Lia’s POV
My cheeks still hurt from the hot slap i received from Jayden, this was the first time he hit me and it was all because of Holly.
I walked for miles until i found myself in front of my mother’s house, the place that had once been my refuge.
I didn't know why i came here… maybe it was desperation or the need to be comforted.
With trembling hands i rang the doorbell, moments later my mom opened the door and she looked surprised… irritated rather.
“What are you doing here at this hour?” she asked bluntly, “And what happened to you face? Why are you crying”.
I didn't answer right away, i couldn't find the words to explain, “I… i needed to talk to you, i said weakly”
She led me to the living room and motioned for me to sit on the couch, she sat opposite me with her arms folded. “What happened Lia?” she asked again, her voice suddenly colder. “You look like you’ve been through hell?” She added.
I opened my mouth to speak but the words stuck in my throat, i didn't want to say it. I didn't want to tell her Alpha Jayden had slapped me and thrown me out because of another woman.
But my mother wasn't the kind of person that would let silence linger on for long, “Spit it ou Lia… You didn't come here just to sulk on the couch, did you?”
I took a deep breath and forced the words out, “Jayden… he— he’s with Holly. He slapped me. He doesn't care about me, Mom. I never think he really did, he asked me to leave and come back when…”
My mothers eyes widened in anger as she cut me off, “So you left your home for another woman? How stupid can you be?” She asked with her voice carrying a hint of frustration.
I recoiled at her words, a rise of bitterness washed through me, i wanted to scream at her, to tell her how selfish she was. But i didn't, i simply nodded an looked down at my hands feeling her words sting so bad.
“You were never good enough for him, Lia” My mother continued, “But that doesn't mean you should just give up. No. You are going to go back and beg him. Your ared going to fix this or you will lose everything”.
I looked at my mother in shock, “Beg him? — After everything he has done? He slapped me mom!” My voice quivered as fresh tears welled up in my eyes.
“You are being dramatic” She snapped. “You need to swallow your pride and go back. If you really want to be wit him then you have to show him you are sorry. Apologize. Make it right!”
My head spun in disbelief. How could be this cold?
“Mom, no” I shook my head. “I cant go back to him, I wont beg him. I have my dignity”
She leaned i closer to me, her eyes darkened in a way i knew too well. ‘You will go back Lia , and you will beg, you will stand in the rain if you have to. You are going to be Luna and nothing is going to change that.”
She stood up and pulled me up. “Now leave my house and go fix hings”
Her words hit me like a punch in my guts, Everything — that she cared about was th title, the power and reputation. To her, Jayden was the prize.
I stood up, i didn't wait for her to say anything again, i turned and walked out. The air outside was cold, as i stepped down the pavement— i felt droplets of rain fall on my skin but i didn't care.
I wasn't going to beg. Not for him. Not for anyone.
But as i stood there the rain soaking me to the bone, i couldn't help but wonder what would happen next. Would Jayden even care? Would he take me back if i did everything my mother said?
Her words rang in my head, “You will lose everything”
But what was everything? A man who didn't love me? A mother who saw me as nothing but a pawn in her games?
I couldn't live like this anymore, i needed to be free. I needed to breathe.
Without a second thought, i let my wolf, Eira, take over. The transformation was instant, my clothes ripped as my fur replaced my skin.
“Lets run” Eira urged.
I didn't argue. I ran as fast as i could, the wind brushing through my fur, the ground beneath my paws were wet. For the first time in days, i felt alive— free.
I didn't know how long i ran all i wanted was to escape, to leave the hurt and pain behind.
Then it happened.
The sharp screeching of tires and blinding headlights.
I tried to stop but it was too late. The car hit me to a stop that sent me tumbling, I felt pain all over my body, before i knew it i was shifting back into my human form.
I heard the slamming of the car door. “Are you okay?” i heard a voice ask.
I forced my eyes open and squinted it because of the pain and the bight light from the headlights. A tall man rushed towards me, his dark hair was wet because of the rain, his blue eyes locked into mine… something made my wolf stir weakly inside me.
“Mate” Eira whispered in my mind.
The man reached me, his movements careful and slow, “Don't move” he said with a commanding, yet gentle voice. He removed his jacket and covered my naked body, his touch sent an electrifying warmth through me.
Our eyes met and the word escaped from both our lips at the same time.
“Mate!”
The connection was stronger than anything i had ever felt, he smelled of vanilla and whiskey. My vision began to blur.
“Stay with me” he said as he lifted me without any stress.
But i couldn't . The pull was very stong as i slipped into unconsciousness, the last thing i felt was his heartbeat.
