Chapter 5
1101 Words
As I collapsed onto my bed, my vision swam, and my head throbbed. My parents rushed to my side, helping me under the covers. Dad tucked me in while Mom held my hand, murmuring soothing words.
"Rest, Pumpkin," Dad instructed. "Forget about Micah. You're only hurting yourself by holding onto him."
"I-I can't..." I gasped, clutching the sheets as pain wracked my body.
"Her temperature's spiked," Dad observed, placing a hand on my forehead. "I'm calling the doctor."
Mom hurried back with a bowl of warm water and a red liquid. "Drink this, Samantha."
"What is that, Nicolle?" Dad asked, concern etched on his face.
"None of your business," Mom snapped. "You care more about your precious pack than your own daughter."
"Nicolle, that's enough," Dad warned.
"I said, stop it!" I screamed, my body convulsing with pain.
Mom pressed the bowl to my lips, and I recoiled at the foul smell. "No, Mom, that's disgusting!"
"Pumpkin, please drink some. This broth will help until the doctor arrives," she urged. "Please, for me."
I hesitated, then took a sip, gagging at the taste. "Mom, I can't... it's making me nausea—"
"Samantha, drink it all," Mom insisted, her voice firm. "You're being stubborn, and it's only making things worse."
Dad intervened, pulling Mom back. "Nicolle, what did you give her? That's not a suppressant."
"Owen, it's lamb's blood," Mom explained. "It'll numb the pain of Micah's rejection. She's stronger than you think."
I drank it, my body convulsing as a strange sensation coursed through me.
"Nicolle, what's happening to Samantha?" Dad exclaimed, panic lacing his voice.
"The lamb's blood is already working on her body," Mom assured Dad. "We'll wait until she falls asleep."
"Are you crazy? Our daughter is in agony!" Dad retorted, holding me close, trying to wake me.
"I'm crazy because I don't want to lose my daughter, Owen!" Mom snapped back.
Dad snorted, trying to feed me water, but my world went dark. I floated in an abyss, my pain persistent. Is this death? Did Mom... did she...?
I jolted awake, the alarm clock blaring. The glass on my nightstand crashed to the floor as I thrashed about. Mom rushed in, helping me back into bed.
"Samantha, are you alright?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
"I'm fine, Mom. Just a bad dream," I replied, wiping away tears.
"Still dreaming of Micah?" she pressed.
I shook my head. "I just feel... low, Mom. I'm sorry for being such a burden."
Mom smiled weakly, her eyes reflecting my own pain. "You're not a burden, Samantha. We'll get through this together."
"I'm so sorry, Mom. You must be ashamed of me," I said, my voice heavy with guilt.
"Hush now, Samantha," Mom reassured me, taking my hand. "We bear no shame. Our hearts ache for the injustice Micah has caused, not for your actions."
"It happened because of me, Mom. I can't ignore that," I insisted.
"Samantha, stop blaming yourself. Micah is the one at fault here. You're a wonderful Beta, and you deserve better than him," Mom said firmly. "Now, listen to me. Forget about Micah. Start acting cold towards everyone. Be cautious."
"I'm sorry, Mom. I never meant to—"
"Shh, it's not your fault, pumpkin. It was destiny's cruel joke. But from now on, you must challenge yourself to be tougher. Don't let people walk all over you."
"Even if they've wronged me?" I asked.
"Especially then. Sometimes, the best revenge is not to stoop to their level," Mom whispered. "But don't let them know you're hurting. Hide your pain."
"Did Dad attack the Emberwood Wolves Pack?" I asked.
"No, we can't. We're outnumbered," Mom said, her gaze distant. "I thought he might last night, but... no."
I nodded, curling up against her. "Mom, do you think I still love Micah?"
"I hope not, Samantha. I hope you can move on and live a quiet life."
"You should seek your second chance immediately," Mom advised.
"Is it truly that simple?" I asked, my voice laced with doubt.
Mom stroked my back soothingly. "The good Moon Goddess never sleeps, Samantha. She won't let her child suffer repeatedly."
"I hope you're right," I murmured.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Mom said, picking up a tray. "Claudia sent over some ginseng chicken broth for you."
I frowned, surprised by Claudia's unexpected kindness. "She's here?"
"We're in the Emerald Heir Pack now, remember?" Mom reminded me, her eyes filled with sympathy.
I blinked in disbelief, struggling to accept that we were indeed in the Emerald Heir Pack. Claudia, my estranged sister, was now mated to one of their high-ranking officials, Arthuro Keenan.
"Dad and Nick have arranged for your banishment, darling," Mom explained. "It's for your safety, Micah has become too unpredictable and cruel. Hazel sent word from Alex that Micah has ordered everyone to hunt you down and bring you back to Emberwood Wolves, alive or dead."
I listened, numb with shock and pain. "I... I don't know what to say, Mom."
"You must prepare, Samantha," Mom said gently. "Nick and your father plan to send you away, to a place far from here."
"I'll miss you, Mom," I whispered, my voice thick with unshed tears.
"As I'll miss you, my dear," Mom replied, kissing the top of my head tenderly. "But remember, this is for the best."
Claudia entered, carrying a bowl of soup.
"The car is ready," she announced. "They've prepared everything for your journey. They want you to be strong, Samantha. Stronger than ever."
As I finished my soup, Dad and Nick entered, their faces grim. "It's time to go, Samantha," Dad said, his voice heavy with unshed tears.
Nick nodded, "We've arranged a car to take you to Massachusetts. It's far enough from Emberwood Wolves, and we've made sure you'll be safe there."
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the journey ahead. As we stepped out into the night, I glanced back at the house that had been my home. Would I ever see it again?
Dad and Nick escorted me to the car, their silhouettes framed by the dim porch light. As we drove off into the night, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Little did I know, the journey to Massachusetts would be fraught with danger and unexpected encounters. But for now, all I could do was trust in my father and brother, and hope for a better future.
"I will return one day, stronger and more powerful than ever," I vowed, my voice ringing with determination.
- Writer
