The Human

Luka's Pov

I watched as they threw the first shovel of dirt on the box that confined my love.

'Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry.' The continuous chanting in my head never stopped.

It didn't help the tears that stung my eyes either, betraying every word I had been saying to myself since this horrific day started.

It also didn't help that my wolf hasn't stopped whimpering since I got here, after being dormant for days since Ella died.

I can't blame him for hurting. He felt the mate bond stronger than me, but I needed him these past two weeks. He was my only strength.

Someone's hand on my shoulder brought me out of my thoughts, and I turned around to see my little sister looking at me with sorrow filled eyes.

"Don't cry, Luka. It'll be okay soon, I promise."

'If only I could believe those words,' I thought but offered her a weak smile nonetheless.

I continued to stare as I reminisced about the times Ella and I had together. We only met three years ago on my eighteenth birthday when I accompanied my dad to an Alpha meeting where I would officially take over the pack.

That's when I saw her. Her beauty fascinated me even before I learnt we were mates.

I spent the rest of the night stealing glances at her until I mustered the courage to go to her. I could still remember her scent. It was intoxicating, and her smile, when she saw me, pushed me over the edge. That's when I knew she had me whipped.

"Luka." A voice I knew too well snapped me out of my thoughts.

I realised everyone had left. It was just me, Caleb and Ella-my love-now completely covered and sealed in the deserted pack cemetery.

I didn't make a move to leave; I just wanted to be in her presence a little longer before I said goodbye.

"Come on, man, you must be tired," Caleb whispered as he took shaky steps toward me. I had to admit, I'm pretty grateful for his support these past weeks.

We were never close as kids. In fact, we hated each other. That was odd for two boys destined to work together as Alpha and Beta.

When I took over as Alpha, he became my Beta, so it forced us to get along. Over the years, we learnt to tolerate each other and became somewhat friends. But when Ella died two weeks ago, he was there for me more than everyone else.

At first, I assumed it was because he was my Beta and nobody else was brave enough to be around me when I was snappy and irritated, but then I realised that he genuinely wanted to be there for me as a friend. Since then, we got a lot closer.

He stared at me with sadness as I finally turned to face him. After giving him a strained smile, I took slow steps towards the exit.

The world was on my chest. I couldn't find the will to move or talk as I simply sat in the car. Caleb joined me shortly after, and we sat in comfortable silence.

"Hey, you okay, man?" he asked as he drove. I sighed, keeping my gaze out the window.

"Nah. But I will be," I answered, knowing he was the only one who wouldn't push it, so I could be honest with him. "I just need some time." He nodded in understanding but said nothing.

"Some time" may be two months, ten years or never. But I have to live without her. Maybe I can, or perhaps I can't.

"You'll get passed this," he said, but I only hummed in response, knowing that I will eventually, but I'll never be the same.

Most importantly, I will never love again. I swear it.

Luka's pov

-One year later-

"Luka, dude, get your ass out of bed!"

I groaned as Caleb tried to get me out of bed for the umpteenth time today.

I grabbed a pillow and chucked it in his direction, hitting him square in the face. A small smile took over my lips as he huffed in annoyance.

"Come on, man. I'm taking you out of town to have some fun. You need it," He said, and I knew damn well that he'd be back if I didn't oblige.

Sighing, I gave in to his plea and reluctantly left the bed. I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes at his behaviour after he shot me a victorious smile.

Over the past year, he has been with me. I couldn't help but be grateful that he kept me out of my darkest places. Still, that didn't stop the darkness when he was gone though.

It has been hard-harder than I guessed initially. Every time I was in my and Ella's room, I felt emptier than usual. Her scent was everywhere, and I couldn't stand it. I moved out of our room only three weeks after her funeral. It became too hard for me to even sleep, which affected everything.

My mom and little sister, Emma, tried to get me to move on way too fast. I snapped at them one day, and they have been staying away since then, only checking in with me to see if I'm still alive, I assume.

I was never the man that acted tough and emotionless. We all have feelings, and nobody ever judged me for being sad. Still, they became distant. They wanted the old me too quickly, and I couldn't do that for them.

I don't even think I could do it for myself... ever.

My dad only sends Caleb to check in on me, since he's the only one who can get through to me in that sense. Caleb understood and didn't push me to do things I didn't want to do. He was here to help me heal, not force me to act like nothing happened and be 'their Luka' again.

Maybe I was selfish. But the break of a mate bond is torture.

After throwing on a white tee shirt and jeans, I went out to the living room, not even bothering to fix my messy, dark hair. Ty, my brother, met my eyes as soon as I was at the bottom of the stairs.

"Hey, bro! You got out of bed today. You look... good." I scoffed at my younger brother's 'bluntness' as I gave him a hug.

"Yeah, your Beta dragged me out of bed. Probably worried I would wallow in my sorrow or something. You know, especially today." He nodded, understanding what I meant, but said nothing.

We sat in silence as he looked over the documents in his hands; I assumed it had to do with pack business.

Frowning, I got up and went to the kitchen to get a drink before Caleb returned. I missed being Alpha. Whenever someone calls me 'Luka' instead of 'Alpha', it tears me apart. I'm not power hungry, but it hurts to give away your birthright. Still, it was necessary for the pack.

After coming to terms with Ella's death, it took a toll on me and my wolf. We were restless, and I couldn't behave right. I still can't.

My pack started fearing me, and it hurt like hell. It hurt that I was failing them. That pain, plus the pain of a broken mate bond, was torture.

So, I told my dad and brother that I wanted to resign as Alpha. My dad wouldn't have it, though, so he said I would take a break until I'm "Fit to resume my duties"... as if that would ever happen. I wasn't planning on sticking around for it either.

Walking out of the kitchen somewhat refreshed, I slowly made my way to the living room again, when I heard whispers from Ty and Caleb. I could hear every word, though. That's what werewolf hearing was for.

"He needs it, man. I hope it will help get his mind off Risella," Caleb whispered to my brother.

My heart broke, or that's what it feels like, given that my heart was no longer there. It has been so long since I've heard her name; nobody ever mentions her anymore.

"Thanks for helping Luka when he needs it. Sometimes I think he's gone off the edge," Ty whispered with something like a sigh.

I scoffed. He didn't even know how ironic that statement was.

I made my presence known by clearing my throat as I leaned against the doorway, and they looked somewhat taken aback but chose not to say anything.

Caleb and I drove into town-the human territory, as I called it. He refused to tell me where we were going, but I had to make the best of it, given that I won't enjoy anything again.

After fifteen minutes of driving, we pulled up to a... carnival? You've got to be kidding me.

"Dude, are you five?" I asked, shaking my head at his goofy grin.

"Nah, but it'll be fun! Come on, you used to love the carnival when we were kids, even though you acted as if you hated it because they forced us to go together."

I chuckled at the memories. I really did like the carnival. And even though Caleb doesn't know this, it's where I brought Ella on our first 'date', as she put it.

We're wolves, but she always liked to do things in a human way. I never complained, though.

This will seem like I'm with her one last time.

***

The day ended quickly, but I had fun. It would be hard to say goodbye to everyone, so I didn't. I was never good at goodbyes.

Caleb and I walked towards the car with our faces painted like seven-year-olds and cotton candy in our hands. I'll forever remember him for this. He will probably hate me tomorrow, so I held on to the moments today.

"We can either go back or go wherever you want. The night is still young," he said, wiggling his eyebrows with his signature goofy grin. I smiled and shook my head.

"Actually, I'm going for a run in the woods near the river. My wolf is a little antsy," I lied right to his face. He didn't seem convinced, but nodded in understanding.

"Well, I guess I'll see you later," he said, sounding more like a question than a statement.

"Ugh... Yeah, sure." My chest clenched as I lied.

He has had my back, and now I felt like I was betraying him. Call me weak, but I just can't stay here. I had to leave.

"Oh, and Caleb," I whispered as he headed into his car. "Um, thanks for everything, man. I couldn't have made it so far without you. And I ah... I love you, bro."

I scratched the back of my neck as he looked at me, taken aback, but mostly worried. I took that as a sign to leave before he questioned me, so I raced toward the woods.

"Uh, I...uh, I love you too!" He shouted before I took the turn. I felt slightly at peace as I made my way toward the clearing.

Nothing has changed since my last visit. I had to resist the urge to run away as all the memories rushed back. I sat at the cliff's edge with my legs hanging over.

The empty spot beside me was where Ella sat the last time I saw her. I smiled, feeling like she was there with me.

"I miss you a lot, Ella. Every day, it gets harder when you're not here. The emptiness is consuming me. I try, Ella, I try so hard to find peace again and to be the Alpha, son, brother and friend for everyone. But I can't, babe. I just can't pretend anymore."

At that moment, the tears had escaped, but I didn't care.

"Caleb has been helping me. He's kinda the reason I held out so long. And I know I've failed you, but I want you to forgive me. Forgive me for not looking hard enough. Forgive me for not being strong enough right now and carrying your legacy with pride. Forgive me for being weak."

My voice broke as I tried to hold back another whimper from my wolf. But it was harder than I thought.

"I love you so much, Ella. And I hope I'll see you again when I join you on the other side, so please accept me. I gave up on this life, but I never gave up on us."

Call me delusional, but she's my one true mate. I won't be happy again without her. Ever.

With a shaky breath, I looked at the sky. The moon was shining in its glory, probably getting ready to welcome me as I left this life.

Looking down, I saw the water splashing against the rocks, calling me to join them. I closed my eyes, welcoming the thrill of being alive one last time. Moving a little closer, I looked down, getting ready to take my fall... I knew there was no turning back.This was it.

Just one step, and I'd be with Ella.

Just one...

"Well, would you look at that... Fancy seeing someone here in my spot," a female voice said from behind me.

I froze.

Who the hell is that?

.

.

A/N

Hey guys! Just wanted to officially welcome you to my book! I know you'll absolutely love it!

Just a note: sentences between these <> are internal

Our female lead just entered the story! ^_^ Stay tuned to see what happens next <3

-Anna

Victoria's pov

*Earlier that same day as the previous chapter*

"Can I get that doughnut now, please?" I shouted in frustration at my co-workers in the kitchen.

This poor boy has been here for over five minutes, and all he wanted was a stupid doughnut that Kera was taking too long to give me. I huffed, seeing that I'd have to get it myself. Waiting on her was too much for my impatience.

"Give me a minute, sweetheart. I'll be right back," I told him softly, stunned at his immense patience. Smiling, he gave me a simple nod while I headed to the kitchen to get the doughnut for the little cutie.

"Here's that doughnut," someone said the minute I turned around, taking me off guard.

Unexpectedly, I collided with something mushy, as Kera splattered all the contents of the doughnut across my chest.

Great. Just great.

I groaned as Kera gave me a sheepish smile with a hint of amusement in her eyes. I hated her sometimes.

"Go clean up, Vic. I'll get this little guy another doughnut," she said, stifling laughter. I rolled my eyes at her as I went to the backroom, hoping that the stain won't last.

Life with these people can take a toll on your mentality. Still, I smiled as I thought about how much I love their annoying asses. They were practically my only family, so even after I got the job at the hospital as a nurse, I stayed working with them.

I started working here when I was 17, right after I graduated from high school and was left on my own. I always wanted to go to college, so I applied for a job here at the local diner to help pay for my necessities, since the money my aunt left me covered most of my tuition.

It was here where I met my boss and non-blood mother, Charlette, and her two children who helped her out, Kera and Nick. They were always there for me and treated me like family. I spent all my Christmases with them, and they never shunned me, even in the hardest times.

When I got the job at the hospital a year ago, I reserved a day to work here. I'm too drawn to them to ditch them.

I headed to the washroom, where I caught Nick fiddling with something in his hands.

"Hey, what do you have there, bud?" I asked with narrowed eyes, as he quickly shoved it behind his back. They were all acting weird today. When I thought about it, they were actually acting stranger than usual. Realisation dawned on me as I understood too well what was really happening.

"I told you guys to drop it! You know how I feel about my birthday, Nick." I huffed with a slight pout, knowing it affected him. He sighed in defeat.

"You know how mom is, Vic. she wouldn't let it go. But if it makes you feel any better, we weren't planning on doing anything today since you know what happened the last time."

I laughed, remembering how bitchy I acted last year after their little 'stunt.' They get it, though. They always do.

I chuckled again at his somewhat scared expression. I'm intimidating, but I'm not that bad. Right?

I quickly pecked his cheek, which made him visibly relax, before heading to the face basins.

Grabbing a paper towel, I started the impossible task of getting my shirt clean. After a few minutes, I felt somewhat satisfied with the result. I heaved a sigh as I glanced at myself in the mirror. My long chestnut brown hair fell smoothly above my waist, and my blonde highlights gave it that touch it needed. My skin seemed a little pale today, contrasting with its natural tan appearance. I knew, however, that it was because I was under the weather today.

Unlike every other human being, I hated my birthday. It was only dread and sorrow, and a reminder that I was nothing but a burden to my so-called parents. And after my aunt died the day of my graduation, I was a sad, lonely 17 year old trying to find my way in a hard, cold world.

So, the festivities of a birthday? I never cared much for them. Kera, Charlette and Nick always tried to get me excited, though, and I had to admit, they almost got me. Still, celebrating my birthday never brought me joy. Still, they would always host a small party the day after my birthday, acting as if it was random.

As if.

Despite it all, I had to be grateful for them. They were the only family I ever had after my aunt died, so I had to love them.

My wristwatch read 7:47 pm. My shift was practically over, so I walked to the employees' lounge to get my stuff. I was on my way to the door when I heard Kera shout my name.

"Oh, I just wanted to say, happy-"

"Don't even think about it," I gritted out before she could finish. She sighed with a pout, but smiled anyway as she waved.

I felt terrible whenever I acted so cold towards them, but I couldn't shake the gloominess in my mood. Sighing, I hopped in my car and drove to the place I went whenever I wasn't having the best day.

***

I pulled into the clearing about an hour after I left the diner. I parked my car somewhere off the dirt road and strolled to my favourite spot.

The icy breeze swept past me in a rush, evoking small prickly bumps over my body as a shiver ran down my spine. I wrapped my arms around myself as a semi-human blanket, providing a little warmth from the harsh breeze.

The moon danced in the sky to celebrate something unknown on such a tragic day, but it was also radiant as it lit the scattered forested area. I could already hear as the water splashed against the rocks in a melodic song as I moved closer to the cliff, just as I liked it.

As I got closer, I saw something strange standing on the cliff's edge under the dense moonlight. Or... someone?

He was tall and muscular. His shoulders were tense and stiff, as if he was upset about something. His hair waved in the wind, making it more unlevelled and messy.

I didn't know who he was, but from behind he was hot. I itched to see what his face looked like.

Slightly impatient and annoyed at the fact that I wanted to be alone only to find this hot stranger in my spot, I spoke loud enough for him to hear.

"Well, would you look at that... Fancy seeing someone here in MY spot."

It seemed like I took him completely off guard as he spun around with his eyes wide and his hand over his heart. I crossed my arms and kept a serious expression on my face, resisting the urge to drool.

He was gorgeous.

His shocked expression changed to confusion, then to relief and disbelief mixed.

"Ella?" he whispered with a smile on his face as he stepped toward me. I was confused and slightly scared at this weirdo calling me Ella, so I shook my head.

"No. My name is Victoria." I flashed him a sly smile to show him I was no threat.

He sagged as disappointment replaced his former excitement when he thought I was Ella, before turning around as if he didn't see me.

"Sorry. I assumed you were someone else," he said in a bored tone. He gazed off in the distance while I took slow, cautious steps toward him.

"Hey, you okay there, bud?" I asked in a slightly friendlier tone than the one I used before. He simply nodded, but kept his mouth shut.

I rocked back and forth on my heels, unsure what to say or do now that I was sharing my spot with a stranger.

"What's your name?" I asked.

He glanced at me, looking as if I asked him how many stars were in the galaxy. I smiled nervously, hoping to soothe whatever pain he was obviously in.

"Luka," he mumbled in a gruff, bitter tone. "And I would really appreciate it if you leave, Victoria."

Well then. The sexy gorgeous guy is mean.

I shot him a glare of my own. I really didn't appreciate his tone. I could tell that he was having an equally shitty day as me, but that didn't mean he had the right to be rude.

"This is my spot, so anyone who should leave is you."

"That's what I'm trying to do! So just go!" He looked pretty defeated and his words dripped with hurt. My heart ached for the stranger, and though the logical part of my brain told me to leave him be, somehow, I was glued to my spot.

"What are you? A lone wolf?" I joked, trying to lighten the mood a bit.

But instead of laughing, his head snapped to me so fast that I thought he might have whiplash. I raised my arms in defence.

"Hey, calm down. It was just a joke." I nervously laughed, at which he relaxed a bit.

I cleared my throat as he turned around to face the open water-again pretending as if I wasn't there. He stayed silent and still for the next couple of minutes, not making any moves to leave. So I finally took it as a sign to leave.

So much for alone time in my spot.

"Well, I guess I'll see you around, Luka," I mumbled over my shoulder as I increased the distance between us.

"Finally," he muttered softly, but I heard it anyway. "Yeah, sure."

'That was weird,' I thought as I glanced at him one last time. How come I've never seen him before? I've lived here all my life, and I even went to college right off the town's border. Yet, his face was foreign to me.

I shrugged, deciding to let it go. The carnival is in town, so maybe he visited from somewhere else. The dried, patchy paint on his face proved that he was there anyway, so that answered that question.

Still, the farther I walked, the more it bothered me that I had to be the one to leave. Perhaps he was as stubborn as me and wanted me to leave first so he could feel satisfied. But this is my town and my spot! So, why did I have to leave?

Huffing, I spun on my heels, determined that I needed a few minutes alone before going home. I moved as fast as my short legs could take me, determination in each step until... I saw him... again.

Except, this time, there was something odd in the way he moved towards the cliff-something quite intentional.

My eyes widened when I noticed what he was about to do. No wonder he was so hellbent on me leaving. I didn't know this rude, sexy guy, but as a nurse, I couldn't watch him hurt himself. And if I was being honest with myself, I simply don't believe this is the way for anyone's story to end.

I pumped my legs faster till my heart felt like it was jumping out of my chest. But just as I was close enough, he put a foot forward, and the rest of his body followed.

"NO!"