Aftermath (2)

"Talia, what on earth happened tonight?" my mother questions as soon as I walk through the door. Her voice is sharp, and I instantly feel the tension filling the room. She's standing in the middle of the living room, arms crossed, eyes wide with worry.

I sigh, my heart sinking as I realize the news has already reached them. "It's nothing, Mom. Just a rejection from my so-called mate." I respond, tired even to my ears, and I'm too exhausted to care.

"Nothing?" my father's voice booms behind her, and I flinch involuntarily. "Is that what you call nothing? Being humiliated in front of the entire pack?"

Their stares are heavy on me and I can feel their expectation for some explanation. "I didn't ask for this, Dad. It just... happened and I guess there's nothing anyone can do about it."

Jackson is sitting on the couch, looking confused. He's been quiet since I walked in, but now he speaks. "But why would Bran do that? You're his mate. Isn't that supposed to be a good thing?"

"It's complicated, Jackson. Sometimes things don't go the way we expect." I say, faking a smile to assure my brother that everything is fine even though my heart is almost exploding from pain.

My pain reflects in my mother and I can tell how worried she is from the pitiful looks she's throwing at me. "Talia," She's patting my shoulder. "We're just worried about you. What Bran did is not right. You don't deserve to be treated like that."

I swallow hard, trying to stop tears from spilling. "I know, Mom. But I'll be okay."

Father seems to be angrier than I am, and at a point, I begin to wonder who was rejected. Me or him? He's pacing the room and hissing at the same time with his fist clenched. "That arrogant fool! Who does he think he is, treating my daughter like she's nothing?"

I curse inwardly, knowing that trying to calm him down is useless. "Dad, please, it's over now. Let's not make it worse."

But he's not listening. He stops in front of me. "He doesn't get to reject you like that and just walk away. We're going to the Alpha Council about this."

"No!" I say, louder than I intended. "Please, Dad, don't make this any bigger than it already is. I want to move on. Bran can go to hell for all I care. Moreso, I'm not going to be free being with him anyway, he might want me to slim down, and so placing me on a diet."

"Seriously? Are you still concerned about food, Talia?" Jason sits up from the couch. "Are you not rejected because you eat too much?"

My mother sighs and places a hand on my father's arm. "Let's listen to her, darling. She's been through enough tonight. If Alpha Bran doesn't want our daughter, then it's his loss. I believe he will one day regret that he rejected her. "

Jackson pipes up again, face scrunched in confusion. "But what does this mean for you, Talia? Are you still going to be part of the pack? It doesn't stop you from being a member of this Pack does it?"

I paused, trying to figure out how to answer him. Right now my thoughts are a mess. "I don't know, Jackson. I really don't know. Right now I want to rest. I'll figure out my next action when I'm calm."

"Whatever you decide, we're here for you, sweetheart. Just know that." My mother says, hugging me tightly.

I nod, feeling a little of the tension ease. "Thanks, Mom." I nod. My tensed body is easing off now. No matter what, my family is always there to comfort me. I don't know why I'm being judged because of my body shape, I didn't make myself this way.

My father finally stops pacing, his angry face is reflecting genuine concern. "Are you sure you're okay, Talia? You don't have to pretend for our sake."

"I'm not okay, Dad. But I'll get there. I need some time." I sigh.

Jackson looks up at me with wide eyes, "Will you still be here tomorrow?"

I smile weakly, ruffling his hair. "Of course, Jackson. I'm not going anywhere just yet."

My mother pulls back, looking at me sadly. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together as a family."

I nod, happy at least for the support I received from my family and the heavy burden of my emotions eases a little. "I just need some space, okay? To think."

They all nod, understandingly, and I'm relieved they're not pressing me for more right now. I need to process everything to figure out what comes next.

As I turn to head upstairs, Jackson's voice stops me. "Talia?"

I turn back, seeing the uncertainty in his eyes. "Yeah, Jackson?"

He hesitates, then asks, "Do you think Bran will change his mind?"

I pause the question hanging in the air, making my heart tense. "I don't know, Jackson. But I can't count on that."

He nods slowly, and I can see how worried he is. Even if he hasn't been the talking type, and he teases me most of the time, this time, I can feel his genuine concern: "Okay. I want you to be happy". He informs.

I smile at him, a tear slipping down my cheek despite my efforts to hold it together. "Thanks, Jackson. That means a lot."

I climbed the stairs with a heavy heart, but the presence of my family brought me a little measure of comfort. I close my room door and once again face the reality of my rejection. The bond, the rejection, and the uncertainty of my future return, and I let the tears fall, finally allowing myself to break.

I can feel through these tears that, this is only the beginning. Something tells me that this is just the beginning, and no matter what happens next, I will face it with confidence. For now, though, I need to let it all out to mourn what could have been before I can figure out what's next.

Still on the floor of my room, tears streams down my face while a knock sounds from outside my door. I wipe away my tears and wonder who the visitor could be at this late hour.