Chapter 8
1732 Words
[Nayla's POV]
I looked at my phone. 62 missed call. I smiled. My crazy best friend. It rang one more time. I picked up.
"I'm sorry I couldn't help it!" She blurted out. I leaned against the car seat and let out a little laugh. I was exhausted, physically and emotionally; it was a relief to have her call.
"Please tell me I did not mess it up!" Violet was saying.
"You didn't. It's over. I left my phone in the car, and it was in silent mode. I kind of figured out you'd be calling." I couldn't help smiling.
"I'm glad! Are you fine?"
"Yes."
"Are you still in pain?"
I paused. Physically? "No, the pain subsided as soon as the bond broke,"
I didn't mention the emotional vacuum.
"We're leaving Canopus estate at the moment; I won't be staying in the property for the night." I told her. I looked at the dashboard clock -- a quarter to four.
"Not that there's a lot of night left. I just needed to get myself a nice hot shower and a full meal…maybe a quick nap.Gareth is dead set in making me apologize; he probably thought I would still let him punish me or something. Well I'll give them the closure they want, but on my terms," I mentioned.
"Do what would make you feel better; but be careful, and call me if you need me, okay?"
"Thanks. I will."
A pause. I could hear her breath over the receiver. "So you're a free wolf now?" She said finally.
"Yes, the Moon goddess accepted our request. I'm not part of him anymore. It's only right."
I said goodbye to Violet and closed my eyes for a moment. I felt somebody tug on my mind link. Khayim.
I can't believe it! You're within range? Where are you?
Just ran some errand for my dad across town; figured I should drive by, in case somebody faints on the road or something.
I shook my head. What a lame excuse. I smiled. It was just like my Beta to be overprotective. He's quite somebody everyone can count on too. He probably switched errands, or convinced my dad to send him.
So what's your position? It's not like I followed your exact itinerary or something. Just kept myself within range.
Michael's driving me to the hotel. He's already booked us a couple of rooms. Hey can you call? My mind's fuzzy already.
Sorry.
My phone rang.
"You spy!" I laughed.
"I'm glad to hear you laugh." There was tenderness in his voice. "It assures me you haven't turned into a zombie or something," he quickly added, joking.
"No," I said, "No I haven't. Thanks Khayim."
We reached the hotel in no time. Michael had already made reservations, so he just fetched the keys at the front desk and walked me to my door. He smiled at me kindly. "You're very brave. Your father is mighty proud." I smiled back. "Do call me anytime if you need me." He gave me modest vow as I thanked him before he left. I closed the door behind me.
I flopped myself into the hotel bed. Too soft for comfort. Whatever. I stood up, stripped everything off, and showered. I must have spent half an hour in there. The hot water felt good. I imagined it washing away everything trace of Canopus. I let my wolf out. Michael was wise to book the biggest room. He knew I needed to let my wolf out. I mentally made a note to thank him in the morning.
I was drying my hair when my phone rang.
"Luna Gwyneth?" A tiny squeak. The voice on the other end sound muffed and afraid.
"At the pool. I saw Luna Melanie jump. I heard everything."
[Flashback]
Melanie's Banquet. Two weeks ago.
"You really think I changed my mind about you, huh?" Melanie stood at the edge of the pool, a smirk across her face. I looked at her, puzzled. She had been a lot kinder lately, and I did hope she was warming up towards me after three years.
"Luna Melanie, will you step away from there? The children have been running all over just a while ago. The marble's still wet and slippery. You could slip." I tried to warn her. The Lady was having a delicate pregnancy. A fall of any kind would be harmful to her or her unborn child.
"What genuine concern! Bravo!" She clapped her hands and laughed sarcastically. Her face hardened. "Do you really think you can just show up, entice my husband's brother into marrying you, ruin everything I had planned and get away with it?! You wore! Why don't you just go back to where you come from?"
"What do you mean Luna Melanie? Gareth is my mate. I was chosen by the Moon goddess for him."
Melanie spat at the water. "Chosen?!! How pathetic! Do you really think I'd buy that? Commoners are never chosen for nobles! You liar! You cannot be Luna of this pack! I was to be crowned as one had Remu not died saving your sorry ass husband!" She was trembling with anger.
My wolf stirred, sensing danger. I kept my cool. "Calm down Melanie. We can talk about this inside. It isn't good for you to be so angry."
She paused. Her facial expression changed back to a smug sneer. "Well, we do need to sort that out, do we? Once I get rid of you, Gareth can marry me. I'd make sure I bear a son this time. I can still be crowned Luna nonetheless."
Before I knew it, Melanie moved from her spot and grabbed a hold of my arm, pulling me closer to the pool's edge. "What are you doing?" I resisted the urge to pull away. That will throw her off balance and put the child in danger. As Luna of the pack, I have my duty to protect Remu's unborn heir. I tried to hold my ground. She pulled with more force.
"Putting you at your place!" She muttered under her breath as suddenly, in what seemed like all of her strength, she pushed me over the water's edge. I felt myself plunge. Just as quickly, I swam back to the surface and gasped for air. She was looking at me. "Your husband is very fond of me." She said finally. "Without your stupid mateship, I could easily entice him to give us a chance. I shall take back what is mine!" She jumped.
"Melanie!" I called her, horrified. "You can't swim!" I swam to her. She was flapping aimlessly grasping for air. I tried to grab hold of her but she caught my hair as soon as I was within reach, plunging my head to the water. I couldn't breathe. I struggled, broke free, and swam to the opposite direction.
"Melanie!" I can hear her nurse scream.
---
Present.
"You must remember Anna, Luna Melanie's third maid. I was there at the pool when she jumped," says the voice at the end of the receiver.
A pause.
"I fear for my life. I'm sorry I did not call sooner."
"Are you the only one?"
"The gardener's daughter, Lily was trimming the roses."
"Where are you?"
"Hiding."
"Both of you?"
"And our families."
"Hang in there. I'm sending help."
I hung up. I checked if Khayim is still within range.
"Everything all right?"
"I need your help."
[Gareth's POV]
"How did this happen?!" I banged my fist on my desk.
William, my subordinate looked at me nervously. "There were two witnesses Alpha Gareth,"
"And how was I not informed about these witnesses after the incident?!" I stormed.
"They disappeared."
I paced around my study angrily. Foolish! Foolish! Foolish!
Gwyneth innocent, and now we have this scandal to take care of!
"Where are the maids?!"
"We couldn't find them."
"Well scout for their families!"
"They were also gone sir."
I massaged my forehead in disbelief. "What are the damages? How many of our pack members knew?"
"News spread like wildfire sir. It is too late to quench it out. Locating or killing the witnesses would not help."
"Leave." I said quietly. "Leave!" I stormed.
William left.
A knock at the door. A chambermaid. "Your father called for you, Alpha,"
I went.
---
Father sat from across me on his desk, his face solemn.
"You have disappointed me greatly Gareth." His voice was low and dead serious.
"I should have known you are not half as good as your brother."
I stayed quiet.
"This matter could be dealt with easily. How could you overlook such crucial detail?! Two of your subjects and your own wife! missing?! Find the witnesses. And contact your wife. Make her deal with the matter immediately."
I kept my head low. The Alpha of Canopus pack takes the family reputation very seriously.
The quieter he gets, the more dangerous.
"You may leave."
I head to the door.
"I have a meeting shortly. Come back after an hour for your punishment."
"Yes, father." I said.
___
I stormed at the hospital and rushed to Melanie's room.
She was smiling when I opened the door. I stared at her in disgust. "Traitor." I muttered under my breath.
She stared at me in disbelief for a split second then realizing what must have happened, began to tremble and call for the nurse.
I could hear the hospital staff coming in the hallway. I steadied myself.
By the time they arrived, I was tucking in the blanket by Melanie's feet as she stared at me wide-eyed. "Nurse! Help! I'm in danger!" Melanie pleaded dramatically.
The staff signed recognizing me. I flashed them a concerned look. "Will she be okay?" I asked one of the nurses.
"It's okay ma'am Melanie, it's just your brother in law." The other one nurse assured her, checked her vitals and left. "I'd call for the doctor sir. We'll administer a shot so she can rest." She told me.
"Do what you must." I said calmly. They left.
I glared at Melanie.
"Gareth. Please. I can explain." Melanie said in a stutter.
"I am cutting you off the Canopus pack. Go back where you come from." I sneered at her.
"And don't you dare return."
I left the hospital grounds.
I took out my phone.
"Attorney Lee, yes. I'd like to book an appointment."
- Writer
