Anguish
1606 Words
Samantha’s pov
So he chose her. I blankly stared into his face. He looked so concerned about Rayna. He held her close to his chest, as though he wanted to protect her from all evil. That was something I would never experience from him. During the time I stayed in the pack, he barely looked my way.
I sucked a breath in, fighting back the pain in my chest with every ounce of strength in me. Was that the most painful rejection yet? Perhaps.
I was too numb to feel any emotion. After enduring all those rejections, my heart and soul had gotten used to accepting it. This was the last one, anyway.
I smiled and nodded my head. “I accept your rejection.”
He didn't seem to mind. I watched him run away, his first love's limp limbs flailing as he sprinted. A searing agony shot through my body. I recognised what that was. The relationship had officially been broken, and the pain of severing the wonderful thread was palpable. Nonetheless, I hid my anguish.
“Goodbye, Luca,” I whispered, fighting against the tears that were gathering in my eyes.
That night, I packed my belongings with a heavy heart. Lina and her parents were hesitant to let me go, but they solemnly agreed. I could tell they were saddened by Luca’s choice, but they had to support him.
I understood.
I was about to send a mind link to my parents, requesting a ride home, when the pangs of pain got worse.
“Ahh!” I gasped for breath, clutching my chest. It was bad, and as the night progressed, it would get worse until the tie was completely severed.
“We can’t travel tonight, Sam. We must rest,” Luna said.
I was in too much pain to respond.
“Lie down. I will erase his memories. All of it,” she said.
“I don’t… want to forget… Lina and everyone… else,” I said, wheezing in between words.
She agreed. “Allow me to erase memories about him and the mate link. Everything that is tied to us being an item will be gone. Everything else will remain in your memory, including the fact that he is Lina's brother.”
I grasped the pillow and pressed my eyes shut as Luna worked on her magic. My body was ravaged by pangs of anguish. Sleeping was impossible. The pain was too much.
A familiar scent made me open my eyes. Imagine the shock I had when I saw Luca in my room.
“Shh,” he said, sitting beside me. “My wolf told me that you were in pain."
My face contorted because of the immense pain ravaging my body. I stared at him as though he had grown two heads.
"What?"
"I am a Golden wolf and I felt the pain you were in. Relax. I will protect you through the night.”
I was exhausted. Too exhausted to refuse. The night had worn me out. All I wanted to do was sleep.
“Sleep, Sam. We will return home tomorrow.” I heard Luna’s voice, and then my consciousness dissolved into nothingness.
***
I woke up to the sound of birds chirping. I squinted at the open window and lay on the bed, bewildered. Leaving the window open while I slept was something I wouldn't do. So why was the window open?
I couldn't think of any answers so I let it go. Another thing that bewildered me was the faint scent of a male wolf in the room. My eyebrows furrowed as I tried to think of something… anything, but failed.
That was so weird.
I let it all go. It was the day I returned home anyway. I had stayed long enough in Lina's pack and it was time to return and fulfil my duties as the princess of the south.
I brushed my teeth, got dressed and looked at the pack suitcase.
“Luna. Ready to go back to royalty?” I asked my lycan.
“More than ready. Let's do this,” she said.
I sat on the mattress, my heart fluttering in my chest in ecstasy. I was going to see my family after such a long time.
I opened the mind link to my parents.
“Mom, dad. I am ready to go home,” I said cheerfully.
“Hello dear. It is so good to hear your voice,” mom replied instantly. “You sound happy today.”
I smiled. “Yes. I am going back home. Of course I am happy.”
My father spoke up after a brief silence. “Do you want me to send a vehicle to fetch you?”
“Yes, dad.”
“Good. I am sending a vehicle right now.”
I walked down to the kitchen like I always did during my stay at the Black Hunter's pack. I wanted to have some breakfast before I left. I was a little surprised to notice a tiny change in the omega's reaction upon seeing me. They usually greeted me with broad grins and smiles, but today, their faces held hints of sadness in them.
I wondered what happened, but before I could say anything Lina and her parents arrived. Seeing the melancholy on their faces confused me more.
“Why is everyone so sad today?” I asked. “Is it because I am leaving?”
Lina looked at me, her face wilted. “Is that even a question? We want you to stay forever.”
I smiled at her. “But I can't stay. I have to go.”
Her shoulders slumped. “I know, I know. I don't blame you.”
“You can take my car,” Lina's father said. “I will ask my driver to drive you home.”
“No, it's okay. My dad is sending a car. I have mind linked them.”
They stared at me, astonished.
“Mind link? But aren't you wolf less?” Lina asked, her eye brows knitted together.
I chuckled. I had kept my identity hidden for reasons beyond my control. I was from a royal family and I didn't want to be treated like one while I studied in college. It was a well kept secret even from my best friend.
The time to reveal the truth was approaching. I really hoped Lina would understand.
Everyone greeted me and helped me take my luggage to the front door after breakfast. What bothered me was how sad and disappointed they all looked. Even the guards and common pack members didn't seem happy.
Perhaps it saddened them because I used to volunteer at the orphanage and the hospital. We shared so many great moments. I couldn't think of another reason.
From the distance, I saw a familiar black Rolls Royce. I squinted. Wait... was that Axel's car?
A smile curled on my lips. I was betrothed to him and perhaps the news of my return excited him.
As I bid goodbye to Lina and her parents, her brother, Alpha Luca emerged from inside, his fiancée clinging to his arm.
I offered a polite smile. “It was nice meeting you and thank you for having me here. I had a great time.”
I noticed the bizarre glance I received from Lina. Was that a strange thing to say? I think not.
The Rolls Royce pulled in front of the pack house. I cringed when I saw another car right behind it. My dad didn't mention he was sending guards, but I should have known he would.
Luca seemed to be speechless. He didn't say anything as four guards dressed in suits rushed out of the vehicle and grabbed my belongings.
I laughed, somewhat embarrassed by all that.
“Sorry… my dad can be a little extra,” I said sheepishly, as my cheeks started to burn in embarrassment.
I gave my friend a hug, made her promise to keep in touch. Pack members had gathered in the area by this time. A few pups ran up to me and wrapped their little hands around my waist. I had to hold back my urge to cry. I adored those pups and saying goodbye was hard.
Axel's scent hit my nostrils as soon as the car's door opened. My smile broadened into a grin as I quickly climbed inside and closed the door.
"Axel! I didn't expect you'd be here," I said.
He flashed his signature lopsided smile as he grabbed my hand.
"I got excited when mom and dad told me you were returning to get married. I just... I had to come."
He looked at the by standers. "I would have gotten out and carried you to the car if my appearance wouldn't have caused a scene. They would go bonkers to see a royal at their territory."
I giggled. "Little did they know they had a royal living with them for a year."
He smiled, giving my hand a tiny squeeze. I sighed. If only sparks erupted where our skin touched. But that was okay. We liked and respected each other enough.
As the driver drove away, I glanced over my shoulder to see them still waving at me. Their expressions were similar. Some of them seemed upset. Some of them had tears in their eyes while some of them hung their heads low.
Except Rayna. She kept clinging onto Luca, as though her life depended on it.
For a strange reason I disliked her. I couldn't think of a reason, but I really, really disliked her.
How strange.
- Writer
