Chapter 30: His Absence – 1

Thea’s POV

“Are you sure you’re doing the right thing?” Iris’s concerned voice came through my phone.

I balanced the phone between my ear and shoulder while searching for my other shoe. I’d been keeping Iris updated constantly since the attack. She’d wanted to come check on me the day after the assassination, but she and Roman had to travel to another city for Pack alliance negotiations. We’d been making do with phone calls since then. Of course, I’d told her about Kane’s kiss—and truthfully, Kane and I had been spending more time together lately, though things hadn’t progressed beyond that first kiss.

“I’m sure,” I replied, finally spotting the wayward heel under my coffee table. “How else am I supposed to move on? Dating seems like the best way to get over Sebastian.”

“Obviously, but don’t you think things are moving too fast? How long have you known him?”

“About three months…” I frowned, sliding the shoe on. “Wait, why are you suddenly against him? A few weeks ago, you were practically pushing me to date him. You couldn’t wait to hear if we’d kissed after our first date. What changed?”

“Yes, but that was before I realized you’re doing this for the wrong reasons. If you’re going to date, it should be because you’re ready, because you’re actually into him. Not because you’re using him as a tool to get over another male. You’re in rebound territory, and that rarely ends well for females like you.”

I stopped mid-step, both angry and hurt by her words. “What exactly do you mean by ‘females like me’?”

“I’m not trying to offend you, Thea. But you have zero experience handling relationships with males. You’ve been with only one since you were eighteen, and that wasn’t even a mate bond. It wasn’t even a good relationship. I’m worried you don’t know what you’re doing or what you’re getting yourself into.”

“I don’t understand—”

“How much do you actually know about him?” she cut in. “Does he have or had a mate—hasn’t found her yet or rejected her? Is this his second chance? Have you discussed what you both want? Do you share the same goals for where this is going?”

“Hey, who’s rushing things now? This is only our second date, Iris. Isn’t it a bit early for all that? We’re still just testing the waters.”

She sighed like she was dealing with a stubborn child. “I just want you to be sure you’re dating him for the right reasons. Using one male to forget another never works. It only makes everything more complicated.”

“I get what you’re saying,” I said dismissively, eager to end the conversation. “Look, I need to go—I have to leave.”

“We’re still on for Wednesday, right?”

“Of course.”

After saying goodbye, I hung up and grabbed my purse, locking up as I left. Today was Parent-Teacher Conferences at Leo’s school, and Sebastian would be there. Leo had switched to remote learning after we sent him away. The school had been accommodating given Sebastian’s Alpha status.

But driving there, Iris’s words kept nagging at me. She was right—I had no real dating experience. I didn’t know Kane’s situation or intentions. Was he looking for a second chance at love or just a bedmate until he found his mate? Was I genuinely wanting him or just using him to forget Sebastian? I didn’t want to hurt Kane, especially if he wanted something real with me. But I feared that was the main reason I found myself drawn to him, and the thought terrified me.

A horn blaring behind me jerked me from my thoughts. I’d reached Leo’s school without even noticing, too lost in my head.

I pulled into the parking lot, killing the engine. Looking around at the rows of luxury cars, I noticed the contemptuous glances from other parents as I walked toward the building. Of course—my car wasn’t expensive enough, my clothes weren’t designer brands.

Unlike where I taught, this school catered to pups from high-ranking Pack bloodlines. These parents valued Pack status and wealth above all else, and now that I wasn’t Sebastian’s Luna, they didn’t bother hiding their disdain.

I sat in an empty chair to wait, watching other parents and pups come and go.

Checking my watch: three o’clock. No Sebastian.

I called him. Straight to voicemail. As minutes ticked by, my anger grew. Two hours later, I finally called Damien.

Chapter 30: His Absence – 2

“Yeah?” he answered.

“Hi Damien, it’s Thea–”

“I know it’s you, Thea. I have your number.”

I paused, surprised he’d kept my contact info considering how he’d blamed me for ruining his brother’s life and happiness with Aurora.

“Oh. Right.” I fumbled before recovering. “Listen, I’m looking for Sebastian. Is he with you? We were supposed to meet Leo’s teacher. He hasn’t shown up and his phone’s off. I’ve been waiting three hours. Mrs. Ravencroft has seen all other parents and is ready to leave.”

I’d begged her for a few more minutes to contact Sebastian when she’d said she needed to go.

“He’s not here. He took Aurora somewhere.” His tone held an almost apologetic note, but I didn’t need his pity.

“Okay, thanks.” I hung up before he could say more.

I felt numb. How could Sebastian forget something this important?

When Mrs. Ravencroft called again, I went in. Sebastian clearly wasn’t coming.

Since Leo wasn’t here, unlike other pups, we video called him. He started excited but deflated visibly when he realized Sebastian wasn’t there.

Throughout Mrs. Ravencroft’s glowing report of Leo’s performance, my anger kept building. Leo was heartbroken – I could see it all over his face. I hated seeing him like this.

I forced a smile, thanked his teacher, and left the classroom.

“Why didn’t Dad come? He promised. I wanted him to hear how good I am. I’m top of the class.” His voice quivered, eyes glistening.

I ached to hold him, but he was miles away.

“I’m sorry, baby… maybe work kept him busy.”

“But he promised!” he shouted through the screen. “He said he never breaks promises, but he did!” He was fully crying now, breaking my heart.

Sebastian’s father’s Beta Theron and Sebastian’s mother moved to comfort him. I wished I could be there, but I couldn’t.

“He’ll make it up to you, sweetheart… remember he loves you. He’s never missed anything of yours before.” I tried to soothe him.

He didn’t respond, just stared into space with tear-filled eyes, looking lost. When he wouldn’t move or speak, Theron told me they’d take care of him and ended the call.

I stormed out toward the parking lot, fuming. Most cars were gone.

Just as I reached my car, Sebastian’s vehicle pulled in. He parked and rushed over.

He wore casual clothes – unusual for him. “I’m so sorry I’m late… did I miss the meeting?”

“Obviously you did, since it’s almost six-thirty… four hours after you were supposed to be here!” I shouted.

I was murderous with rage.

“I know you’re angry, but–”

“Angry doesn’t begin to cover what I’m feeling, Sebastian.”

“Thea–”

“No! Do you know I had to call Damien? Imagine my shock when I learned you were out with Aurora. I don’t care that you’re with her. But you promised you’d be here. I waited like an idiot while you were with her, and this was about our son who’s been looking forward to this!”

A teacher passed by. She waved, then got in her car. I tried to smile but couldn’t manage it.

“You’re right, I’m sorry.” He looked genuinely remorseful.

“What’s happening, Sebastian? You’ve never forgotten anything about Leo before. Now that Aurora’s back, is she the priority? Important enough to make you forget Leo? Is this how it’s going to be now that she’s back?”

“This won’t happen again.” His fists clenched as he spoke firmly.

“The problem is it already did happen, and who’s to say it won’t again?”

He didn’t answer, just stared at me, face thunderous, eyes blazing with anger.

“I won’t let you hurt my son, Sebastian, intentionally or not. Leo comes first, and if you can’t put him first, then give me full custody. I had to watch his heart break when he realized you weren’t coming. Let this be the first and last time you hurt him, because if you do it again, I will fight you.”

“Leo is my son, my whole world. Hurt him again, and I’ll forget you’re his father. I don’t care how powerful you are in this city, I will make your life hell and make you regret ever meeting me. Don’t fuck with me.”

He looked startled by my outburst and threat, staring like he didn’t recognize me. I ignored the look.

With that final warning, I got in my car and drove away, heading to the one person I knew could heal the pain and anger I was feeling right now.