My Second Chance
#31 The Starting Of Life In A City

Ryder's P.O.V

"I love you Ryder... Don't forget that, okay? I love you..." I stared atSapphire who was looking at me with sadness and longing in her bluegorgeous eyes. I didn't know what to say. She was the one who rejectedme in the first place. What the fuck is she saying now. But the sadnessin her eyes were really weighing my heart down. I clenched my jawtightly.

"I wasn't the one to reject a mate.” I snapped. She flinched at the hurt inmy voice. "I know. And a million apologies won't help. This is the lasttime you'll see me. I just wanted to say goodbye." She smiled sadly. "Ihaven't even marked you yet, you don't have the power to enter mydreams Sapphire. This dream,” I gestured to my surroundings, "is fake.Why am I even dreaming about you?!" "I wouldn't take back anything ifI could. I would've done the same thing." Her voice breaking on the lastsentence. I felt a sharp stab of pain in my heart. What did she meanthat she would've done the same thing over again?! Doesn't she knowthat I'm hurting inside really much?! I wanted to call her a heartlessbitch so much... but I couldn't. As much as I hated her, a small part ofmy heart would remind me that I still loved her. And I still did. That'show pathetic I was. "I don't care about you anymore.” I said coldly andhurt flashed in her eyes. It took everything to stop myself fromapologizing for the harsh words. "I know." She whispered and took astep towards me. I instinctively took a step back to maintain thedistance between us. Not because I couldn't bear being near her..butbecause I'm scared I'll lose the tiny self control I had left and crash ourlips together. "Please. Don't step away from me. This is the last chance Iget to see you." She pleaded with tear filled eyes. Her crying shouldn'thave affected me... but it did, more than it should. "It shouldn't reallyeffect you like that, should it? Isn't that the reason you never let mefinish the mating process? Cause you never even loved me." I scoffed.Disbelief shone brightly in her eyes. "No... no... never assume that. I loveyou, really. All the things I said earlier was just to cut off the feelings wehad.” The beautiful angel in front of me whispered. I shook my head ather words, "and did that help?” I couldn't help bit question bitterly."No." She said it so softly that I almost missed it.

She took a step forwards and I stood my ground. Fine, she doesn't wantme to move away, I won't. It's just a fucking dream. What harm could itbring?

She took small timid steps towards me until there was only threecentimetres between us. She stood on her tippy toes and pressed herlips to mine. I stood my ground, not returning the kiss. I knew I wouldlose control if I did. "I'll miss your kisses.” She whispered.

"Well, I won't.” I gritted out. That's a total lie. I would miss her kisses. Iwould miss her hugs. Her body heat even. Because I know that I won'tbe able to touch her now that she rejected me. "I know. I did somethingunforgivable.” She murmured. I didn't make a move to acknowledgeher words and stared ahead. She trailed a hand down my chest andgrabbed her hand, not letting it to continue explore the grounds itintended to. She looked up at me. I was taken aback by her eyes. Theylooked so... real. Not at all like I was dreaming.

"I don't mind if you replace another Luna. No, you must replace another Luna.Someone capable and stronger. Someone who wouldn't hurt you.” Shewhispered softly. "Like you?" I couldn't help but ask harshly. "Like me."She looked down guiltily. "If you meant what you said earlier. Aboutyou loving me, why would you break off with me?" I gripped her handtighter. I couldn't help but think, this dream feels so real...

"I have my reasons. But it's to protect you from me." Her voice firmer. "Idon't need protecting. I am an Alpha.” I growled. "Sometimes Alphasneed help too." She mumbled. "I don't care what you have to say. I'mwaking up. This dream isn't worth my time. You aren't worth my time." Imuttered. "Okay. I'll leave. But Ryder, I did it to protect you. Please,keep yourself safe. Find a new Luna quickly so she can help you withthe pack. I've failed the task obviously. Just.. take care.” She chockedback a sob. "I love you." She added silently but I heard anyway.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked bitterly. She turned and faced me,giving me a small sad smile, "if you love something, let it go." "What doI need to be protected from? You're not making sense.” I glared at her.She obviously got hurt by my actions.

"Me. Everything happened because you met me." She said, regretevident in her sweet melodic voice. "I'm a monster.” She added bitterlybefore leaving.

That's when I looked around at my surroundings. It was the spot I tookher to. The forest where we laid in the cold night. Where we fed offeach other's body heat.

The one where I found the R loves S and thought it was a hint. Well,today proved that it wasn't at all real. That I hadn't found a perfectmate.

Soon, I drifted out of the dream and into sleep.

Sapphire's P.O.V

I kneeled up from the side of the couch Ryder slept on peacefully. Tearsstarted to fall down my cheeks. He slept on his office couch just toavoid me. I couldn't deny the hurt I felt. Again, it wouldn't beat the painI had inflicted on him.

The only line going through my head now was he hates me... He hatedme... He hates me... I used my demon powers to bring him into a dreamwhere I could freely tell him how I felt. He's going to think it's just adream, Gwen said bitterly. I touched my lips. My last kiss with Ryderhad happened in a dream I had set up. I shook my head, how pathetic."I love you. You know that right?" I whispered before placing a soft kisson his forehead. I looked at his lips. They looked so inviting but I forcedmyself to look away from them. If I kissed his lips, he would wake upand I would be in deep shit.

I stood up, staring at him longingly. Now that it was time to leave, itseemed harder than I thought it would be. I covered my mouth to coverthe sob that was threatening to come out. I took a deep breath,calming down and looked at him, for the last time. “I'm sorry, Ryder. I'llalways love you," I murmured, taking a deep breath, I said the lastsentence that made double the tears escape my eyes, "goodbye."

With that I exited his office and closed the door behind me quietly."You ready?" Clover's quiet voice asked. I nodded my head at her.Although it was dark, I knew she had detected my movement. "Are yousure you want to come? You won't miss anything?" She made no movesto acknowledge my words. "Clover, life gets harder as soon as we stepout of the borderline.” I mumbled. "I'm leaving with the only personwho have cared about me. Is that hard to believe? And I'm not the oneto chicken out of anything." I could just hear the smirk in her voice."Thanks. You are the best.” I hugged her tightly. "Second best next toRyder." She muttered. I pretended to not hear the statement. I neededall the concentration I could conjure to escape this place. The securityhere is tight.

"Come on." She tugged my hand and we sneaked around the house asquiet as a mouse.

We blocked our scent as soon as we exited the house. "Who's there?" Iheard a voice growl. I froze. Shit, we were out in the open. I spotted abush nearby us. I tugged Clover as we hid behind it. The guy on patroldidn’t spot us and assumed he was hallucinating. "Geez, he should havechecked every inch before moving on.” Clover muttered. "Yeah, becausethat would turn out well for us.” I snorted as we continued to move."Finally, the borderline.” Clover breathed. "Clover." hissed and tuggedher behind another bush. "Who's that? Jasper! I think I heard somebodyhere!" I heard more footsteps. Shit. "Is it a bunny or something?” A guyasked. "Rabbits wouldn't make that much a noise.” A guy snorted. Hesounded like a dying whale. "Let's check. Let's hope it's not rogues. TheAlpha would kill us." A third voice piped up. Flashlights steed flashingaround. "Our soon to be Luna would keep him in control. She has agood kind of affect on him." The first guy said. "I heard they got into afight today. Don't know if they made up or anything.” The third guymuttered. "Make up sex always makes everything better.” The secondguy laughed. I nearly leaped out from the bush to pound his head in. Aheadless werewolf, I would've died to see it. "Not all guys are sexaddicts like you." The first guy grumbled. "There's nothing here. Comeon, enough gossiping like girls and continue patrolling. It might havebeen the wind.” The third guy said. The others grunted in agreementand left. "Sexist douchebags." Clover grumbled. We stood up,stretching from squatting down too long. "This is it Clover. There's stilla chance to turn back.” I teased. "Never. Friendships are forever." Cloversaid dramatically. We both stepped over the border lines together withour luggage in hand.

Goodbye, Ryder Black. I'll never forget you.

“I'm dying..." Clover whined and attempting to make me smile. We'vebeen walking nonstop for three hours. Even white wolves tires.

"Okay. Well rest a bit. Well almost at the city though." I gave her a smallsmile. She nodded and gulped some water down. “I wonder how hecticit is at the pack house.” Clover wondered aloud, sitting beside meunder the shade of a large tree. "It won't be. He probably doesn't evenmisses me." I frowned. "Are you crazy? Of course he does. People don'tfall out of love that fast." Clover shook her head. "They probably don'teven know we're gone.” I mumbled. "Sure they do.” Clover snorted. Ipulled out a granola bar out of my bag and handed it to her. "Thanks.When did you get this?" Her eyes lit up as she tore the wrapper away."While we ere sneaking past the kitchen." I muttered, keeping my eyeson the dead twig I had found interesting.

She stood up suddenly. "Okay, that's enough!" I snapped out of theattractiveness i found on the twig and raised an eyebrow at her, "whatdo you mean?" "I know you miss Ryder badly. But you being a sourpuss won't help anything.” She jutted out a hip. "I'm not a sour puss.” Iprotested. Sure you aren't, Drew tsked. I mentally gave her my deathglare. Clover snorted in reply. "Okay, fine. Maybe a little." She gave mea flat look. "As I said, just a little. I'm sorry. But I'll try to get over it assoon as possible.” I emphasised on little. "That'll take forever." Cloversighed and gave me a small smile. "No it won't." I retorted as we bothstood up and continued our journey.

But somehow, deep inside, I knew that she was right.

"Finally. The city!” Clover squealed, earning a few strange stares frompasserbys. "Clover. Don't draw attention."l hissed. "Sorry." She stuck outher tongue sheepishly.

"Let's go replace a place to live." I muttered. All at once a flyer flew in theair and landed on the ground near us. I made no move to acknowledgeit but the big letters in neon pink caught my attention. I picked the flyerup excitedly. It's like fate was on our side today. "Look Clover, a smallapartment for rent.” I grinned. "Great luck is bestowed upon us. Thankyou Lord.” She yelled. "Kids just get weirder and weirder each day.” Anold woman passing us muttered. Unfortunately, my sharp hearingcaught it. "Stop it Clover, stop being so excited.” I groaned. "I can't helpit. I've always wanted to come.” She bounced in excitement. "I wish Icould say that I don't worry about you, but it obviously is a lie.” I sigheddramatically. "Hey." She punched my arm. "Glad to see that I got yourattention, let's go make a phone call, shall we?" I smiled and shenodded. She still has that kid in a candy store expression on, at leastshe isn't bouncing around like a ball.

"Hello. I'm calling about renting the apartment?" I said as politely as Icould. Clover snorted and I glared at her playfully. "Mr Remir. Yeah.Umm... JustCoffee? Now? Sure. Thanks." I smiled and hung up. "Did weget it?" Clover asked with a hopeful expression. "Yes. We just need tosign an agreement at a cafe called JustCoffee after seeing theapartment, come on then.” I smiled as Clover beamed at the goodnews.

The funny thing was... The cafe was right around the corner. I couldn'thelp but think that something was wrong. First the flyer, then the quickagreement and the close cafe. It was like it was planned our perfectly.It's just a coincidence, I told myself forcefully. I entered the cafe and myeyes shot to a man with a brown file on the table. He was sipping on acup of coffee.

"Umm... Are you Mr. Remir?" I asked politely. "Ahh... You are the girlwho called, yes?" He asked excitedly. Too excited for normal. I pushedthe suspicion to the back of my head. "Yes. That's me. I'm SapphireJackson. This is my friend." I smile and gestured to Clover.

"Have a seat. Have a seat.” He smiled widely. I sat down and Clover satbeside me. "These are the papers to the apartment. I'll bring you to seeit later, yes?" He grinned. "Yeah. That would be nice." I tried to suspressthe shudder at the sight of food stuck between his teeth. Yuck!

We started to talk about the rent and how the money would bedelivered and stuff. We soon sorted everything out.

"Come. We'll go see the apartment.” He said standing up and wefollowed. We walked on and on. We soon stopped in front of a wellkept apartment building. "It's on the 3rd floor.” He smiled widely, onceagain showing off his disgusting teeth. We walked to the third door onthe right. He unlocked it with a set of keys. We stepped into theapartment. There's already toiletries and cutleries. Even matresses andbed sheets were available. There's a 40 inch plasma tv and a couch. Twobedrooms, a toilet and a small kitchen... Not bad at all...

"Ahh.. I guess people would like everything prepared for them." Theman in his forties rubbed his bald head. "It's perfect. Absolutely perfect.100 a month right?" I asked, turning to the man. "Yup." He smiled."Okay. Where do I sign?" Me and Mr Remir, Jason I had learnt, talkedabout the renting while Clover decided to ponder which room she wasgoing to call dibs on. I smiled and he placed the documents in front ofme. I picked up his grey pen and signed. I don't know why, but the pencaught my attention. It somehow looked familiar. I was so caught on itthat I hadn't even notice Jason had already collected the documentsand shoved them into a manila folder.

"Thank you. This is your set of documents. I hope you'll have a nicestay. Have a nice day!" He waved and exited the apartment with thedocuments, not before giving me the keys. Clover and I squealed. "Thisis totally good luck!" Clover yelled and I couldn't help but laugh at her."Oh, and I call dibs on the room near the bathroom.” Clover grinned"Sure. And you'll replace a way to hog the bathroom every morning.” Irolled my eyes playfully. "You know me too well bestie.” She grinnedand threw an arm around my shoulder.

"What are you waiting for? Go unpack and we'll watch some movies.Let's have a movie marathon!” Clover ran to her room. "Just to let youknow, I'm not going out to get cds!" I mumbled and followed her to thedoor of her new room. "I already have some movies! Just unpack!" Sheyelled and slammed the door in my face. I flinched. I seriously worry forthat girl... I sighed and ran a hand through my blonde hair. Newenvironment, new life.

A life without Ryder... something whispered in my mind.

I had finished unpacking my bags in 15 minutes. What? I hate cleaning.And when I mean unpack, I actually mean stuff-everything-you-own-into-the-wardrobe. That's just the typical Sapphire that does typicalthings. Yes people, I'm just that cool. *insert bitchy hairflip here*

I sat on the couch, blankly staring at the black screen. "Yay! It's time forgirls time!" Clover whooped and inserted a cd. "You are... excited." Istated, smiling a little. "Of course I am... We aren't usually allowed so farfrom the pack. Now I'm here freely and with a friend. I just... I can't wrapit around my head that I'm actually here!” She gushed and I let out achuckle. "Ok ok. Excited mode on, got it." I smiled and she winked. "So...what did you put on?" I asked, changing the subject. "Home alone 3."She grinned. "I love that movie. I absolutely love the kid's prank.” Igiggled. "I know right. I thought that we could watch something thatcan actually cheer us up.” She smiled. "Yeah. Cheer us up..." I repeated.But inside, I don't think this movie will help. I don't think my heart willheal anytime soon. Maybe forever. How much Ryder would be hurtingright now... I was the one who had a reason to reject him and my heartwas breaking. Ryder didn't do anything and was completely innocent.How badly hurt would he be right now...

"Hey. You had a reason to do this. It's actually for his own good." Clovercame over and shook my shoulders, obviously noticing my mood thathad went down hill. "How about you? What did I even do good enoughfor you to let me rip you from your life before?" I shot back. "I didn'thave a life before this. Well, before I met such an awesome friend likeyou." She chuckled humourlessly. "Seriously Clover. What if Lawrenceregrets the decision and wants you back. Won't you want to be there?"I looked at her. For once since this morning, sadness flickered acrossthose gorgeous eyes. "He's a player Sapph. When that happens is theday where you will forget about Ryder.” She muttered. She used a reallygood example. "No, people change. You have to at least give it a try." Istared at her. "I guess you're right, but it's already too late for that.” Shesmiled sadly and her eyes flickered back to where the movie wasplaying.

"No." I stood up and paused the movie. She raised an eyebrow at me."It's not too late. You can still go back." I stated. "What? No! Are youkidding me?!" She stood up and ran a hand through her red hair."Clover, listen!" I yelled, successfully shutting her up. I took a deepbreath, calming myself. “I don't want you to stay here. When I was 5, Ikilled my mother, when I haven't fully Changed. To this day, I regret it.What if it happened to you? And this time im becoming stronger.Clover, I would fucking blame myself to my grave. That just explainshow much I care for you. There is a reason why I left. I wanted to bealone. I want to hide from people. But you, Clover, you are stopping mefrom doing that." I stared into her eyes, letting her see the emotions inme.

"I know. But... I can't leave you. You're my friend, it's not right." Shewhispered. "If you are my friend, you'll leave. And at least letting meknow that you're safe.” I mumbled. "What about the Changing? Canyou even be alone?" Clover asked worriedly. "I want to be alone Clover.That's the whole point of leaving.” I chuckled humourlessly.

"Fine... I'll... I'll leave." She sighed. I looked at her to give her areassuring smile. "You have to take care of yourself, got it?" She placeda hand on my arm and I nodded gratefully. "I'll leave tomorrow. But,what if they don't want to accept me back into the pack?" Cloverlooked down at her hands. "Then come back here, after 5 days. Afterthe Changing. When it's safe.” I nodded. "Okay." She smiled.

"Now let's watch the movie and enjoy whatever time we have left." Ipressed the play button and the movie resumed. Clover nodded andthe television soon snagged both our attention.

And that day was filled with laughter. All because of some awesomepranks from a movie.