I'm Still Me

Prologue

"Jessica,"I said,"I'm sorry, but I can't do anything about it. My parents have already decided for me. I have to go."

"I understand,"Jessica said,"I love you, Nate. I wish there was something that we could do."

"I know, babe,"I said,"I have tried everything I can think of. They're not budging."

It took everything inside me not to tell her what was really going on. I wanted to pull her in my arms and tell her that I love her. I wanted to tell her who I am, what I am, but I can't. It is against the laws to tell a human anything about us. Besides, she would probably run away screaming.

"This is so unfair,"Jessica whined," Why do we have to break up on graduation day?"

"Because I leave as soon as the ceremony ends,"I replied.

"But can't you just stay a few more days?"Jessica pleaded.

"No, babe,"I said,"I have to go as soon as I get my diploma."

"I'm gonna miss you so much,"Jessica said.

I saw a tear escape her eye as I pulled her in for a hug. Crap! This is all I need. How am I suppose to leave when my heart is breaking? How do I act like it doesn't affect me? I know I'm suppose to get some clarity when I turn eighteen, but I don't know if I can do this. I love her. Of course, I can't tell her that. If I did, I wouldn't be able to leave like this.

"I'm sorry,"Jessica said,"I don't know why I'm crying."

"It's ok,"I said,"You don't ever have to apologize for crying. Not to me."

"Thanks, Nate,"Jessica said.

"For what?"I asked, furrowing my brow.

"For trying to make me feel better," Jessica said,"I don't know what I'm gonna do without you."

She walked away as I mentally kicked myself. What kind of guy just lets the love of his life walk away? A coward, that's who. I gotta talk to my dad. Maybe I can convince him to let me stay. Maybe I don't have to go away to learn to be a leader.

"Hey, dad,"I said.

"Hey, son,"Jacob Strong said,"What's wrong?"

"I was just wondering if I really have to leave to learn to be a leader,"I said," Is there any way I could stay? I don't want to leave Jessica."

"You know why you have to leave,"He said,"She makes you weak. You will do a whole lot better without her."

"That's what you keep saying,"I said.

"Then, what's the problem?"He asked.

"I think I love her,"I replied.

"You-you what?"He stuttered,"Listen here. You don't love her, and you will get in that car after you get your diploma. Is that understood?"

"Yes,"I said.

"Yes what?"He asked.

"Yes, sir,"I said.

The rest of the day was uneventful. I went through the motions of graduating like a zombie. I tried avoiding her, but she was just so beautiful that I couldn't help but stare. As it was coming to an end, I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. In just a few more minutes, I would be getting in a car that would take me far away from here. If I ever saw any of them again, it would be a miracle, or fate.

After they dismissed us, I said congratulations and goodbye to a few people. I guess I was trying to avoid the inevitable. As I was getting in the car, I looked over my shoulder to find Jessica's eyes on me. We shared a sad smile, and I got in the car. It felt like my heart had literally been ripped out.

"Ready, son,"My dad and mom asked in unison.

"Yes, my Alpha and my Luna,"I said.

As I looked out the window at a crying Jessica, I swore that I would find her, again. One day, she will be mine. I will be HER Alpha, and she will be MY Luna. She is my mate. I just know it.