2. Dreams on Fire

[Erica]

She knew this would happen. She knew her father was capable of such ruthless manipulation yet to see the proof of it in front of her eyes, taunting her, was too painful. The results were out. As usual, she had aced in class. Her GPA remained the same which meant any college would be glad to welcome her to their institute yet the doors of the one she wanted to go to had been forever closed by her father.

She was angry, very angry at the man whom she idolized. She was angry at her mother for not standing up for her. She felt lost and frustrated.

She saw smiling faces. Students taking pictures with their friends and family. She couldn't help but feel lonely. She knew her father was here somewhere and her mom too but still she felt alone.

She missed her brother. Even he hadn't said anything to convince their dad. Heck, they did not even have a proper conversation for the past two years. He did not even come home. She not only missed her brother but the bond that they shared, the bond which had weakened.

She wanted to leave. To go into the haven which was her bedroom, curl up and cry. Cry till her tear ducts became devoid of tears.

She weaved through the crowd, keeping her head low.

"Hey Erica," a feminine voice startled her. She composed herself. Turning around, she saw Lana, her classmate in French class, walking towards her. She was a petite girl with doe-like brown eyes and shoulder-length red hair. She had a huge grin on her face, after all, she had gotten the chance to go to the University where she would never be able to study.

"Hey," Erica waved with a small smile.

"Congratulations! you aced in our class as usual," she said while taking off the graduation hat.

"Uh, thanks I guess," she mumbled fidgeting with the sleeves of her graduation robe.

"And congrats to you too. Lucky you," she willed her voice to not quiver.

Lana grinned, oblivious to her classmate's pain, "Yeah, even I can't believe it. By the way, didn't you apply for scholarships? You'd get one easily."

Erica did not reply, just shrugged. No one except Nessa, Meghan, and their school principal and of course her parents, knew that she had applied for a scholarship and that too only for Ravenwood University because she knew that she wouldn't get it as she had gone against her dad to fill in the application. Even though she was angry and hurt, she did not want anyone to criticize her dad.

"Okay, I got to go. See ya later," she said and giving her a tight hug, Lana waltzed away, disappearing in the throng of people.

She sighed and started walking towards the gate. She needed to get out of the premises or she'd just crumble here and that is the last thing she wanted.

She had made it to the parking lot which was currently deserted when she heard the all too familiar voice of her best friend.

"Ric, wait up," Nessa hollered from behind.

Erica let out a breath and shook her head. It wouldn't be easy, she thought. She once again turned around and saw Nessa and Meghan jogging towards her.

"Where do you think you are going, missy?" Meghan scowled at her friend.

Erica pursed her lips, "Home."

"Ric, why are you behaving as if this is the end of every damn thing?" Nessa asked exasperatedly. Meghan looked at Erica worriedly.

Erica glowered at Nessa, "This was the only thing I dreamt of since my freshman year. The only thing for which I worked my ass off, never going to parties, not hanging with you guys during most weekends and so many more sacrifices. What did I get in return? Nothing! only my hopes getting crushed brutally!"

Her outburst stunned her friends. Tears were rolling down her cheeks as her chest heaved up and down.

Meghan engulfed her best friend in a tight embrace. Letting her cry.

The only sound that echoed in the empty parking lot was Erica's helpless sobs.

Meghan shot a pointed look at Nessa, indicating her to keep her mouth shut.

"Now now, Ric, let's take you home," Meghan mumbled.

They made their way to Nessa's car. She unlocked her black beetle and Erica took the backseat still sniffling while Meghan took the passenger seat.

The drive home was a silent one.

~~~~

Adrian Morris, the respectable trustee and the Alpha of Crescent Pack, sighed as he watched his daughter leave, her shoulder slumped in defeat. His shoulders were hunched up as well. the 6ft male felt weak. He could feel her distress and anger despite her being a human. After all, she was his pup. His wolf wouldn't speak to him because according to him he had done injustice to his own blood. He himself felt guilty for doing so.

"Have you seen Ric?" His wife's voice stopped his self-admonition.

Evelyn came and stood beside him. Her jet black hair was secured in a tight bun. She oozed elegance and beauty with her slender frame and her personality made her stand out.

"Yes, she just left," he replied curtly.

Evelyn sighed. She could feel his sadness and anger.

"Please stop blaming yourself Rian," she said softly, placing a hand placatingly on his shoulder.

He did not say anything. He kept looking at the gathering from the second-floor office balcony.

"Will she forgive me, Eve?" He asked, his voice cracking ever so slightly. He had never felt so weak and helpless. For the first time, he felt that he had failed, as a father, he had lost to fate, to destiny. He couldn't give the one thing his daughter had wanted, had dreamt of despite seeing her work hard day and night.

Evelyn's heart shattered seeing her mate like this. Her heart cried for their lovely daughter.

She rested her forehead on the edge of his shoulder and consoled him, "She will forgive us. When she learns that we had done it for her good. To keep her safe. When she comes to know that we were helpless in this case. She will forgive us."

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He had put her dreams on fire and right now his only wish was her forgiveness.