Morgan

4

Morgan

Months passed. I saw less and less of Danny as he was engrossed in his Alpha duties and his new mate. I tried to tell myself he was just busy, but sometimes I felt a pang of hurt. I felt like he had just dropped me once his life got sorted out. I guess mine was too fucked up to still be a part of his perfect world. Unknown rogue father. Dead mother - murdered by her own mate. No close friends or family apart from a toddler. Pathetic. I didn't blame him to be honest. Not the kind of company a strong, young, recently mated Alpha should be keeping.

I was disgusted at my own self pity, but I couldn't help what I thought at the back of my mind.

I spent my days caring for Ella and training. Sometimes I visited the Alpha House to remind Danny I was still alive, but I never stayed long.

Then, it was Danny's nineteenth birthday. He wasn't having a grand party or any stupid shit like that, but he invited a few friends and family to visit. I chuckled to myself that he still considered me a friend when I got an invite. I didn't dislike him, I just felt let down by him. Selfish again.

Finally, the day arrived and Ella and I knocked on the door to the Alpha House, standing under the veranda to avoid the torrential rain that had suddenly appeared from nowhere. I wore a blue and silver knee length dress that shimmered when the light hit it, my hair braided into a Dutch plait running down my shoulder. I'd got Ella a pastel pink dress that she'd desperately wanted. I wasn't a huge fan of dressing up, but I would when necessary.

We were let inside, and I immediately recognised a few of Danny's closest friends from his school days. I never liked them much, but I didn't like most people so there was probably nothing wrong with them. It wasn't that I purposefully tried to be isolated from people - I just found trust very difficult. Once I trusted someone, there was nothing I wouldn't do for them.

I avoided them and guided Ella over to where Ivy was stood by a makeshift bar. She welcomed me with a tight hug.

'Hi, Morgan, it's been forever. You need to come over more.'

Ivy had aged well. She still looked somewhere in her mid thirties, even though she was nearly fifty now. Her cinnamon brown hair had flecks of gold, with no grey in sight, and her face was free from creases apart from laughter lines. She wore a red cocktail dress with a high neckline, which accentuated her tanned skin.

'Yeah... maybe I will,' I replied absently.

'Do you want a drink?' Ivy offered, gesturing to the array of alcohol behind her.

'Vodka!' Ella shouted, tugging on Ivy's dress hem.

Ivy looked shocked. I quickly picked my sister up, embarrassed.

'Shhh, Ella!' I glanced back at Ivy, my face flushing. Ella was three. I was meant to be a responsible adult looking after her. To my relief, Ivy laughed.

'Not for you, Ella. I do have apple juice though.'

Ella smiled in approval. I was about to give an excuse for Ella knowing what vodka was, when I heard everyone else in the room go silent. I turned, and saw Danny and Alice walking down the main stairs into the room. They were both dressed in black tie - him wearing a suit and tie, and her with a beautiful emerald green backless dress. It had a plunging neckline and gently touched the floor by her feet. However, what drew my attention was how happy Danny looked. He was radiant - practically beaming. I had never seen him so happy. Although I didn't like Alice, she was obviously good for him.

I turned back around, suddenly wanting to leave. Unfortunately for me, Danny spied me and came over.

'Mor! Long time no see,' he smiled.