Alec’s

"It is," I say with a sigh.

"Remember what I told you before you left?" he asks.

I stay quiet as I try to rack my brain, trying to remember what he told me. After a minute, there is nothing. He said a lot of things.

"You'll have to be a bit more specific, King," I tell him, because no matter what I try, I just don't remember.

"I told you," he pauses, taking in a deep breath. "I felt like some things were going to happen. That going back to Alec's pack would bring about certain things. Certain changes. I just wasn't sure what they were."

It clicks in my mind, and I remember his words. I remember how worried he was on the day we were leaving. I remember how anxious he was.

He continues. "That's why I asked if you were sure about going back."

It all starts to make sense now. His instance to know if I was ready to go back to Alec's pack. I didn't understand him then, but it seems like he sensed something.

I clench the phone in my hand and then release it before I can break it. "A lot has happened these past few days that I don't even know where to start or what to do. As much as I wish I could come back home and bury my head in the sand concerning Alec's pack, I can't. Not now that I know the positive effect my presence has had on his people."

That's the thing. Every time I think, 'Fuck it, I am going back home,' I'm reminded of the kids, and my heart softens. Like I have mentioned before, they are the ones keeping me here. They are the reason I am staying.

With everything that has been

revealed, my instincts keep flashing

red. Keeps telling me to pack my things and run. That things will only get worse and more intense, but i can't. The young ones in this pack deserve to live a full life. They deserve to have a future

"Sadie?" King calls, pulling me back to the present.

I shake my head to rid myself of the thoughts that threaten to drown me. "You know what? Let's not talk about this. I don't want to think about. what's going on. I just want to bury my head in the sand, even if it's for a few hours."

He is quiet for a while before saying, "I understand. It's normal to want to escape reality for a while when things get too hard. How are things between you and Alec?"

"There is nothing between us, and there will never be," I respond, feeling irritated at the mention of his name. "How's the pack?" I change the topic in the hopes he'll drop it.

He fills me in. Not much has happened since we left, but everyone is fine and the pack is doing great even without my presence. I never worried. Not even once. After all, King is just as capable as I am. "I have to go. We have training in a few," he went on after filling me in. "Call you later?"

"Definitely"

"Hang on tight, Sadie. Things will eventually work out." He sounds so full of hope, as if he actually believes it.

I want to, but haven't I learned that things don't always go the way I want them to?

After we say our goodbyes, I look

around. There was nothing to do, and I didn't want to stay here because I'll continue being

depressed. I need a ride. I new net

get out of this pack, even if it's just

for a while.