Page 41 of My Possessive Alpha

“That’s yet to be seen.”

They maintained their irritated glances with one another, and I sighed. “Time and place.”

“She started it,” Ezra muttered.

Zoe scoffed. “And I’ll finish it too.”

“Anyways,” Jacob said, securing a hand against Ezra’s shoulder with a warning grip despite his smile. “We’re not here for us. How about we check out that incredible-looking spread over there?”

Ezra gave Zoe an irritated glance before going with Jacob, who shook his head with a chuckle as they perused the food tables.

“Don’t mind him. He’s usually like that,” Ethan said as he casually slung his arm around Zoe’s shoulder with a playful grin. “But I appreciate Little Rivera sticking up for me.”

At the nickname, Zoe groaned and rolled her eyes, arms crossed. “It was so much quieter when you guys weren’t here.”

“And clearly not as fun.”

“Allow me to apologize on everyone’s behalf,” Levi piped up as he stepped forward and mused Ethan’s loose blonde curls, effectively making him pull away from Zoe to get him off. Levi was still bigger than him despite his strength, and his fight was fruitless. “Can’t take these animals anywhere.”

“You’re telling me,” I chided, noting how Zoe always seemed to get caught up with them, usually to her dismay. “Regardless, I’m glad to see you all here. We have some work ahead of us, but we’re making the most of this time together. Thanks for coming.”

Receiving many bright smiles in response, a feeling of contentment settled into my chest, and I knew I was on the right path. Despite the loose ends that needed to be taken care of, I had a lot to be grateful for.

With Lydia by my side and friends around to offer their support whenever necessary, I knew I couldn’t ask for much more. I was lucky, even if it took me some time to realize that.

Chapter 24 - Lydia

I didn’t have the heart to tell Sebastian or anyone else I was struggling.

He seemed so immersed in the gathering and was, without a doubt, soaking it all in while his friends kept him preoccupied. I was certainly included, even if it was difficult for me to keep up given the internal conflict I was shouldering on my own, but it wasn’t enough of a distraction.

After seeing my parents in the woods, I couldn’t get them out of my head. I couldn’t ignore their pleading faces and not knowing what they wanted to discuss. If they really wanted to leave Jack’s pack or something similar, I wasn’t sure if I’d forgive myself for cutting them off completely when they needed my support.

Even if they lied to me and tried their hardest to control my life, I couldn’t hate them completely. I was angry still, yes, but that was just it. They were my parents. It felt impossible to sever that relationship completely.

Regardless of how nice the gathering was or how happy Sebastian seemed, I had already made up my mind before it even started. I just needed the opportunity.

And said opportunity appeared the moment Sebastian’s friends strode in with their antics.

I knew he’d be upset if he ever found out I went to see them, but I had to take that risk. I needed to speak to them—that was it.

As I stood by Sebastian’s side, waiting for the chance to slip away, I reassured myself with the reminder that they couldn’t say anything to sway me away from his side.

He helped me in a way that nobody else could, and he showed me the harm my parents had done to me, even when I didn’t want to see it. We had a divine connection, and nothing could splinter that.

I wasn’t looking to be influenced into anything. I knew where I stood and what I wanted, and that also meant needing answers.

While there was a chance that Sebastian might not understand it, I needed closure.

I had to take that leap.

With darkness surrounding us and only the fire’s light to illuminate the space, I migrated over to where the drinks were while Sebastian was preoccupied with a story Levi was telling. I grabbed some water and downed half of it to clear my head. Then, I noted the closest path to the woods behind the house.

Everyone was so engrossed in the story—even Zoe—that they didn’t pay any mind to me back there as I carefully dipped into the shadows and kept moving. As silently as I could, I made my way into the trees.

My chest ached at the thought of going behind Sebastian’s back, but at that moment, my head was such a mess that I couldn’t think of any other way to clear it.

I knew there were risks and I was trusting the people who betrayed me before. Yet, I had to see it through.

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