Chapter .15.

They cry,  not because they are weak,  but because they have been strong,  for too long.  *** Crowds. I hate crowds. I hate the pressure they bring. The strange unknown faces that I see. It's why I stayed inside. Why I stayed inside with my paints and canvas. With my brush and imagination. Avoiding people and becoming consumed with my own thoughts. "You'll be fine." For the first time I feel annoyance at Lilah's words. And that annoyance is what drives me to look at Atlas before getting out of the truck. Smiling. Always that same smile. It fools so many. And now it is fooling hundreds. A gasp comes around the crowd as Atlas quickly stands by my side, his eyes narrowing in thought as he takes in my change in personality. "Hello," I say. The crowd looks to their Alpha, eyes wide, and waiting. "This is my mate. Lexie." Brief silence. And then they line up. Each one comes, hesitant at first. I can fe