Chapter 13
My mind was racing, and all I could think about was Alpha Jeremiah's threat. He wasn’t bluffing; I knew he meant every word. I couldn't risk him telling my parents about my wolf and our connection. They had to hear it from me, but the thought of confessing made my stomach churn.
I paced back and forth in my room, my thoughts spiraling out of control. How would they react? Would they be disappointed or angry? Would they even believe me? Just as I was about to lose myself in another round of anxiety, a knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts. It was Aunt Amara.
She walked in, her eyes immediately narrowing with concern. “Astrid, is everything okay?”
I forced a smile, trying to hide my nerves. “Yes, Aunt Amara, everything’s fine. Just a bit nervous about having a sibling, I guess.”
Her face softened, and she walked over to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “Oh, Astrid, having a sibling is going to be the happiest time of your life. Trust me.”
“Really?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
“Absolutely,” she said with a bright smile. “Having a sibling means having a best friend, someone to talk to all the time. You’ll have someone to share your secrets with, someone who understands you like no one else. It’s like having a built-in confidant.”
I listened as she went on, her excitement almost infectious. “When I was younger, I always wished I had a sibling. I imagined all the adventures we’d have together, the mischief we’d get into. And the bond you’ll share, it’s something special, Astrid. You’ll never feel alone, and you’ll always have someone in your corner.”
Her words were comforting, but they did little to ease the storm inside me. I nodded along, trying to keep my mind off the impending conversation with my parents. Aunt Amara seemed to notice my distraction, and she paused.
“Are you sure that’s all that’s bothering you?” she asked gently.
“Yes,” I lied, “I guess I’m just overthinking it.”
She smiled and gave me a reassuring squeeze. “Everything will be fine, Astrid. Just give it some time.”
I nodded, but my heart was still racing. Then she said something that made my blood run cold. “The real reason I came to get you is because Alpha Jeremiah wants to speak with your parents. He has something important to tell them.”
My heart pounded in my chest. This was it. He was going to tell them now. Panic surged through me, but I forced myself to stay calm.
“Really?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Yes, he said it was urgent,” Aunt Amara replied. “Come on, let’s not keep them waiting.”
I followed her down the hall, my mind racing. I had to figure out what to do. If I let him speak first, everything could fall apart. I needed to take control of the situation, but my fear was paralyzing.
When we reached the hall, I saw my parents already seated, waiting for Jeremiah. My father, Alpha Alexander, raised an eyebrow as we entered, and my mother, Lucy, smiled warmly.
Everyone sat, including Uncle Lewis, the Beta. Alpha Jeremiah walked in with his men. His Beta, Elijah, stood by his side, never sitting . I could feel Alpha Jeremiah's piercing gaze on me, and I knew this was it. I had to break the news.
Before I could open my mouth, Alpha Jeremiah spoke. “I called this meeting because Astrid and I have something to tell everyone. But I’ll let Astrid say it herself.” His voice was stern, his tone tight. I felt a chill run down my spine. If I didn’t tell them now, the situation wouldn’t end well for me.
Everyone was watching me. I felt my skin getting cold. I thought Jeremiah would at least give me some time to break the news, but the man wasn’t playing. It was as if he was in a rush, and I couldn’t understand why. Didn’t he care about my feelings at all?
I cleared my throat, trying to steady my voice. “I… I finally got my wolf,” I began, feeling the words stick in my throat. “And Alpha Jeremiah… he’s my mate.”
My mother gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. My father remained silent, his face unreadable. The room felt like it had dropped ten degrees. This was supposed to be a happy moment for most wolves, but somehow, in my family, it was never a happy beginning. It worried me even more when I noticed the daggers Alpha Jeremiah was shooting at my father with his eyes. It was as if he blamed him for something terrible.
Alpha Jeremiah stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “We’ll be leaving for my pack soon,” he added, his eyes never leaving my father’s. “Astrid belongs with me.”
My mother looked at me, tears welling in her eyes. “Astrid just got her wolf, is it really necessary to leave so soon?”
I glanced at Jeremiah, his stern expression making it clear I had no choice. “I… I need some time.”
Jeremiah’s jaw tightened. “There’s no time. We leave soon.”
My father finally spoke, his voice cold and measured. “Why the rush, Jeremiah?”
Jeremiah’s eyes flashed with anger. “She’s my mate. She belongs with me now.”
Uncle Lewis, who had been silent until now, spoke up. “This is a bit rush, she is your mate you can give her some time. Alpha Jeremiah, I am sure that is not too much to ask from you.”
My father’s eyes darkened, and he stood up, facing Jeremiah. “Don’t threaten my daughter, Jeremiah. She’s not a piece of property.”
Jeremiah smirked, his eyes glinting with something dangerous. “Oh, but she is. And you’ll regret it if you try to keep her from me.”
The tension in the room was palpable. My mother reached out and squeezed my hand, it was her way of comforting me. She knew I was probably freaking out and she was right.
I looked at my family, torn between duty and hatred.
Jeremiah growled, a low, menacing sound that sent shivers down my spine. “We’re leaving, Astrid. Now.”
My father stepped forward, his fists clenched. “Over my dead body.”
Jeremiah’s eyes narrowed. “That can be arranged.”
Before anyone could react, Jeremiah’s Beta, Elijah, moved to stand beside him, a silent threat in his stance. Uncle Lewis stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of me.
“This isn’t the way, Jeremiah,” Uncle Lewis said, his voice calm but firm. “Let’s talk this through.”
Jeremiah laughed, a cold, hollow sound. “There’s nothing to talk about. Astrid is mine. And if you try to stop me, there will be consequences.”
My heart pounded in my chest. This was spiraling out of control. I needed to do something. “Please, everyone, calm down,” I pleaded. “We can figure this out without violence.”
Jeremiah’s eyes softened slightly as he looked at me, but his stance remained rigid. “There’s nothing to figure out. We’re leaving.”
I took a deep breath, trying to find my strength. “Give me one night,” I said, my voice shaking. “Just one night to say goodbye. Then I’ll go with you.”
My mother’s grip tightened on my hand, and my father’s expression softened slightly. Jeremiah seemed to consider my request for a moment before nodding reluctantly. “One night,” he agreed. “But no tricks, Astrid. If you’re not ready by morning, there will be hell to pay.”
The room was silent as Jeremiah and his men left, leaving a heavy tension behind. I felt like I was standing on the edge of a precipice, about to fall into the unknown. The worst time of my life was just beginning, and I wasn’t sure how I was going to survive it.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
