Bradley wasn’t home when afternoon came, so I took the chance to meet with my parents. When they saw I mated with Bradley, they left the pack as well and transferred to the same pack as Bradley’s. So, their house is not that far away.
When I arrived, my mom hugged me in greeting, and my dad gave me a soft smile.
“How is our bride to be?” he asked.
I nearly cried on the spot, but I didn’t. I had to be strong. If I cried right now, they would know something’s wrong immediately. I don’t want to make a scene outside, where everyone could see.
They brought me in the house and sat me down in the living room. “Well?” They said, waiting somewhat impatiently for my answer to their first question.
“There isn’t going to be a wedding,” I said, “I’m leaving Bradley. He’s been cheating on me and I need to get away. I’m sorry that I’ll be leaving you but I have to do this for me, for my sake and sanity. I hope you will support my decision, the way you supported me when I left our old pack for him.”
The silence that enveloped us was nerve-wracking. Their wide eyes looked at me with something I was surprised to see – it was shame.
“So, you found out.” My mom said.
My jaw dropped in shock, “You knew?! And didn’t tell me?!” I screamed.
“We wanted to! But he’s still the Alpha and told everyone in the pack not to tell you…” my mom’s voice was shaking with shame.
“So…everyone knows.” I said, slowly realizing that he’s been making a fool of me for the Moon Goddess knows how long.
“I’m afraid so.” My dad said sadly, “But we will respect this decision of yours. It’s the least we can do after what we had to do.”
I looked at my parents, who looked at me with that same shame from earlier. They’re ashamed of their actions, that much I understand. Everything else feels like such a diabolical plan concocted by my mate that I need time to digest it.
“We’re so sorry, Yasmine.” My mother cried, “We wanted to tell you, but…”
“He’s the Alpha.” I said blankly. They nodded, not looking me in the eyes.
I stood up to leave, my parents following close behind.
“I have to go. I need…I need space.” I said.
“Yasmine wait – “ My mom was cut off by me opening the door. My heart sank when I saw Bradley’s car in front.
“He told you to tell him if I went to you, didn’t he?” I said, deflated. Turning, I saw them nodding.
“Great.” I said, “Will you tell him what we talked about too?”
They shook their heads slightly, giving me a small knowing smile, “He didn’t order that.” My dad said. And at that moment, I’ve never been so grateful in my life.
I walked out the house, acting disappointed in my parents. My heart felt heavy, this may be one of the last times they’ll see me and their last image is me acting betrayed by them.
When I got in the car, Bradley took my wrist; his grip was hard enough to bruise.
“Why are you sneaking to your parents’ house?!” He growled.
“Is it wrong to visit my parents?” I said, trying to get out of his grip, but it was too strong.
“Why did you want to see them? Tell me.” He demanded.
It took all my energy to lie, “Wedding plans.”
“Why didn’t you include me?” He asked, his voice so demanding it was edging to his Alpha command voice.
“You’re – “ I swallowed, trying to find half-truths to say, “You’re always busy. Besides, brides are supposed to take off the wedding plans, right?”
His face morphed into realization and his grip loosened enough for me to pry my arm away. But he quickly got it back and kissed my already bruised wrist. “I’m sorry, I’m just….after last night, you scared me. I thought you were going to leave me.”
“I thought you were going to leave me.” I said, another half-truth.
“I will never leave you, Yasmine. You are my Luna, my mate. I love you.” He said with sincerity, it made my heart ache.
“I love you too.” This time, it’s the whole truth.
“How about this, I’ll take you to that meeting right now? If we leave now, we can make it.” He asked.
I looked at him, really looked at him. His eyes are still full of hope and love. If I give myself some time to forget all the things that happened in the last 24 hours, I would have believed that those eyes were truthful and sincere.
But I can’t. I can’t forget the last 24 hours.
I look down at my bruised wrist. I swear I could see his fingerprints on it.
This has reached a point of no return for us.
“Of course, I’ll go with you.” I said, with as much of a real smile I could muster, “Whatever you want, I’ll give you, my Alpha.”
