Chapter 3

Leila's Pov.

I hate celebrating my birthday since it is the day mom was killed. The thought of the day itself brings bitterness in me. In a few hours, I will be turning eighteen, maybe it isn't that bad. At least, I would be able to gain my freedom. At the age of eighteen, one is said to be independent since she has turned legal age. In the past, this place, the pack and everyone in it was my family, they made me feel as if I was at home and comfortable, but now? It's like I am living in hell. With the intention to escape, I was in my room packing my belongings even though I had no idea where I would go after doing that.

Each outfit had some memories with it. Some with mom and others with Elana, even Marcus. I had never met my father, he died before I was born. Mom had never told me how he died but thinking about the current situation and the rogue's attack two years ago, I think he was killed by the rogues. I wish that I was strong enough to fight them. If only I was, mom would still be here with us.

A picture of the sea captured my eyes. The more I looked at it, the more I remembered mom's words. She had wished to take us to a place which she said was peaceful and she had always gone there when she was a kid but sadly, she isn't here with us anymore. At least my curiosity and stubbornness had made her direct me to the place.

I frankly hope that it is just as she narrated it cause it would be a great pity if it wasn't. Maybe that will be my first spot or maybe my home. After packing everything that I needed, I hid it under the bed and walked out of the room.

"You have been in your room for so long," Marcus started.

"What have you been up to?" Elana asked.

"Nothing much. I am just tired," I said with the hope that they would believe my lie.

"Well as you knoooow, you will be turning eighteen in a few hours," Elana said.

"Yes, I know that," I replied.

"Maybe we should celebrate hun. She will never turn eighteen again," Marcus said as he kissed Elana.

"Of course, we are going to celebrate idiot. How can we not?" she answered him happily.

"Eehm… ehm…I hope you ain't invited anyone else," I said.

"And why is that?" Elana asked.

"Have you forgotten that everyone changed towards me after what happened two years ago? I have no friends anymore, Elana. You guys are my only family and friends," I said.

"Don't worry sweetie, you will one day find your mate, who will love and cherish you for who you are," Elana said, making me shake my head and let out a sarcastic laugh.

Mate?

"I don't think so," I said.

"Okay. I genuinely don't want to ruin your mood by starting an argument with you. We won't invite anyone else if that is what you want."

"Yes, we will celebrate just the three of us."

"Thank you, guys."

Looking at their facial expression, I was aware that they had planned to outdo themselves with this party. Honestly, I can blame them, when one celebrates their birthday once in a while.

"So what cake flavour do you want?" Elana asked, making me roll my eyes.

"Strawberry," both Marcus and I shouted.

"kids."

"Yes mom," we answered sarcastically then started laughing.

"Marcus and I will be going to the mall to buy some ingredients and snacks. We ain't taking long, maybe a few hours."

"Okay"

To get to the place mom said, it would take me 2-3 hours. I looked at Elana and her mate getting ready to leave and I kind of felt jealous. My mate had rejected me because I didn't have a wolf. The moon goddess truly hates me. It would have been better if I had a mate and no wolf or had a wolf with no mate. I won't be feeling this kind of loneliness in my life.

"bye," I shouted at them when they were leaving.

"We will be back," Marcus said as he shut the door.

It breaks me to know that I will be leaving them. The only people who have been kind to me, the only family I got.

"Forgive me, mom. Forgive me cause I am going to leave Elana. I know you told us to always stick together and take care of each other but the pain is becoming unbearable. I hope you understand," I said as I looked at the sky, hoping that mom was listening to me.

I sauntered to my room and took out the small bag in which I had packed most of my important stuff. I looked at my room one more time before getting out of there. As I walked downstairs, I saw a portrait of Elana and me and it broke my heart to leave unnoticed.

Filled with guilt, I took a piece of paper and a pen and wrote a letter to her explaining myself. After placing the letter on my bed, I left and made sure that no one had seen me.

Elana Pov.

I am so happy that Leila is turning eighteen. She has really grown up so fast. I am sure that mom and dad are happy for her. She is the strongest person I know in this world. I don't think I would have overcome it if it were me. All the humiliation, bullying, hatred, and seeing your friends changing and becoming your enemies is too much. She thinks we don't know that she is bullied but nothing happens in this pack without us knowing since I am the beta female.

Walking happily into the house, I was met by a weird stillness. Something wasn't right, I could feel that in me but what could it be? I am so sure that there wasn't an attack since we could have been informed.

"Leila," I called out her name but still there was no response.

"Maybe she is asleep. Why didn't you go and check up on her?" Marcus said and I nodded my head.

Instead of walking upstairs, I ran. Reaching her room, I noticed that it wasn't closed so I opened it. The bed was tidily made, and everything was in its place. I checked the bedroom and closet still, but I couldn't find her.

A piece of paper caught my attention and I walked towards the bed and sat next to it. I took it up and started reading.

Dear Elana,

I am so sorry for saying this but I am fed up with this place. They treated me as if I wasn't one of them. They believed that I am a murderer and cursed since the moon goddess didn't bless me with a wolf. Not only don't I have a wolf but also, my mate rejected me. On the day you and Marcus forced me to go to the party, I met my mate. It was really sad to discover that Liam was my mate. He didn't want me because to him, I appear weak and useless and he needs a strong luna. He rejected me and since I knew I had no other choice, I accepted it. It has been a nightmare seeing him with someone else when he was meant to be my soulmate. I am sure by the time you are reading this letter, I will have gone. I hope that you can continue your life without me being part of you. I am sure that we will one day meet, sister. I may not know how but I know that we will.

I love you so much Elana and thank you for being the best sister and best friend.

Tell Marcus sorry and thank him for accepting me as his little sister. I love him too.

Sincerely,

Leila Wright.

My eyes were filled with tears. How wasn't I able to tell that she had met her mate?

How will I give her the brooch mom had left so that I can give her on her eighteenth birthday?

Moon goddess, please protect my little sister from any harm and heal her poor heart.