Four
1023 Words
Chapter 4
Since the moment the crazed man clutched her on the spot, he clung to Annie, repeatedly calling her "Shila."
The bond between them, while puzzling, was undeniable, and he’d shown no intention of letting her out of his sight anytime soon.
Annie's brows were furrowed, curiosity and concern finally led her to speak up.
Hence, she turned to one of the Elders, her voice filled with confusion as she asked. "Can someone please explain what's going on here?"
One of the Elders who seemed to be the highest among the seven elders nodded and gestured for her, “Follow me, This way.”
The madman, whom she had learned that his name was Derrick was reluctant to let her go.
She realized that he was in fact; the first child and the legal heir to Astral pack's throne.
Annie knew she had to put on an act so that Derrick could willingly let her off, and by doing so she effortlessly played along by ruffling his hair.
“I will be back soon, I promise,” she whispered.
To everyone's astonishment and wonder, they watched Derrick unhurriedly let go of her.
His face became bleak as he lowered his head, and Annie’s heart hurt but she knew she had to figure out the mystery.
The elder, known as Elder Thomas led her to a separate room within the pack house, its walls adorned with countless pictures.
Upon their arrival, Elder Thomas pushed the ornate door open and stepped aside for Annie to walk in.
To Annie's shock, the room was filled with pictures of a lady who bore a striking resemblance to herself.
Her eyes widened and she couldn't hide her astonishment. “How... how is Is this possible? She looks so much like me!”
Elder Thomas's gaze was kind as he moved closer to her and explained, "This is Shila, Derrick's fated mate. Five years ago, she was taken from us, and Derrick was never the same after her loss. We tried every possible treatment, but he remained a shattered man, seeing you must have triggered something in him."
“Oh,” Annie finally absorbed the information, and her mind reeled from the revelation.
She couldn't comprehend the uncanny similarity between her and Shila. But as she gazed at the pictures, she understood the depth of Derrick's suffering.
“We wish you stay behind and be with Derrick,” said elder Thomas.
Annie was taken aback and she turned to face the elder. “I... I'm honored to be of help, but I don't think I can," Annie said, her sense of responsibility tugging at her heart.
There was no way she would abandon her mother and stay back, she needed her.
Elder Thomas refused to be defeated as he implored Annie, "Please, stay for a while. If Derrick continues to improve, we'll tell him the truth, and then you can leave. We'll compensate you generously for your assistance, and we're willing to pay a significant ransom if you stay until we break the news to him."
Annie hesitated for a moment, her mind racing as she reflected upon the elder's offer.
The compensation he had mentioned to her would provide a route for her to pay for her mother's hospital bills. It seemed like a rare opportunity to make a difference for her mother who was her only family, while helping another in need.
After a thoughtful pause, Annie sighed as she finally nodded. "Alright, I'll stay. If it can help Derrick’s health and also that I will get my compensation, I will do it, it's the right thing to do."
“Thank you very much,” Elder Thoma's eyes lit up and his smile held gratitude. “Your kindness will not be forgotten and we'll ensure you're well compensated for your time and assistance."
Annie and Elder Thomas returned to the hallway where Derrick was impatiently waiting.
When he sighted the elder’s hand on Annie’s shoulder, he growled possessively.
“Stay away from her!” He lashed out angrily, and Elder Thomas bowed as he heeded.
Annie was frightened by Derick’s growl was quieted as he lunged toward her with a frantic, desperate look in his eyes.
Annie was nervous and hesitant, but she recalled what she discussed earlier with Elder Thomas.
Hence, she voluntarily allowed Derrick to draw her closer even as he continued to call her "Shila."
It sounded weird to her, but she had to play along in accord. After all, she would be compensated and her mother’s health would be restored once the operation was successfully carried out.
The trio was then led to a room that had already been prepared for Derrick's stay. It was to be Annie's temporary residence as well while she helped him through his recovery.
The pack members who crossed their path wore expressions of shock and disbelief, unable to comprehend what was happening before their eyes.
Annie knew that the news must have spread far and wide across the pack, primarily because their one-crazy Alpha was gradually regaining his sanity.
When they finally arrived at the royal chamber specifically prepared for them, Derrick never let Annie off his eye as he clung to her.
The situation started to become bewildering for Annie, and she was unsure of what lay ahead.
Her initial purpose of coming to Astral pack had shifted from helping her mother to assisting in the healing of a man she barely knew.
She had barely spent a day in the pack, and a lot had happened within a short period of time.
Who knows what else might occur later?
Elder Thomas turned to confront the other elders who had been waiting in the room. His expression was solemn as he spoke.
“Grey's coronation will currently, be put on hold at the moment. And the pack has to know that our rightful King is showing signs of recovery."
“Huh?” ANNIE murmured, she had overheard the discussion and was taken aback.
She wondered what Grey would do when he found out that the crown he was supposed to wear might be slipping away.
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