Alpha’s Badass Mate novel

---- Happy moments (ACT OF SERVICE] The knowledge of Sam leaving for the States has always been a touchy subject between them. Monika accepts it, but she's not happy about it. Sam isn't happy about it either, but it's his dream; he wants to earn money from him and Monika. Even Monika will get millions from her uncle, but Sam wants to give Monika a better future. He loves them both. His dream and his mate He can't choose.

Thankfully , Monika understands that just because he's leaving for a few years doesn't mean he loves Monika any less. It's just that the thought of a long- distance relationship is difficult. For him, who has loved Monika so much and for so long that it's practically who he is at this point, Monika isn't just a part of his life; she's the center of the Sam universe , the arrow that points north, and the sail that will take him home.

To part with him- even if it's for his brother-is unbearably painful. For Monika too, because even though she hasn't loved Sam for long, she loves him just as intensely, just as endlessly. ---- They only ever argued about it once, but just as Monika is obligated to stay in their hometown for her uncle's business, Sam has a duty as the mate to make both of their futures.

Sam can't selfishly ask Monika to come with him, and Monika doesn't ask him to stay because he doesn't want to put Sam in a difficult position. Sam has always said that he'd go anywhere and do anything for Monika as long as Monika asks, as long as Monika is there with him, and as long as he can make Monika happy. And yet, when it really matters, Monika can't even ask him to stay or ask her to not leave. When it matters most, Sam can't make Monika happy.

So, as a way to cope, they don't really talk about it. It's unhealthy , but it's the only way they both don't end up crying at the prospect of Sam's inevitable departure . And the closer the departure date is, the more determined Monika is to ignore it. Monika still talks as if Sam will still be in their hometown with her next month to go to the arcade with her or to go to the lantern festival together next year.

She also stopped coming over to Sam ever since he started taking care of the fixtures and fittings. "It's empty," Monika says, glaring at the blank spot where the couch they made out on used to exist. "I hate it." ---- Sam just pulls her into a long, tight hug and tries not to cry. He has to be strong for Monika. So, it comes as a surprise when Monika shows up unannounced at his house a week before he has to leave. "T'm here to help you pack," Monika says, and Sam blinks dumbly.

"T still have a week left before I have to leave." "Well, you're going to be staying with me this week, so the sooner we finish packing, the better ,"" Monika explains, and Sam bites his lips. "Or... you can just stay here the rest of the week." "You don't have a bed anymore." "We have the whole house to ourselves, though," Sam says, trying to lighten the mood, a teasing smile playing on his lips. It's true; his things left a couple of days ago to sort out their accommodation at the university.

They have the whole house to themselves for the entire week. A whole week of just them, alone, together, and endless "But you're selling it... I can't come back to it." Monika says. Her eyes are wet, and Sam hates it because he's making Monika cry again. He only ever wants his