find my mate yet, let alone me rejectinhim. My Mom gets off the phone, “Peggy said you can stay with her. She owns a bar, and she said she could even use a waitress," she says. I feel so muchrelief at this revelation.

“start packing; it’s a long drive. It's 9 pm now. If you leave in half an hour, you could be around 7-8 am if you drive straighthrough”

My relief is suddenly replaced with panic. Can I really do this? I don't have time to think about it, though, thankfully.“Julien, run down to get a Jerry can of gas and put it in the trunk of Lauren's car. Lauren might need it, driving through thenight, she might have a hard time finding a gas station,” She pauses.

“Sadie, can you run to the kitchen and pack some fruit and snacks with some water and energy drinks for her?” Mom askssadie nods and leaves.

“You pack; Il be back in a few minutes,” my Mom instructs. I get changed into leggings and a comfy sweater, and then Igrab my large suitcase and my small carry-on size bag. I put all my toiletries and makeup, electronics in that. Then I placeas much clothing as I can in my big suitcase. I'm debating what clothing I should bring and what I should leave behindwhen my Mom quickly enters my room with her large suitcase.

“Take mine too. We don't know how long you'll be gone. I'm going to stay here and keep an eye on how Nathan takes thisafter the next full moon, the mate bond is broken, then you can come back,” she says.

I nod, but I can’t imagine ever being a part of this pack again. How can I accept him as my Alpha after everything? My Morstarts putting more clothes in her suitcase.

“Mom, I don't need to take pretty dresses. That's not a necessity,’ I remind her.

“If you can fit it, you take it. Pus, you never know when you might NEED one.’

it doesn't take us long, and I've got nearly all my clothes packed in these two large suitcases. I make room for a fewsentimental items. A framed picture of my family before my Dad died a few years ago. A photo album, my small jewellerybox, which has a few items my Dad bought me growing up. A few books, a small stuffed bear that was mine since I was akid, and my favourite pillow.

When Sadie and Julien get back to my room, Sadie is now tasked with finding Nathan, and keeping an eye on him, so shecan mind link us if he starts coming our way. The plan is to sneak out without being seen.

“Ym coming with you,” Julien states.

“Not I'm not getting you involved in this, too," I demand.

“If you try and come, I'm not going to go, Julien. I am not getting you involved in this, and 'm not having you risk yourfuture in this pack because of me." I say firmly.

“Lauren, I don't want you driving off into the night all by yourself” he reasons.

“I totally get that. You want to protect me just as much as I want to protect you. Call me every hour, or even every half hoif you want”

He looks 50 torn, but I meant it when I said that I wouldn't leave if he came with me. He loves this pack, and I'm not ruinihis future. He finally nods hesitantly.

“This is all the cash I have on me. I'l send some if you need more,” Mom explains.

I Look down at the envelope full of money. “Mom, No! You worked for this. How much is here? This looks like a lot ofmoney!”

“l want you to have it. Don't argue with me, do you hear me? I have plenty in the bank; you know Daddy set me up well. Tiis all 1 have in cash on me right now, though; there's $2000. It should tide you over for a little anyways” Mom explains.

I hate taking money from her, but I only started working full-time at the daycare four months ago, after I graduated highschool. I saved most of my money for the down payment on my car, a 3-year-old little dark blue Chevy Malibu, but I stillhave a little saved.

“I have about $1000 in my bank account too, Mom. I don't need to take all of this." I tried arguing with her, but she insisteWhen we make it down to my car, Julien loads my car up while I hug my Mom and say goodbye to her. I suddenly realizethat 'm never coming back here. I can't face Nathan ever again. This sudden realization has me sobbing. Not for the loss.Nathan, but for the loss of my friends and family, my job, my home. Julien pulls me into a hug. We're so close, and I'm goito really miss him. I'll miss them both.

“Hey, this whole thing should be taken care of in a few weeks, after the full moon,” he tries to comfort me. I force a smallsmile and nod.

“snacks and drinks are in the passenger seat. Hook up your phone right away, so you can listen to music and answer myphone calls every hour he instructs.

“Iwill 1 Love you guys. I'll miss you, but I'm going to be fine. Don't worry. I don't know if I'll be able to drive through, but Ifpull over to sleep, I'l send you a text”

“Do not text your location, though, in case he takes our phones. Wait... If we ever text you something, and you want toverify it's us, ask the password. Our password will be .. Peggy,” my Mom says. I nod, give one final hug to them, get into my car, and drive away. When I get to the border of the pack lands, I say words Inever dreamed I would ever say.

“I Lauren Crane reject Claw Moon as my pack.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I hear a chilling howl. Nathan wouldhave felt that I just rejected his pack as well. I speed off into the night.