Page 111

One Week Later

Lights spun as the assistant led us to the podium. My feet were concrete, and I had to force each step. I was there to open a new community hub for Designated children. But all I could think about was Tully and the empty room she’d left.

Let her go?

I could have laughed at how absurd it was, but she was serious and that frightened any humor from my stiff bones.

“Do we have any news on Tully?” Lloyd asked in a soft voice.

“She’s adept at disappearing.” I shook my head.

My pack was not happy with me and who could blame them? Tully walked out of the gala without looking back once, and we hadn’t seen her since. All our frantic phone calls and messages went unanswered.

As I took the small step up onto the podium and stared out at the expectant crowd, my heart raced. I cleared my throat, trying to remember the speech I’d written. Becoming the mayor of Starhaven was my dream. Wasn’t it? My hand trembled around the mic stand. It was a natural progression, and I was ready for the responsibility. I could bring an energy and dedication to the city that had been lacking for years. I liked our current mayor, but he was looking toward retirement rather than innovation.

“Good evening, all. I want to thank everyone for being here to celebrate Starhaven and this brand-new facility. This will be a space for all Designated children to have fun, and feel safe.”

My pulse hammered as I thought I spotted Tully in the crowd. She turned her face in my direction and I sagged, it wasn’t her. I should have gone after Tully at the gala, but I wasn’t thinking. My tongue was reciting my speech, and I hadn’t realized the bitter coldness of her dwindling esteem was real.

I continued, “Starhaven is in my blood and I’ve known since I was a boy that I wanted to create a legacy that stood the test of time. The children of this city are special and deserve to have their dreams within reach. We all want to protect this space and the community we’ve built.”

Pan stood to the side of the stage and his nose wrinkled ever so slightly. Sweat sprang on my upper lip and my stomach churned.

“I stand here today, as an alpha, ready to do whatever it takes for the next generation.”

Did he blame me for Tully walking away?

“I will be the leader the Designated of Starhaven deserves, focusing on local business, greater opportunities, and a council that listens and takes action. We can continue to make this city one of the g-greatest.” A knot swelled in my throat as I thought I saw Tully in the crowd again. “I hope you will join me, as I’ll need your support, but I can’t wait to build a future we can all be proud of.”

Applause warped my ears, and I turned my back on them as nausea washed over me. Why would she be here? She didn’t want to be in the public eye and I’d lied to her for my gain. I didn’t feel pride at this moment. Not with my omega walking away from me. My chest tightened and I couldn’t fill my lungs.

“Are you alright?” Pan said, grabbing my arm as I stumbled down the steps. I pulled away, ignoring the flash of hurt on his face. A security guard waved us past to where Roger loitered. He was managing my campaign for me.

“Your speech was good, if short.” He searched my face. Did he see the sweat beaded on my hairline? “Tully didn’t come?”

“She wants nothing to do with us,” I choked out.

With me. Not after my betrayal. Her hurt face flooded back and my ribs strangled my breath out of my lungs.

Roger pulled out his phone and sighed. “That’s a shame, because she’d look good on your arm for the next few events.”

I looked at Pan, with his clenched hands jammed under his arm-pits. I wanted him around me, as well as Tully. But I didn’t know how to put that into words. Ajax gripped my arm as I swayed. The light swirled and I let out a soft noise.

“Walden, shit.” Ajax caught me as I sagged forward.

Pan and Lloyd swam in front of me.

I slurred, “I-I can’t breathe.” Panic surged through my body. “C-can’t breathe.”

Pan’s hand was sweaty in mine and his thumb stroked my skin. The room was too crowded, but the nurse was kind enough to turn a blind eye. She was a fan of our pack, apparently. Atentative knock on the door drew our gazes and Tully’s head poked around a crack.

She chewed her bottom lip. “Can I come in?”

“Of course, Tully. Please.” I held out my free hand, thinking she would come to me.

But she loitered in the doorway, fidgeting with the sleeve of her oversized peach jacket and sweatpants.

“I got your message.” Tully looked to Lloyd and then back at me. “You had a heart attack?”