Chapter 17
I stared up at the white ceiling, feeling like the room was closing in on me. The oppressive whiteness of my new surroundings was beginning to drive me mad. I needed to escape, even if just for a little while. Without a clear plan, I slipped off the bed and decided to explore. Maybe some fresh air would help clear my mind.
Quietly, I opened the door and stepped into the hallway. The space felt sterile and too bright, but I pushed through, hoping to find something that resembled normalcy. My feet carried me down the stairs and out into the gardens. I wasn’t much of a fan of flowers or gardening, but I had to admit, the sight of vibrant blooms and the scent of fresh earth was a welcome change from the stark white of my new room.
The gardens were expansive and beautifully maintained. Brightly colored flowers in shades of red, yellow, and purple swayed gently in the breeze. Tall trees provided patches of shade, and the sound of birds chirping made the place feel almost serene. It was a stark contrast to the dark, gloomy surroundings I was used to back home.
I walked further into the garden, taking in the sights and sounds. My steps were light, and I took deep breaths of the fresh air. For a moment, I felt a sense of peace, a brief respite from the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed me since arriving here.
As I walked, I noticed a woman approaching me. She was carrying a basket filled with apples, her brown curls bouncing with each step. Her freckled face was warm and friendly, a stark contrast to the coldness I had encountered so far.
“Hello there!” she called out with a smile. “I don’t think we’ve met before. I’m Lilian.”
I returned her smile, feeling a bit relieved to see a friendly face. “Hi, I’m Astrid. Nice to meet you.”
Lilian’s eyes lit up as she looked at me. It was obvious she was fascinated by my snow white hair “Oh, I’ve heard about you. Alpha Jeremiah’s mate, right? We’ve been talking about you quite a bit. It’s nice to finally meet you in person.” She said trying not to stare too much.
I nodded, trying to hide my discomfort. “Yes, I’m the new... addition. I’m just exploring the gardens. They’re beautiful.”
Lilian’s smile widened. “Thank you! I’m glad you think so. The Alpha might be busy, but he does enjoy the gardens. They’re his way of escaping, I suppose.”
"Oh?" I said a bit surprised. What would a man as cold as Jeremiah be trying to escape from.
"Honestly I am glad our Alpha has finally found his mate. People might see him as this happy ,adventurous and exciting Alpha but I don't know- I have always felt like he needed someone and a mate always makes everything complete. So I am truly happy for him"
It was like I was hearing about a completely different person. It was really weird. The Alpha Jeremiah I had met was notorious, full of himself and now very cold. Maybe he was bipolar?
I was curious about this woman and decided to make small talk. “So, what’s your role here?”
“I’m one of the pack’s caretakers,” Lilian explained. “I help with the children and manage some of the day-to-day tasks. And this,” she said, patting her basket, “is for the children. I like to bring them apples and treats now and then.”
As she spoke, a little boy with freckles and brown hair ran up to her. His eyes were bright, and he grinned up at her with evident affection. “Mommy! Mommy!” he shouted, reaching for the basket.
Lilian’s face softened as she looked at him. “There’s my little man. How was your day, sweetheart?”
“Great!” he exclaimed, taking an apple from the basket. “We played tag and found a big rock!”
“That sounds wonderful,” Lilian said, smiling at him. She turned back to me. “Astrid, this is Jamie. Jamie, say hello to Astrid.”
Jamie looked up at me with shy curiosity. “Hi, Astrid.”
“Hello, Jamie,” I said, crouching to his level. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Are you going to stay with us?” Jamie asked, looking hopeful.
“I... I’m not sure yet,” I answered, feeling a pang of sadness. “But I’m here now, so I guess we’ll see.”
Lilian excused herself, promising to see me around. I watched her leave with Jamie, her gentle demeanor a stark contrast to Alpha Jeremiah’s coldness.
As I made my way back to my room, I passed by a door that caught my attention. It was slightly ajar, and from within, I could hear muffled noises—breathing, soft groans. My heart raced with a mix of curiosity and fear. The mate bond was pulling me, urging me to see what was happening. I couldn’t ignore it, so I took a hesitant step toward the door.
The door creaked open a bit more as I peeked inside. What I saw made my heart drop. It was as if someone had stabbed me in the heart. I put a hand over my mouth to stop myself from making any sounds because I felt like screaming.
Alpha Jeremiah was in the room, his back to me. He was kissing a red-haired woman with such intensity that it was impossible to look away. His hands were gripping her thighs tightly, her legs spread wide. She moaned softly, and he groaned in response, their bodies pressed together with a passion that seemed both raw and desperate.
I felt a rush of emotions—shock, betrayal, and heartbreak. Tears sprang to my eyes as I watched them. My chest tightened, and it felt like I was suffocating. I wanted to look away, to run, but my body felt rooted to the spot. The sight was devastating, a harsh reality of what my new life was going to be.
As their lips parted and their breathing grew heavier, I couldn’t take it anymore. I stumbled back, my vision blurred by tears. My heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst. I turned and fled down the hall, my footsteps echoing against the cold walls.
I reached my room, slamming the door behind me. I slid down the door, my back hitting it as I sank to the floor. My sobs echoed in the empty room, each cry a mix of anger and sorrow. Why did he bring me here if he had someone? Why was I here?
I buried my face in my hands, tears streaming down my cheeks. This was my reality now. A reality where I was nothing but a pawn in someone else’s game, a reality where my mate was with someone else. The room, the pack house, everything felt so foreign and painful.
As I cried, the mate bond felt like a cruel joke—constantly reminding me of the connection I had with someone who didn’t want me. I wondered how I was supposed to endure this, how I could possibly find any solace in a place where everything seemed designed to break me.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
