BELLA
I was undettered by the heavy downpour and even though the road was slippery, I couldn't stop running. The only rational thought in my head was getting a cab and getting to the hospital.
My dad was involved in an accident?I still couldn't believe it but the voice at the other end of the phone had been crystal clear. My dad was involved in a ghastly mother accident and he was in a critical condition. Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, I was punched in the face by the most horrible news that could happen at this time and as I sat in the cab that I was only able to flag down after trying for almost 15 minutes because of the heavy rain, I couldn't stop myself from shaking.Not from the cold, but from the prospect of what this accident could mean.
My dad... My dad... My poor dad. I couldn't stop myself from crying and the driver, sensing what must be going on from the address he was driving me to tried to comfort me but my pain was too loud for me to even hear a thing.The drive took less than 20 minutes but it felt like 2 hours and with each passing minute, I felt like I was literally dying. We eventually got to the hospital and I barely waited for the driver to properly park before I dashed out of the car and ran inside the hospital.
When I asked, the receptionist pointed me in the direction of the operating theatre where I met Mara and her mother sitting, their faces mirroring my expression. They didn't even acknowledge me, didn't act like they could see me as they held themselves while I had no one to hold me as we waited for the operation to be over.After hours of what felt like someone was hacking my body with an axe, the operating door finally slid open and the medical practitioners had barely stepped out before I jumped in front of them, Mara and her mom hot on my tails.
“How’s he? How's my father?”
“How’s my husband?” My stepmother’s voice overshadowed mine as she pushed me aside and before the Doctor even said a thing, I already knew. I already got the answer in the grief in his eyes, in Hos hunched shoulder.
Somewhere in that hallway, someone was screaming and shouting hysterically. It sounded like me, felt like me but it also felt like I was having an out of the body experience and watching someone that looked like me mourning the sudden death of her father.
***Everything happened too fast and or happened in a blur.
One minute, I was having the time of my life with Trevor, the next, I was realizing that I was just a victim of a very cruel joke, the next, I found out that I was pregnant, the next, I heard that my father was dead and now, I was burying him.
I still couldn't wrap my head around everything but I was here, sitting on a wooden chair in the funeral house, dressed in a black gown that Dad got me a couple of months ago and I was swimming and drowning in our memories together as I watched people troop in and out, paying their final respects.
Again, I was reminded of the fact that my dad was dead and he died in an accident that happened while he was on his way to surprise me just after arriving in the country from his business trip.
I was detached all through, just like my wolf whom I hadn't felt in days. I just wanted everything to be over and done with so I'll return to the sanctuary of my room.
I was counting down in my mind when my nose suddenly picked up that all too familiar and strong scent that could only belong to a true Alpha.
Trevor was around.
Soon enough, he was walking into the funeral house, all dressed in black, his face bore no expression as he walked in to pay his condolences and Mara stayed beside him all through, clinging to him as if she was his second skin and not once did he even glance my way or notice me.
Even when he turned to leave and walked right in front of me, he never turned to look at me and Mara stayed by his sides, his hand wrapped protectively around her till they got to a corner. I knew I should look away but my eyes remained locked on them.
Even when he pulled her in for a hug, when he started whispering words of consolation that I could hear because of my wolf’s hearing, I didn't look away.
All of a sudden, my pain and anger started building and they found an outlet in my eyes. Before I knew it, tears were rolling down my cheeks again and that propelled me to stand up and force my way out through the small crowd before I started bawling my eyes out in the presence of everyone again.
I found myself on a bench outside and I collapsed on it, sobbing without care. I still couldn't believe my life, I couldn't believe how everything had deteriorated that fast.
I was still crying when I suddenly felt the warm caress of someone’s eyes on me and I whirled around to look in the direction but nothing was there. No one was there.
But someone was there. I was sure of it. My wolf even felt the presence of someone watching us but who could it have been?
And why were they watching me?
The funeral ended with my farewell speech for the only person who has ever truly loved me and while reading the speech, I couldn't help but break down because it dawned on me in its finalist then; that I was utterly alone.And I was pregnant.
***
On getting home, I was greeted with another shock. My bags were outside, with some of my clothes and shoes scattered around. I faltered in my steps, not believing what was happening, not understanding what was happening.
The four flung open and my stepmother, with that permanent scowl that was reserved for me, stepped out.
"I hope you know you no longer have a place in my house," she said, disgust written all over her face.What? I was getting thrown out? Panic built a lump in my throat, making it hard to breathe.
"Bella this, Bella that, look where it ended. You ended up killing your father! Just get your filthy things out of my house!" she barked.
I knew she had only tolerated my presence here because of my father but this was my father’s house and she couldn’t just send me packing on the same day he was buried.
"Favourite daughter!" this came from Mara as she came out, taking her place beside her mother."How were you able to leave your father's grave? You should have moved in with him," she continued, laughing dryly.
I broke into heavy sobs. I couldn't believe they were doing this."Please, don't send me away. I have nowhere to go." I said, looking at my stepmother.
"I have nowhere to go...” Mara mimicked and burst into a throaty laughter."I think I know a perfect place for someone like you," she said, pouting as if trying to recall something, “under the bridge, yes! That's where the less privileged are. You should join them already since you look like them," she said with an excited glint in her eyes.
I begged and begged but my stepmother paid no attention. I had no idea where to go from there. No friends, no relatives, nothing...just me and the baby in my womb. I knew it was the end for me. I began picking up my clothes and shoes scattered around. They had made their decision and it was final.Again, I was alone. Utterly and completely alone.
Some years later. TREVORThe burden of what I was going through held me in choke hold. Only a few months back, I was sure of my position as the Alpha of the pack. I was sure of my Luna standing by my side all through my reign. We were all waiting patiently for the Luna festival, then suddenly, Mara ditched me.I thought I had it all figured out. I went out of my way to please Mara, doing everything to keep her by my side. There were side talks about how materialistic she was. Mara was at a party almost everyday…she was either throwing one or getting an invite to one. Everytime, I had to meet outrageous demands, but all that didn't matter to me. An Alpha will do anything to keep his Luna.I thought she was happy with me. I expected a smooth sail, I mean, it was Mara. She wasn't just any stranger, she was my friend too. I made her satisfaction my priority, little did I know she would put me in such a mess. Here I was, an abandoned motherfucker in desperate need of a second chance mate.
The atmosphere was charged and I sensed a familiar presence around me. It was so strong, it sent shivers down my spine. I knew someone was behind me and it wasn't just anyone. Then there was a soft tap on my shoulder, causing my pulse to race and the hairs on my skin stood erect. I dropped the pack of chocolate I was holding as I turned around to see who it was. “Mate,” that familiar voice breathed, the same one that had dipped my world into hell many years ago.A torrent of emotions swept through my body as I stared into those deep gray eyes. Trevor! He stood there, an intense reminder of my past. His eyes, although familiar, now held a gleam of authority. He was definitely not the same Trevor from nine years ago. I couldn't name what I was feeling; bewilderment, resentment, hurt, shock _ everything came rushing like a whirlwind.And anger. God! I was so angry. The intensity of the anger I was feeling was so extreme that I could literally feel myself shaking and convulsing in ra
TREVOR.I came back to an empty space. She was nowhere to be found. I looked around, nothing. I rushed outside to see if she was there, the bottle of water still in my hand. I was consumed with tension as I caught a glimpse of her hastily driving off, at a high speed.I felt a rush of urgency in my instinct, to go after her. I finally found my second chance mate and she just disappeared! My wolf whimpered, a deep growl forming in my throat. I was devastated. I ran my fingers through my hair, circling in agitation. I had to find her!I was desperate. My wolf was agitated. I kept gasping and howling. I beckoned on my trusted pack and had them find out who the stranger was.I needed every possible detail to unravel the mystery surrounding my newly found mate.***I was not myself after the encounter at the supermarket. I growled at regular intervals. My wolf was completely on edge. The thought of her still had my pulse racing. I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that she esc
BELLA.I stormed out of the hall. Anger surged within me like a raging storm. How dare Trevor ruin such a special event for me! I was still trying to wrap my head around the "second chance mate" saga at the supermarket, now this!A public declaration of me as his mate?My wolf was wheezing as I rushed through the crowd. It felt like I could not breathe. I knew Trevor was daring, but I didn't think he could be this arrogant and narcissistic!I got out of the hall to find a crowd of reporters waiting for me, recorders in hand. They came after me like a swarm of bees."Madam…Excuse me ma'am," filled the air.I hated dealing with paparazzi, especially in a scandalous situation. Apparently they had used the main exit to block me. I quickened my steps as I rushed to the car waiting for me. I hit the driver seat with a sense of urgency and instructed him to zoom off immediately.That was not the end of it. On arriving at the hotel, there was another team of reporters. I cursed at Trevor und
TREVORThe weather was quite chill but I wasn't feeling it. My senses were heightened and I was completely on edge. My wolf kept prancing out of worry. I tried to calm myself by clenching my fist, but it helped nothing. Asking Casper to kidnap the lady didn't seem like the best decision but I knew I had to act fast or risk losing her.The thought of it made me cringe. After all that had happened, it was obvious my second chance mate would not succumb to my advances. Ralph thought I was allowing my stubborn instincts to get the best of me. But I was in a state of desperation and I would have my second chance mate, at all cost!I scanned the environment, waiting for Casper. My anticipation was palpable. I kept pacing, my wolf whimpering at regular intervals. I yearned for the sight of her. I played images in my mind, how I would explain things to her. She had to understand that she was my second chance at life and there was no way I could let her go.Casper came into my chamber, worry
BELLAI looked up sharply as he called my name, his voice, a gentle mumble. His eyes held a pool of emotions as he stared at me. I stared back, trying to see the effect the realization had on him. Recognition laced his eyes, he was awestricken.How the hell did he remember me? I thought to myself. I did a quick calculation in my head. What exactly did he remember?Hearing him say my name made my heart skip. The realization that I still had a place in his memory almost got me emotional, but this was not the time for that. I kept my head high as he approached. I made up my mind to not budge, no matter what.I drew my kids closer to me. I wasn't going to let Trevor appear from nowhere and take over them. Just like that. Who did he think he was anyway? Alpha, so what? I could feel my heart beating fast, as I held onto Cara and Craig."Trevor, why did you bring me here?" I asked, staring intently at him.He didn't utter a word. He just stood there, tongue tied. His eyes kept dancing from
TREVORI surveyed the kids, my gaze unwavering. They looked frightened, cowering before me. Their fear was palpable. I knew my Alpha voice was a powerful tool. I had use it to intimidate and control them.My heart ached as I looked at them. I hated myself for allowing my ego take over me. I didn't feel good after exerting my power on eight year old kids.I tossed a glance at Bella, she had a heavy scowl on her face. It was evident she didn't approve of my approach. It was all her fault. She pushed me too hard and I was foolish to have reacted arrogantly.As I stared at them all shaken, I was moved with compassion. I inhaled deeply, trying to get a hold on myself.My facial muscles became relaxed as I crouched in front of them, my eyes still flashing gold."Are you twins?" I asked in a softer tone.This time, my voice was laced with affection. It held promises of love and protection from an Alpha.They simply nodded, unable to look at me. I gasped, to think I had a set of twins all the
BELLAI felt handicapped by Trevor's condition. It sent a surge of conflicting emotions through me. I was gripped by anger, and a strong need to protect my children. I hated the fact that Trevor was putting me in a position where I had to follow his demand.My heart felt heavy, a cold reminder of the consequences for defying Trevor.How dare he place my kids side by side with his demands? I wondered how much selfishness still lurked in that soul. I had no choice but to let him mark me. The thought of losing my kids to his domineering presence sent a cold shiver down my spine.Trevor demanded that we remain in his house.“A room will be set for you and one for the kids,” he said, with so much haughtiness.When I argued about my business suffering in my absence, he insisted that I called my assistants to take care of things. He seemed in control of the situation and I hated it. Everything I did was for my kids. I would climb mountains and cross oceans to keep them safe.***I woke up wi