Wolf under an oak tree.

Today is my birthday, and this year I have accomplished a lot of things than the previous year, I have found my mate, and we are almost close to capturing the person who killed my grandma, but this year brought me great loss too because even though it is my birthday, I am not able to be happy because I will not be celebrating my birthday with the most important people in my life. Mike and Iris.

I can understand why Mike didn't want to attend the morning breakfast, but I was literally heartbroken when Iris messaged me that she wouldn't be able to make it either since she is not feeling well, but she did promise that she would come to the Pack dinner. But still, I was not satisfied, I mean, the pack dinner is for everyone to come and celebrate, and I don't think that will be as special as this breakfast today.

“Jace, everyone is waiting for you downstairs.” Walter came into my room and I can see that he must be sensing my distress too.

“Why don't you call her once more and ask, man. I mean, maybe she would still be able to come.” Walter said, and I accepted his suggestion and took my phone from the table, and dialed her number once again. The phone kept ringing for some time and Iris answered the phone on the last ring.

“Hey, how are you feeling now?” I asked her the moment she picked up the phone, and I heard her cough.

“I am still not that well, Jace. So did you have breakfast already?”

“No, not yet. I was going to go down now, but I called to ask you if you could at least make it. I mean, it's alright if you are sick, Iris, you can even come here and take some rest, but I would at least be a bit happy if you are with me today.” I have never begged anyone for anything, and I am not ashamed of begging with my mate either because, for every minute that passes by without her, I feel like our bond is breaking. It feels like Iris is trying to move away from me, and I feel like I can't do anything to stop. My heart felt like it was on fire, and it was beating at an inhumane speed that I can feel my ribcage being pushed outwards.

But what hurts more is that Sean has completely stopped talking to me, and I have asked him what is wrong, but it feels like there is an invisible barrier between the both of us, and I am unable to communicate with him.

“Jace? Are you still there?” Iris asked me in-between coughs, and I cleared my throat and answered her.

“Yes, darling. But if you want, I can come and get you. Iris, please, don't say no.” my voice broke at the end, but it looked like it didn't have much effect on her.

“I am sorry, Jace. But I don't think I will be able to hide this from you any longer.” her sentence made me hold my breath and anticipate the worst that is to come.

“I got a call this morning from my team, and I am needed in Egypt immediately, so I will be flying out in the evening. But I will come to say goodbye to Mike and Elana in an hour or so, and if I can, I will come to see you.” this was the last straw, my eyes burned with unshed tears, and I tried so hard to control it, but at the end, I let the drops slid down my cheeks. I have never felt this kind of pain before, and I would never wish anyone to face this either. This felt like a final goodbye, a silent rejection.

But what did I do wrong? Why is Iris behaving like this all of a sudden?

“Will you be coming back?” I know this is a useless question, but I still had that sliver of hope inside me, that she might still come back to me. Iris didn't give me a reply to that at all. The line was eerily silent except for the occasional sound of breathing.

“I have to go, Jace. Goodbye.” that is all she said before the line went dead, and I stood there looking out at the forest, remembering all the blissful moments that I had with her. She was just perfect for me from every angle, then what happened now?

“Jace, I feel like something is not adding up. The other day when Iris came here, she was in a hurry to leave, and she didn't even like to talk to you, I feel like there is something more to this.” Walter said, and I absent-mindedly nodded my head. I too have that same feeling from the bottom of my heart, but I also fear that by the time I realize what it is, it might be too late.

“Could you do me a favor?”

“What is it, Jace?”

“Could you go to Iris’ house and spy on her.”

“I will do that, but if you don't mind, I want to suggest something to you but not as your beta, but as your best friend,” Walter said, and I turned around to look at him.

“I think having Jennifer with us in our close circle is not a good idea, Jace. I mean, you know she is not a woman with good intentions, and she has always been eyeing you to become the Luna of this pack.”

“I don't think that will happen in this lifetime, Walter. Since she has already found her mate.” I told him, and a gasp left his mouth, and he stared at me with confusion.

“Yes, she told me that he is from another pack, and they met each other when she went there to meet one of her friends, but the great thing is that she is already mated, and that is why I allowed her to stay here today.”

“If you say so. But I still don't trust her. Because you should know that a serpent can never be changed into a rabbit.” Walter said before leaving the room, and right then I saw Iris’s car passing by my house.