My Weaknesses

Chapter 5

I don't look at Charlie anymore. It seems like every time I take a peek at him I see Maya on his arm. It kills me but I don't have to look at him. His face just fills me with dread.

I go to training on time now, especially now that I can't use the Luna excuse. Marcus is hard on me, especially because I'm practically at the bottom. Working through a broken heart isn't easy. When he gives us a break I go back inside to the kitchen.

When I get inside I see Charlie in the briefing room with Maya on his lap. Her head is resting on his head and he is looking up at her with his shiny green eyes.

Nostalgia fills me as I remember the times he would do that to me. That feels like ages ago. I catch his eye but I look away. I go to the refrigerator to get a bottle of water. When I go back out I still see Maya on his lap but this time her long charcoal colored hair is covering the obvious. Them kissing shouldn't annoy me but it does. It's been two weeks since Charlie and I have uttered a word to each other but he has moved on like I never existed.

After break and getting my ass handed to me by someone who has a lower rank than I do we all go back into the living room.

I stick by Charlotte and Johnny (my nickname for Johnathan) as everyone files into the briefing room for our weekly meeting. Charlie and Maya are beaming, hands interlocked. I think I'm going to be sick.

"Okay, everyone settle down." Charlie commands with a stern voice. After the room grows silent he starts, "I would like to thank the people who fought for our pack and we will never forget those who died, valiantly protecting our land." Charlotte's hand finds mine and she gives me a reassuring squeeze. "Though we lost our land due to the mistakes of someone no longer in charge, we will fight to regain it."

Everyone cheers while I just bow my head in embarrassment. Johnny rubs my back and I smile at him. At least he's still my friend. Charlie continues, "As of today I am claiming Maya Evans as my new and true mate." He thrusts their interlocked hands in the air as if it's some kind of symbol.

My heart shatters for the second time this month. He's claimed another girl. Does he not care about me? My legs carry me outside before I can stop them.

Voices are calling after me but I don't listen. My legs are moving faster and faster until I'm out the door and I'm running. I run until my lungs burn. By now, I'm pretty sure I'm almost out of the territory but I haven't been out in ages.

I don't plan on coming back, I realize now. Why would I? I'd just see Charlie, whore around with her until she makes a mistake and throws her away like a broken doll. Then he'll break her heart just like he broke mine.

I keep running as the tears fall. Darkness is approaching but I won't stop. "Karina? Tell me where you are! You don't have to be hurt!" Charlotte urges me through mind link. I turn it off and run faster. I'm no longer one of them.

I keep running until I can't feel my feet. Winter is approaching quickly and I have no food or a coat. I'll have to go back to my house to take the things I need. After that, I'll be an official runaway.

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Sorry about the short chapter!