Page 23 of Two Years Gone

“Mariah, it was fun for a while, but I need to focus on my duties as alpha and gaining the trust of this pack.”

“You promised me you’d make me your luna! Everyone loves their luna! How would that not help them trust you?”

“Mariah, this is final!” I was starting to get irritated; she just wouldn’t drop it.

“No, Zane! I’m not letting you do this! You don’t break up with me—I break up with you!”

I was done. I pulled my arm away and towered above her.

“I am your alpha! Mariah, this thing we have is over. Now leave.”

I pointed to the door, and she glared at me, fury in her eyes as she walked out of the room.

“You’ll be sorry, Zane. You’ll come crawling back to me when you realize I’m the best you’ll ever get.”

I let out a huff as she left the room, rolling my eyes at her statement.

I walked over to my desk and crossed the first item off my list before setting the pen down and smiling to myself. I already felt lighter. I made my way downstairs, knowing I had amends to make.

“Sophie?” I had my head slightly lowered and my lips in a tight line.

I looked up to see Sophie staring at me, her distrust and anger still palpable.

“I wanted to apologize to you. I know how hard you work for this pack, and I appreciate everything you do. I know I didn’t show it today, and I’m sorry.”

Sophie’s face softened, and she put a hand on my shoulder.

“Thank you, Zane. It means a lot to me that you said that.”

I smiled at her before pausing.

“Is Ella here?”

Sophie squinted at me, and I could tell she was trying to decide whether she would answer me or not.

“She’s down the hall putting away some extra plates we used this morning.”

“Thanks.” I turned to walk away, but she spoke again.

“Alpha Zane?” She looked at me again but this time with worry.

“Please be kind to her. She’s been through so much.”

“That’s the plan.” I gave her a warm smile before heading to the extra pantry and storage room down the hall. I walked in to see her struggling to get the box of plates on the shelf.

“Oh, wow. Let me help you.” I rushed behind her and set the box on the shelf.

“Thank you, I was about to—” Ella turned around and stopped speaking as she realized who had helped her. She glared at me.

“Zane.”

“Ella, I—”

Ella walked away, clearly not wanting to be near me. But I knew I needed to get this out.

“Ella, wait.”

She suddenly turned around to face me.