Chapter 11

3215 Words
The next morning, I awaken feeling sore but oddly at peace. Wrapping a cozy blanket around myself, I prepare to make my way to my previous room. However, Asher stirs from his slumber, questioning my actions. "What are you doing?" he inquires, his voice laced with curiosity. I pause, meeting his gaze. "I need to take a bath, I'm feeling quite sore," I reply softly. Without hesitation, Asher suggests, "Take a bath in our bathroom. This is your room now. I'll get all your things moved over." His words catch me off guard, filling me with warmth and a sense of belonging. With a grateful smile, I shed the blanket and make my way to the bathroom, Asher following closely behind. As he turns on the warm water, I step into the inviting embrace of the bath, feeling the tension in my muscles begin to melt away. To my surprise and delight, Asher joins me, his touch gentle as he washes my body and hair, enveloping me in a cocoon of intimacy and care. In that moment, surrounded by the soothing warmth of the water and the comforting presence of Asher, I feel a sense of true bliss wash over me. After our refreshing bath, Asher suggests, "I think we need to visit your mother to get more information about what you are. You're definitely something supernatural, but I'm not sure what yet." Determined, he adds, "I'll tell Carter and Luke we need to go to the rehab facility after we eat. They'll be coming with us." Asher swiftly dresses in jeans and a t-shirt, the fabric stretching over his muscular frame. With a playful slap on my ass, he hands me a t-shirt, instructing, "Go get some clothes. I'll be in your old room in a moment." I make my way to my previous room, slipping into a summery purple dress and some wedges. As I step out, Asher suggests, "Airabella, try to communicate with Sylvia and ask her to move all your stuff into our room." Encouraged by his words, I close my eyes and focus, attempting to communicate with Sylvia. To my surprise, it works. Excitedly, I relay the message to Asher, feeling a rush of satisfaction at my newfound ability. He smiles warmly at my excitement, his presence a reassuring anchor amidst the swirling uncertainty of my new reality. We make our way downstairs to the bustling dining hall, the aroma of breakfast tantalizing our senses. Finding a seat beside Joan, I notice Sylvia sitting across from me. Joan wastes no time in diving into the conversation, exclaiming, "I heard that heat actually hit you!" I nod, grimacing slightly. "Yeah, it hurts like a b***h," I confirm, feeling the lingering discomfort from the previous day's ordeal. Sylvia beams at me, her smile warm and reassuring. "Airabella, I'll get all your items moved over today," she assures me, her words carrying a sense of maternal care. Then, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, Sylvia adds, "Now you both need to give me little nieces and nephews." I choke on my food at the unexpected remark, prompting Joan to pat me on the back in concern. "Let's not rush that part, Sylvia," I manage to utter between coughs, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Glancing over at Asher, I find him wearing a broad smile, his silent approval evident in his expression. After we finish our meal, Asher guides me to a sprawling garage filled with an array of vehicles. Among them, he selects keys for a vibrant red hummer, tossing them over to Carter. With all four of us packed into the sturdy vehicle, Carter takes the driver's seat and sets off. I turn to Asher, my nerves creeping in. "Is the rehab facility far?" I inquire, seeking some reassurance. He shakes his head. "No, it's about three hours away on the Lakeblue Pack’s land," he explains calmly. "It's still part of my territory as their Alpha King, but you'll get to meet Alpha Steven, the Lakeblue Pack's Alpha. He's a good friend of mine." His hand finds mine, offering a comforting squeeze as he assures me of the quality of the facility. Despite his reassurances, I can't shake off my nerves, especially at the thought of facing my mother, possibly sober for the first time in my memory. Sensing my apprehension, Asher offers words of encouragement. "Airabella, it will be okay. I'll be right there with you, and we can leave anytime if you want." The ride to the rehab facility is filled with anticipation, each passing mile bringing us closer to our destination. As we arrive, the grandeur of the large brick packhouse commands attention, its imposing presence softened by a sense of warmth and welcome. Exiting the hummer, we're met with a display of respect as the wolves bow in acknowledgment. A man approaches us, his demeanor exuding familiarity and respect as he embraces Asher warmly. It's evident that they share a strong bond forged through years of friendship. Turning his attention to me, the man bows respectfully, addressing me as Luna Queen Airabella with genuine warmth. I return his gesture with a nod, grateful for the warm reception. Introducing himself as Alpha Steven of the Lakeblue Pack, he offers reassurance about my mother's progress, instilling a sense of hope within me. With a renewed sense of optimism, I follow Alpha Steven as he leads us toward the facility, eager to see my mother and witness her journey toward recovery firsthand. As we're led into the facility, a sense of calm washes over me. The interior is welcoming, with bright, airy spaces that contrast the seriousness of its purpose. Alpha Steven leads us through the halls, his presence reassuring. We eventually reach a communal area where residents are engaged in various activities. My heart skips a beat as I catch sight of my mother among them. She looks different—clear-eyed, focused, and engaged. It's a stark contrast to the woman I've known for so long. Approaching her, I'm overwhelmed with emotions. She looks up, her eyes meeting mine, and for the first time in a long while, I see recognition and warmth in her gaze. Tears well up in my eyes as I embrace her tightly, feeling a glimmer of hope blossoming within me. Alpha Steven steps forward, introducing himself and explaining our purpose for visiting. My mother nods, her expression a mix of gratitude and determination. She's made progress, but there's still a long road ahead. My mother leads us to a private room adorned with simple tables and chairs. Alpha Steven respectfully takes his leave, leaving the four of us alone. Carter and Luke station themselves near the doors, their protective presence comforting in this unfamiliar setting. "Mother," I address her, my voice steady yet tinged with urgency, "I want you to meet my mate. This is Alpha King Asher of the Crimson Moon Pack." My mother rises from her seat, her embrace warm as she thanks Asher for his care.With a soft smile, Asher reciprocates the hug, his demeanor reassuring and gentle. "Your daughter means everything to me," he says, sincerity evident in his voice. Turning back to my mother, I steel myself for what comes next. "Mother, we have a lot of questions, and some of them might seem strange or unusual. But it's crucial that you do your best to remember. This is incredibly important to me." My mother nods, her expression serious yet determined, ready to lend her ears and memories to our cause. "Mother, can you tell me about my father? Please leave no detail out. This is really important. I need to know," I implore, my voice carrying a mix of urgency and emotion. She takes a deep breath, her eyes beginning to well with tears. "I will tell you everything," she says, her voice wavering slightly. "Airabella, your father was named Henry, was my mate. He was my soul mate or I thought," she continues, the words heavy with both longing and pain. "I loved him dearly, and I thought he loved me too. He kept saying over and over how we were mates, how he would always be with me. We felt like two magnets that could not be separated." Pausing briefly to collect herself, she continues, her voice now hushed with the weight of memory. "He said he needed to be careful because of his family. He kept saying they hated humans, and how he needed to keep me safe." Her words hang in the air, tinged with uncertainty. "He did open up about his supernatural world a little, but he was very careful not to give me details. He said it was for my safety. To be honest, now I don't know if he was lying or telling the truth. The drinking made me so numb, and your grandmother kept saying I was crazy to believe he wasn't human." I reach out and take my mother's hand, offering what little comfort I can. "Mother, I believe you," I assure her, my voice soft yet resolute. With a gentle touch, I wipe away a tear that escapes down her cheek. Then, a question lingers on my lips, one I'm hesitant yet compelled to ask. "Mother, did he bite you?" The question hangs in the air, laden with anticipation. She lets out a soft laugh, a mixture of sadness and nostalgia coloring her tone. "Yes, he did. I still have the scar," she admits, her fingers brushing against her hair to reveal a mark, a silent testament to a past shrouded in mystery and pain. Asher's and my eyes widen in astonishment. I notice the mark is bigger than my mark. "I then say, 'Mother, was he a werewolf?'" Her brows furrow in thought as she considers my question. "No, he was not. Let me think... what did he call it?" She pauses, lost in memory. Suddenly, Asher interjects, his voice filled with a hint of realization. "Did he say he was a Lycan?" he asks. Her eyes light up with recognition. "Yes, that's what he called it," she confirms with a soft laugh. "He used to call me his Princess and said he was a prince." Asher exchanges a glance with Carter and Luke, silently communicating. "Can you remember if he had any magical powers? Even something small? He might have performed a magic trick," Asher inquires further. Her eyes widen in recollection. "Yes, actually," she begins, her tone growing animated. "He would conjure a flame in his hand, and if I got cold, he could hold the flame and it would warm me." Asher nods thoughtfully, a knowing look in his eyes that suggests he has uncovered a piece of the puzzle I hadn't even realized was missing. "I then say, 'Mother, what happened to him?'" Her expression grows somber as she recounts the memories. "He would keep visiting me almost every other night. We then found out I was pregnant with you," she explains, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness and nostalgia. "He seemed really excited, but then he quit showing up one month before you were born. He was the one who picked your name, Airabella. I thought he would come back to me, but he did not. "Then I thought maybe he was dead, but I heard nothing on the news or in the papers. I felt so much pain in my heart. It felt like someone ripped my soul from me. Then I realized he left me because he did not want to be a father. He did not love me, and he did not love you. I was not his mate; I was just some lonely girl he got pregnant. I then started to drink to numb the pain," she finishes, her voice trembling with emotion as tears stream down her cheeks. After my mother's heartbreaking revelation, a heavy silence hangs in the air. I reach out and gently squeeze her hand, offering what comfort I can. "Mother, I'm so sorry," I say softly, feeling the weight of her pain. "But you're not alone anymore. I'm here for you, and so is Asher." Asher nods in agreement, his expression filled with empathy. "We're here to support you, Catherine," he adds, his tone gentle yet reassuring. My mother sniffles and wipes away her tears, managing a small but grateful smile. "Thank you, both of you," she murmurs, her voice choked with emotion. "I never thought I'd have this kind of support again." As my mother's tears flow freely, I hold her close, offering what comfort I can as she leans against my shoulder. Her vulnerability is a revelation, and in this moment, I understand the depth of her pain more than ever before. To lose a mate, whether through abandonment or death, is a wound that cuts deep, leaving behind unanswered questions and lingering sorrow. While my mother cries, I notice Asher exchanging silent glances with Luke and Carter. Their unspoken communication speaks volumes, conveying a shared understanding of the gravity of the situation. Despite the heaviness of the moment, there's a quiet determination in Asher's eyes, a resolve to uncover the truth and provide support to my mother and me in any way he can. After a few moments, my mother's sobs begin to subside, and she takes a deep breath, composing herself. Wiping away her tears, she looks up at me with a faint smile, a glimmer of strength returning to her eyes. "Thank you for listening, Airabella," she says softly, her voice still tinged with sadness. "I've carried this burden alone for so long." I give her a reassuring squeeze, silently conveying my support. "You don't have to carry it alone anymore, Mother. We're in this together now," I reply, feeling a sense of solidarity with her that I've never experienced before. As the hours pass, my mother gradually becomes more acquainted with Asher, and I update her on the intricacies of my newfound supernatural world. Her initial apprehension seems to melt away, replaced by genuine interest and even a sense of relief at finally understanding the truth.However, it's evident that the emotional toll of the day's revelations weighs heavily on her. Exhaustion creeps into her demeanor, casting a shadow over the newfound sense of clarity. Sensing her weariness, I gently remind her of the importance of focusing on her health and overcoming her addiction. With a heavy yet hopeful heart, I bid my mother farewell, assuring her of my love and promising to return soon. Her final embrace is both tender and bittersweet, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges that lie ahead. As we make our way back to the hummer, the atmosphere inside the vehicle is oddly subdued. The weight of the day's revelations seems to hang in the air, casting a solemn veil over our thoughts and conversations. As we settle into the hummer and begin the journey home, I can't help but notice a subtle shift in Asher's demeanor. His usually calm and composed energy takes on a more serious tone, and I sense an underlying tension in his words. Suddenly, Asher breaks the silence with a commanding tone, addressing Carter and Luke with a sense of urgency. "Men, you do not tell a soul that Airabella is part Lycan. This is a command. I do not want even your f*****g mates to know." Carter and Luke both respond in unison, acknowledging Asher's directive with a solemn "Yes, Alpha." Confusion clouds my thoughts as I turn to Asher, seeking clarity on his sudden declaration. Asher takes a deep breath, his words carrying the weight of a revelation that shakes the foundation of everything I thought I knew. "Airabella, the Lycans are the werewolves' biggest enemy," he begins, his tone grave. "Lycans are larger and more brutal than werewolves, and their royal family possesses powers unlike anything we've encountered." His explanation sends shockwaves through me, each word sinking in with a heavy significance. "Your father must have been a prince," Asher continues, confirming the truth behind my mother's memories. "He wasn't joking when he spoke of it. This is why your emotions have such a profound effect on the weather. When you cry, it rains; when you're depressed, the skies darken. Even your anger can trigger earthquakes." The realization leaves me reeling, grappling with the newfound understanding of my own abilities. "You have magic, Airabella," Asher explains gently, his voice a steady anchor in the storm of my thoughts. "You just haven't learned to control it yet." I'm stunned into silence, trying to process the implications of his words. "But why can't I turn into a Lycan?" I finally manage to voice the question that burns at the forefront of my mind. Asher's response is measured, his gaze searching. "You're only half Lycan, so it's possible you may never transform, or it could be a slow awakening," he explains. Then, a thought strikes him, and he pauses before asking, "Have you ever manipulated the weather before?" I consider his question carefully, recalling the moments when my emotions seemed to influence the elements. "Not until I met you," I confess, realizing the connection between our bond and the awakening of my dormant abilities. "Perhaps our bond is triggering your Lycan heritage," Asher suggests, piecing together the puzzle of my existence. "It could also explain why you resisted the bond for so long. Lycans don't experience it in the same way as werewolves do." I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the weight of Asher's answer. "What happened to the Lycans?" I inquire, my voice trembling with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "We waged a massive war against them," Asher replies solemnly, his gaze distant as he recalls the bloody history. "They sought to enslave all magical and non-magical races, led by a tyrannical king. It was my grandfather who led the charge, rallying the combined forces of all supernatural races to battle against the Lycans." His words hang heavy in the air as he continues, recounting the pivotal moment of victory. "We defeated the Lycan Alpha King," Asher reveals, a flicker of pride evident in his tone. "My grandfather personally slew him, marking the end of their reign of terror. Many of their kind perished in the conflict, and we believed they were on the brink of extinction." The gravity of his words sinks in, and I can't help but feel a surge of worry. "Will I be killed?" I ask, turning to Asher with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. In response, Asher pulls me close, wrapping me in a comforting embrace. "No, my love, no one will harm you," he assures me, his voice firm with determination. "I would never allow anyone to hurt you." His words offer a glimmer of reassurance in the midst of uncertainty, grounding me in the strength of our bond. The arduous three-hour journey back home feels like an eternity. By the time we arrive, darkness has descended upon the estate. Asher bids farewell to his men and escorts me to our bedroom, planting a kiss on my lips before explaining that he needs to conduct some research before joining me. With a lingering sense of his stress in the air, he departs, leaving me alone.
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