Chapter 2: A Vacation Proposal

The advertisement for a getaway vacation in a town called Elmwood Spring plagued Zalena as she made her way down the steps that evening. The ad claimed that it was a perfect chance to get away from everyday life and start over fresh when you return home. She scrolled through idly on her phone, checking out some of the local tourist attractions, her mind already working as she pulled out some store brand frozen waffles to toss in the toaster for breakfast. She glanced up as she heard Andros making his way down the steps.

The alpha yawned and stretched, running his fingers through his messy bedhead as he glanced at the Luna, a mere snort leaving him as he opened the fridge door and leaned against the counter while Zalena grabbed the waffles and sat at the island in the middle of the kitchen. Decidedly ignoring him for the moment as she continued to scroll, checking the pricing for the tickets.

“The elders will be here in a few moments to have dinner with us after… This morning...” Andros grumbled, the omega he had been with had gone to the elders and explained what had gone on. A laugh left Zalena as she finally set her phone off to the side for a moment as she shook her head. That’s what the text had been about, demanding that she get home and then chasing her to dress nicely.

“I don’t know what they’re going to do. They already know what’s going on.” Zalena shrugged in response. “Probably going to try and figure out how to make us get along.” She mused. “But when you’re a monster, it’s not like you can change.”

A loud snarl ripped from Andros as he slammed his hands on the island counter, causing Zalena to jump from the sheer surprise of it. He gripped her chin in his hand tightly as he grinned at her, a shiver running along her back at the sheer violence swirling in his eyes. “Sweetheart, you have no clue how much of a monster I could actually be.” Zalena had steadied her breathing, simply trying to remain calm despite the fear that had ran through her when he had grabbed her.

The sound of the door opening drew both of their attention as the elders had entered the main pack house without so much as a knock, the omega from that morning in tow. Andros tensed as the elder’s had made their way into the kitchen and began to help themselves to whatever they found in the cabinets. Once they were satisfied, they all spread out among the kitchen, eyeing the alpha and the Luna of the pack.

“We’ve been informed of… What has been going on.” One of the elder’s began, the others nodding in agreement. “Therefore, we are meeting with you today to see if there is anything that can be done… To prevent this.” A snort from Andros had Zalena throwing glares at him. Though with the opportunity present, she wouldn’t waste time missing her chance.

“Perhaps there is.” She began softly, Andros glanced over at her, and she could see the shock and confusion written on his features as she picked up her phone and unlocked it. She opened it to the advertisement for Elmwood Spring that her friend had sent her the night before.

“A good friend of mine outside this pack had sent me this. I was thinking that perhaps some time away from each other would do us good…” She explained, some whispers being passed between the elders forming as she scrolled to show what the town had to offer. “A small vacation away for the Luna, after all, I am the one who is mainly affected by this.” She pressed further, sympathy and pity beginning to show on some of the elder’s faces.

“No.” Came the swift answer from Andros. “You cannot allow the Luna of this pack to leave for a vacation when we need her here.” He snarled at the elders, some of them flinching back from his outburst. “A pack without their Luna is vulnerable, especially the mothers in this pack.” He was grasping at straws to keep her here, Zalena realized, as he shot her a heated look that meant trouble. “How could any Luna abandon their pack for some vacation?” He growled at her, making Zalena tense with a growl of her own. She was already struggling enough with the decision, but having it thrown in her face like that made her want to attack him.

“One who’s alpha keeps their bed warm by bringing home an omega each night.” The omega from the previous night retorted with a bark of a laugh. “And one who will continue to keep their bed warmed, after all, when a Luna is so dull, the alpha needs something to spice things up.” The omega cooed, disgusted looks crossing the elder’s faces as they shook their heads at the situation.

A snarl ripped from Zalena as she leveled a glare at the omega. “You will speak more respectfully in front of your Luna pup.” The words had the omega flinching and then growling at Zalena. “Growling at your Luna? Disrespectful…” She was met with a hand on her shoulder, gripping it tight enough that she was sure it would leave bruises, terror flooded through her briefly until the pressure had stopped.

“Watch your tone Luna.” The word Luna being emphasized from Andros as he continued talking. “The omega you are speaking to will keep me company while you are gone since she is the second best female wolf in this pack.” Zalena scowled at him, waiting for the decision of the elders as she shifted from foot to foot.

The elders continued to mutter amongst themselves before one of them decided to speak. “We have decided… After seeing the situation for ourselves and determining if it is worth it… We will grant you, Zalena, The Luna of Fallen Grove, to have this vacation.” He spoke easily and then looked at Andros. “If you need a second opinion, you will go to your beta. Not the omega.” He warned while a scoff came from Andros.

“You will leave tonight, we will pay for everything, enjoy the time off. Perhaps he will realize just how much he needs you.” The elder further explained as they then gathered around the island to work on getting a bus ticket for Zalena and booking the hotel. Relief flooding her body at the statement, her wolf was practically jumping for joy that they got their way for once.

Defeat was written across Andros’s features at how he couldn’t convince the elder’s to keep her in the pack. He huffed as he crossed his arms. “Fine… If you think spending time apart will help us… I won’t fight anymore on the subject.”

Pleased with how her plan to get away for a short while worked, she made her way to their shared bedroom. She pulled out an old suitcase that had been gifted to her years ago when she had wanted to travel, before she was forced into an arranged marriage for the sake of the pack. Footsteps echoed behind her as she set the suitcase on the bed and turned towards their closet, though her wrist was grabbed and she was pushed against the wall.

“Think you’re so slick playing the elders like that?” Andros huffed, an amused sort of smile graced his features as he shook his head. “I should’ve known you would’ve pulled a stunt like that. Always the victim looking to get pity…” He growled as he let her go. “Enjoy your vacation you f*cking b*tch.” With that, he stalked out of the room, leaving Zalena to pack with her heart pounding in her ears as she tried to calm herself, her nerves shooting straight through the roof despite packing as quickly as she could to escape the situation she had created.

Carrying the suitcase in one hand, she made her way downstairs a short while later, the elders presenting her with papers that had her bus ticket and hotel on it. She read through the papers, she had four days to spend in Elmwood Spring, four days to figure out how to leave this pack for good. She offered her thanks to the elders for giving her the opportunity to get away, and merely sent a small glare at Andros who was already flirting with the omega much to the dismay of the elders.

In a whirl of thoughts and emotions, it didn’t take long before Zalena was boarding the bus to Elmwood Spring, a town of second chances and opportunities. Where she could begin her plot to get away from Andros for good, perhaps have a chance to start over again. Perhaps she'd even find her fated mate along the way. The thought was pleasant, but... She knew there was a slim chance of it happening, especially with her being tethered to Andros right now.