IRENE'S POV
The pain I felt was like a deep hollow of nothingness that delved deeper and deeper even when I tried not to think about last night. The image was engraved in my head.
I hadn't slept a wink. I sat up in my bed all night with my thoughts all over hell's half acre. My shoulders were slumped and my hair was let loose to drop down, covering the side of my face.
There was a knock on my door but I didn't lift my eyes from the sheets. The knock sounded again and it took a while to recover. I lifted my gaze and sighed, drilling a hole into the door.
I didn't want any visitors. I simply wished to sit in my bed all day but that couldn't happen. I muttered a weak "come in," and mentally mocked my sorry tone.
"Luna?" A maid stepped in and I locked eyes with her. She gasped with her eyes going wide for a brief second before she lowered her eyes.
Did I really look that bad in just one night?
"B-breakfast has been served and the Alpha's mother has asked me to come fetch you," she stuttered.
"I see," I sighed again and started to drag myself out of bed. My knees were weak from holding me up. "Bring out something for me to wear and... Some make-up for my face."
"Y-Yes, Luna!"
I showered quickly and dressed up fast. When I stared into the mirror, I shook my head at my sorry self. My eye bags were bad and there were dark circles too. I looked like I had been crying all night.
The maid helped in applying the pancake and covering it up. I thanked her and rushed for breakfast after practicing my smile in the mirror.
I was going to act like there was no weight in my heart and no turbulence in my head. But my smile froze when I got to the table.
Lexie was laughing with Aunty and Karson had a smile on his face while he ate- that was something that had never happened.
"Oh, Luna," Lexie's voice was high and she sounded elated. "You're here. We've been waiting for you. Breakfast is almost cold."
She was a very pretty young woman with bob brown hair, an oblong face, love shaped bow lip and her body figure was very matured. Her boobs were bigger than mine and so were her thighs. This was probably Karson's type.
What was she doing here? Why was she here? She had no right to be here- unless...
"Lexie, here, joined us for breakfast," Aunt explained. She probably read the confusion on my face.
"Sorry, if it's uncomfortable for you," Lexie said and nervously rubbed her hand on her neck.
I saw it.
She knew I saw it.
The band-aid on her neck was no joke. I had lost Karson and she was making that clear.
****
She didn't have breakfast with us every other day. It was just that one time but it sent a clear message to me. My days in his life were numbered.
I went down for breakfast with a thudding heart and anxiousness in my womb.
Their silence was taking a toll on me. I wondered if it was their plan to drive me mad so they could find an excuse to kick me out but Karson didn't need an excuse to get rid of me. He could do it whenever he wanted since he had found his mate.
So why was he holding back? Why were they keeping their affair a secret?
My thoughts were ferocious and they showed no mercy. A minute of idleness and I was sinking deep into depression. I picked up more work than usual. An attempt to keep my mind occupied and busy was starting to weigh down on me.
I left my office by 2a.m. every day, only to return by 8a.m. I had no complaints whatsoever but after a week, I noticed the workload started to reduce. The usual heap of files I arranged for myself were halved and I was rounding off sooner than I wanted.
"Raphael, why is there so little work to do?" I voiced my complaints to the Gamma of the Pack. He was arranging a few files for me to check out and I was already frowning at how little they were.
"Shouldn't you be happy?" He asked instead. "You've been working too much of late," he was one of the few who could speak freely to me despite my Luna title. He was a good friend of mine despite still being Karson's Gamma.
"I'm not complaining," I told him. "What happened to all the work?" I wanted to sink into work and nothing more. It was my only means of escape at this point.
"Well, Alpha Karson shared some of your Luna duties to Lexie-"
"What?" I must've misheard. I refused to believe my ears. "What did you just say?" Raphael met my gaze with caution. He was probably debating whether or not to repeat that. In the end, he did.
"But, I don't understand... Am I doing something wrong? Did I make a mistake somewhere-"
"No, never. Irene, you're perfect. You've been doing everything right from the very beginning," he encouraged, pulling me out from the hands of criticism that my thoughts had wrapped around me.
"Then why? I am Luna. Only Luna should handle Luna affairs," I said more to myself, trying to understand the situation and give reasons why it wasn't even making any sense.
Raphael glanced away for a moment and my heart sank. "You've been noticing it too, haven't you?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't want to tell you so you wouldn't worry so much," He made an apologetic face. "I simply carried out the order. Maybe you could ask him sometime," he suggested. "Would you like to go for a walk? To clear your mind at least?"
This was happening too fast for me to wrap my head around. I swallowed hard as I looked around my office. Since when was there a deputy Luna?
What was Karson's aim in all of this? Was he trying to ridicule my position or make me know my place?
I nodded and he smiled, turning away immediately. "Would you like ice cream or sandwich along the way-"
"R-Raphael?" I called and stepped out from behind my desk. He was already at the door when he turned to face me. " Let's go for a smoke break instead," I needed another form of distraction since Karson had taken this one away from me.
"What do you mean?" He asked, sounding suspicious.
"I want to smoke too."
*****
My workload reduced as my deputy Luna took her work seriously. Day by day I did less work but I occupied myself with smoking in my bathroom whenever I could.
It was relaxing and it helped me let out some steam.
I was in my room by 6pm. that evening, smoking again when I heard a knock on the door.
I froze for a moment, looking at the door with furrowed brows. I wasn't expecting anyone. Plus Karson never came here. He had his own room now.
"Who is it-"
"Irene, dear? Can I come in?" Aunt Teresa's voice had me slamming the cigarette on the ashtray. I carried it to the bathroom and dumped it in the sink.
I rushed out and grabbed my perfumes, spraying the air with my heart beating wildly in my chest. After I sniffed the air and made sure the cigarette smell was gone, I took a deep breath and opened the door.
Her shiny face and warm smile came into view. She stood in a composed manner with her head tipped up. Aunty could never be caught without the aura and grace of a queen.
I ushered her in with more enthusiasm than normal and I hoped she wouldn't notice.
"You finished your duties a little early. That's good. Why didn't you come over to my room so we could talk?" She wondered, heading to the dropped curtains. "It's quite dark in here," she mumbled to herself and spread the curtain open.
I raised a hand to shield my eyes from the light. I preferred the dark and gloomy area. It was a perfect place to hide my shame.
How could I even look at myself in the mirror and call myself a Luna? I was a sorry excuse for one.
"I didn't want to disturb you with my issues," I intertwined my fingers over my thighs as I stood by the door with my eyes on the floor of where she was.
She turned her body in my direction, "Oh? That's a first. Is something going on?"
Something? More than enough was going on and I doubted Aunty even knew half of it. "Not at all," I shook my head. If Karson wouldn't tell her, then I wouldn't dare to mention it.
Aunt Teresa was a supportive mother to both Karson and I. I wondered how she would react to Karson finally finding his mate. I wouldn't want to put her at a crossroad.
Actually, I think I just couldn't bear the thought of Aunt Teresa picking Lexie over me. It hurt that Karson already did but it would hurt me more and rip my heart out if the only mother figure I've known all my life were to discard me like I meant nothing.
"It's your birthday tomorrow," she announced. "Did you forget?"
"Oh," a day I had always looked forward to was now insignificant to me. "I guess I did."
She sighed, "Perhaps are you working too much, Irene?"
I almost scoffed with my vision blurred with tears, "No, that's impossible. I'm not even doing nearly enough."
"What do you mean? You work everyday and you're doing good," she defended. "Are you crying again?"
I couldn't help it. My chin was trembling as I tried to hold back my tears. It felt as though a dam was about to break. I felt like a worthless piece of crap. Karson couldn't even trust me with Luna duties anymore, he handed them over to that other woman.
What was I thinking? I was actually the "other woman" in their relationship. I was an outsider who could never take the place of his mate.
Not that I even wanted to try- far from it! I just wanted Karson to acknowledge my love for him and my efforts to make him happy and satisfied. Was that really too much to ask?
I was in Aunt Teresa's embrace by the time I recovered myself. She wrapped her arms around me as I tried to control my sobs.
"Don't doubt yourself so much, my dear. Everything will be just fine," she reassured and I nodded even though I knew things wouldn't be fine. They would only get worse and worse with each passing day.
I made up my mind to confront Karson about what he had done rather than allow myself to wallow and sink further into self pity and doubt.
Aunt Teresa left after informing me she would be returning from a short trip tomorrow evening to celebrate my birthday with me. I took a shower and by evening I was heading to Karson's room. My head was throbbing from a dull headache that had become a constant thing every evening for a week now and my temperature was quite high.
I made it to Karson's room and after practicing controlled breathing up to five times, I knocked.
"Come in," his voice was soft and it made my heart melt. For a second there I wondered if he was expecting someone else.
I walked into his room with his scent hitting me first. It's been a while since I stepped into his personal space. The last time I did that, I nearly had a heart attack from what I saw.
Karson was seated on his king sized bed with his head turned to a document. He had moved back to his old room. While everything was familiar in here, the one thing that wasn't was this hot man in nothing but his dark blue pants.
I almost drooled just by staring at his chest and bulging muscles. When next would I get to touch his body-
"I suppose you didn't come here to stare, right?" His voice interrupted my thoughts and gone was the soft tone that I had received outside the door.
He was back to his usual self and cold tone especially with the way he gazed at me with no atom of smile on his face.
I summon my courage, "Right. I came because I need answers. You handed part of my duties to Lexie and I'd appreciate it if you could tell me why."
His brow arched in a silent question, "It's been a week already. Why is it suddenly so important to know?"
He was right. I had taken too long to question him. I should've headed into his office the first time I heard the news.
"I know. I've only been wondering if there was something I wasn't doing right," I stated while trying to keep a straight face. "So I took the time to look inwards and question myself-"
"There's no need for you to do that, Irene," he tilted his head. "You've managed the Packs finances very well while making sure there's adequate supply of everyone's needs." His compliment left me stunned as I never expected it from him.
"Then," I took a step closer. "Why is Lexie acting as a deputy Luna? It is unheard of that Luna's duties are given to someone else. Is there something I should know-"
"If that'll be all, I'd like to get back to my duties now. As you can see," he lifted the document slightly. "I'm still occupied."
I gaped at him in shock. He was openly dismissing my question about Lexie. Was this what it had come to?
"It's my birthday tomorrow," I announced with my eyes on the sheets, wondering if he had ever taken Lexie here and did to her what he did with me during the night of our mating ceremony.
Was he more passionate and gentle? Did he hold her after-
I let out a harsh breath as there was nothing but silence. He had turned his attention back to his work and it showed that I wasn't needed here anymore.
I quietly left his room and I doubted he even noticed that I was gone.
I spent the night with a high fever and a headache but by morning after throwing up a few times, I realized what my condition was.
I threw out the cigarettes and got rid of the ash tray. I got naked and stood in front of a mirror. My breasts were fuller and my nipples had spread and were wider.
Karson would've noticed if he had spared me a minute or more of his time for a little visit.
I needed to get out of here. This place was no longer my home. It was only a matter of time before Karson would welcome his mate to his side and she would be made Luna as soon as possible.
There was nothing left for me here; not in the pack and not even by his side. I did the only thing I could do at this point; the only thing Karson would appreciate and probably love me for someday... I ran.
IRENE'S POVFIVE YEARS LATER"Carl! Karin! Mummy's leaving!" The nanny announced with a loud voice and in less than two seconds, two preschoolers ran out with their chubby cheeks.The boy- Carl- was holding his favorite dinosaur toy with his black hair disheveled on his head. His smile was wide as he ran out and his arms opened wide while Karin- the girl- had her usual frown on her face. She practically glared at everything as she approached.I squatted before the couch as they approached me. I wrapped my arms around them, pulling them into a hug when they got closer."M-Mummy," Carl stuttered excitedly. When I pulled away and stared into their faces, Karin was wearing a smile. She only ever smiled when she was around me.The nanny was already complaining that she was scared of her. But what could a four year old do to a full grown woman?"Karin, did you pull your brother's hair again?" I arched my brows and she tensed with her smile freezing on her face. Her dark hair was in two pony
IRENE'S POV"Irene?"I blinked out of my shock at Alpha Lucas's worried tone. His grip on my shoulder was strong and the look on his face was one of concern that made me wonder just how long I spaced out. But given the way my heart was pounding and my palms sweaty, I think I would rather ditch that thought and head home right now.I could feel his stare on me. I felt choked. My past had finally caught up with me. Why did I agree to come here again? I wished I could take back the hands of time. I would turn Alpha Lucas down and spend time with my kids instead.I glanced back at Karson and I sucked in a breath when our eyes met again. No doubt he recognized me despite how different I looked now. It was easy to recognize Karson. I mean how could I forget the man who made me run away from the only home I've ever known but still gave me two beautiful departing gifts without even knowing?Was he here for that? I clenched my fists by my side. There was no way Karson could've heard about them
IRENE'S POV"You were gone for quite a while," Alpha Lucas said the minute I got to the receptionist to take my room key. The other Alpha's around were already heading to the elevator and I spotted Karson standing next to the entrance with a phone to his ear. He had his back turned to us."Irene," Alpha Lucas sighed. "Are you sure you're alright?" He asked, looking worried. "You've been acting off ever since we got here. Are you worried about-""No!" I yelped, slapping a hand over his mouth all of a sudden. My yell caught the attention of everyone around and they stared at us in shock. I turned my neck slowly to see I had gained Karson's gaze as well.He squinted his eyes at me and then at the Alpha who was already holding my wrist. Lexie walked in with her eyes trained on us and I withdrew my hand sharply. "Sorry," I apologized and took my key from the desk."Do you want to talk about it?" Alpha Lucas asked. "We can go get a drink if you'd like-"I shook my head, "I'm sorry. I think
IRENE'S POVI was drenched in cold sweat immediately but even under his watchful eyes, I took a deep breath and relaxed my shoulders."Yes, my dear?" I answered in a sweet and calm tone. I didn't miss the way Karson recoiled in a bit of shock. He seemed to be having trouble deciding how to react but his fists were clenched by his side."I miss you too. Yes, I'll be back soon. I only stepped out for a little while," I said into the phone, reducing the volume to the barest minimum. I couldn't take my eyes off Karson. Not just because he was naked- it was still strange staring at him in all his glory. He looked ready to go again- I lifted my eyes to his own immediately even as my face flushed. I didn't want to be caught leering."Make sure you get enough rest, okay? Okay, good night," Fuck! I lost my train of thought. Where was I? Yes! It wasn't just because he was naked, no. It was the way he stared at me or rather, the way he glared at me and at my phone. Was he pissed at the call I wa
IRENE'S POVI fell back on the bed with a hand draped over my face while I pressed my phone closer to my ear. The ringing sound of the call was cut short and Nanny May's groggy voice came through."Oh! I'm so sorry!" I quickly apologized. She sounded like I had just pulled her out of a very deep sleep. "I didn't realise you had gone to bed already.""No, it's fine, Irene. I only just went to bed. I tucked the kids in thirty minutes ago," she said, sounding much better than earlier."Well, they just called me that’s why I thought you'd still be awake-""What!' I jerked the phone away at her shocked tone. "I could've sworn they were already asleep. I mean I checked up on them like ten minutes ago and they were sound asleep.""It's alright. They do that sometimes," even after tucking them in for the night, Karin would wander to my room and pull a prank by yanking the sheets off me. She was overly energetic most times."I'll go check up on them again," she suggested. "I was also going to
IRENE'S POVI could feel his gaze on me the minute I stepped into the conference room. There were many Alpha's and Beta's around so how he still managed to find me with his eyes made me wonder if he had been waiting for me for a while now.I took the leisure of looking around the room and when my eyes landed on him, I could swear my heart skipped a beat. Maybe I was just startled that our gaze met but even with that, I had to admit that Karson in a suit was freaking hot.The look on his face was hesitant that I glanced at his feet, hoping it wouldn't move. After what happened last night, I didn't think I was ready to talk to him.As if the woods sex wasn't enough, I dreamt about it all night. His hands, his lips were touching and caressing me everywhere. I felt like a pervert just standing here.I quirked my head when his feet moved and I saw he was still looking in my direction.The room was suddenly too stuffy for me and I felt I would choke on those penetrating eyes. I looked aroun
IRENE'S POVWith their attention turned towards something more interesting, the conference decided to take the time to investigate the rogue. Alpha Lucas was silent all through but he gave his permission in the end.I guessed the reason for his silence was that he too wanted to get to the bottom of this. It was just strange to see him this deep in thoughts."We'll work together. We'll divide into a few teams and get on with the investigation.''"Alpha's are allowed to pick their team members and they are also in charge,''That was no new information. None of the Alpha's here would actually let someone of a lower rank lead them. I moved closer to Alpha Lucas, it wasn't a debate that I was part of his team but the stare that Karson threw my way was enough to make me halt.Surely he wasn't thinking of putting me under him, right? He wasn't supposed to want me that much, right? What the hell was he planning this time? I couldn't catch a break around him. Why wouldn't he just take his eyes
IRENE'S POVI led Alpha Lucas out of the bar and while he walked majestically beside me, putting up a tough front before the others, I knew he was really drunk. I still had my hand on his wrist, carefully pulling him along."Where are you parked?" That question was directed to myself more than him. I didn't think he would be any sober to help right now-Surprisingly, he pointed to a spot and dug out his keys. With sloppy eyes that closed every second, he handed them over and sighed. I could only imagine the hangover by morning. He drank three months worth of beer, even his wolf wouldn't help him out of this."Thanks," I took the keys and I noticed his car where he directed me. First things first, I put him in the backseat and made sure to fasten the belt. I didn't want him throwing up all over the seats if there was a slight bump on the road.I got into the driver's seat and I started the car. I drove out of the bar and shifted the rearview mirror, checking up on Alpha Lucas in the ba
IRENE I don't remember being so stretched to my limit.Oh my fucking goddess! What was this position?I took deep breaths to steady myself, trying to relax around him. I could feel the death grip my pussy had around him and I worried I'd snap his dick in half.This was beyond delicious-- fuck!He watched with an intense gaze, studying my every reaction. I waited for him to say something to mock my pause but he didn't. He was struggling too, trying hard not to grab me. He gave me time to adjust and I took it, slowly rocking my hips back and forth.His eyes twitched, shutting close for a while and his jaw clenched. It was beautiful to watch him struggle for control so I did it again and again, until I was moaning gasping for air.When Karson opened his eyes again, they were gold. I felt hot having two people watching me. His wolf and him. They both tuned into my show like it was all that was worth watching."You feel so good," I whispered, a silent praise and admiration but my voice br
KARSONSeeing Irene get in control was the highlight of my night besides still tasting her sweet pussy on my lips.The way she kissed her was down my body, twisting her waist seductively was making it too hard to keep my hands from grabbing her.I had to restrain myself with the little self control I managed and my own tight grip. Speaking of tight-- fuck! I couldn't wait to sink my dick into that tight, wet, slimy pussy. My fingers in there were tempting enough, it took a lot of dedication and her sweet nectar to keep my lips there instead of slamming home like I should.I relaxed into her touch, letting myself get swept away in her seduction as she continued to lower herself. Her boobs dragged and kissed my body, her tight nipples trailing a path.I wanted these babies in my mouth again. I was suddenly thirsty for them.When she touched my dick, I jerked. Her fingers softly wrapped around me."You sure about that?" I tried to keep my voice straight but damn, she was affecting me wit
IRENE My back hit the mattress, causing my heart to fly to my mouth but I caught a whiff of his scent and finally relaxed."Who else would touch you like this, Irene?" He mocked, hovering over me in the dim room. He threw his shirt over his head, tossing it aside and I licked my lips as wetness pooled between my legs.I was eager for him, yearning for his touch-- I didn't realize how much.He caressed my cheek, kneeling between my legs. I came up on my elbows, mesmerized by the silhouette of his body and figure.He was hot and it didn't take much for me to drip in my underwear. I heard his sharp intake of breath and I nibbled my bottom lip, suddenly feeling shy."What about the kids? I need to check on them--""Been there. Done that. There's nothing for you to worry about," his hands roamed my body, pushing my shirt up and helping me take it off."In fact,"--I didn't realize I was eager to get naked-- "Oh Goddess!" I moaned, falling back on the bed when he sucked one of my nipples,
IRENEWe each went back to our respective rooms that night, begrudgingly too.I woke up early the next morning, making the snacks for our picnic and finishing up the work from yesterday since my day was ruined and I couldn't be productive anymore.Karson got the car ready and tied up some loose ends. We set out for a drive on the hills dressed in light clothes due to the sun. He kept them busy with some songs from our childhood and they sang happily.We got to our destination and I spread out the blanket while he helped with unpacking the food. "Please tell me you didn't bring your makeup box, Irene," Karson begged in a whisper, trying not to let the kids hear."You're safe. For now," I teased him, chuckling at the heavy sigh he released."And you are too. Don’t think I forgot what you did to me yesterday, " he narrowed his eyes, feigning hurt and anger."I was looking out for us," I explained. "You know you don't stop until the sun comes up.""No one asked you!" he grumbled, walking
IRENEI closed the door as they stepped out of my office. Lexie refused to take a seat, standing behind my chair with her arms folded. "Did you call me all the way here to watch you kiss Karson--""Maybe," she growled, fists clenched by her side. "I see you can't stand my pups. How about I show you the baby making process?""Shut up! Admit it, they were a mistake!" my eyes twitched. "Karson never intended to have pups with you--""Double it," I repeated. "Was what he said again so… where are you getting your facts from?" I was eerily calm, I was surprised at my own calmness. My wolf boiled inside me, wanting to bite off her head and chop off that face she thought was everything."You can spread your rumours about me, Lexie but it wouldn't change anything. I'm going to be Luna and you're just going to be that…" I searched for a better word. "Nothing. You're going to be nothing."I enjoyed it as her face twisted in jealousy and hurt. She couldn't even hide it to save her fucking life. I
IRENE"Mummy! Uwaaaah!"My thoughts scattered, panic and confusion setting in. Where was Mirabel? What happened to them? Did I trust the wrong person?"Let me see you," I cupped their faces, scanning them from head to toe with my heart beating twice as fast. "You're okay, you're okay. What's wrong? Why are you crying?"They rubbed their little hands over their eyes, sniffing profusely and shaking in their sobs. I snapped at the guards at once who flinched at my stare. "Someone start talking or else," I growled."Where are they?" Karson was running to us, panic on his face and fear. Seeing him made my lips tremble. Now I too wanted to sob and lean on him. What was this pathetic attitude? It felt like since daddy was here, we could all lay our complaints."Where is she?" Karson's cold tone iced the halls and now everyone was afraid. "Did I suddenly go deaf or did you lose your tongue?" he threatened.Where was who? Did he know something I didn't…"Oh Goddess, Luna!" Mirabel rushed over
IRENEKarin and Carl looked startled by my little outburst and I regretted it as soon as the strong tone left my mouth. "I'm sorry," I quickly recollected. "Who told you that?""They were talking about it. Some moms," Carl reported, carefully this time as if watching for my reaction. I rubbed his arm to ease him, doing the same for Karin, urging them to speak."They said a wolfless Luna."Ah, shit! I just knew it. My heart sank to the bottom and I forced a smile underneath the panic inside. "It's okay, baby. It's okay. Wolfless mean uhm… someone who has no wolf."They blinked their innocent eyes at me. "Is there someone like that?""Come on, get in bed and I'll tell you," they jumped to the bed, excited to hear a new tale. I tucked them in with my heart still pounding loudly. Laying on my side, I stretched one hand over them above their heads."Well, once upon a time, there was a really beautiful young girl. She was so pretty that everyone admired her. She had eyes like you, nose like
IRENEIt was just the first day and I was already hanging by a thread but it turned out alright in the end. They agreed to give me a chance, each warning me not to mess things up.With my past record as Luna, they knew they could count on me to win everyone over again, but what would truly seal the deal was Karson's mark.Was I ready for that? I guess that was why I was here to find out.I rubbed my temples as I walked out of the office at the end of the day."You look drained," Anna said on alarm. "My goodness! It used to take a workload for you to look like this each day.""Tell me about it," I muttered. "Can I have something to drink, please? Like hot chocolate.""Coming right up. I'll meet you in the little Alphas room," she said all too excited and bounced off."Little Alphas?" I repeated the odd thing. Well I guess she was right, it was just too soon for that and I didn't want to start any trouble.I dialed Nanny May as I walked down the hall, keeping her up to date with my well
IRENE A few hours later, the pounding in my skull was unbearable. I knew it wasn't going to be easy to fall into things, but I didn't expect a meeting right away.I was seated at the long wooden table, trying hard to keep a neutral look on my face while the others present tried to tear at me with their words.The council of women. The one a Luna of every pack was supposed to be in charge of.Once upon a time, they had my back, ready to support me and teach me the ways I should know."She has no right to sit at this table, Luna. You of all people should know that!" Margaret's arms remained crossed over her chest, a heavy disdain on her face that she threw my way."She disappeared. Left our pack like she had no reason to be here. She was Luna! That's the next rank after an Alpha. You know how important that is--""Yet, she's here again. Isn't that enough? What do you want from the poor woman?""Actions have consequences and we all know what that means."I gulped heavily,"She is to be