REJECTED WEAK MATE-LILA

d attack against them. Word has it that their numbers are swelling with old allies who love nothing more than chaos and destruction. Xander soon g

ering. Plan to hit us at dusk. Get

hem that opportunity. Gather

aware of her position within the pack and of how much this battle will truly mean. The speech by Xander fires them up, and each wo

, our family. We fight for those we love. The rogues think th

as their claws and fangs clash under the moon. Blood colors the earth as both sides turn out to fight furiousl

d dodged another's vicious snap. The intensity of the battle thrummed thr

been waiting for this opportunity, knowing no one would ever notice if Lila happened to have an "accident" in batt

Lila. Out of your way, Xander will be ab

on the field, and catches her intention. He rushes forward to shield Lila, sensing the danger too late to

ith blood coloring his side. Aria's face contorts in horror at the realization

er Alpha struggles for breath as he lifts his hand and squeezes Lila's shoulder weakly. His

): "Protect.Bloodfang. Lila, they mus

o late to do anything as Aria disappears into the darkness, turning and running away as an

ile danced on her lips as she contemplated what Lila's consequences would likely be. As for herself, she had already succeeded in fooling her mind into believing she had won af

it too. Let them all turn on her now. Xander's loss wil

rms. He is overwhelmed by the depth of his sorrow and with confusion. Whispers start spreading within the pack, and now and then, members turn su

hang out with him? Why

have been there if she hadn't

strust and suspicion etched upon the faces of the pack tear into her, but she

ila. They're saying... you were t

for him. Aria was there-she tried to kill

her, but the seed of grief leaves him with unresolved bitte

and he's ready to be with L

something to stop

lot, a heartbreaking decision, Lila keeps it for herself. Lila never

the pack from Jackson and Aria attack's. for the safety o

n could well be the result of Jackson's vendetta against her. She remembers the depth of his threats, how his eyes seemed to darken as he promised to mak

warriors, everyone.They deserve peace, not my baggage. If Jacks

e danger surrounding Bloodfang grew larger with each passing day. She knew that several pack members blamed her as the bringer of calamities. She

aced. First, Alpha Xander's father and now these threa

is better if she just. disa

ady known-her presence heightens the tension alone. As if her soul had been bou

love. Her eyes move wistfully over the old landmarks: the training grounds, the packhouse, and farther off, Xander's cabin

e, quietly, as if the wi

. Xander, I hope you find peace, e

she had to leave to safeguard Bloodfang and that she knew Jackson would never stop as long as she was ther

on't let Jackson's vendetta harm this pack anymore. I know he wants me, and maybe with me gone, he'll leave Blo

ut was hurt to a tee that she had left without consulting him. Xander ordered his scouts to search for her. No sign of her was found.

ave scoured the territory.

ain. I don't believe she'd

to protect them-the conflicting emotions o

e she disappeared to, His troops continue to increase their patrol and begin waiting for an opportune moment to break through their borders and send fear into Bloodfang n

find Lila so that Aria can final

m. The hassle on the streets, the noise, and overwhelming sights spinning around her-hearts heavy with

feels like I've left a part of myself behind. A

donym name. The room is bare with faded wallpaper, only one bed, but for

led of mildew, and the bed creaked under her weight as she sat down. This was her new home-devoid of war

facelessness of the city. She finds work as a waitress in some small diner, works late

inishing their meals. Working in this quiet, sleepy diner was an escape. Almost, she might forget about the turmoi

cut through the silence. Lila looked up, anticipatin

ness. He seemed to fill the room with his presence, drawing curious glances from the other patrons. Yet, he didn't se

which sent a cold, side-shifting shiver right down her spine. She forced her face away, pretending to focus on the m

ckson's men? Had h

If she ran, it would be so transparent she was hiding something. She couldn't afford to draw any attention to

oled her face into a mask of neutrality. "Can I get you somethi

mouth quirked.

laced the mug before him, and when she finally raised her head, he was

ked, making herself lift her head to look

. Just... you look familiar." The way he said it, though, ma

cool. "I get that sometimes. J

ker of recognition, perhaps suspicion. And her heart pounded louder, she fighting to ke

lightly to one side as if he was studying her and

her best to sound casual. "Just

is mouth quirking into

some declaration unsaid. She couldn't help but feel he knew more than he

she thought she saw a flicker of understan

ie rolling off her t

and for some reason hypnotic. A chill ran over h

keep cool, to behave like he was just another cus

e pieces of a puzzle together. "I heard there's a lot of... change around here. People

he tried to answer ca

is eyes remained watchful. "Well, I think I'll be stayi

ite smile, but inside, everything screamed at her to go. "Gl

nger darkened a litt

nstincts screamed that something was wrong. The stranger finished his coffee, set down the mug,

the money tighter than

said, in a tone almost a warning, the promise of something more hanging unspoken in the air

r hands trembling as she brace