Michelle
As I stepped into the pack house, an eerie silence wrapped around me like a thick fog. My thoughts raced as I scanned the dimly lit halls, searching for a place to lay my head. Just then, a loud growl erupted from my stomach, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. The rumble echoed through the empty space, prompting a mix of embarrassment and urgency. With a determined stride, I made my way to the kitchen, hoping to uncover something delicious that would quiet my protesting belly.
As I stepped into the kitchen, the darkness wrapped around me like a heavy blanket, so I flicked on the lights. The first thing that caught my eye was the wall clock, its hands creeping past 1 a.m. I couldn’t believe I had spent so long outside, lost in a whirlwind of my own thoughts and tears. I took a deep breath, shaking off the gloom that had settled in my mind, and headed straight to the refrigerator in search of something comforting to eat.
My heart lifted as I discovered a couple of cold-cut sandwiches waiting for me. I grabbed two and snagged a bottle of water before making my way to the table. I devoured the sandwiches quickly, motivated by the growling of my stomach, savoring each bite as if it were a small victory. As I settled into my chair, exhaustion washed over me, and my eyelids started to droop. Suddenly, I found myself closing my eyes completely, surrendering to the weariness that enveloped me.
I woke up to a gentle nudge, the soft pressure pulling me from a deep slumber. Blinking several times, I struggled to clear the remnants of sleep from my heavy eyelids. As I slowly focused my gaze, I realized that it was Alpha Raymond who had quietly woken me, his imposing figure framed by the morning light filtering through the nearby window. Instantly, a wave of warmth washed over me, quickly replaced by a surge of anxiety and embarrassment. “I’m sorry, Alpha,” I stammered, my heart racing in my chest.
Despite having met him numerous times during my relationship with Brian. The presence of Alpha Raymond still left me feeling a touch nervous. His authority was palpable, and I found myself acutely aware of my surroundings, the starkness of the kitchen contrasting with the soft chaos of my dreams.
“I didn’t mean to doze off in the kitchen,” I explained, my voice barely a whisper as I glanced down at my hands, fiddling nervously with the hem of my shirt.
“Come with me,” he replied, his tone calm and steady, yet an undercurrent of unease washed over me. My mind raced with questions—was he going to scold me for sleeping in the kitchen? Had I crossed some invisible line? I hesitated for a moment but ultimately followed him, each step toward his office heightening my anxiety.
As I entered the office, I was immediately enveloped by the commanding aura that radiated from him, filling the room with an almost palpable pressure. The walls, lined with books and various artifacts, seemed to close slightly around me, amplifying my smallness in this vast space that belonged to someone like him. And yet, when he finally spoke, his voice was surprisingly soft and gentle, a stark contrast to the intimidating presence he held.
“Why were you sleeping in the kitchen?” he inquired, his eyes searching mine for answers. I felt the weight of his gaze, compelling me to gather my thoughts and muster the courage to respond. I took a deep breath, preparing to explain the fatigue and heartache that had overtaken me, despite the anxiety that still lingered deep within.
I knew it was time to be honest about what I experienced yesterday, so I took a deep breath and decided to share the truth with Alpha Raymond. "I didn't have anywhere to sleep, Alpha Raymond," I said softly. He looked at me with concern and asked, "What about your house?" I lowered my gaze, fiddling nervously with my fingers. "I just couldn't go back there," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
Alpha Raymond stepped closer, and his gentle touch on my chin made me feel both vulnerable and safe as he lifted my head to meet his eyes. "What happened?" he inquired with genuine empathy. As I felt all the pain from the previous night surge within me, tears began to fall uncontrollably. "It was Brian," I said. "What has my son done this time? Alpha asked, concerned. He rejected me. Brian doesn’t want me anymore. I walked in on him and my sister kissing," I sobbed, feeling the weight of my heartbreak.
To my surprise, Alpha Raymond wrapped his arms around me, drawing me into a warm embrace. In that moment, the fear I had felt for him began to dissolve, replaced by a sense of comfort and compassion that enveloped me.
My son doesn't deserve someone as wonderful and caring as you, Michelle. You truly can do so much better than him, someone who appreciates and values you for all that you are. I say this with concern and frustration because I care about your happiness and well-being.
"But Brian was my fated mate. The Moon Goddess herself chose us to be together," I replied, my voice steady despite the ache in my heart.
He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Unfortunately, sometimes things don't unfold the way we plan. Besides, my son is a screw-up—lacking discipline, careless about how his actions affect others. There are moments when I feel I’ve failed entirely as a parent. Yet, at other times, I see so much of Brian's mother in him.
Brian's mother was also my fated mate, but things didn't work out between us. She left us both, leaving behind a heartache that cut deep." The room fell silent, heavy with unspoken emotions and the weight of past regrets.
"Sorry, Alpha," I murmured softly. "There's really no need to apologize. My ex-mate was toxic, anyway, and she left a long time ago—Goddess knows where now." he paused for a moment. I'm feeling the weight of his past pressing down on me. "Enough about me. Are you going to be okay?"
He looked at me with concern, his eyes searching mine. "I don't know how I'm going to face them after what they did," I admitted, my voice trembling slightly.
Alpha Raymond reached out and gently held my chin, lifting my face so I could meet his gaze once more. "Hold your head high," he advised softly. "Don't let them see how much they've affected you."
He then gently loosened his grip and looked deeply into my eyes, his face softening with a mix of understanding and reassurance that seemed to communicate more than words ever could. There was a moment of silent connection between us, a quiet acknowledgment of the unspoken trust that had developed. I took a breath, feeling the weight of the moment, and softly said, "Thank you, Alpha, for everything."
You're welcome, Michelle," he replied with a warm, steady voice, offering comfort and strength far beyond what mere words could express. As I left the pack house, a sense of reassurance and boosted confidence lingered within me after my conversation with Alpha Raymond. I then made my way home, preparing myself mentally and physically for my upcoming shift at the diner. Suddenly, Nama's voice thundered through the air, filled with anger and determination: "Brian and Brandy should pay for what they did to us!" Her words echoed in my mind, and I couldn't help but wonder—perhaps seeking revenge is not the right path after all, but a decision that warrants deeper thought.