After that day, I focused on my work even more, pushing aside the distractions of my personal life. Soon enough, I received an offer from another company—a prestigious one with better pay and a spacious apartment. It was the perfect opportunity for a fresh start, but it was far away from the pack, a choice that came with its own risks.
Word soon spread that Alpha Joseph was planning a public mating ceremony, and naturally, everyone assumed it would be with Nelly. The gossip floated through the pack like wildfire, but I had no interest in paying attention to it. They weren't wrong—of course, it was going to be Nelly.
"Have you made up your mind?" Tom asked as I was about to leave the boutique one evening.
"Not yet. But I'll think about it and get back to you," I replied, still unsure.
"You know, Anita, even though I'd love for you to stay, you deserve a better life. That new job could offer you exactly that."
I nodded with a smile. "Thank you, Tom."
When I got home, my phone began to ring. An unknown number flashed on the screen, but I had a hunch about who it might be. I didn't want to answer. Alpha Joseph had been trying to reach out, but I had no interest in speaking with him.
After taking a shower, I checked my phone again. There was a message waiting for me—of course, from Alpha Joseph. It was yet another apology, but this time, I didn't even bother to read the entire text. Annoyed, I tossed my phone onto the bed and went to the kitchen to make dinner, determined to block out all thoughts of him.
---
The next day was a weekend, and I was planning to relax at home, enjoying some rare peace. That is, until I heard a knock at the door. When I opened it, there he was again—Alpha Joseph, standing with a desperate expression.
"What do you want?" I asked, holding the door with one hand, already irritated by his persistence.
"Anita, please. Let's talk."
"I don't have anything to say to you, Alpha. Just leave me alone."
"Anita, I said I was sorry. Please, I won't light fireworks for Nelly again," he said, his voice pleading.
I scoffed, shaking my head in disbelief. "You think that's it? That I'm angry because of some fireworks?"
"Then what? Please, tell me. I need to understand."
I stared at him, my frustration boiling over. "You've always neglected me, Alpha Joseph. You chose Nelly time and time again. I've never mattered to you. I was always your number two, never your number one."
His eyes filled with guilt, and for a moment, he seemed genuinely remorseful. "Anita... I'm so sorry."
I shook my head, feeling nothing but exhaustion from the endless cycle of apologies. "Sorry can't cut it. It's always been this way, and it always will be. You're always going to put your NeNe first. She gets to call you by a pet name, but with me? I have to add your title—Alpha. Now, please, don't waste my time. Go meet her. I'm sure she misses her JoJo."
Before he could respond, I shut the door in his face, cutting off whatever excuse or apology he had left.
Leaning against the door, I took a deep breath, letting the finality of the moment settle in. There was no going back. I had made my choice, and now, it was time to move on—for good.