Forbidden Mate

Chapter 3

Evelyn’s POV

I ran towards my parents, their prone forms on the ground amidst the chaos. My heart pounded in my chest, and tears blurred my vision. Kneeling beside them, I tried to offer some comfort amid the destruction.

“Dad, Mom, are you okay?” I asked, my voice quivering, tears streaming from my eyes.

My father managed a weak smile, relief washing over his face at seeing me amidst the turmoil. “We'll be fine, Evelyn. Don't worry about us,” he replied, his voice weak but filled with love.

My mother, tears flowing freely from her eyes, looked up at me with relief and grief. “Thank goodness you're safe, Evelyn,” she said, her voice choked with emotion.

I focused all my attention on my parents, trying to assess their injuries and provide solace in this nightmare.

Unknown to me, Alpha Nathan watched the scene, his wolf's presence keenly observing the unfolding events. After the initial surprise, he seemed to regain his composure and a twisted amusement played across his features.

“Tsk tsk, who do we have here?” Alpha Nathan replied, his voice dripping with amusement as he stepped closer.

Startled by his sudden appearance, I turned to face him, my face a mixture of anger and hatred. “What do you want? Why are you doing this to us?” I demanded, my voice sharp and loud, cutting through the night and gaining the attention of those nearby.

The tension in the clearing was palpable as everyone stood frozen, their eyes fixed on me and Alpha Nathan, waiting for his response to my outburst.

Alpha Nathan, however, looked at me calmly, his eyes steady. “I want justice,” he replied calmly, his tone void of emotion.

“Justice? What does that even mean?” I asked, my frustration growing.

But then, his tone changed, anger lacing his words. “I want to kill your parents just like your dad killed mine,” he said, his gaze fixed on my father with hate-filled eyes.

Shock coursed through me, and I couldn't contain my immediate protest. “No way! My dad would never do that...”

Alpha Nathan's anger was Visible as he responded, his voice filled with a mixture of sadness and anger. “Your dad's the reason my parents are gone. He also led the group that hurt my pack.”

Turning towards my father, I asked, trembling with uncertainty, “Is what he’s saying the truth, Dad?”

My father, breathless and struggling to speak, looked at me desperately. “I didn’t do anything, Evelyn. You have to believe me.”

My head was spinning, and my heart ached with the weight of this revelation. “I... I don't know. This can't be true...” I replied, holding my head in frustration, torn between my love for my parents and the shocking news that Alpha Nathan had just dropped on me.

“They all have to pay the price for what they did,” Alpha Nathan said venomously as he grabbed my father by the throat, ready to deliver the final blow.

I panicked as I registered what was about to happen. “Wait! Stop, please!” I begged, my voice filled with urgency, my heart pounding.

Alpha Nathan paused, waiting for me to continue.

“Please... I'm begging you. Spare my father. They may have done wrong, but they can change,” I continued, my voice trembling with emotion.

A moment of silence hung in the air, and then, unexpectedly, a low chuckle rumbled from deep within Alpha Nathan's throat. The sound was dark and malicious, echoing through the stillness of the clearing.

“You ask for mercy, even after what your kind did to mine,” he responded, chuckling. “Their actions have caused pain and suffering.”

My expression remained unwavering as I met his gaze with determination and hope. “Yes, I do. I know it won't erase the past, but we can't keep paying evil with evil,” I replied firmly.

“You speak of ideals. But the scars run deep,” Alpha Nathan replied, his hand still on my father’s neck.

Stepping closer, I responded, my voice unwavering. “With time, scars can heal,” I said with determination.

Alpha Nathan chuckled darkly again, a mix of amusement and exasperation. “I've lost my family because of them. Revenge is the path I've vowed to follow,” he replied darkly.

My voice quivered as I spoke, tears welling up in my eyes. “Please,” I whispered, my plea sincere.

The silence that followed was suffocating. After a while, he released my father and turned to face me. “There's a price for mercy,” he said, staring into my eyes.

My eyes widened, uncertainty flickering within me. “What do you mean?” I asked softly.

Alpha Nathan stepped closer, his presence commanding. “If I spare them, you must accompany me to my pack,” he replied.

His pack members exchanged surprised glances, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. Whispers rippled through their ranks.

My heart raced as I locked my gaze on his. The weight of his request settled in.

“Join your pack?” I asked, surprised.

“Yes. Their lives for yours,” he replied, his gaze unwavering. “You must become a part of my world.”

My mind raced, the weight of the decision pressing upon me.

“But my parents... they mean everything to me,” I replied, unsure what to do.

“And my family meant everything to me. This is my offer. A life for a life and a chance at redemption,” he said, gesturing at my parents.

Tears glistened as my heart felt torn between my love for my parents and the potential for a different future.

“You don’t have to do it,” my mother suddenly said beside my Father.

I turned to Alpha Nathan, my voice trembling as I asked, “If I go with you, do I have your word that you will spare them?”

“You have my word,” he replied, staring intensely at me.

I nodded, a sense of purpose settling over me. “Yes. I agree.”