Meredith's heart sank when she realized what he meant.
"Why?" Meredith asked as her heart twisted.
"It's better..." his voice hitched before he continued, "this way."
"Better for whom?" Meredith demanded bitterly, unable to control her emotions.
Marcus sighed, "I can't stay around now that you have marked him and not me. I can't watch you kiss him and touch him knowing that I would never have that so forgive me if I'm being selfish and want to leave!"
Meredith flinched at his tone, even though she knew what she was saying it's true.
"I'm sorry... I'm not trying to hurt you. My primal nature is attracted to you, but I...I don't love you." She swallowed thickly.
"I'm not saying it won't be painful for me as well, but we will both heal. I hope you find someone else too."
She saw the pain fleeting in his eyes but he masked it quickly and nodded at her.
"Alright. At least can I get a hug before I go?"
"No!" Atlas replied.
Meredith grabbed Atlas shoulder and he sighed,
