Chapter. 6 Without You
Logan's POV
My ascension celebration party was a success. Many people came to congratulate me. Not one but two also expressed their concern over Carol's rejection this afternoon. They continued to find fault with Carol even from the side I didn't know about. I could only smile even though it was fake.
"Logan! The Alpha! Congratulations now that you're our leader," Grace said as she rushed towards me.
I couldn't resist as she hugged me tightly. Because there were still my parents who always told me to treat all pack members well. Whoever that werewolf was, including Grace.
"I have something to tell you. Thomas Antonio rejected me this afternoon. And he's ready to accept his punishment tomorrow. So, from today we have the same status. I hope you're not saddened by that ugly girl's stupidity."
I smiled briefly.
"Hey. Hey. Seriously. How could Logan be sad right now? He should be celebrating his freedom from that awful couple," said Charlie, who had just arrived with the others. I didn't reply. Just a small smile to cover up something that pierced my heart.
"I can feel it too. Who would want to be with an ugly girl like her? It would only be frustrating. Hahaha."
"You're right, Grace. And I heard Thomas just rejected you, too. Then there's a chance you guys could be together." Charlie said something baffling again.
"I didn't know that the rumour had spread. But I have to admit that it did."
"Never mind. It looks like you guys are jamming up the queue. Look, there are still a lot of people who want to congratulate me! So, get out of the way and have some fun with the others." I tried to shoo them away before their conversation became useless.
Finally, my efforts were successful. They swiftly left and others took their place. I didn't realise that the person in front of me was Carol's mum. My heart sank at the sight of her puffy face. She congratulated me and apologised for Carol's rejection. She also hoped I would forgive Carol and ease her suffering.
"I can't promise, but I will try," I replied sincerely.
"Thank you. Thank you, my Alpha. I know you have a very kind heart." Carol's mother looked very happy. I just gave her a small nod as I watched her go.
"Congratulations Logan! May you be a good leader like your father," Haider said. He came with his mate.
"Thank you."
"I know you hate Carol. But I know more, she's a good girl. So, please don't push her too hard." I nodded in agreement. Just as he was about to walk away. Suddenly I remembered something and immediately stopped his steps.
"Wait! What's your relationship with Carol?"
"My father died on the battlefield when I was little and since then Carol's father promised to take care of me and mom. So, we grew up together," he explained which made my heart feel relieved. In fact, I unconsciously smiled happily. "Is there a problem?" asked Haider which made me realise.
"No, no. Don't worry," I replied briefly.
The party was lively, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Except me. I felt like there was something missing in this place. It feels like the person I expected to come didn't show up at all. Someone who should be by my side right now. My chest felt tight remembering all the things that had happened. I tiptoed out to be alone. As wolfish as I am, Luke opens up communication because he senses my distress.
"What's going on, Logan?"
"I don't know, Luke. I just don't feel happy about this party."
"I can feel it. But, you can't avoid it. They made this event for you."
"I know. And this status has been my dream for a long time. It's just that there's something missing from what I planned."
"Because of Carol?" guessed Luke.
"You know me best."
"I still feel her wolf aura even though she rejected you."
"Really? Is she okay now?"
"I don't know. I can't be sure. My bond is very weak. It seems Carol's wolf hasn't healed properly. We must understand. After all, is this a really bad day for Carol? It will take her hours to recover her strength," Luke tried to remind me.
"You're right."
After replying to Luke, I heard a voice calling my name from behind me.
"Logan!" I turned around, and it was my dad. "This place is still where you hide. What's wrong with the party? Is it not interesting enough?"
"No, it wasn't. I just needed some time to rest after meeting all the pack members."
"It's good that you're okay. Because you have someone important to meet."
"Who?"
"You'll find out later."
I nodded and walked after him back inside.
In the morning, I couldn't hold myself back anymore. With the excuse of wanting to explore the lives of pack members. I walked out of the palace as an Alpha for the first day. Everyone saluted when they met me, but I was curious about Carol's attitude now. Could she still be as haughty as ever? I guess I'll find out in a while.
My steps reached the front of the seclusion hut. Of course, I came here secretly. I searched for Carol inside the small house that only contained a wooden cot and makeshift cooking utensils. However, the girl was not there.
"Where is she this early in the morning?" I muttered as I continued to search around the hut. It wasn't long before I heard someone's voice from the river that flowed quite close to the hut. I hurried towards the source of the voice. My heart immediately felt relieved to see Carol in that place.
Carol seemed to be struggling to find fish. I had to smile at her amused behaviour. I just realised that I was carrying a spear taken from the guards. So that they would believe that I wouldn't do anything wrong. Then with the right calculation, I threw the object until it stuck to two fish at once. It surprised Carol to see that, but she was more surprised to see me.
"Logan," Carol muttered. "What are you here for, to see if I'm dead? Sorry. Looks like luck is still on my side."
"Hey! Watch your language! Have you forgotten who I am now? I'm no longer your schoolmate. But, I'm your Alpha now," I replied no less haughtily.
"In fact, I never considered you a friend. And your Alpha’s status won't affect my mind," Carol retorted coldly. I clenched both hands into fists. Annoyed. We've never gotten along in the past.
"Whatever you want to say. I just want to find some fish to grill. If you don't want to. Catch it yourself," I took the spear that was already stuck in the fish and pretended to want to leave.
"Wait!" I smiled slyly when Carol said that. "Ehms.... I'm hungry and my energy hasn't recovered properly. Can you share that fish?"
Good. That's what I wanted to hear all along. I nodded in agreement as I walked away. Behind Carol followed me quickly, probably she was very hungry. Soon, we cooked the grilled fish and enjoyed it together. However, suddenly I heard someone's footsteps approaching. I quickly hid, and I saw Carol throwing the leftovers and my spear carelessly.
"What are you doing?" a guard asked. It turns out they brought Thomas Antonio here. I forgot that today was the day to punish him for rejecting Grace. But, I needn't have worried. Maybe Dad had already done it.
"Trying to survive," Carol replied casually.
"Good. From today you don't have to worry. Because you will have an exile companion," said the other bodyguard while pushing Thomas' frail body that was already looking apprehensive. "You will live together during this period of exile."
What? I said, loud enough for the guards to hear.
"Who's there?!" asked one as he walked closer, approaching.