Chapter Fifty-One
Jay
The next day, everyone in Bloodhound is called for an impromptu town hall meeting. No one seems to know what’s going on.
We all filter into a room that feels much smaller than when I was a prisoner, but that might just be my anxiety talking. The lights are bright, and it’s hot, and everyone is murmuring. It’s sending me into sensory overload.
Tyler is at the front of the room ordering everyone to quiet.
I can barely see over the crowd, but as soon as Caleb stands, nothing can obstruct my view. He scans the people, and I’m thankful I’m in the very back and practically dwarfed by everyone. From here, I can watch him without him seeing me—though I still hope he’s looking.
His emotions are locked away. Any discernment of what he’s feeling is reliant on my over-analyzation of his every move.
Why does he have to look so good?
He clears his throat. “Thank you all for being here on such short notice. I know some of you have been wondering when I may take my place as your alpha. I’ve come to tell you all that day will be soon, as I have found your luna. And she is here today.”
Eager whispers and glances are exchanged amongst the crowd.
Tyler signals for the pack to be quiet and listen.
The delusional part of me is hoping he’ll say my name, but that’s just wishful thinking.
Sam and Taya join me. Taya gives me a sympathetic smile and pats my hand. She knows and always has.
Caleb holds out his hand to the door behind him and Medein enters and takes it. “I present to you, your soon-to-be luna, Medein Rosa the fourth.”
The crowd cheers—thrilled to have a powerful witch to lead them. Who wouldn’t be?
She kisses his cheek, and my heart stops. While I know it’s all for show, my heart doesn’t. Medein kissed him. That’s all I can see.
I turn to Taya. “I can’t do this.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, it’s too painful. I’ll catch you all later.”
“Wait, we’re about to leave. We’ll walk with you.”
“Thank you, but I’m okay. I could use some time alone.”
They accept my polite rejection, and I weave through the crowd to exit.
Every so often, I look at Caleb. It’s like a car crash.
I can’t look away. I know that’s the masochist in me.
When I reach the doorway, I make the mistake of allowing myself one more, final glance.
That’s when I meet Caleb’s gaze head on.
Regret, anguish and yearning crash into me. And I send longing, jealousy, and my heartache back his way.
He stares at me longer than I think Medein would be okay with. Neither of us can tear our eyes away. That’s why I’m thankful when someone grabs Caleb’s shoulder to congratulate him.
I’m gone before he can look back.
I need air.
With my tail between my legs, I pout all the way back to Jemma’s.
I climb into bed. I can already feel the onset of a deep depression. Sinking into the feeling under the covers, I cry myself to sleep.