Chapter 25

Emma’s hand danced across the keyboard as she typed the message: “They’re acting strange… I mean the twins. Ever has done something to them. They don’t even see me. What do I do?” After double-checking the message, she hit send. The response came almost instantly as if Damien had been waiting for her message.

“Drink the vial I gave you; it will neutralize whatever is wrong with them, he replied.”

Emma stared at his screen, her heart pounding. She had not intended to use the Vial on herself, but if it were the only way to break through whatever spell Ever had cast, she would do it. 

Before she could make a move, the door to the venue opened once more, and her parents walked in. The arrival caused a ripple of whispers among the guests. Emma felt a surge of relief mixed with dread as they made their way toward the high table.

Her father’s face was calm, but her mother’s sharp gaze swept over the room, landing on Ever and the twins. Emma watched as her parents approached the trio.

Her mother’s voice carried across the room, sharp and commanding. “Ever,” she said, her tone cool but laced with authority, “what exactly are you doing with the Alpha’s sons?”

Ever smiled, her expression unfaltering, but Emma could see the fear in her posture. Rising gracefully, Ever addressed their parents. “I’m simply enjoying the evening with them,” she said, her voice smooth and innocent. “Is that a problem?”

Emma’s father stepped forward, his expression unreadable. “It’s unusual, given the circumstances,” he said carefully. “You know this event is more than just a feast, it’s about bonds and tradition.”

Ever’s eyes flickered toward Emma for a brief moment before she replied, “Of course, Father, but surely you don’t expect me to ignore them when they’ve been so kind as to accompany me tonight?”

“Kindness has its limits, Ever,” their mother interjected, her gaze sharp and unyielding. “Don’t overstep it.”

“What is happening? What caused all this commotion?” Jayden was forced to talk. 

“I’m sorry to disturb your festival, Alpha,” Emma’s father began, his voice steady but firm, “but I just want to inform you that Ever is not supposed to be in this position. She is not supposed to be here.”

The twins exchanged confused glances. They knew, without a doubt, that Ever smelled like their mate. So why was her father saying otherwise? It didn’t make sense.

“That doesn’t make sense,” Kale said, his brow furrowing. “She smells like our mate. So what are you talking about?”

Ever’s father remained composed, his tone unwavering as he replied, “She may smell like your mate, but that doesn’t mean she is. What you are feeling is a deception, an illusion. Ever was never meant to bond with you. Her purpose is something else entirely.”

People exchanged glances between them and murmurs echoed from different angles in the hall. 

“What are you talking about?” Jayden demanded, his voice sharp with irritation.

“She is to be your blood donor,” Ever’s father declared bluntly, his gaze piercing.

A hushed murmur swept through the crowd. The twins’ confusion deepened as Kel echoed in disbelief, “Blood donor?”

“Yes,” Ever’s father pressed on. “Her role is to strengthen you, not to be bonded with you. If she claims otherwise, she is trying to protect herself, manipulating the situation for her gain.”

Ever’s eyes widened, tears welling up and spilling over. She clutched her chest dramatically, her voice breaking as she cried out, “How could you say such things about your daughter? Why are you trying to ruin my happiness?”

The twins, still partially swayed by Ever’s scent, glanced between her and her father, torn and unsure of what to believe.

“Enough!” the Alpha commanded from where he was sitting, his deep voice cutting through the noise. “Ever, stop this scene. You are drawing unnecessary attention.”

Ever’s trembling hands remained at her sides as she tried to appear composed, though her fear was evident. 

The Alpha turned to Emma’s parents, he stared at them for more than a minute before nodding twice. “Follow me.” He commanded, his tone was firm and left no room for argument.

The parents stepped forward to follow the Alpha, leaving the murmuring crowd behind. Once they were in a corner, the twins’ father turned to Emma’s parents, his voice sharp and demanding. “Explain the situation. Why does Ever smell like their mate if she is not?”

Ever’s father sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping as if the weight of the truth bore down on him. “It is a long story, but the truth is, Ever tampered with a sacred bond. She manipulated their senses to make herself appear as their mate.”

The twins’ father frowned deeply, his brows furrowing in disbelief. “Why would she do such a thing? To gain power?”

“She wanted to bind herself to them for influence, to position herself in their lives where she doesn’t belong. But the real mate is Emma,” Emma’s mother interjected, her voice steady but laced with disappointment. 

Emma’s father continued, his tone resolute. “Emma is the one with the ability to see the future and predict what is to come. Her gift is something that can benefit your pack in ways Ever never could.”

The twins’ father rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his piercing gaze shifting toward Emma, who was still at a distance, unaware of the conversation. “She can see the future?” he asked, his voice measured.

“Yes,” Emma’s father confirmed without hesitation. “Her visions have guided us through countless challenges. She is the one who is truly destined to stand by your sons’ side.”

The Alpha considered this, his expression shifting from skepticism to intrigue. His sharp eyes softened slightly as he nodded. “So you mean it is Emma who can see the future?” He questions his search between the two. 

“Yes my Alpha,” they replied. 

 “If that’s true, it changes everything. Emma as their mate would be a significant advantage to the pack then.”