Chapter 3
After resigning from Elder Sebastian, I returned to my desk to finish up my tasks. My friend Amaia, the pack's Gamma, seemed hesitant when she heard about it.
"Luna, are you seriously leaving?"
"Do I really have to put up with watching them flaunt their relationship every day?"
Following her gaze, I saw Alpha Leonidas explaining a pack strategy to Priscilla, his Beta. She seemed a bit annoyed after a minor rebuke from him, but he quickly smoothed things over by pulling out a silver bracelet from who knows where, which she happily put on. Then he caught my eye, panicked, and stood up hastily.
"Luna, there's nothing going on between us; it's just a regular bracelet!"
Her words drew everyone's attention, glancing between her and me. Despite being mates for five years, Leonidas never gave me anything fancy, and they all assumed, like him, that I was a simple Luna unfamiliar with luxury. Everyone seemed to pity me, even Amaia, standing beside me, looking indignant on my behalf.
"You're still mates, and they're making a fool of you!"
I gently pressed her hand to signal her not to start a confrontation, then turned back to Priscilla.
"That bracelet looks great on you."
Priscilla wasn't content without seeing me upset and insisted on adding.
"Luna, it's really just a simple bracelet. Don't be angry."
I felt bewildered. Anger wasn't necessary; I had plenty of such bracelets sitting back home in the Crimsonclaw Pack.
Hearing those words, Leonidas stood up and scolded me with a frown.
"Luna, stop being unreasonable."
I sighed, shaking my head slowly.
"I'm really not upset, so please stop assuming things about me."
My calm tone seemed to catch Leonidas by surprise, but then he scoffed.
"You better be."
He then sat back down with Priscilla.
Amaia couldn't help but ask.
"Are you just going to let them get away with it?"
While organizing my files, I shrugged.
"Yeah, for me, it's over with him."
Fifty-two canceled marking ceremonies, not one successful. I was worn out from it all.
After finishing my tasks, Leonidas rarely came over to help me pack.
"Let's go, I booked a table at La Luna Restaurant; we can head over now."
Noticing my bare wrist, he asked somewhat anxiously, "Where's the bracelet I gave you?"
"I was worried it might get damaged, so I left it at home."
He visibly relaxed and smiled at me.
"You used to wear it every day; what changed?"
Before I could come up with a lie, Priscilla came bounding over.
"I'm all set, Alpha!"
Leonidas turned his attention back to her, nodding for her to wait in the car.
I watched Priscilla claim the passenger seat, waiting there. In five years of being mates, I never sat there because Leonidas always said it was reserved for his Luna until we completed the marking ceremony. Meeting Priscilla's smug look, I glanced down, not reacting. Inside, I felt nothing.
At the restaurant, Leonidas and Priscilla sat on one side and ordered without even asking me. I was fine with the quiet, resting my chin in my hand as I watched the scenery outside. After all, tomorrow this would all be behind me.
When the food arrived, Leonidas unexpectedly peeled a bowl of shrimp for me and placed it in front.
"The shrimp here is fantastic."
I looked up at his gentle smile, surprised he still cared in these moments. Priscilla couldn't help but boast.
"I recommended this place to him. Last time we came, he ate three whole plates!"
Leonidas turned red with embarrassment.
"Why say that in front of her…"
Priscilla giggled, covering her mouth, somewhat embarrassed as she addressed me.
"Sorry, Luna, hope this doesn't change how you see him."
They shared a laugh right in front of me. Watching the shrimp, I suddenly lost my appetite. I forced myself to eat a piece but then pushed the bowl back.
"I'm not a fan of shrimp, you guys enjoy it."
Their playful banter paused, and Leonidas carefully asked.
"Are you upset?"
I shook my head.
"No, the shrimp's too fishy for me."
Just like them—a stench that lingers.
After dinner, Leonidas dropped off a tipsy Priscilla at her place, leaving me to close the door behind them. Once they were gone, I immediately called a cab to the airport. On the pack's mind link, Leonidas was still talking about plans for the next marking ceremony. Maybe he felt guilty and wanted to plan this one himself.
"Don't worry, this time it's definitely happening, no interruptions!"
I responded with a blank expression.
"Sure."
I knew it wouldn't. This ceremony would be canceled just like the others.
As I was about to board, he sent another message.
"Priscilla drank too much and isn't feeling well. I'm staying here tonight; take care of yourself at home."
I chuckled, already expecting it.
"That's fine, stay at her place. I've packed my things and left. We're through."
"Leonidas Gray, I, Evelyn, reject you as my mate."
After sending him this last message, I immediately blocked and deleted him from the mind link. As the plane took off, I watched the city's lights grow distant, still shining brightly. Meanwhile, Leonidas was left completely stunned.