Chapter 9

***Obsidian POV***

I pushed Jackson as far back into my mind, as he could go. I did not want to hurt the boy. But things needed to be said. And my Alpha had commanded it. I bowed my head, and began to speak.
‘As you are aware, Jackson is an impatient boy. He has been spoilt. This is not a slur on you both, I am also guilty of this. I have been too soft on him, and allowed him too much leeway in his actions.
When we first met Evangeline, I thought it nothing more than a passing fancy. But what started as light hearted flirtation, soon turned into genuine feelings. I, of course, spoke to Jackson about this many times. However, Eva was persistent, always around us. Always helping him out with one thing or another. They started spending all their time together. And, a few weeks ago, after a pretty heavy make-out session, Jackson was once again pushed away. Eva wants to give herself to her mate, and only her mate. This is commendable enough. But I never got the feeling from her, that she would hold to such an outdated view.
Jackson asked her to be his chosen mate that very night.’

I finished speaking, although there was a lot more to say. I could see my mother needed to speak; also.
‘My pup, you have told us nothing of Eva’s wolf. Do you at least get on with her?’
My father nodded his head at this question, I could see fury buried in his eyes. I did not know what that was about, but I admit I felt nervous.

‘I know Eva has a wolf. I can sense her. But I am yet to connect with her. All I am told is that the connection will be made upon the mating/wedding ceremony.’
My father exploded, the buried fury now supremely present. My Alpha wolf had pushed forward; and Brutus was angry.

‘Pup, do you mean to tell me you have not yet spoken to Evangeline’s wolf? Nothing? How could you both be so foolish? I am speechless. Lilian! Speak to your son.’ And my father walked out of the room.
Jackson POV

I had control back, I hated it when Sid pushes me that far back. But, he has the right to speak to our parents in confidence, just as he allows me the same curtesy.
I looked around the room, my father had left. My mother still sat in the chair. I could see an angry simmer beneath the surface. What the hell just happened. I was about to ask when an omega burst into the room,
‘My Luna, it is the Alpha. There is something wrong with the Alpha.’ As my mother and I sped from the room, all thought of conversation left our minds. Father! There was something wrong with my father.

***Julia POV***

A couple more days passed in the hospital before I was allowed home. After I had spoken to the doctor, I had allowed Billy back in the room. He was very sweet, but he just wouldn’t stop fussing. I admit, as I got out of his car and stood outside my home, I was glad to have a bit of breathing space. Billy had decided long ago that he would not enter my home if my mother and sister were around. And my mothers car was parked in the driveway.

The front door opened, my sister was standing there. Looking radiant. Billy was concerned for me and as such, he had decided it would be best if my family knew what had happened to me. After he had spoken to my sister, and she had then called for my mother, I was escorted into the house.
My mother dropped the concerned act the minute that door closed behind us. But I had expected nothing less. I retired straight to my room. Once in there, I let out a sigh of relief. I heard the house phone ring. This was not unusual. My mother refused to use a cell phone, so the phone would ring when one of her cronies wanted to gossip. I shut out the drone of the voice, and drifted off to sleep.

I was having a nightmare, the type where you know you are in a dream, but it also feels so real. Our pack was at war, our allies were taking heavy casualties. I could see my father, he was shouting at us, telling us to hurry. Telling us to hide. We came across a shack, deep in the forest, it was covered with ivy, brambles and nettles. My mother, sister and I rushed inside. My mother tried to hold the door closed. I was terrified as I held my baby sister in my arms, watching my mother cry out, as someone banged on the door. Wanting to come in.

I woke with a start, my heart racing. I jumped in fright as I heard the banging again, this time it was on my bedroom door.
‘Julia darling, I have brought you a cup of tea. Can I come in?’
I huffed out a panicked breath and tried to calm my heart as I called for my sister to come in.

‘Julia darling, you look awful. Here, drink this. I learnt how to make it whilst in college, it’s the only thing that people drink there. It’s scrumptious, and healthy.’
I looked at my sister with suspicion, Eva looked a little nervous at my look, then relaxed as she saw me smile at her, ‘Eva, I don’t think you have ever brought me a drink in bed. What do you want?’
I asked jovially. Eva laughed and placed the steaming cup of tea on my bedside table. She then plonked herself at the foot of my bed, necessitating in the moving of my legs. One of which was still pretty sore.

‘Julia darling. Do you have an issue with Jackson?’ The sound of his name had my heart racing again. Not with desire. But with fear. I didn’t want to break my sisters heart. I wanted her to be happy. So….I lied.
‘No, not at all. I think I was just taken aback by the whole announcement. I mean, it was huge news to discuss over a simple dinner. I was shocked to learn, that not only were you in a relationship, but that you were in a relationship with the future Alpha of our pack.’
I clasped her hand in mine as tears fell from both our eyes, ‘Eva, I’m so very proud of you. You will be an amazing Luna, to all of us. I am sure of it.’

We hugged one another for a while. As I held my baby sister in my arms, the only thing I could think about was the man she was promised to. I knew I was wrong to think it, but how could I not. He had been my chosen mate. He had rejected me. For the love of my sister. I had to get over this. I must. I thought that asking Billy to be my chosen mate would stop these feelings. Feelings I should only be having towards Billy.
Eva reminded me to drink my tea, as she got up and left my room. She was expecting a phone call from Jackson. I closed my eyes for a few seconds, willing my heart to stop thudding at his name. I sipped on the tea, which seemed to be some kind of fruity, herby concoction. Eva had been right. It was delicious. And I drunk every drop.

As I drifted back of to sleep, I heard Onyx speak. She seemed far away in my dreamlike state. I could hardly hear her. All I could understand was the urgency in her voice, she was trying to tell me something. To warn me maybe? I couldn’t make it out. As sleep claimed me, I heard; ‘not nightmares’. I agreed with her, sleepily saying back, ‘yes, no more nightmares.’
I could no longer hear Onyx, she must already be asleep. Sighing into my pillow, I let the wave of slumber crash over me. And fell into a dreamless sleep.

***Eva POV***

I walked back to my bedroom after speaking with Julia. I hummed softly to myself, sure I had done the right thing. I didn’t have all the ingredients for the tea, but as I was missing only one of the herbs, I made it anyway. After all, Jackson was due to come over tonight, and I didn’t want any distractions. With Julia home, I had to make sure Jackson would only focus on me. I will; get him into bed tonight. And Julia would be nowhere in sight.
My phone started ringing. I smiled to myself as I saw it was Jackson calling me.
‘Hi baby,’ I said throatily. I wanted no doubt in his mind, as to what we would be doing later on tonight!