“You have now started fighting with her over a piece of inexpensive jwellery? I can't believe it's really you.” Mike also came between us. They both turned to Emily. Darek began wiping her crocodile’s tears while Mike began comforting her, saying, “Don't cry, Emily. It's not your fault. We know how sweet and kind you are.”

I was devastated looking at them like that. They called my father’s last design an inexpensive item, worth noting. But to me, it was the most precious gift from my Dad to me. He wanted me to wear it on my wedding but now it was broken. And instead of comforting me, they were blaming me for being mean.

Darek walked up to me and said, “Apologize to Emily, Janette. You made her cry over a piece of jewelry.”

“I will not.” I said stubbornly.

Mike pulled my arms to look into my eyes, saying in a cold voice, “Janette, Apologize…”

They were so lost in feeling bad for Emily that they didn't even notice my hand was also cut by the broken jwellery and was bleeding.

I suppressed the tears within me and didn't say anything this time. Meanwhile they were still insisting me to apologise to Emily. Just then my Mom called me. I took a few steps away from them to answer her call.

“Hello, Mom.” I said as soon as I picked up the call.

“Janette, I called to ask whether you have booked the flight ticket or I do it for you?” She asked.

“No need, Mom. I have booked the ticket. I’ll soon leave from here.” I replied before hanging up.

Darek and Mike overheard my conversation. They walked up to me and began asking me questions one by one.

“Are you going somewhere, Janette?” Darek asked,

“Why didn't you tell us before? We would have booked the ticket for you.” Mike added.

“Where are you going anyways? You know we don't feel good if you are away for too long.” Darek said with curious eyes.

“Yes, tell us. I hope it's not for long.” Mike said excitedly.

“Why are you not replying, Janette? Say something, where are you going?” Darek asked impatiently.

“Would there be any impact on you two if tell you where I’m leaving for?” I asked.

“What do you mean?” Darek asked, looking confused.

“Nothing,” I shook my head, letting go of the idea of telling them that I was planning to leave everything behind. I just said, “My mom met an accident a day before. She is hospitalized. There is no one in the pack to take care of her. I’m going to see her. I plan to stay with her for a while.”

“Aunt Sarah is hospitalized? Why didn't you tell us earlier?” Mike snapped.

‘Why didn't you tell us earlier?’ had become their usual questions because they were never available when I needed them the most.

“Do you want our help with anything?” Darek asked in a concerned voice.

“No,” I retorted, “I have done everything else. But, if you want you two can come with me. My Mom will be happy to see you. She was even asking about you guys.”

I genuinely wanted them to visit my Mom as she was quite fond of them. She would feel good if they could come visit her with me. However, Darek and Mike glanced at Emily before turning to me. Darek said, “I really want to go with you, Janette. But, you see Emily has just discharged from the Hospital. How can I left her alone here? I’m sorry, I can't.”

“Emily is still injured. She might need medical support anytime. Since I’m a Doctor. I should always stay with her.” Mike added.

They both denied coming with me just because they wanted to be with Emily. I was disappointed with both of my friends. There was a time when they used to make several excuses to leave their respective packs and come live in my pack just to stay close to me. Now, they were making excuses to stay with Emily. I could easily see through them.

Feeling disappointed, I go back to my room. The next morning, I came downstairs to prepare breakfast but was surprised to see all three of them available there.

“What is going on here?” I asked while raising my eyebrows.

“Janette, Emily was feeling bad for your jwellery piece. So, she has cooked breakfast for you.” Darek said excitedly.

“It was completely your fault, yesterday. But, Emily insist on doing something for you to apologise for her mistake. See how considerate she is!” Mike commented, reminding me that I should have apologized to her. Seeing them still accusing me for the last day's incident in which I lost my father's last design made me lose my hunger. I no longer wanted to eat anything.

“I’m not hungry. I don't want to have such a heavy breakfast.” I said while pointing at the Eggs Benedict.

Darek and Mike held my arms and took me to the corner of the kitchen with Darek saying in a low voice, “Janette, how could you be so unthankful. Emily woke up early in the morning just to make breakfast for you and here you are throwing tantrums.”

“I’m not throwing tantrums. I’m just not hungry.” I snapped.

“Even if you are not hungry, you can still eat some for Emily’s sake, can't you? Just be a little considerate towards her, Janette. After all, she is your cousin.” Mike whispered, “Look how hurt she is looking right now. It's all because of you.”

With a defeated sigh, I said, “ Okay fine, I’ll eat.”

I found it pointless to argue with them and came to the dinning hall. Looking at the breakfast before my eyes, I smiled ironically. My two childhood friends were so busy coaxing their new sweetheart that they completely forgot I hated eggs and they were now forcing me to eat Eggs Benedict.

I took one bite from my plate and my eyebrows twitched. It contained lemon juice and I had a very rare citrus allergy. In my reflexive response, I immediately tossed the plate aside, causing it to fall on the floor and stood up choking.

Darek and Mike stood up along with me. I thought they were going to help me. However, they were looking at me with cold eyes before shouting at me. Darek yelled, “What is this behavior, Janette? I get that you didn't want to eat but throwing it on the floor is just too much.”

“How can you do that? Can't you see the efforts Emily had put for you and be pleased?” Mike snapped. Meanwhile, Emily began crying while saying, “I’m sorry, Janette. I just wanted to ease your mind. But if you hate me because I touched your jewelry, I will… I will…”

She began sobbing. Darek and Mike rushed to comfort her.

“Don't cry, Emily. We are with you. And last night's incident. Just forget about it, okay?” Darek said while stroking her hair.

“How about we go shopping and buy new dresses for you, huh? Would you like that?” Mike asked gently. She nodded her head and both of them left with her, leaving me alone. I was choking continuously and needed someone. I had never been left alone in circumstances like this. Earlier my father and my friends were always with me. Even if I got minor scratches on my body, they would rush to offer me help. When I ask them why they care so much about me. They would reply ‘We love taking care of you.’

Their words that once filled my heart with joy were now piercing my heart like an arrow seeing how they had changed in the past six months. I didn't know that their love of ten years was so weak that it could be shaken easily by the arrival of new beauty in their life.

I was left all by myself. I didn't know what to do at this moment. I didn't stop Darek or Mike. They didn't notice what was wrong with me or why I was not saying anything. All they cared was Emily’s feelings that seemingly got hurt because of me. They took her to cheer her up.

I didn't know what to do at this moment. When I could ask for help or tell them I was having my allergic attack, they were already gone. I didn't know anybody to ask for help. Since childhood my lifestyle was driven by Darek and Mike. They didn't let me meet more people. They would say they were enough for me and that I didn't need anyone in my life because they would always accompany me like a shadow. But, where were they now?

Luckily, I did have a friend that I made before meeting Darek and Mike. It’s Faye. She was the daughter of my father's Beta. I could only remember her at this critical moment. I called her for help and she immediately came with Pack’s healer. They were aware of my allergies. Soon, I was healed to a better state. Faye was so pissed. She didn't stop scolding me for eating that stupid breakfast. I calmed her down before she left. I feel entitled to have at least one childhood friend whose feelings hadn't shifted from me.

I wasn't expecting Darek and Mike to return home soon since they went out with Emily. However, soon they came back. Emily was not with them. I didn't bother where she was or why they came back soon. It seemed like she forgot something and they had come to collect it.

They didn't like my silence over the matter and came to me to make me realize how wrong I was doing with my cousin. Darek stopped me from cleaning the floor by holding my mop as he said, “Why are you doing this, Janette? Is it to make us feel pity on you? Why are you becoming like a scheming woman? I can't even recognise you.”

“Darek is right, Janette. I couldn't even recognise you. It's not you. How could you be so mean? Do you know how hurt Emily was? She was even thinking of finding new place to live. She thinks you dislike her. Is it true?” Mike asked.

“Have you tasted the breakfast she prepared in the morning?” I asked, ignoring their hurtful words to me.

“Yes, we did. Why are you asking this?” Mike asked.

“So, you guys knew there was lemon juice in it but you kinda a forget that I have rare citrus allergy and I could die had I finished the whole meal, right?” I asked while smiling sarcastically, “And you guys call yourselves my childhood sweethearts.”

“Janette…”

“I’m really sorry. I-”

Both of them said in unison but couldn't complete their sentence. They eyes showed emotions mixed with guilt and concern as they asked in unison, “How are you now?”

“Not dying anymore. Thanks to my childhood friend, Faye. At least she was there for me.” I replied flatly. They took a sigh of relief then apologized me.

“Emily had put so much effort for your breakfast and seeing you throwing it away, we lost our temper. It really slipped through our mind that you are allergic to citrus. Please forgive us, Janette.” They explained before adding, “It was really a bad coincident. No one did it intentionally. It's good that you are okay now. You should not dwell over this matter anymore.”

Their words were hint to me that they didn't take this incident seriously and were thinking I was over reacting now. They didn't stay for too long and left, probably going to Emily.

Making use of the time, I packed my bags and called the client I talked earlier for selling my house. Actually, the pack wasn't doing good after my father's death. It needed funds to be taken care of. My father's Alpha House was too huge for me to live alone. Besides, I was planning to leave the place for good. So, it wasn't useful to me. A rich family had just joined our pack. I planned to sell my house to them and use the money in developing my father's pack.

After selling my house, I took my luggage and came to my father's studio. I planned to stay in his studio for a few days before leaving. After a few hours, one of the worker came to me and said, “My lady, two handsome men are looking for you outside. Shall I call them inside or you will go see them?”

I knew who these handsome men were. I went to meet Darek and Mike. They looked angry at me. Darek began first, “Janette, What's going on? Why did you sell your house?”

“We went back only to find the house being occupied by someone else. Was selling the house over a minor allergy incident really necessary?” Mike accused, “You didn't even think about Emily before selling your house.”

They were concerned where Emily would live since I sold my house but they didn't bother asking me where I was going to live. I smiled sarcastically before replying, “ Since you guys care so much about Emily. She can stay at your place. As for me, my father's place was too big for me to live alone. I can buy a small house or just stay at his studio.”

Their anger seemed to lighten a bit. It seemed like they liked the idea of Emily living in their place. I couldn't help feeling remorseful. However, Darek seemed to notice something off in me or he just asked out of courtesy, “Janette, is everything alright with you? Are you feeling low these days?”

“How about we all go on a trip? It will lighten your mood.” Mike suggested excitedly. I thought for a while. It was not a bad idea to go out on a trip with my friends before leaving. After all, they were my closest friends since childhood. I nodded my head in agreement before saying, “After selling my father's house, I’m quite rich. I can arrange money for our trip.”

Mike smiled before shooting a glance at Darek, saying, “Emily was saying she had been feeling bored these days and wanted to go out for a trip. Let me give her a good news.”

Darek nodded his head as he commented, “Yeah, I have been considering this as well. Taking Emily out for a trip will divert her mind and she will not miss her mother that much.”

So, they asked me out on a trip only for Emily’s sake and I was a fool who was thinking they still cared about me.

Only a few days were left in leaving the pack. So, I decided to spend a day with Elder Victor. He used to be my grandfather’s beta and later he served the position of a qualified elder in my father's reign. He taught me many things, including hunting, shifting and identifying different smells. After my father died, he also taught me many tactics and helped me in running the pack. He was like a grandfather to me. So, I didn't want to hide anything from him.

“Elder Victor, you see I have been alone since my father left me and despite your teachings, I failed to run my father's pack and his studio smoothly. Besides, our pack members doesn't accept me as their Alpha.” I paused for a while before concluding myself, “So, I’m planning to leave the pack after handing everything to my Dad’s beta, Uncle Mathew for a time being.”

Elder victor was overwhelmed with this sudden news. He tried to convince me in staying while saying, “Janette, you have been doing great and the pack members will accept you sooner or later. You don't need to leave the pack just because they don't accept you. Always remember that you are an Alpha by birth, not by their choice. Besides you have two Alpha mates. If one of them get married to you and help you in running the pack, no one will chalange your claim and as far as I remember they both are fond of you. Have they not proposed marraige to you yet?”

“Elder Victor, it's just one of the reasons behind my departure. I have other reasons to do it as well.” I cut him off. He sighed in defeat before responding, “Alright, if you have already decided, I’ll not stop you. When will you return to lead your pack then?”

“I have not thought about it yet.” I replied. Elder Victor was devastated after hearing me. He sighed, saying, “I always saw you as my own. I just wish you good luck and hope for your better future.”

Elder Victor’s eyes turned red and he couldn't help crying while imagining my departure. I couldn't hold back either. I hugged him immediately and cried while saying, “Elder Victor, you are also like my own grandfather. I really have no choice but to leave otherwise I wouldn't have left everything behind like this.”

“I understand, my child.” he replied while wiping the corner of his eyes. Just then Darek and Mike appeared along with Emily. They were surprised to see me with Elder Victor.

“Janette, what are you doing here?” Darek asked. Seeing Emily standing with them just enhanced my sadness. I was hoping a private time with Elder Victor but she had to intervene here as well. She had already snatched my two friends from me and now she wasn't even letting me spend some time with Elder Victor who was like a grandfather to me.

“Grandpa Victor is Elder of my pack. He is like a grandfather to me. It's very obvious for me to visit him. It should be I asking this question to you.” I said in an indifferent voice, they might not notice it.

“Emily said she has learnt hunting from Elder Victor. She wanted to visit him and thanked him for his service.” Mike said while Darek added, “So, we accompanied her to visit him.”

Emily’s mother was my father's sister. She belonged to the same pack and hence often visited us with Emily. Thus, she learnt many things from our elders. However, it was the only time she thought of visiting one of them. I doubt it to be a coincident.

Darek seemed to notice something and immediately asked, “Janette, why are your eyes swollen? Were you crying?”

Mike also turned to me and looked concerned. He asked, “Janette, is there something you are troubled with? Why don't you share with us anything now?”

As if they were available to listen. I shook my head and said, “It's nothing. Something got into my eyes.”

They didn't look satisfied with my answer and looked up at Elder Victor, hoping he would tell the reason. However, he chose to stay silent to respect my decision.

“Grandpa Victor, I’m leaving now.” I said while turning to him.

“Are you not staying for dinner?” He asked instantly, looking sad by my departure.

I had originally planned to stay and have dinner with him. But, after seeing Emily standing along with Darek and Mike, I lost my apatite.

“I have work to do, Grandpa Victor. I’m sorry but I can't stay.”

After saying these words I shot a glance over my two friends and Emily, then turned to leave. However, Darek held my hands and pulled me back. He looked deeply into my eyes and said, “Please stay, Janette.”