My Game, My Rules

A Cruel Twist of Fate

HENRIETTA

I felt my world ripping apart. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. I bit back the scream building in my throat, refusing to let it escape. For three whole years….. three whole years!

For three whole years, I have devoted my life, my soul and my body to the people who had killed my father unjustly! The same people who had stripped me of happiness and made me suffer, living in the streets like I was nothing.

My gaze drifted to Collette who was sleeping peacefully on my bed. Her gentle snores filled the silence. My lips curved into a tender smile as I brushed a strand of hair from my daughter’s forehead. For a moment, the pain and anger receded, replaced by an overwhelming love as I gazed at her angelic face. My lips grazed her forehead in a gentle kiss.

**

Slowly, I opened my eyes and Collette wasn’t there. a sigh escaped my lips. Where on earth has she gone this early morning?

“Alpha Thane was here today.” She started. My brows shot up in surprise. “He dropped an invitation for you to be at the Full Moon blessing ceremony which is going to be happening tonight.”

Those words struck a strong chord in my heart and I felt pierced all over again.

“I….. I cannot be there.”

Being there would only trigger emotions. Who could tell? Chances are that Devon would be there and I wouldn’t want us to meet. Not until I could get my s**t together.

“You have to be there. He insisted on you being present there. It seemed very important. Please, my lady. Do not let us miss this opportunity. He would be greatly displeasured if you do not show up. “ She spoke.

It was difficult….. a very difficult decision to make. She was right. We have strived for his attention for too long. Refusing his invitation would only make things worse.

“Mom!” Collette ran into the room, her face beaming with excitement. “Alpha Thane’s party sounds like it would be fun. He promised to give me a lot of cookies when we show up.” She spoke and I shot a glance at Autumn.

“She was having her breakfast when he came. He didn’t want her to be stopped and he insisted we do not wake you up.” Autumn confessed. Faking a smile, I carried my little girl in my arms and patted her head. I knew she was smart and intelligent and it scared me. It scared me that she might find out things too early.. things she wasn’t supposed to know yet.

I couldn’t turn Thane down, not after we have gotten what we wanted for so long. If not for anything, then for my people. I had to come up with a plan.

**

DEVON

The drive to Alpha Thane’s party made me go through a rollercoaster of emotions. While I was excited about the possibility of an alliance, it also brought back the memories of that night. That beautiful turned sour night. A night that changed my life for the worst.

Immediately the car came to a halt, Antonella stepped out with a deep frown etched to her face. She hadn’t spoken to me all through the trip and I wasn’t bothered. She was upset I hadn’t consummated our union last night even after the ritual had been completed and she had been made my new mate.

As I stepped out of the car, the crisp evening air carried the faint scent of champagne and fresh flowers. I adjusted my tie and smoothened out my tailored suit before making my way towards the grand entrance of the hall.

The hall’s exterior belied the breathtaking spectacle within. The interior was transformed into a dazzling wonderland with crystal chandeliers, refracting rainbow hues across the dance floor. People had gathered and it indeed seemed to be a very small party. A smile escaped my lips as I strategically searched for Alpha Thane but he was nowhere to be found.

Suddenly, with an air of quiet authority, Alpha Thane descended from the stairs, each movement radiating dominance and majesty, like a king reclaiming his throne. There was something fascinating about it yet I could not place it. It felt so great to finally meet him in person.

“Alpha Thane!” I stepped forward and smiled. His eyes bore into mine like he was reading my soul. “Thanks for the invite and I am so happy to see you. My father has told me so much about you. My Luna and I decided to give you this.” I handed him a box and he smiled before passing the box to the maids.

“Thank you so much. That is quite thoughtful of you and I heard about your father. My condolences.” He bowed before walking out of my presence. That seemed like a good start and I knew everything would turn out well.

i suddenly felt a sharp pain in my chest like I had been stabbed with a knife in the heart. I suddenly felt nauseous and a surge of heat rushed through me. When it was beyond my control, I stepped outside to have a new breath of air.

Relief washed through me as I took a walk in the garden. What the heck was going on in there? Staring at the moon, only one thought came to my mind..... Where could she be?

Suddenly, a tiny tornado collided with me, sending me stumbling backward. I caught myself just in time. A little girl, no more than four years old, gazed up at me with apologetic eyes, her face illuminated by the moon's slivery light.

For an instant, my heart stopped. Her face……. It was her face. .. it was Hettie's face. The sparkling eyes, the same mischievous grin......

“Sorry, mister.” She chirped before turning to flee into the darkness. I stood frozen, my mind reeling with memories. I shook off the feeling almost immediately. I guess I was tripping. It was all in my head.

Just as I was about to shake off the shock and return inside, a voice pierced the night air.

“Coco!”

My heart skipped a beat. That voice…. It was her voice. The same melodic tone, the same gentle cadence. I spun around, scanning the darkness and my eyes straining to see beyond the shadows. Was this some cruel twist of fate or was I losing my grip on reality?