Micah

Letting Hannah go was just the first agonizing part of this whole ordeal. The second part was when I felt her leave the border. The ache in my chest intensified and my wolf howled so loud in my mind I thought my head would explode. I couldn't contain my pain, I went outside and shifted, running in the opposite direction of the car that was carrying Hannah away from me. Shortly after, I felt waves of grief stricken pain from her through our bond. I wanted to reach out to her, but I knew if I heard her voice my resolve would falter and I would chase her down.

'Is she ok?' I link Griffin.

'Yeah, just upset.' He answers. My wolf whines sadly and I lay down on the forest floor.

'She's not happy to be gone?' I ask curiously. Maybe he can get insight she's not willing to share with me.

'I get the sense she wants to stay with you, but doesn't think the pack will accept her.' He says. That makes me wolf growl.

'They will. I know they will.' I respond.

'I agree. I'll do my best to convince her.' He responds and hope builds in me.

'You'll be a great Beta, Grif.' I tell him.

'I know.' He responds and my wolf huffs out a small laugh.

I push myself up to four paws and run until I nearly pass out from exhaustion, hoping the ache in my body will distract me from the ache in my soul. I shower and lay in bed and suddenly feel Hannah reaching out in my mind. Our conversation is short, but it makes me feel a little better. Her voice soothes me and I feel my tense body relax before I fall into a fitful sleep.

The next morning I decide to do something I've been putting off.

Talking to Dustin.

I call him to my office and he shows up so fast I think he ran the whole way. I roll my eyes at the thought. Why I ever thought he'd be a good Beta, I'll never know.

"Micah what's up?" He asks, a little short of breath as he sits across from me.

"Listen Dustin. I've decided to make some changes to the pack leadership when I take over." I explain and he sighs as if in relief.

"So you decided to accept Hannah's rejection?" He asks and I feel my hackles raise.

"No." I state firmly, narrowing my eyes at him. He looks confused, his eyebrows furrowing and his stupid confused look only annoys me more.

"Oh. I just figured since she left. Jasmine saw her leave with Griffin yesterday. We figured you sent her to another pack." He says and I shake my head.

"No. She's been training with pack intelligence. She's observing allied packs for suggestions on improving our efficiency." I state, which isn't entirely a lie, but he doesn't need to know the precarious state of my relationship with Hannah.

"Oh. Well then what changes are you making?" He asks and I pinch the bridge of my nose, not at all excited for this conversation.

"I have picked a different Beta." I say simply and I allow him a few moments for my words to sink in. I can see the moment he realizes what I've said as his face contorts in rage and he has to hold back a shift.

"Control yourself, Dustin." I tell him firmly and he growls at me.

"What the fuck, Micah? We've been friends since we were kids. Why the fuck would you toss me aside now?" He spits in anger and I just shrug.

"You've been slacking. Coasting by on knowing you had the position. You don't push yourself or me in training anymore. You don't put forth new ideas or solutions to pack issues and you were not supportive of Hannah as my mate." I explain and he starts to breathe heavy, his claws slipping from his fingers.

"This is bullshit. That bitch is trying to change you. To make you soft. She's got you so fucking whipped you can't tell your ass from you dick. You need to get your shit together Micah. Get your mind right because she is fucking messing with you!" He screams at me and I do my best to keep my composure. Hannah would probably not approve of me killing him, even if he's a fucking prick.

"You're right Dustin. I do need to get my mind right. And Hannah is helping with that. She takes this pack more seriously than I ever did. You were going to let me turn into a shit Alpha and this pack would have suffered as a result. Sure what Hannah said hurt to hear, but she was right. I've been selfish, self centered and hard headed, averse to change. So these changes I'm making, they're for the better." I tell him firmly and he seems resigned to my decision.

Pathetic. He's not willing to fight me even when he has nothing to lose.

"Who'd you pick to replace me?" He asks irritably.

"Griffin." I tell him and he huffs out a humorless laugh.

"That meat head? And you sent him off with your mate? I hope she sleeps with him while they're gone. I'll bet they're real cozy right now laughing about how they both played you for the Luna and Beta position. They'll never be loyal to you. Not like me." He says and that kernel of doubt I have had about them in me grows at his words, but I try to push it away. I would feel if he touched her anyway and I haven't felt anything like that.

"You're dismissed, Dustin." He gives me a hard look before he scoffs and pushes himself out of the chair, storming from my office and slamming the door behind him.

I stay in my office for awhile doing the paperwork my father has started forcing onto me. He calls it part of my training, but I just think he hates doing it. I don't notice how late it is until I feel Hannah press against my mind. A smile flashes across my face and I throw my pen down on the desk.

'Hey, sweetness.' I say and even I can hear how tired I am.

'You alright?' She inquires and my heart warms at her concern.

'Yeah. Just had to have the talk with Dustin today.' I say and she hums in understanding.

'He didn't take the break up well I take it?' She asks and I huff out a laugh.

'He did not.' I admit, scrubbing my hand down my face.

'Let me guess. He barely put up a fight?' She asks and I smile at her ability to read people so well.

'Nope. Barely said a word.' I tell her and she grunts.

'Pussy.' She mutters and I can't stop my roaring laughter. I hear her giggle and smile.

'You're the highlight of my day, sweetness. How was your day? See anything interesting?' I ask and I can tell she's thinking about my question.

'I saw some good ideas at the pack hospital. I like the way they staff it and their trauma bay setup. It makes more sense than ours.' She says and I nod even though she can't see me.

'Add it to your list. We'll look at it.' I say. 'What about the pack itself. You like it so far?' I ask, nervous about her answer.

'Eh. They're nice, but haven't really made an effort to welcome us. The Alpha's son is my new bestie though. Followed me around all day.' She says giggling.

'How is Austin?' I ask. I was quite fond of the little nugget the last time I saw him.

'Good. And he's four not six.' She says amused and I chuckle.

'I was close. What are you doing now?' I ask her and she sighs.

'We just got back from dinner. This remote location means s fruits and vegetables are hard to come by. I'd kill for an apple. But I'm just gonna read a little before bed.' She says and I remember laying in her bed next to her, reading with her and a deep sense of longing fills my gut.

'I had probably better eat.' I tell her and she gasps.

'It's late, Micah! Go get some food and head to bed.' She instructs me and I smile at her bossy attitude.

'Yes, sweetness. I will. Sleep tight.'

'Goodnight.' She responds and I feel the link break. I feel a little better knowing she wasn't obsessed with the other pack, but it had only been a day.

'How'd today go?' I ask Griffin and feel him accept the link.

'Fine. She seems a little lonely. I'm not much for conversation. She tried to talk to a few of the girls our age, but they seem wary of new people.' He says and a little bit of hope flutters in me.

'Alright. Let me know of any issues.' I tell him.

'Yes, Alpha.' He responds a touch of annoyance in his tone as he cuts the link. I can't help but chuckle. It feels nice to have people challenge me for once.