07 Eviction Notice

~Winter~

Another two months passed, and Summer and I never discussed the planned robbery. It was as if it was a forbidden project, and we shouldn't discuss it. 

Although Brandon had stopped sending the food support, we could still feed ourselves. Regardless of the calmness of the situation, Summer and I had it at the back of our minds that we would have to leave Hayland eventually. 

Brandon had stopped troubling me too, but I knew it was Lesley's doing, not his heart's desire. 

I was still healing, and the ordeal with the orphanage had kept me occupied. 

We baked more than usual, and the people patronised us often to support the orphanage. If baking could secure our roof, I wouldn't be so apprehensive.

Returning from a bread delivery, I noticed Brandon's car parked at the orphanage's gate. A lump formed in my chest, and it felt like something was squeezing my heart. My pulse quickened, and a sense of nervousness enveloped me. The apprehension only intensified. Despite the false smiles and the insistence that everything was okay, I knew pain and fear lingered beneath the surface. Spotting his car outside made it all too real. I hoped he wasn't approaching me again, as that scenario was becoming tiresome. Moreover, his constant interference could make us a target for Lesley. He needed to release his grip on me. The faint bond between us remained a mystery, but its origin didn't matter to me anymore.

It was six in the evening, and I knew the children would have supper. 

 I took several deep breaths and walked into the building, ready to be shocked. 

The building was an old wooden house, and the floorboard creaked when we walked, but it was our place, and we were grateful for it.

Somehow, I wished I never accepted the bond. I wished I had recognised the class difference and asked Brandon to release me. 

Somehow, I knew we might not have had the present issue we had, and he might have helped us. I guess the emotional involvement and the whole thing ruined our chances of a happy life in Hayland. 

Note to self: Never get involved with the people in charge. Even if he wants me, I vow never to encourage it or give in.

 It was silent when I entered the house, and I wondered where all the children had gone. The long bench-like dining section was empty, and Summer was sitting across from Alpha Brandon and Luna Lesley in the corner by the living area. 

Summer was crying, so I knew it could not be good. The fact that Lesley was with Brandon meant it was bad news. 

I walked up to them gently, my heart thumping in my chest. Though I did not wish to show any respect, I knew I needed to do so for the children's sake and the roof we have over our heads.

"Alpha, Luna," I said, respectfully, and Lesley pointed at the empty chair across from them, beside Summer. I sat there, my hands were shaking, and even though I tried to mask it, I knew they could see it. It was obvious. Why couldn't they just leave us alone? 

"Hello, Winter," Lesley said with a fake smile.

I had no qualms with her; I had accepted defeat and decided she had Brandon all to herself now. There was no way I would show anger. Showing anger would mean she had gotten me where it mattered, and I would not give her the satisfaction. Lesley seemed like someone who got off on people's pain and heartache. I was going to make her starve of the satisfaction.

I looked at Summer and frowned at her. Wondering why she was crying.

"What is going on?" I linked her.

"They are pulling complete support, Winter. We will lose our home. We are barely feeding as is," she said, linking me back and sniffling.

"I'm certain your friend has briefed you on the situation by now," Lesley stated, and I glanced at her. Brandon remained utterly silent, appearing as though he had lost his ability to speak. His eyes pleaded with me, but my attention was fixed on his wife. It was evident that she held the reins now.

"Hayland isn't very rich, and I cannot waste my money on an orphanage. I have told my husband my reasons already. We need things that would bring income, not take it, and this place is a drainage for funds," she said. There was a condescending edge to her tone, but I took it.

"All I can see is that you dream big and aim above your station. Both of you," She said, pointing to Summer and me.

"What business do two street riff-raffs have running an orphanage? You can barely take care of yourselves, let alone other people. Lunas run orphanages, nobles, Royals, and people from wealthy homes; they are the ones that have enough to give to the poor, not street girls like you. How many breads and cakes can you bake to keep them? I saw what they were fed this evening. Lentil soup and bread. The children look a bit hungry and unkempt. I will advise you to stop this charade," she said, and I looked at her.

"And send them where? Where will they go?" I asked her, and she was silent. I guess she didn’t care.

"I agree with you; poor people like us should never aim above our station, but don't tell us we have no right to care for people like us. All these people that you are talking about can't help everyone. Where were they when these children were roaming the streets and sleeping in the cold, going for days without food, shelter or security? The system does not favour everyone, Luna. I can see you were dealt a beautiful card, unlike the rest of us, but don't be blind to the plight of others; what we are doing here is little. We are trying to give these children a future," I said, looking at the empty dining table.

"Places with low crime rates are how they are because they care for such people. Leave them to roam about and fend for themselves, and they become dangerous people, that is, if they grow up. Most of them don't even make it to adulthood. So yes, we might be poor and below your class, bloody bakers and street riff-raffs, but we are doing all we can to make a little difference in our world," Summer said to her.

Lesley smiled, seeming untouched by our words.

"That was why you were desperate enough to want to trap your alpha," she said and grinned at me.

"Is prostitution part of your profession? I know there are a lot of pimps in Brighton," She said, and honestly, I would have slapped her, but I kept my patience.

"Don't go there, Lesley. Do not insult them," Brandon warned her, but she had him by the balls. She bought him, after all. He was useless.

"Don't interrupt me, Brandon, or you know what I will do," she said, and he was silent. She returned her attention to us.

"I mean, you begged Brandon to claim you and be with you. He fucked the shit out of you yet could never sink his teeth in, except for that scent,” She said, scrunching her nose as if she found it repulsive.

“I bet you begged for that, too. It's too bad it will be your undoing because no one would want a marked wolf. You placed your bet on the wrong horse, Winter,” She said, grinning. I didn’t say anything. I had made peace with myself on that. Unsatisfied with my response, Lesley continued to speak.

“ He did not need the bluemoon to claim you, but even he knew it was wrong and you weren't worth it…" she said, laughing.

"That is not true, Lesley. The only reason I didn't claim Winter was that I wanted it to be special. The blue moon would have made it special. Had my lands not been threatened, I wouldn't be with you, and you know it. So stop insulting Winter and her friend. Stop it. You own this land and this building now. I get it, but don't insult them," he said, standing up to her. 

"But didn't she beg you to claim her? I heard she pleaded with you for it. You know people talk, especially Omegas," She said, and I was mad at her.

"Well, that is not true. We were fated quite alright, but I never begged him to fuck or claim me. I believe you do not have the real story, and I do not know why anyone will tell you that. It is irrelevant," I said. Her words had brought back memories. I was indeed a fool.

I was hurting.

Hurting that she could reduce what I had with Brandon to nothing. Yes, she won, but ruining the time I had with my fated like that was wrong. It was painful, especially when I had decided never to fall in love again. Even if I dared to, his scent on me would always be a hindrance.

"Anyway, all that is irrelevant right now. The bond is severed, and they are both free; there is no need to try to resurrect dead bones. Let us discuss what you came here to tell us about the orphanage. You said you are pulling support," Summer said, helping me with a comeback. Although my bond with Brandon wasn’t fully severed, I appreciated her stepping in. Lesley interlaced her fingers with Brandon's.