Extremely Burdened

Adelia's Pov

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I was surprised to see Leah still in my room when I returned from my run. The run had been needed to clear my head but even at that, I could still feel choked and extremely burdened. How could my family do this to me? How could they ask me to reject my mate? My heart was heavy and my wolf was tensed, I could feel her agony. 

To be honest, I was confused. I didn't know what to do. My father had just threatened to kill Aiden and knowing who my father was, his words were not to be taken lightly. He would surely do what he had promised. This made me very scared and confused. 

"Where have you been?" Leah jumped up from the bed when I walked in. Her face was clouded with worry. 

But I ignored her question because I was in no mood to talk. I didn't even know why she was still here. It was late in the night and she should be at her house. The sight of her in my room was pissing me off. I didn't want to talk to anyone.

I walked past her, heading to my closet where I pulled out my nightwear.

"I'm talking to you, Adelia." She walked to where I was and held my hand. 

I pulled it away. Hurt flashed on her face but it soon left and pity was what replaced it. It angered me all the more. I didn't need anyone's pity. I just needed a solution.

"I heard what happened, Addy." Leah grabbed my hand again, holding me tightly so that I struggle to release myself.

"What did you hear?" I finally pulled my hand away and she sighed.

"The Luna was in your room earlier. She wanted to talk to you but she saw me instead and she told me what happened."

"So she wanna talk now." I couldn't help but scoff. She was all quiet back then and wouldn't even look at me. But now she wanted to talk. I didn't want her talking to me. The only conversation I wanted to have was a reverse of my father's statement. He should take it back.

"You can't blame her, Addy." 

"And what is that supposed to mean? Why shouldn't I blame her?" I snapped at Leah. What was she saying? Who was I to blame if not my family?

"You know they want the best for you. In fact, I feel the moon goddess has finally decided to show you some mercy. Aiden must have been a mistake. You have Rio now. He's the new alpha and boy, he's hot as hell. He's everything you need."

"Stop!" I yelled at her, placing both of my palms on my ears. "Stop spitting trash. What's your problem?"

"No, what's your problem?" Leah stood in my face, her eyes flashing as she stared at me. "I'm only stating the truth and you know it. Aiden is no good. You should be thankful there's someone else."

"I thought you of all people should understand me better but . . ." I shook my head. I was disappointed. I couldn't believe she was saying this to me. I had always known she wasn't a fan of Aiden but I never knew she would go as far as this. 

"I do understand you, Addy but. . .just as you feel for Aiden, you'll feel the same way for Rio."

"How?" I barked at her, leaning forward so I was staring her right in her face. "I got marked, Leah," I whispered. "In case you forgot. Now tell me," I folded my arms. "how will you feel if I asked you to reject Derrick? I'm sure you will find your second chance mate too so you don't have to worry. Just reject him too. Let us both reject our mates!"

"At least my mate isn't. . ." She trailed off and my eyes twitched with anger. 

"Say it, I dare you." I was ready to tear her off if she said the word.

It was a good thing she had enough sense to keep her mouth shut because I really would have attacked her if she said the word. I was sick and tired of everyone speaking ill of Aiden. They didn't even know him. 

"Just get out!" I walked past her, hitting her by the shoulder and walking to the bathroom. I didn't want her in my room when I was out.

"So what you gonna do now?" She blurted out, stopping me in my track. "Your father is gonna kill him. I know you don't want him dead. Rejecting him is better than having him killed. If you go on like this, then he'll be declared a rogue and killed before your eyes."

My heart squeezed in pain as the reality of what she said dawned on me. She was right and I knew it. My grip on my night dress got tighter as I fumed in anger and pain. I didn't like feeling helpless.

"I understand how you feel, Addy, but there is no other way. Your father has made up his mind and he has the approval of your family. Your hands are tied now."

"Just shut up, Leah. Shut the fuck up! Don't tell me you understand how I feel when you don't. None of you understands how I feel. If you did, y'all wouldn't treat me this way."

"That's not — "

"Get out!" I cut her off. I was tired of listening to her nonsense.

"Addy!"

"Get the fuck out, Leah!" I yelled at her and her eyes narrowed.

"Adelia, you don't get to talk to me this way!"

"Of course I do. If you don't get out now, I'm gonna throw you out."

"Is this what I get for waiting behind for you? I could have left."

"I didn't ask you to stay."

"I wanted to make sure you were fine."

"And you're making me feel worst. Just go. Go, Leah. Leave." I walked to the door and pulled it open.

Leah watched me, hurt registering on her face as she stared at me. Then she let out a sigh.

"Alright. I'll go. I'll just return tomorrow when you're much calmer." She walked to the door.

 

"Please, don't." I shook my head. 

"What?"

"I mean it." I held her gaze so she would see how serious I was about this. I didn't want her coming back. I knew what she would say when she returns and I didn't want to hear it. 

Leah stood by the door for a moment before shaking her head and walking away. I shut the door after her. 

Now that I was alone and all by myself, I allowed myself to break down again. Slowly, I slid down the door and dropped to the floor, burying my face into my palms. 

 

This was all Rio's fault. If he hadn't shown his cursed face to my father and opened that useless mouth of his, none of this would have happened. Couldn't he find a mate among his wolves? Why me? I didn't even feel any form of connection. No mate bond whatsoever. No tingles shooting through my arms and travelling around my body like they did when I was with Aiden. There was nothing. Absolutely nothing to tell me he was the one. Was he lying? Did he just make this up to get my father to sign a peace treaty with his pack? Why then did I feel nothing?

All I wanted was Aiden and him alone. He was the one my wolf longed for. 

My heart shattered as I thought of my misfortune.

"What are we to do now?" I asked my wolf. 

I could mind link my wolf internally because my wolf had a mind of her own even when she mostly agreed with me. But I didn't think she agreed with me this time. It was like she knew what I had decided to do and was warning me against it. But what was I to do? I didn't want Aiden to die because of me.

"Please, don't be mad at me." I pleaded with her.