Ten minutes after Pierson left I stayed in the same spot and cried till no more tears came out.

After that I had to walk home with a tear streaked face.

As I entered my house I remembered that I had to prepare dinner for the meeting tonight.

I head to the kitchen and take notice of the silence in the house. All I can hear is the refrigerator running. I'm guessing my father isn't home.

Good. I don't want him to see me like this.

I push Pierson to the back of my mind for now, so I can get started on preparing the meal. I can go up to my room later and wallow in my pity in the comfort of my bed after this meeting is over.

For dinner I decide to make a house salad, steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

After the meal is cooked I head upstairs and change before he gets here. A few moments later I can hear the door open downstairs telling me my father has arrived from wherever he went off to.

I then change into a simple black cotton dress that ends just above my knees and pair it with some black heels.

I wash my face to try and cover up that I was crying. I then do my make up and brush my hair to look more decent.

Done and just in time because I hear the doorbell ring. My father answers it and calls me to come down.

I open my door and head for the stairs. I can hear them already conversating.

As I make my way down I immediately stop when I hear another voice speak up. At the sound of it my heart starts to hammer in my chest.

Oh please no. Why is he here? Can't I catch a break? I can't go down there now and face them all knowing he doesn't want me.

Unfortunately, my father calls for me again, but more forcefully this time.

"I can do this. I am strong. I will not break," I say trying to give myself a pep talk.

I walk the rest of the way down and head to the living room to meet our awaiting guests.

I walk in and my eyes widen and my heart breaks all over again as I take in the scene before me.

In the middle of the room stands my father, Alpha Bryant, Pierson...and Rachel.

I look to them and see Rachel clinging onto Pierson's arm and pecking him on the cheek with her lips.

But Pierson has his eyes on me as she does so.

"Hello Elena," Alpha Bryant speaks first and walks over to shake my hand.

I look to him and try to process his words with my hand in his.

"Hi Alpha Bryant," is all I can say when I finally decide to speak up.

"Elena you know to call me Kris," he says with a smile.

"Sorry. Kris. How are you?" I say still trying to regain my composure and try to act like everything is ok. I can do this.

"I've been good and you?"

Well my mate doesn't want me for one, my father hates me, and it feels like my life is a total wreck.

"I'm good," I say instead.

I look over to Pierson and Rachel and say a hello to the both of them still trying to control my racing heartbeat.

"Hi Elena you look beautiful," Rachel says sweetly.

"Thank you. You look beautiful as well Rachel."

She doesn't look just beautiful, she looks absolutely stunning. She's wearing a red dress with tank top straps. It has a square neckline, scoop back, and a unique seaming in the front. It's fitted at the top and flares around the waist. She tied in the outfit with some black heels and placed her hair into an elegant side bun. I look down at my dress and frown.

Pierson clears his throat, "Yes, you look very lovely."

I look over at him and gaze into his intense eyes and just nod my head at him.

"Elena has prepared a meal for us all, so how about we go to the kitchen and eat," my father says.

We all head towards the table quietly and everybody takes their places. I bring out the food and set it on the table and everybody begins to eat.

I sit beside my father while Alpha Bryant sits across from him. Pierson has taken the seat directly across from mine and Rachel by his side.

Pierson hasn't taken his eyes off of me once since I set foot into the living room. If he doesn't want me then why stare at me. I hate it.

"So, Elena I hear it's your birthday today and I wanted to wish you a happy birthday," Kris says.

"Yes, thank you."

"How old did you turn?" he asks.

"Eighteen," I say quitely.

His eyebrows raise, " Wow already? Time sure does fly. Now you can find your mate. I hope he's special and treats you right," he says sincerly.

I did find my mate. I glance at Pierson and he's now staring into his lap.

"Pierson here is gonna mark Rachel when they're ready. I know she will make a fine Luna one day," he says proudly.

I bet she will too.

"Now, onto why I'm here," he says in his deep voice. He looks over to my father who has been awfully quiet.

"Joe." He pauses trying to gather all his thoughts. "You know your my best friend and after Jessica passed away I know you went through a hard time. You're still going through a hard time."

My father's face shows sheer hurt at the mention of my mother's name. I haven't seen an emotion on him like that in a long time.

I know he's not a bad guy. He actually used to be one of my favorite persons in the world. He's just become a drunk and a mean one at that. I detest what he's become.

He's not the only one who misses her you know.

"But I need you Joe. The pack needs you," his voice turning serious.

"Rogues have been attacking us. My beta is weak. You were the best skilled fighter and commander we had. We need your special skills. We're losing many territories and bodies. When my son takes over I don't want him to face these troubles." His face is grim and his voice pleading.

My dad looks from him to Pierson. His face showing his indecisiveness.

"Please Joe."

My dad looks down and after a few moments he nods his head. Kris looks relieved and looks at my father with grateful eyes.

He then stands and goes around the table to shake his hand. "Thanks Joe. This means a lot."

After dinner they all go to the living room to talk some more and I stay in the kitchen to clean up.

"Elena." I drop the dish I was cleaning when I feel the shiver that runs down my spine at his voice.

I turn to him. Why does he have to be so perfect. His hair is messy like he's been running his hand through it over and over. I wish I could run my hands through it. His eyes...I could stare into those green eyes everyday of my life

"Do you need something?" To my surprise my voice comes out clear and in control. The complete opposite of what I'm feeling in the inside right now.

"Look I wanted to apologize for earlier. It's just. I don't know." He runs his hand through his hair again and lets out a frustrated groan.

Why is he apologizing?

"Look Elena I want to tell you that I'm sorry and I didn't mean to hurt you. I want..."

"Pierson." A voice interrupts what he was about to say and we both turn to the entrance way.

"Hey we're heading out. Are you ready?" Rachel looks between the both of us her eyebrows furrowing together as she does so.

Pierson looks at me staring into my eyes like he's searching for something.

"Yeah I'm ready," he say running his hand through his hair once again.

Rachel goes to stand beside him and entwines her fingers with his.

"Thank you for the dinner. It was very delicious," she says to me.

I look down at their hands. I'm glad they're leaving because I can't take this anymore.

"You're welcome," is all I say.

Rachel pulls Pierson to follow her out the door and he briefly looks back one last time before he disappears through the doorway.

I decide to just head upstairs and skip seeing them off.

I change and keep to my promise and let it all out in the comfort of my own bed.

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