Chapter 2: The Disappearance of Thelma
**Benard Walter’s POV**
When I discovered Thelma Zane was my mate, my first reaction was disbelief. It was laughable, really–utterly absurd.
Me, the future Alpha of the pack, paired with a mere human as my destined mate? It had to be some kind of cosmic joke.
But no amount of disbelief could change the facts. My father had always been clear about our responsibilities: treat every member of the pack equally. If the pack accepted her, then I had no choice but to tolerate her presence. Still, tolerating her as a member of the pack was one thing. Accepting her as my mate, as my future Luna, was something I could never do.
I knew what a Luna should be. My mother had set the standard–strong, fearless, a warrior who could fight alongside my father in the thick of battle. And then there was Thelma, a fragile human who couldn’t hold her own even in the mildest of skirmishes. A Luna was supposed to lead and inspire, not hide behind others. The mere thought of her in such a role was laughable. What could she possibly contribute in a fight? Cheer us on from the sidelines?
Our pack needed strength, resilience, and leadership. Thelma Zane was none of those things. I couldn’t spend my life protecting her, let alone allowing her to weaken the pack. In truth, it would be better for everyone if she simply disappeared–vanished quietly so her wouldn’t continue to tarnish the honor of her family and friends.
presence
Even as I thought this, a sharp pang of pain twisted in my chest when she accepted my rejection. I brushed it off, forcing a smile as I turned to join the others at the bonfire party. The music and laughter around me became a mask, concealing the storm brewing inside.
I drowned my unease in beer, swallowing my emotions along with the bitter liquid. Thelma was probably sitting in her room, crying over this so–called “setback.” She wouldn’t understand the deeper pain I felt, the weight of rejecting my destined mate. She was too weak, too naive to grasp the full extent of what had happened.
“Hey, look who’s here! The future Alpha himself” Jesse, one of my closest friends, sauntered over with a grin, holding a beer in his hand.
I forced a laugh and accepted the drink, downing it in one gulp. Everyone knew I’d be stepping into my father’s shoes soon. It was a matter of pride, but also an immense responsibility.
“Cheer up, man! Your big day is almost here,” Jesse said, clinking his glass against mine. “And who knows? Maybe by next Monday, you’ll find your mate, and we’ll have double the reason to celebrate.”
1 stiffened at his words, avoiding eve contact with Rhode, Thelma’s brother, who was seated nearby. If he knew the truth–that his precious sister was my mate and that I had rejected her
Chust The Disappearance of Thelmus
-this cheerful toast would quickly turn into a brawl.
Why her? Out of all the people in the pack, why did it have to be Thelma?
“Benard, you’ve got to stop bottling things up,” Jesse teased. “It’s supposed to be a
celebration, but you look like you’ve been sentenced to exile.”
Rhode and Jesse shared a laugh, clinking their glasses together. I forced a chuckle, but guilt gnawed at me. Rhode was one of my closest friends, yet today, I had crushed his sister with my rejection. I felt like the worst kind of person.
Before I could dwell on it further, Rhode’s mother approached us, her face clouded with worry. “Have any of you seen Thelma?” she asked, her voice trembling.
The mention of her name sent a jolt through me, my heart pounding as though struck by lightning. I struggled to keep my expression neutral, but inside, I felt like a child caught doing something wrong.
“I thought she was at the packhouse,” I said, trying to sound casual.
“She said she had something to take care of, but that was hours ago,” Rhode’s mother replied. “This gathering is her favorite. She wouldn’t just miss it. I’m starting to worry.”
Her concern was palpable, and it made the knot of guilt in my chest tighten.
Rhode immediately stood, his protective instincts kicking in. “I’ll go find her! She might need help.”
“We’ll go with you, “I said quickly, masking my unease with feigned concern. If I didn’t join
the search, questions would arise.
Together, Rhode, his parents, and I followed Thelma’s fading scent trail into the woods. The familiar aroma of orchids, faint and delicate, lingered in the air but grew weaker with every step. My unease deepened.
As we searched, I couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt that had been plaguing me all night. Yet, another part of me felt justified. Thelma was weak and overly emotional. Her stubbornness had ruined this evening, dragging us into this unnecessary search.
If it weren’t for her, I’d be at the party right now enjoying the music and the company of stronger, more capable women. Maybe I should move on quickly, find someone who truly -matched my strength. That would put an end to this ridiculous bond and show her that she
wasn’t worthy of being my mate.
“Look! What’s that?” Rhode’s voice cut through my thoughts.
He sprinted forward, faster than I’d ever seen him move. I followed closely, my heart racing.
On the ground, tangled in the grass, was a burgundy bow–the same one Thelma had been. wearing earlier.
Clay
The Disappearance of Thelinia
I stared at it, my stomach twisting. This was her favorite bow, a gift from her mother. It was unlike her to leave it behind.
“She wouldn’t…” I muttered under my
ath, trying to dismiss the creeping fear.
But Rhode was already scanning the cliff’s edge, his eyes wide with panic. The realization hit me like a punch to the gut.
I wanted to convince myself that this was just another one of Thelma’s dramatic outbursts, that she was hiding somewhere, trying to make us feel guilty. But as I stared at the bow, discarded and forlorn, doubt began to creep in.
What if this wasn’t just stubbornness? What if she had really…
No, I thought, shaking my head. Thelma Zane wouldn’t have the courage to jump from such a height.
Would she?
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