Chapter 8

TYRION.

I rode my car into our compound and parked at the garage. My arms rested on the steering wheel while my head leaned on it. At least, Eden was fine, and it's a relief too that she didn't get to see me.

No matter how much she detested me, hiding in a shadow while protecting her would be the best thing to do. I wouldn't want her to know that I've been the one doing all this, or she might reject it all. I have to see that she achieves her aim and lives her life without regrets—then I will also get rid of the guilt in me.

I felt a liquid on the side of my lip and touched it with my finger. “Her blood!” I smiled and wiped it off. “She is my mate…..” That was the interesting part, but will I handle it? Can I control the mate bond so it won't be exposed that we are mates?

If it gets out that we are mates, my parents will force me to reject her—and I don't wish to.

I pulled out the car key and alighted from the car. Until I gather enough might to oppose my parents and point my finger in their face for what they caused me….I must keep this mate bond secret as well as protect Eden.

Slowly, I walked into the building to meet my parents in the sitting room. My eyes fell on Ava, who was focused on the television. “I wonder if you don't have a home any longer…..” I said to her, drawing everyone's attention. “Why would you do that to her?” I queried, glaring at her.

She understood what I was talking about, but she was mute due to the looks of my parents.

“How did you know we were childhood friends?” I asked again, this time, almost close to the sofa she was sitting on.

My mother cleared her throat. “I did! I told her everything because she was worried about why you didn't give her attention. She is a woman and needs to fight for her lover.”

“Fighting for me by abducting an innocent young lady like her, huh? Would that make me love her if I don't wish?” I scoffed, making a long face. “How can someone who wishes to be by my side go to that extent all to have me? What happened to talking to me about it as lovers that you all claim we are….?”

My father slammed his palm on the sofa, putting an end to the quarrel. He stood to his feet, his gaze affixed on me. “What has come over you since that thing you call a lady was rejected by the Alpha Prince? If an Alpha Prince rejected her….. Of what use will it be for you to have her?”

“If I had wanted to have her, would you let me?” I asked my father, taking a gulp. “Just tell me that you will, and I don't mind having the two ladies to myself.”

“You can't and will never!!!” My mother cut in.

I exhaled deeply, my palms transfixed on my waist while I watched my mother.

“Why will you have a demoted and cursed Beta to yourself? You want her to kill us like she did to her parents….?” she yelled at me.

That statement awoke the monster in me. How dare my mother mention that day? Why would she recall everything?

“Must I always remind you that she didn't kill her parents?” I said to her, my chest tightening. “Or, should I tell you again the cause of her parent's death?”

My mother's fist clenched. She understood what I was talking about, so it would be better if she didn't bring it up again.

I turned to Ava, who was watching as I argued with my parents just because of her. “If you didn't belong to the group that bullied Eden, I would have tried to love you. But since you found out that we were childhood friends, and bullying her wasn't enough that you made her miss her first day in college all because you abducted and tortured her….. I'll make sure you pay for hurting her. Just wait!”

“Tyrion!!!!” My father screamed my name like I was lost. He shook his head, taking slow steps towards me. “What has come over you? Do you realize how tough it was for me and your mother to bring you to this level that you want to lose because of some lady who despises you?”

I bit my lower lip. “She despises me, and you know the reason behind it.”

“Who cares?” he snapped at me and scowled. “I have taken enough of all these dramas of yours because of her. I wouldn't mind disowning you if you cause my efforts on you to be in vain.”

My mother clapped her hands, halting my father's speech. “Maybe, engaging Ava will take away his heart from Eden. Isn't it?”

My father nodded in agreement.

A glance at Ava, she had a smile on her face. She finally got what she wanted.

“You would take away all attention from Eden while me and your father plan your engagement with Ava. Failure to adhere to this, I will see to it that you lose this position of yours and would be taken into slavery to the neighbouring Pack ....”

Hearing that from my mother, I swirled my neck to take a good look at her. “You will truly do that to your son?”

“I mean every word that leaves my lips.” she shunned me and got seated.

My palms began sweating. I took a quick look at them and hurried out, heading to my room. I sat on the sofa, and my fingers dipped into my hair as I panted.

“Why? How can they be this cruel and still call me their son? Who wouldn't want their child to stay with the one they love?” Tears gathered in my eyes. “They are only after getting more power and wealth….not after my happiness.”

I pulled out my shirt and dropped it on the sofa. “I have to protect Eden, so I can't leave this Pack.” I stepped into the bathroom, turning on the shower to ease my mind.

But, how will I do this? I have no interest in Ava and do not wish to engage her. I don't want this relationship public—and that's what my parents want because they know it will stop me from going near Eden.

I don't even go near her, but I intend to when I put things in place.

I took the sponge and the soap, after which I turned off the shower. “I can still inhale her scent from here. It's so satisfying.” A sudden smile appeared on my face. “If I ever engage Ava, her next target will be to get pregnant, so I will have no reason to leave her. We will be graduating soon, so I have to make sure not to get intimate with her.”

With that being thought, I sighed deeply. Engaging her isn't the end of the world. I will make sure she doesn't see even my bare chest.