Page 8 of Two Years Gone

“That’s too bad. I can already tell a lot of people are missing out on knowing you.”

I looked up at him with a smirk.

“That was smooth.”

“I thought so,” Declan replied, laughing.

After that morning, Declan and I became fast friends. My mom had practically adopted him.

Chapter 5

ELLA

It had been a whole year since Declan joined Green Ridge. I had just been promoted to lead cook, working directly under my mother. And I was good, even surpassing my mother in skill.

Zane was returning from two years away at alpha training and the pack was hosting a gala event, inviting alphas from all over to introduce Zane as the future alpha of the pack.

We worked hard all day making hors d’oeuvres and desserts for the party. I knew I couldn’t attend the gala, which was a little disappointing, but I had a job to do.

Besides, everyone I didn’t want to be around would be at that party.

“Hey, Ella, do you know where they hid the booth for the bar?” Declan called out as he walked into the kitchen.

Declan had become my best friend and almost like an older brother. He was an amazing bartender and always worked the big pack parties with us. He was kind and funny and the best person I knew.

“It should already be in there,” I replied, not looking up from my work.

“I told them to leave it until I knew what I needed.” He shook his head in irritation.

“Leftovers date after the party?” He asked, smiling as he walked away.

“Mhm,” I hummed, concentrating on piping some filling into some desserts. I continued to bustle around the kitchen with my mom and the other cooks, trying furiously to get everything finished.

“You look good,” a voice in front of me said.

I looked up to see Zane. He had grown up a lot in two years. He was taller and had clearly been working out. Even his muscles had muscles.

“Zane,” I replied, my voice flat. The two years apart had let the mate pull vanish completely, leaving me only with my hurt feelings.

“How have you been?” he asked politely.

I looked up in anger and confusion.

“You mean how have I been since you rejected me?”

He recoiled, and anger flashed through his eyes.

“I was being polite. Is that the way you speak to your alpha, Omega?”

I had forgotten my place. Again. I was really going to get myself in trouble one of these days. I lowered my head and groveled.

“I forgot my place. Forgive me, Alpha.”

Even though he wasn’t officially alpha yet, he still had the power and the presence. He walked off, leaving me flustered and angry.

I left the kitchen and hid in the hallway, closing my eyes and leaning back against the wall. Suddenly, there was a large hand on my arm. I yelped and turned to see Zane standing over me, his eyes burning.

“You should watch yourself. Defiance doesn’t do well in this pack, Omega. Know your place!” he growled before throwing me to the floor.