Chapter 3: Running Out of the bird cage

Talia Without wasting time, I picked up my car keys from the vanity table and dragged my box out of the room and then downstairs. Then, I went to the dining room and picked up the hospital report. Sadly, I didn't get to share the news with him, but he is a jerk. Telling him about the baby would have made things awkward. On the other hand, I was glad I had allowed him to speak first. If I had told him about the baby, he might not have told me how he felt, and I would have remained in the dark. Perhaps I needed to thank him for that. Looking around the house one last time, I carried my box to the car and drove away. I needed space to digest everything Darius had said. *** “Knock, knock.” My fist decended on the door, and I awaited a reply from within. I could only pray Alex wasn't asleep yet. In the heat of the moment, I had forgotten to call him before driving down. After waiting for a few seconds without getting a reply, I knock again, and then I hear a faint reply from the inner house. “Open up, Alex. It's Talia.” I announced and soon, Alex showed up at the door in just trousers, his hair all messy. “Talia, what's happening?” He asked, taking in my appearance and the box beside me. “I guess the luck you wished me wasn't enough.” I smiled at him through my tears. “Gracious heavens. You're shivering. Let's get you inside.” I didn't realize I was shivering until Alex mentioned it. My teeth kept jamming, and for some reasons, I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. It was as though every step I took farther away from Darius made me understand my situation even better. I was rejected by my mate after three years. It was totally unheard of, but oh well, I just experienced it. Alex led me to the dining and after some minutes, he came back with a mug of hot chocolate and blanket. Draping the blanket over my body, he slid the chocolate to me. “What happened, Talia? Speak to me.” Letting out a sarcastic laugh, I brief him on what happened. “Darius renounced me as his mate. He wants us to get a divorce.” “Darius? Wait, the Alpha renounced you as his mate?” He asked, disbelief etched on his face. “Well, that happened.” I said, taking a sip of the chocolate. “Why would he? You guys are having a baby. It doesn't make sense to me.” “Celine is back.” I told him, picking out non-existent dirt from underneath my nails. “She's going to move in with him. You know, an Omega like me is a dent and only got lucky to be the Luna for a while. I guess I should be happy and content with that.” “Wait. I don't quite understand what you're saying. The Alpha told you to leave? Didn't you tell him about the baby? “Yes. He served me divorce papers for dinner, and I figured telling him about the baby isn’t important anymore. You know, he already made up his mind. It would be wrong to get him confused.” I laughed again. “Oh, I'm so sorry Talia. I'm sorry you had to go through that.” “I'm fine, Alex. I can crash here for the night, right?” “Of course. You are welcome to stay until you figure things out. Give me a few minutes to set up the bed in the guest room.” Alex took my hand in his and stroked them for a while, his eyes speaking volumes of words. He didn't have to open his mouth to speak or use the mind link. His eyes staring at mine spoke volumes, and I couldn't be more grateful to have him as a friend. Just as promised, Alex returned few minutes later telling me I could go in to sleep. “You can go in and get some rest.I changed the bed sheets, and if you need anything in the middle of the night, you can ask me.” “Thank you, Alex. I really appreciate this.” Alex didn't say anything. Instead, he patted me on the back and took the empty mug away from the kitchen. Afterwards, we said our good nights, and retired to our respective rooms. The next morning, I woke with a swollen face. All I did was toss around in bed. I had barely gotten any sleep during the night. Proceeding to open my box, I picked out my toothbrush and paste before heading to the bathroom. There, I spent quite the time brushing my teeth and staring at myself in the mirror, replaying the memories from the day before in my head. I still found it hard to believe what had happened. I took my time to freshen up, and afterwards, I step out of the room looking a bit presentable. There in the kitchen was Alex making breakfast. “Good morning, Alex.” I greeted, drawing his attention since he had his back to me. “You're awake. Good morning.” Alex turned to spare me a glance before returning to his cooking. Afterwards, I sit at the dining and watch Alex as he cooked. It went on for a few minutes before he served my portion. “Dig in. You don't look like you got any sleep during the night.” “Thank you.” I murmur, smiling at him. For the next few minutes, we ate in silence. However, I did more of playing with the food. My appetite was non-existent. “You are only playing around with the food, Talia. You haven't been eating, and I made your favorite for a reason.” Favorite. That brought back memories. I had made Darius's favorite yesterday, but he didn't even spare it a glance talk more of play with it or eat. “You're crying again.” Alex said, and I raised my right hand to my cheek. I was really crying. “It's okay,Talia. Everything will be fine, do please, eat. Eat fir yourself and the baby.” He begged. Thinking of the baby, I tried to distract myself from Darius and the divorce and managed to eat a little. Then together with Alex, I clear the dining and he did the dishes. “Aren't you going to work today?” I asked. “I'm on the evening shift. What about you? What's your plan?” “I'm leaving of course. Just like he wants me to. I have to leave this area. Perhaps, I would just go back home.” “Home? You're leaving the pack already? I was thinking you could speak to the Beta about this. After all, he's Alpha Darius's right hand man. Perhaps there's something he can do about this situation.” “I don't think I'd want to do that. It would end up elongating the situation.” “But—” Alex began, trying to convince me when we heard some ruckus from outside. It seemed like he had visitors. “I think you have visitors.” “That's strange. No one visits.” Alex paused for a bit, and we both listened for any call for him, but none came. “Perhaps they are for my next door neighbor.” He added and I nodded. “As I was saying—” Alex continued,but got interrupted by a knock. “I think the visitors are yours. You should check them out.” “Okay. Stay indoors then. Don't come out until I say it is safe.” “Oh.” I began and Alex nodded. Alex lived close to the borders of our pack, and I understood his unsaid reason for asking me to stay indoors. Lately, rogues have been appearing closer to our pack. He was only taking precautions in case it wasn't safe. For a minute, I obeyed Alex and stayed indoors. However, when I begin to hear his words hushed, I decided to check on him. K wasn't going to let him face any danger while housing and trying to protect me. “Is everything okay, Alex?” I asked as I walked closer to the door. “Yes. I'm coming.” However, I didn't stop and kept walking closer to the door, eager to see who was on the other side. On seeing the female standing outside the door, I got rooted in my spot.