It was the day of the fight. The day I dreaded the most. I looked up at the sky and saw that it was overcast. It is not raining, but clouds overshadow the skies. The car stopped in front of the arena. From my side, I could see people milling about. Watchers were ready to jump on the chance to see an Alpha of Alpha Leo's standing being challenged publicly by none other than his own daughter. The fight between me and my father has raised diverse public opinions. Some criticize me for going against my own father. They erroneously thought I was too power-hungry and could not wait to get my hands on my father’s title and everything that goes with it. No one thought that I did not issue the challenge. It was a means to get custody of my mother previously. I swallowed hard. My hands felt clammy that I had to wipe them off the front of my denim. “Are you ready?” Ben asked from the driver's seat. Unbuckling my seatbelt, I turned around to face him and nodded. “Thank you, Ben.
Erin’s POVWhile the two officers dragged me out, I was surprised to see Ben. I thought he had already left. I did not expect him to stay. He rushed out to me, looking worried. I snapped out of attention in panic. I looked behind Ben to check for the familiar figure of my mate.Ben second-guessed my actions, and he shook his head sadly in reply, silently confirming what my heart knew. Alaric did not come to see me. He was not here. Unsatisfied with the knowledge, I tried to try another way to detect him. I took a whiff, my nostrils twitched as I tried to assimilate the smell around me. There was no scent of apricot and peaches in the air. My nose confirmed what my eyes did not see. With a sinking feeling, I calmly accepted that Alaric, to this last moment, refused to see me. ‘Mate is not here.’ Maya said sadly, feeling put off by the realization that Alaric abandoned us. I smiled wanly at Ben when our eyes locked. Maybe it was for the best. I hate for Alaric to see like
Alaric’s POVI watched my mate leave from a distance. I observed how her head moved, scanning the almost empty parking lot with only a handful of my people going out of their way to send her off. The rest of the pack knew how the battle would turn out with Erin throwing it away - and they were all unhappy with her decision. I, for one, chose to disconnect from the handful of people lining the parking lot. I refuse to give in. Despite all my efforts, nothing could change Erin’s mind. Until the last moment before she departed, I tried convincing her to call Alpha Douglas and send word that she was backing out of the fight, but she adamantly refused. Erin, being stubborn, argued that she already gave her word when she struck that deal with Lyla. Lyla fulfilled her end of the bargain. Her sister brought me and my team back from imprisonment. Now, Erin has to do her part. She had to fulfill her promise to tank the match in favor of her father and she had no intention of rene
Erin’s POVI held my head between my hands, mulling over how things had arrived at this point. All I ever wanted was a peaceful life with my family, but fate seemed to have other plans.I thought I was finally able to find happiness with my mate and my son, but one tragedy after another struck. I was told my mother was dead. Then, I was kidnapped. Alaric and his men had been tricked and imprisoned. Then to save Alaric and his men, I have to strike a deal with Lyla. I was ready to put my life on the line for the safety of my family, but Lyla proved to be more cunning than I thought. Just as I was about to throw away the battle between me and Alpha Leo, I found him dead in the arena, and his death was pinned on me. Too many things happened at once, and I am still reeling from the shock of it. My chest heaves everytime I think about the ruin that befell my family all because of Lyla. “Lyla,” I muttered her name in the silence. My hands clenched into fists as anger filled my wh
Erin’s POV“Lyla did it. She wanted to eliminate anyone who may lay a claim to the position of Alpha of the Red Stone Pack because she wanted it for herself.”I closed my eyes, hearing Boris’s steady and calm voice confirming what I knew all along - Lyla’s greed for power has tainted her heart to a point where it has become unredeemable. Her feeling of entitlement has fed her ego until it becomes uncontrollable.Boris recounted to the council Lyla’s past actions and her plans to eliminate everyone who blocked her way, including Boris himself. “She took me down and made me pack less because she longer trusted me. We had a falling out. She did want me to stand in the way of her plans. As Alpha Leo's Beta and her mate, I have as much chance as anyone of rising to the position of Alpha when Alpha Leo retires or dies.”Everyone gasped when they heard it, but no one could fault Boris. He was so sure of himself. I never saw him blink or falter in his words. At first, the council eyed
Erin’s POVCirala’s cries broke us apart.I looked at Alaric’s flushed face and blushed profusely. I did not intend for the kiss to become so hot, but I missed my mate, especially after what happened.I thought I had lost him forever.Never again. I promised myself that I would never let my mate down. I will fight for us, our family, and our pack.“We have to go,” Alaric said, breaking into my thoughts.Startled, I could only nod at him, and the others flocked around us. Then my gaze narrowly hit Boris. He was standing in the corner, looking in like an outsider. I wanted to thank him personally. I owed him so much.Just when I was about to step toward him, Alaric pulled me back, and I was stunned to see his deep gaze. My mate is jealous.My plan to approach and thank Boris could wait another time. Right now, my priority is Alar
Erin’s POV“The fusion of nature’s elements.” Someone breathed from the background, distracting me from my awed trance.There was so much wonder in that voice, but the words were full of certainty. It tells that the speaker knows what she is talking about.I whipped my head around in surprise to find my mother close by. The nurse Dr. Martin sent to be her regular caregiver accompanied her.“Luna Bella,” I whispered, putting my hands away, and the cacophony of bright colors disappeared at once.I heard Cirala cry as if in protest when his source of entertainment vanished. But my son's displeasure paled in comparison to the concern that gripped me upon seeing the sadness that flitted across Luna Bella's eyes.“What’s wrong?” I asked gently when I reached her.Luna Bella bent her head.Her eyes fixated on the clasped hands on her lap. S
Erin’s POV“What do you mean?” I blanched at her words. I was only coming to grips with the fact that I am more than I think I am, and now my mother is telling me that I am the protector of our kind.It was information overload. My mother looked sad when I pierced her with a seriously confused gaze.For a while, she did not speak. I thought she would leave me hanging, but I realized she was trying to contain herself. I saw her hands shake, and her lips quiver. It must have taken her great effort to open up to me like this.I saw the struggle in her face. She was trying to hold it in.“If you can not talk about it, let‘s postpone this some other time. You are still frail. Do not stress yourself.” I told her gently, proposing to shelve our talk to a later time.“No!” She countered vehemently.Her tone startled me.