Chapter 2

Mathias, who was standing nearby, suddenly realized what day it was, and his face went pale. 'Leanna, I’m so sorry—I got caught up with pack duties and completely forgot it was your birthday. The gift is back at my den. I’ll bring it to you tomorrow.'

I got out of bed and started changing my clothes, my tone indifferent. 'That’s alright, I’m heading out for a late-night hunt with the pack.'

As I walked past him, Mathias reached out to stop me, his expression uncertain. After a moment, he finally said, 'Come back early, okay?'

I nodded, saying, 'Sure,' and left without looking back.

When my packmates saw me, they teased, 'It’s a surprise to see you out at night after all these years as Gamma! You’re usually so dedicated to your duties.'

'You always claimed to have no interest in socializing; we almost thought you were living a secret life.'

I laughed and responded, 'It’s my fault, really. Let me treat everyone to a drink.'

With that, I raised my glass and took a long sip.

In the past, my world revolved around the pack and Mathias. Whenever packmates invited me out for a hunt or a gathering, I’d always say I had commitments to the Alpha. Gradually, my social circle shrank. One of my packmates remembered it was my birthday and decided to invite me along.

When I agreed to join them, they thought I might have had too much to drink.

During the gathering, Mathias kept messaging me through the mind link, asking when I’d be back. I felt like I was looking at my old self—the one who would’ve dropped everything to rush back to him.

By the time I said goodbye to my packmates and headed home, it was past 2 a.m.

I opened the door to the den and was surprised to see Mathias sitting on the couch. Normally, he’d be asleep in his chambers by now. The last time I’d come back late from a hunt, Mathias had complained I was disrupting his rest and told me to return earlier.

'Leanna, you’re back? Let me make you some spiced tea to warm you up.'

Seeing me enter, Mathias stood up and headed towards the kitchen.

'No need, I’m just going to bed.'

He looked at me, puzzled.

In the past, I would’ve run over, hugged him, curled up beside him, perhaps even teasingly complained a bit. But now, I just glanced at him, mentioned briefly that I’d sleep in the guest chamber since I’d been drinking, and closed the bedroom door.

The next day, I talked to Nori, my Gamma, about my plans and handed in my resignation. She agreed swiftly and said, 'Leanna, I’ve always believed you’re destined for greater things. I just couldn’t fathom why you’d stay in our pack all this time.'

'You’re talented and strong; moving on to a higher rank should be a breeze for you.'

I simply smiled without giving a direct answer. Back when I first joined the pack, I’d already proven myself in several challenges, and before I became Gamma, many larger packs had extended offers. But I turned them all down because I was concerned about Mathias.

Last week, Connor, a Delta from the neighboring pack whom I hadn’t heard from in a while, suddenly reached out to see if I was interested in joining their team for a hunt. At that moment, I still declined.

Connor tried convincing me for a long time, but I didn’t relent. Finally, he said, 'If you change your mind, let me know anytime.'

After leaving Nori’s office, I began handing over my duties to my packmates. When they found out I was stepping down, they insisted on throwing a farewell gathering tonight. I agreed.

After my duties, I went out for a hunt with the team.

Just as we sat down to rest, one of my packmates gasped, 'A scout spotted Mathias and Rachel looking at marking rings at the jeweler’s shop, and Rachel’s Beta said they’d share any good news soon.'