Chapter 3

    After the funeral, the atmosphere around the pack was solemn, everyone was still grieving for the loss of their beloved Alpha, James. The funeral had been a success and Oliver was pleased with how everything turned out. However, as much as he tried to remain strong and stoic, he knew deep down that he needed Janet by his side during this tough time.As they walked back to the Alpha's mansion, Oliver turned to Janet, his face solemn. "Please, stay with me for a few more days. I don't want to be alone," he pleaded, taking her hand gently in his.Janet felt a tug at her heartstrings. She wanted to stay and be there for Oliver, but she knew she had to return home. "I'm sorry, Oliver. I can't stay any longer. I have to go back home," she replied, trying to keep her voice firm.Oliver's face fell, and he looked like a lost puppy. "Please, Janet, just a few more days. I can't do this alone," he begged.Janet knew she couldn't refuse Oliver, especially after everything he had been through in the past few days. "Okay, just a few more days," she agreed.Oliver's face lit up, and he hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Janet. I owe you one," he said, grateful for her kindness.As they entered the mansion, Janet's phone rang, and she saw Derek's name on the screen. She hesitated for a moment before answering, wondering if she should tell him about the funeral and the fact that she was staying a few more days."Hey, Derek," she answered, trying to sound cheerful."Hey, babe. Are you okay? Did you get to your friend's place safely?" Derek asked, concern lacing his voice."Yes, I'm fine. I got here safely," Janet replied, mentally kicking herself for not telling Derek about the funeral."When are you coming back home? I miss you," Derek said, his voice becoming softer.Janet sighed. She didn't want to upset Derek, but she knew she had to be honest with him. "Actually, I'm going to be staying a few more days," she said, bracing herself for his reaction."What? Why?" Derek asked, sounding confused.Janet took a deep breath, "It's a long story, Derek. My friend's father passed away, and I want to be there for her."Derek was silent for a few seconds before he spoke again, "Okay, I understand. Just be safe and come back to me soon, okay?"Janet smiled, "I will. I miss you too."After ending the call, Janet turned to Oliver, who was watching her intently. "Everything okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face.Janet nodded, "Yeah, just talking to Derek."Oliver nodded, understanding that she needed some time to herself. "Do you want to rest for a bit or maybe have some lunch?" he asked, gesturing towards the dining room.Janet shook her head, "No, I'm fine. Let's start planning for your father's memorial service."Oliver smiled weakly, grateful for Janet's support. "Thank you, Janet. I don't know what I'd do without you."Janet smiled back, "You don't have to worry about that, Oliver. I'm here for you."The two of them spent the next few hours planning for the memorial service, going through the guest list and the various arrangements that needed to be made. Janet was impressed by how organized and efficient Oliver was, despite everything he was going through.As the day drew to a close,Janet found herself torn between her desire to return home and the intense connection she felt with Oliver. She knew she had to make a decision soon, and her conversation with Derek only added to her confusion."Hey, babe," Derek's voice came through the phone. "I've been trying to call you for hours. Are you okay? When are you coming back?"Janet took a deep breath before responding. "I'm okay, Derek. I'm still at the Alpha's pack. I don't know when I'm coming back yet. I'll let you know soon."There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line. Janet could feel Derek's frustration through the phone."Janet, you've been gone for weeks. What's going on? Is everything alright?"Janet hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal to Derek. She knew he wouldn't understand the complexity of her situation with Oliver and his pack."I'm fine, Derek. I just...I need a little more time here," she finally said.Derek sighed heavily. "Alright, just be safe. Call me if you need anything, okay?""I will. I promise," Janet replied before ending the call.As she placed the phone back in her pocket, Oliver approached her with a hopeful look on his face. "So, what did he say?""He just wanted to check on me and know when I'll be back," Janet replied, trying to keep her tone neutral.Oliver's face fell slightly, but he didn't give up. "Please, Janet, stay a little longer. We need you here. I need you here."Janet's heart swelled at his words, but she couldn't ignore the reality of her life outside of the pack. "Oliver, as much as I'd like to stay, I have to go back. I have responsibilities and a life outside of this place."Oliver looked down at his feet, disappointment etched on his face. "I understand. I just wish things were different."Janet reached out and placed a hand on his arm, trying to reassure him. "Me too, Oliver. Me too."The two stood there in silence for a few moments, both lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Janet spoke up. "I should start packing. My flight leaves in a few hours."Oliver nodded, still not meeting her eyes. "I'll help you."Together, they walked back to Janet's room and began packing her things. Janet tried to focus on the task at hand, but her mind kept wandering to Oliver and the pack. As they finished up, Oliver took her hand and looked deeply into her eyes."Janet, I know we haven't seen each other for long, but I feel like we have a connection that goes beyond time. I don't want to lose that. Please promise me that you'll come back soon."Janet's heart swelled with emotion, and she found herself wanting to stay even more. But she knew she couldn't. "I promise, Oliver. I'll come back as soon as I can."Oliver nodded, a small smile gracing his lips. "Thank you. That's all I needed to hear."They hugged goodbye, and Janet left the pack feeling a mix of sadness and excitement. As she boarded her flight, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her and Oliver. But for now, she was content with the memories she had made and the promise to return soon.When she got back home,Janet was thrilled to see her kids again. She hugged them tightly, feeling their warmth and hearing their laughter. They were her pride and joy, and she missed them terribly while she was away."Mommy! Mommy!" her youngest daughter, Abby, shouted as she ran to Janet.Janet knelt down to Abby's level and gave her a tight hug. "I missed you so much, sweetie," she said."I missed you too, Mommy," Abby replied with a smile.Janet's son, Tyler, came over and hugged her too. "Welcome back, Mom," he said."Thanks, Tyler," Janet replied. She felt a sense of relief wash over her now that she was back home with her family.As Janet settled back into her routine, she couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt that lingered inside her. She knew she had promised Derek she'd be back in a few days, but she ended up staying longer with Oliver and the pack. She didn't want to lie to Derek, so she decided to tell him the truth.A few hours later, Derek walked in the door. Janet could tell from the look on his face that he was upset. She took a deep breath and walked over to him."I'm sorry, Derek," Janet said. "I know I promised to be back in a few days, but I stayed longer with Oliver and the pack."Derek's face softened. "Why didn't you call me?" he asked."I was going to, but Oliver convinced me to stay a little longer," Janet explained.Derek sighed. "Well, at least you're back now," he said. "I was worried about you.""I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you," Janet said. "But I had to stay. Oliver needed me."Derek looked at her with a mix of frustration and understanding. "I know, Janet," he said. "But you have to understand that I worry about you. You're my girlfriend, and I love you. I just want you to be safe."Janet nodded. "I know, and I appreciate that," she said. "I'll try to be more careful next time."Derek wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. "I'm just glad you're home," he said.Janet smiled and hugged him back. She was grateful for his understanding and support. She knew she had a lot of catching up to do, but for now, she was just happy to be back home with her family.