Chapter Two Hundred and Nine
Chapter Two Hundred and Nine
KADIA’S POV
My session with the soldiers had ended for the day. I needed a hot bath and enough food to feed a small village- preferably before I collapsed from starvation.
I was heading to the pack house when I spotted Phil. I’d been meaning to see him. For the past few days, he’d been a bit… absent, and that was–well, weird.
Ignoring my stomach’s protests, I walked up to him, but he was so lost in thought that he didn’t even notice me until I tapped him. He turned, looking a little startled before quickly masking it.
“Luna, sorry, I was just… caught up in my thoughts,” he said.
I nodded, offering a small smile.
“That, I can understand.” I paused, studying him. There were faint bags underneath his eyes, like he hadn’t been sleeping well. His facial hair was a little overgrown. He looked exhausted–he’d been like this since the… announcement. Was it all too much for him?
“Phil, are you alright?” I asked.
“Yes, of course. Why?”
“Nothing. It’s just–you’ve been distant these past few days.”
“I’ve just been busy, but I apologize if I made it seem that way,” he said. But his eyes never met mine. Something wasn’t adding up.
“I know we should have told you about the plan before making the announcement, but-
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“No,” he cut in quickly. “It’s not that. I’m honored to be the pack’s beta.”
Usually, I would have let it go–I was never one to pry. But then I thought back to Aric. Maybe if I had been the prying type, I would have known more about his personal life. Maybe things would have been different.
“Do you remember when Alexander had been going through that… addiction?”
He smiled. “How could I ever forget?”
“I can’t forget it either. You were one of the few who knew, and you tried to help. And when he… left, I was scared, even if I tried to act brave. I never really understood how hard it was to rule a pack until then, but having you and Austin by my side made me realize it wasn’t impossible. You’ve always been there–for me, for him, for the pack. I don’t know what’s bothering you, but if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m always here.”
He was silent for a while before he nodded. “I would keep that in mind, thank you.” He said.
I tried to hide my disappointment as I walked away. I knew something was bothering him, but I wouldn’t be able to help if I didn’t know what it was.
The moment I heard the knock, I practically flew to the door, expecting to see Phil. But when I opened it, standing there was Keith.
He was the last person I expected–or wanted–to see.
“Can I help you?” I asked, or rather snapped.
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Chapter Two Hundred and Nine.
“I–I just want to know if we could… talk.”
“About what?” I asked.
“If I could come in…”
“No, you may not.”
He released a breath. “I just want you to know that I am very sorry.” He says, but I couldn’t help but wonder if his apology was indeed sincere. “I should never have…”
The footsteps approaching cut him off. It was Phil. The very person I had been expecting for quite awhile.
“Phil,” I called.
“I didn’t realize you have company; I could return later.”
“No.” I said. “Keith was just leaving.”
Keith gave a nod of resignation before walking away.
“You were right.” Phil said. “I think I do need to speak to someone.”
