How to Love an Alpha

Chapter 18

<*Unedited*>

The mall should've taken my mind off of everyone, but it didn't. If anything, it hurt me. I hadn't said goodbye to Juliet, and that wasn't something I wasn't proud of. This was like our second home. We always used to spend our weekends here, spending all the cash we could. We were always careful to stay within the budget, mainly because we were the pack "good girls" and we liked that title. I laughed to myself a little. I wouldn't dream of having that title any longer. My mind wandered to Gabe with that thought.

Before I'd found out he was my mate, we were just friends. Best friends. He always made fun of me for being such a goody-two-shoes and I'd make fun of his AWOL streak. Once our fates were intertwined, I latched onto his personality a bit. I started arguing and griping about a lot of things I would've just kindly agreed to previously. It progressed after his disappearance. I realized what a jerk I'd been to my family. But some of it was well deserved, right?

Zeke, for example, was being a pain in the neck. Sure, he may have been the alpha, but he still should try to put family first. No, you're being selfish, Mackenzie. The pack's well being is always first. I thought silently. Still, it seemed wrong to make a deal without my consent.

During all these thoughts, Sage was joyfully holding my hand as we walked around. We went into several stores. When she finally stopped me and said she was hungry, I almost felt relieved.

"Where do you wanna eat, kiddo?" I wondered, picking her up.

"Pizza!" She squealed excitedly.

I smiled, but it quickly disappeared as more thoughts and memories flushed through my brain.

"Come on then." I forced a smile as we started out of the mall.

We got back into the Jaguar and I drove to CiCi's. It pained me to look at it. I suppose I was being a bit pathetic-ok, a lot pathetic-but I just couldn't keep my mind from wandering to the battle.

I checked my watch after we finished eating. I could see the sun's rays from behind the mall building. The moon was already in the pink stained sky. I felt something tug inside of me as I stared at the moon. Sage gave me a funny look but continued about her toddler way anyhow. Once the mall closed, I started the drive home cautiously. I prayed that the battle would be over and we'd won. It was painful to wait. I pulled into the parking lot of the pack house. Unfortunately, the sight that awaited us when we got back, wasn't what I desired to see. It was horrific.

Shakily, I got out of the car after sliding the key out of the ignition. I could hear the keys rattling in my hands as they shook. Tears teemed in my eyes.

"Aunt Kenzie! I want out." I heard Sage whine. She was unaware of the scene in front of us.

I stood still, frozen with fear.

Smoke billowed from the building, and flames were still raging. Our pack house was burning. I wanted to kneel on the ground and break into tears, but I couldn't do that with Sage in the car.

"Shame, isn't it." I heard someone say.

I jumped at their words and turned around immediately. It was Emily.

"You are completely-"

"Don't finish your sentence, mutt. You don't wanna embarrass yourself." Emily retorted, cutting me off.

She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at me with her red eyes. I heard Sage squeal in the car and watched Emily's eyes dart to the car. Protectively, I stood in front of it.

She scoffed a then chuckled. "We don't want the child." she admitted.

"What in the world has gotten into you, Emily? You used to be so... different." I retorted to her.