Chapter 21: What the hell?

**Alice’s Point of view**


As I walk into the packhouse, I find my mom in the kitchen.
"Hey sweetie. You're home late."
"Yes, Cassie wanted to run."
"I see." She smiles at me but I can tell she's sad. 
"Mom, what's wrong?"
"I've been talking to your dad to convince him that the Reds aren't responsible but he won't listen."
I press my lips together. I'd like to say I'm surprised but I'm not and although I felt remorseful about calling Prince Benjamin behind my father's back, his behavior towards my mother comforts me a little in my choice. 
"Don't worry mom, I'm sure it will work out." I say with a confident smile.
"You know, I'm very proud of you."
I frown. "What do you mean?"
"I'm proud that you don't let old resentment cloud your judgment. You don't let hate get in the way and that makes me very proud."
I smile, touched. "Thanks, mom." I hug her before wishing her goodnight. 
I then head to Sam's room and knock softly. He doesn't answer me but I open the door anyway.
I find him curled up on his bed with his back to me. I spoon behind him and put my arm around his waist. 
"Did you accept his rejection?" I ask in a small voice.
He sniffs." Not yet. I don't have the strength."
"Fine. Wait a little longer. I'm sure he'll change his mind."
He huffs. "Don't bother. I know you're on his side."
"Not anymore."
I feel him stiffen and he turns to face me. His eyes are red, puffy and filled with pain. Being rejected by your mate is the worst pain there is, some lose their minds and often end up in prison because they are a danger to others and especially to themselves. Indeed, most commit suicide, unable to bear the pain any longer. 
"You mean you've changed your mind? Do you think the Moon Goddess is trying to tell us something?"
I remain silent for a moment. Have I changed my mind? Deep down, I know I have. There are too many signs, too many books on the subject. A whole library to prove me wrong. 
Every word I read felt like a mockery. I acted like a child, unable to cherish what the Moon Goddess gave me.
My thoughts immediately turn to Elliot and that kiss. I shiver just thinking about it and feel myself getting wet remembering his lips on mine, his hands on my skin, his muscles under my fingers.
I shake my head to chase the memories away. Cassie, on the other hand, continues to replay the scene, fantasizing about what might have happened next and I cut off all communication with her.
"Let's just say I did some research that was conclusive."
"What do you mean?"
"Maybe I need to explain it to you and Melanie."
His eyes immediately glazed over and less than a minute later Melanie came in. She doesn't say anything and comes to lie down behind Sam so that he is between her and me.
I tell them what I found out with Elliot, leaving out our kiss and the call we made.
When it's over, they are shocked. 
"Wow. So that means you were right all along. There is a big threat to us and we have proof that the Reds aren't the ones responsible." Melanie says.
I laugh. "And what do you want me to do? Go to my dad and tell him everything?"
They both press their lips, knowing all too well how my dad would react.
I turn to Sam. "What I mean is, we now have proof that this isn't all random. Owen will see that, I'm sure Elliot will go talk to him and change his mind."
He starts crying again and it breaks my heart. "He said awful things to me."
Melanie rubs his back. "It's not against you. Simon told me that he and Elliot didn't know he was gay. If you ask me, he's not taking responsibility and he's blaming you. But he'll realize how lucky he is to have you as a mate."
"That's for sure!" I add. "You just have to be a little patient."
He sniffs and nods. "By the way Melanie, how are things with Simon?"
"What? What do you mean? "
She's all red and embarrassed and Sam and I look at each other knowingly.
"You just said you talked to him."
She mumbles a bit before admitting that they saw each other earlier and talked a lot. I suspect them of having kissed but not to say it to not hurt Sam more.
We discuss again a moment and when we start to yawn, we decide to go to bed. 
Hungry, I decided to try my luck with the refrigerator, praying that there remains some cheesecake. While passing in front of the library, I see my mother asleep on a sofa, her book about to fall from her hand. I grab the nearest blanket to cover her so she doesn't get cold.
As I grab her book, a leaf falls out. As I pick it up, I realize that my mother has written something: "Sisters forever". I turn the paper over and am shocked.
It is a picture of two girls, about 15 years old. Two girls hanging on each other, smiling. Two girls that I recognize without difficulty.
One is my mother. The other is Luna Lily, Elliot's mother.