CHAPTER 2: HOW DO I EXPLAIN THIS?

Violet's POV

"Vi, what's going on in your head?" Tilly asked helping me undress.

I didn't answer. I couldn't. How could I one day confess to my pups of the truth? They wouldn't understand. It would be worse if I painted their father as a monster. The people of Koda loved him. So, I would look untrustworthy.

"You know, it's not easy doing what you did, but at least you are free," Vidalia interjected. "You wouldn't understand! Where’s your mate? Huh? That's just it! You've never had a mate! You couldn't possibly understand!" I snapped hurting her feelings. "I'm sorry, would you prefer being hunted, raped, abused, and unable to see your children? By any means, I'll pray to the Goddess that Killian raises himself from the fucking grave!" Vidalia surprisingly said earning a hard smack from me in which she returned. "How dare you?!" I shouted going for her neck before Tilly intervened. "Please stop you two!" Tilly begged. "She can't help being an ungrateful cunt! After all, she had Antionette for a mother. No wonder she’s crazy!” Vidalia spat.

Before I could lunge at her, Tilly's mate, Beta Aiken grabbed me by the waist to restrain me.

"Like your whore of a mother was any better! Tell me, did you just forget that Lady Ruby tried to poison me and had sex with MY mate, Killian? Why are you even here?" I asked through tears. "I-I, she paused suddenly eating her words. "What? Nothing? GET OUT!" I ordered her and she obeyed ashamed.

I stopped thrashing in Aiken's arms and nearly fell to the floor. It wasn't until Oscar barged into my new living quarters that I wiped away my tears.

"Vi, I'm so sorry. I just heard. How are you holding up?" Oscar sweetly asked taking me into his arms. "Why do I feel like such a horrible she-wolf? It hurts so bad. It feels like my world is falling apart?" I cried. "Hey, hey, it's going to get better. I swear it will. Shhh," Oscar replied. "It won't," I continued to sob. "How do I tell my pups stories of their father and leave out the part of me killing him? They will hate me! I cannot live with that," I said standing to my feet. "You don't have to tell them what you've done. No one you don't trust was around to tell them otherwise. When my mate died, I wanted to end it all. I suffered everyday with the decision of ending my own life. It wasn't until I met you in the market that I had another reason to live," Oscar sincerely replied. "I-I didn't know," I stammered. "It's true," Tilly interjected. "I first met Oscar at the Fertility Festival and he told me the same thing. Vi, we are all here with you to help you raise those two beautiful pups of yours," Tilly added grabbing my free hand. "I can't do it alone," I whimpered. "Well, I guess it's a good thing you don't have to," Oscar said pulling me into an embrace.

I felt better knowing what a strong support system I had in my family. Things would be better once I knew that my brother, Lawrence and my mother were alive and well. I needed to convince him to turn himself in. Maybe Tavi would be lenient on my behalf.

"Vincent will be executed tonight. Are you sure you're up for this?" Tavi asked peeking her head in my chambers. "He's never been a father to me. Yes, I'm ready," I boldly said stepping toward the doorway.

I was shaking. What was I saying?

“Okay, accompany me to the Throne Room then," Tavi said through clenched teeth. "Are you and Essex still fighting over that strange female?" I asked cocking an eyebrow. "She's his sister, Alexis. He somehow failed to mention that his sister was...different," she sighed. "Different? How?" I asked intrigued. "No more on the matter. I'll see you once this son of a bitch is dead. Go mend things with your sister, Vidalia. You know she is not her mother nor her father. She's probably the most neutral of your whole fucked up bloodline," Tavi chuckled before walking away.

I stared at her before inwardly smiling myself. She was right. Vidalia didn't deserve my rage. I was hurting from the inside out, but me blaming and attacking her for no good reason wouldn't solve a thing on my end.

"Move!" Rose shouted from behind me. "Just drop it! It's not going to change anything!" Taysia shouted back at her.

Whatever they were arguing about seemed serious. Either way, I would be happy when everyone who didn't belong here would just leave.

Rose's POV

"You're not listening! Get rid of it!" I shouted finally grabbing my sister, Taysia’s attention. "NO! How could you even suggest that?" She asked hurt. "Are you sure it's his?" I asked grabbing the bridge of my nose in frustration. "Of course I'm sure! I haven't been with anyone else!" she snapped. "I thought...I thought the physician said you may never have pups?" I stammered. "Don't you see? This is a gift to honor Lex from the Goddess. Maybe we were meant to be after all, but Tavi killed him!" Taysia growled angrily. "Whatever you are thinking, forget about it!" I warned her. "Don't you want Essex back? Huh? If we rid ourselves of that selfish Queen our troubles would subside. She took our statuses and your rightful mate in one night. Now that I've gotten this sign from the Goddess, we must help Vincent escape. He can help us kill the bitch!" Taysia said meaning every word. "ARE YOU INSANE? Absolutely not! He's a bigger monster than Lex!" I exclaimed in horror. "There's not much time. Just think about it, Rose," she said rolling her eyes. "How exactly would you even get to him? You sound bonkers, dear sister," I said shaking my head in disapproval. "Everyone isn't loyal to the Queen," she shrugged.

I studied the seriousness of her expression. It was dark and determined. The feeling I had didn't sit right with me. It was evident that Taysia was pregnant before Lex assaulted her. She made us all believe that it was a joke to keep Lex, but now I know she just wanted to gage his reaction to fatherhood.

"Taysia, I'm not losing you too. Need I remind you how bad this could he really bad for you and your pup. Don't you remember what happened to King Athelstan's mistress, Donyale after she murdered Alpha Queen Lenora? She was ostracized and forced to hide herself and her pup from society never to be seen again. Is that what you want?" I asked placing my hand her still flat midsection.

I think I finally got through to her. That was a relief.

“I promise I won't intervene," she sadly smiled before hugging me from the side. "I'm just happy you'll always have my back," she added before walking away from me.

I hated that we no longer held statuses, but we still had our home. That clearly would change if anyone found out the paternity of Taysia's pup. That couldn't happen. I would do anything for my family and. Was starting to feel desperate. I only hoped that Taysia wouldn't do anything stupid. What she spoke about was treason! She would be beheaded if she went through with it.

An hour later...

I was trembling with nerves. Taysia looked suspiciously pissed off. I hoped she hadn't done anything that could t be undone. Just as I had her back she had mine. I looked over to Essex who stared down at Octavia with pure and raw love.

My heart broke, but it crumbled seeing my true mate, Aiken holding that Matilda she-wolf whom I despised. Guilt immediately left me and pride filled me. No regrets!

"WHERE IS HE?" I heard Octavia growl.

I snapped my neck toward Taysia who did the same. We both held expressions of ignorance and surprise, but we both knew the truth.