Chapter Five

Leila's pov

I thought running away would be easy – a leap of faith and that's it. But really, it was like jumping off a cliff with hopes of landing in something soft. I didn't know what lay ahead but the idea of staying behind in the pack with Devon was too much for me to hear. I listened to Klaus and I ran away with Sebastian.

It was a daring choice but it would help me find solace and acceptance in a new pack, away from the suffering and love triangle I had in Silverwood.

The journey to Sebastian's pack was quiet except for the occasional glances he threw my way. I was beginning to fear he wanted to change his mind.

“Sebastian, is something wrong?” I asked, looking at him.

“No…” he cleared his deep voice and put his hand on my lap. “...but are you sure about this, babe? Running away?”

I was taken aback by his question.

Did I ever think this through? Yes.

Was I aware of the consequences? Of course.

But now, as I stared at the passing buildings and the unfamiliar streets, my stomach twisted in an uncomfortable way.

“No…” I muttered, heaving a sigh as the car pulled to a stop at a red light. “But staying back there is way worse.”

Sebastian didn't say anything else. He gave me a small nod and looked out the window, still not removing his hand from my lap.

We arrived at the pack and I felt worse than before. I felt totally out of place. The people were welcoming but I still felt like an outsider.

Sebastian must've noticed how tense I was because he placed his hand on the small of my back.

“It's okay, Leila.” He said with a smile. “You're safe here. This is your home now.”

I looked up in surprise. “Really? My home?”

“Yeah,” He replied with a smile. Then, he turned to the driver. “This is Leila, my mate.”

“Mate?” The driver repeated, stunned.

“Yes,” Sebastian pulled me closer and planted a light kiss on my temple. “Yes, she is. Make sure she's comfortable.”

“Yes, Alpha.” The man said with a bow and turned to me. “This way, ma'am.”

I turned to Sebastian. “You're not coming with me?”

“I have things to attend to but I promise I'll join you later.” He said with a warm smile.

My heart skipped a beat and I nodded shyly.

Before he left, he kissed my forehead and ran his arms down mine. “Don't worry. You'll be in good hands.”

“Okay.”

The driver, who turned out to be the butler of the mansion, assigned me a room. It was bigger than anything I had ever dreamed of. The food was amazing and everything was literally at my disposal. This was the life I'd always dreamed of. It's mine now.

However, there was nothing for me to do.

When I told Sebastian about it, he told me he had made it clear to everyone that I was his mate and I was not expected to lift a finger.

No chores, no responsibilities. It was just me, myself and boredom.

Suddenly, the days started to blur together. I'd take a bath, eat, and wander around the garden. Repeat. I never thought I would miss doing the laundry or scrubbing the floors but here I was, wishing someone would give me a mop.

One morning, I sat by the window, staring at the maids who tended to their duties. I had been staring at them as I had been doing since I arrived.

I heaved a sigh. “I can't take this anymore. I'm losing my mind. I have to leave but where?”

I wore a pink dress and styled my hair in a ponytail. With my phone in my purse and my heart in my sleeve, I strolled to the gate.

After telling the guard what I wanted, he stared at me as if I grew another head.

“So you want to leave the estate?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Not leave… I'm going for a stroll. Yeah.” I said.

“Are you sure, Miss Leila?” He asked, reaching for his walkie talkie. I couldn't let him tell the others. If he did, I'd be trapped here for the rest of the day and I didn't want that.

“Yes,” I said confidently. “I need… uh… fresh air.. for my health.”

“For your health.” He said with a stern look on his face.

“Yes. Do you know how many people have died because they're cooped up inside for too long? It loosens a few screws upstairs.”

“Uh-huh.” He looked skeptical but opened the gate. “Alright, ma'am. I'll have the car ready.”

“Oh no. I can do this alone. It's my first time in this part of the country.” I said with a smile.

“You're right but if anything would happen to you —”

“It won't,” I cut him off mid-sentence. “I won't go too far and I'll be back before you know it.”

“Stay safe. Alpha Sebastian will skin me alive if anything happens to you.” he said with a nervous chuckle.

I wave him off. “I'll be fine. It's not like I'm planning to wrestle a bear.”

I followed the path to the park. It was the most beautiful park I have ever seen.

There were rich, towering trees and a small pond that sparkled in the sunlight. For the first time in a week, I could breathe freely.

I walked along the path, enjoying the view when I stumbled upon a woman sitting on one of the benches.

She had a slender figure and wavy, honey-blonde hair that fell around her shoulders.

She turned to me and smiled, her bright hazel eyes sparkling. “Hi, there.”

“Uh … hi.” I said, feeling self-conscious all of a sudden.

She patted the spot next to her. “Come on. You look like you could use some company.”

I hesitated for a second but I eventually sat down.

“I'm Maliya.” She said, holding out her hand.

“I'm Leila.” I replied, shaking her hand.

“Leila…” she repeated. “What a lovely name. You're a new face. Are you not from around here?”

“You could say that.” I shrugged. “I just moved here.”

Her eyes lit up. “Oh, the new girl. You're Alpha Sebastian's mate! Oh, I've heard about you.”

“You have?” I blinked.

“Of course!” She smiled. “Everyone knows about the mysterious girl that stole Alpha Sebastian's heart.”

I gave a nervous laugh. “Wow. That's a fancy way to put it.”

Maliya laughed. “Oh don't be so hard on yourself, dear. You're his mate. That means something.”

Dear? She looks my age.

“I have a feeling you stowed away. No one lets you do anything, do they?” She winked at me.

“Ugh! Tell me about it.” I relaxed in the back.

She laughed. “It can be frustrating.”

I scoffed. “I know, right?”

We shared a joke and a few things about ourselves. Turns out Maliya was a year older than I was - 19 and she was a native of the pack. Like Sebastian, she was easier to talk to and for the first time, I wanted a friend.

We talked for a while, mostly about the pack. Sometimes, we would even go on strolls together. I found myself relaxing for the first time in weeks.

For a while, we spent time together.

For a while, things seemed okay.

I brought Maliya home one day and told Sebastian about her. He was glad that I had found a friend and said she stayed with me in the mansion so I wouldn't be lonely.

I agreed. I was happy or at least I thought I was.

Things went off all of a sudden. Sebastian stopped spending time with me. He was spending more time with Maliya. Even at dinner, he would ignore me and talk to her.

One evening, I couldn't take it again. I confirmed with Maliya about it.

“Maliya, can we talk?” I asked.

“Sure. What's up?” she smiled, crossing one leg over the other on the armchair.

I hesitated, unsure of how to begin. “Um…”

“Talk to me, Leila.” She took my hands. “What's wrong?”

“Umm… Sebastian doesn't talk to me anymore.” I finally said.

She laughed like I said something funny. “Oh, don't be silly. Sebastian wouldn't do that.”

“You say that because he only talks to you.” Those words left my lips before I could stop myself.

Malia's eyes went round for a second before she flashed me a grin.

She heaved a sigh and rose to her feet. “Fine. You're right. He talks only to me.”

“Why?” I asked, my voice breaking.

“Why?” She hugged herself. “You were an easy target.”

My heart tightened in my chest. “You.. you used me.”

“It's not personal, Leila.” She smiled.

“I thought we were friends.” Tears welled up in my eyes.

“Friends?” She shook her head. “You're too naive, Leila. Friends don't exist in this world. It's every wolf for himself.”

“No…” I wanted to scream and yell but the weight of betrayal crushed me.

A quiet voice called from behind the door. “Miss Maliya, Alpha Sebastian requires your presence in his chambers.”

My heart sank. “No.”

Maliya smiled. “Don't take it too hard, darling. You'll find someone to love you… eventually.”