The Alpha and The Enforcer [TATE]

Chapter 45

Jacob's P.O.V.

Christian and I had just gotten back to my office after three hours of training with the pack. The session wasn't grueling; we kept it light. Some offensive work, a few strategy drills, and a long discussion on our best attack formations. With the war coming tomorrow, we didn't want to exhaust ourselves, but still needed to stay sharp.

After we were done, we hit the showers, then tackled the last bit of paperwork waiting on my desk, and were still trying to contact our allies, who refused to get involved. They know something is coming, but they refused to send their warriors into the unknown, which is quite understandable. I couldn't fault them for it. With all the paperwork squared away, I was left with something rare: free time.

And I knew exactly who I wanted to spend it with.

Ellie.

But instead of being here, she was out with Mike.

Mike, her best friend since they were kids. The one person who's always been in her life, even when the rest of us weren't. He knows every little thing about her. Her favorite songs. How she likes her coffee... I don't even think I know that.

I tell myself I shouldn't feel jealous. That's petty. That I should be grateful she has someone she trusts that deeply.

But it's hard. Really hard.

I leaned back in my chair, ran a hand through my still-damp hair, and sighed. The empty silence in the office pressed in around me.

I could still hear her laugh from earlier when we were sparring, light, playful, effortless. The kind of laugh that cracks through her usual walls without warning. The kind of laugh she once had before him.

I smiled at the thought of her feeling comfortable around the people she cares about and who care about her as well.

"I'm gonna call my parents," I muttered to myself, and made my way toward my room. They were off somewhere tropical with Ellie's folks, enjoying the peace while I was currently preparing to fight for. I forget sometimes how close our parents were. I didn't want to worry them by telling them about what we're going through. It's time they enjoyed their free time away, and by themselves, and the fact that I know Ellie hasn't told her parents, I figured she thinks the same as well.

Maybe by the time I'm done... she'll be back.

Third Person P.O.V

The sharp scent of antiseptic clung to the hospital air as Lisa walked through the sliding glass doors, the sting of it grounding her nerves but not in a good way. Cold fluorescent lights buzzed faintly overhead, casting a sterile sheen on the glossy floors. Her palms were clammy, and her throat tightened as she approached the reception desk.

"Hi," she began, her voice quieter than intended. "I'm here to see Dr. Steven... Jake. If he's available."

The nurse looked up from her clipboard and nodded. "One moment, please," she said politely before disappearing down the corridor.

Lisa shifted on her feet, the rubber soles of the boots Ellie got her when they decided to relieve her of her cell, squeaking faintly on the polished tile. Her heart thudded unevenly in her chest. Tomorrow was the war. There was a very real possibility she wouldn't return.

And if that happened... she didn't want Jake hating her.

She knew what she'd done. Hurting Ellie was unforgivable in many eyes. But she also knew she didn't want to die with Jake still looking at her like a stranger. Like an enemy.

'Please, ' she thought, her hands balling into fists at her sides. Please don't shut me out tonight.

Footsteps echoed down the corridor.