A Worthy Wolf?

Chapter 13 - Raven

I had left Niko. I just wanted to be alone having learned what I had. And I had walked aimlessly through the pack, trying my best to calm myself down. I had no concept of the time as I had walked. Sable snarled angrily at the disrespect being shown to us by a man who technically was a lower rank. I felt so foolish. I did not want to cry in front of Niko. He was a friend of my brothers for the Goddess’ sake. It would be all around the pack if I was spotted crying on his shoulder. I did not need questions being asked or further complications being made.

But this was complicated. Far too complicated. I was hurt. I was supposed to be marrying a man who evidently did not trust me. A man who was willing to test me in such a vulgar way. Not only that, I had allowed myself to develop a f*****g crush on the man requesting to do that. A man I so clearly did not know. A man I thought must be a good guy because my Alpha, and even my own parents, believed he was suitable for me to marry. All because I had been taken in by his charm. He was so damn sweet. Kind... caring... his kind face flickered through my mind. I recalled the way his eyes looked at me and the way butterflies had built in my belly...

No. I was just an i***t. A young, naive i***t. Inexperienced and foolish. ‘No.’ Sable snarled. ‘He was playing you. All of that is an act for anyone to fall for. An act to get what he wants. A bride above him, and he knows it. A bride he can manipulate. You are young. If even the f*****g Alpha fell for it, then, of course, you would think he was a good guy.’

My heart twisted at the thought. Was he looking to manipulate me? Was that how he saw me? Someone easily manipulated and twisted to do as he pleased... ‘But to think of the things he was willing to see if you would do? No. That is not okay.’ Sable continued her rant, disturbing my pity. And I knew that she was right.

I should not be feeling pity. I should be feeling rage. Anger. The things Brayden had asked Niko to test of me were not okay. Admittedly, most could be considered simply being over-friendly, I suppose. Things that a boyfriend may get irritated over, and may make them question their girlfriend's loyalty. I understood that. But regardless, they should not be tested. While, others were simply not acceptable. As betrayals, nor as a test. I did not like the implication that Brayden thought I was capable of either. He was vile to think that I would.

I could not marry a man who thought I was that sort of she-wolf. Let alone a man that would consider setting up a plan to test me. Sable was right. He did not deserve me. I needed to put a stop to this, and I needed to do it now.

With anger flaring in my veins, I stalked furiously toward my home. I knew my family would understand once I explained. They loved me. I was anxious, because I knew it would cause issues; I mean, after all, this was a business arrangement for the pack as much as it was a wedding, but they would have my best interests at heart. I hoped...

I opened the door, anxiousness forming in my belly, unsure how to broach the subject, knowing how much difficulty it would cause for my father, but the moment I walked in, I did not have a chance to consider anything. My mother all but pounced on me in excitement.

“Aww, Rae-Rae!” She exclaimed excitedly. And I looked at her with confusion. Her arms entangled me in what I assumed was an attempt at a cuddle.

“Mum...” I responded warily. She seemed so happy, and I did not know why. Nor did I want to ruin whatever had caused her good mood with my bad news...

“My sweet little Raven. I can't believe you are growing up...." She looked at me like I had grown three heads or something, and I could not help but wonder if she had been drinking excessively while she had been out with my Dad.

I gave her another awkward smile. "That is generally what happens." I told her trying hard to slide my way from her grip. At this point, my mother near spun on her heels, and as she did so, I noticed my Dad standing at the doorway of the lounge, a slight smirk upon his face. I am glad he was finding my near death from suffocation by my mother's hugs amusing. I would hold him personally responsible, due to him taking her out. Needing a date night.

But before I could say anything to him, my mother began again. "Aww, my little girl. You make me so proud, sweetheart.” She placed a tender kiss on the top of my head and my heart was wrenched in guilt. "Do you know that? How proud I am of you?" Was this because she had learned of the wedding plans being confirmed? She may not feel so proud when she realized I was about to cancel them because I disagreed with how the asshole treated me. Surely she could still be proud of me for standing up for myself, right?

I offered her an uncomfortable smile, not knowing how to begin, but before I was able to start, she jumped in again. “Brayden has sent over the plans for an engagement party! Aww, Raven, that man is so keen, baby girl.” She squeezed my cheeks the way she did when being over-affectionate, and my heart fell. An engagement party? Was this for real?! The stupid fucker had arranged an engagement party despite knowing he was secretly testing me? The man had some damn nerve...