Chapter eight
After speaking to the Alpha Mariah and I walked back to our cabin. ijah offered to bring us but I declined, I still couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that they were my mates.
Lying in bed, the events of the day played over and over in my mind refusing to let me find any sleep. Mariah slept beside me, her presence comforting it felt nice sleeping next to her reminded me of when I was little. I couldn’t stop thinking about Elijah, Isaiah, Austin, and Alex–my supposed mates. The idea alone was almost laughable if it weren’t so deeply unsettling. Was this some kind of joke? But anyway with the goddess gone a lot of things were out of balance.
I thought back to all the times they had bullied me, each memory as sharp and painful as a fresh wound. In elementary school, Elijah had tripped me during gym class, laughing as 1 sprawled on the floor. In middle school, Isaiah had spread rumors about me that had left me isolated and friendless. The Vandabelt twins, Austin and Alex, had been relentless, their tormenting continuing even into high school. The nickname “carrot head‘ was their invention, a constant reminder of my red hair.
The memories played out like scenes from a movie, each one making my heart ache. I remembered the times they pushed me into lockers, stole my lunch, and mocked my clothes. Each incident had built up a wall of resentment and hurt that now stood between us. How could they possibly be my mates? My mate was going to be someone that loved me with all my imperfections. That was the reason I wanted to leave this place because I knew he was out there somewhere and not in this town or our pack.
Mariah’s hand gently squeezed mine, pulling me out of my reverie. Stormi, all this must be very confusing but don’t worry I will help you figure everything out“,
“Okay“, I said and snuggled close to her.
“No quit fidgeting around and go to sleep“, she warned.
I nodded, though the knots in my stomach didn’t loosen. I still thought about the boys. Could I really give them a chance? Could I forgive them for everything they had done to me? My mind flashed to the moment earlier today when their eyes glowed yellow as they yelled “Mate.” The look in their eyes had been one of genuine shock and something else I couldn’t quite place.
But then, I remembered the library incident with Isaiah, when he had taunted me about the twins. I had slapped him, and he had been furious, chasing me out of the library. That fear was still fresh, the terror of what might happen if they decided to turn their cruelty up a notch.
I turned to Mariah, my voice trembling. “They’ve hurt me so much, Mariah”
Mariah’s eyes were full of empathy. “Take your time and think about it. Just know what ever you decide think of yourself first and know that I will always support you.
I sighed and nodded closing my eyes. Sleep was elusive, but the exhaustion was starting to creep in all the bruises Olivia and Kathleen had given me had healed and the Alpha said he was going to punish them.
It would take time, and I wasn’t sure if I had enough strength to forgive them, let alone accept them as my mates.
As exhaustion pulled me towards sleep, I held onto Mariah’s hand, then suddenly I felt a strange sensation wash over me. It was like a shimmer of energy, a presence stirring within me–my wolf. I could feel Sky’s restlessness, a mix of curiosity and agitation that mirrored my confusion.
“Our mates are here“, she excitedly said.
Suddenly, I sensed them outside our cabin. My heightened senses picked up on their presence even though I couldn’t see them. I turned my head slowly towards the window, where two pairs of glowing eyes peered through the glass. A chestnut wolf, unmistakably one of the Vandabelt twins, and a black wolf–Elijah. They scratched at the window, their actions a strange blend of insistence and caution.
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12:54 Fri Apr 11 DGO
Chapter eight
Mariah noticed my unease. “Stormi I’ve had a long day….“, she began when she heard their whining and scratches.
“Do you want to talk to them, Stormi?” she asked softly, her voice gentle but probing.
I shook my head vigorously. “No, I don’t,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. I couldn’t face them now, not after everything that had happened today.
Mariah nodded in understanding as she got up from the bed and walked to the window, her movements calm and purposeful. She opened the window just enough to address the wolves outside. She doesn’t want to talk right now,” Mariah said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. “Stormi needs to rest so do 1. So cran
The chestnut and black wolves exchanged a glance, their glowing eyes reflecting a mix of frustration and resignation as they peared at me but I turned my gaze elsewhere. Slowly, they backed away from the window, their forms disappearing into the shadows. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, relief washing over me
Mariah closed the window and returned to my side, her presence a balm to my frayed nerves. “My goodness doesn’t anybody want to sleep?” she said, her voice soothing. “You need time to process everything. They can wait.”
I nodded, grateful for her support. My wolf, though still restless, she wanted nothing more but to be with them but I don’t know how I felt it was all confusing for me.
As I lay back down, I just wanted to close my eyes and forget all this for a moment for tonight, all I wanted was the peace of sleep. But it was difficult because of the awakening bond in me.
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Visitor
I love mariah ready for war for her girl at a momenta notice
Michele Gremillion
Mariah is a strong woman. I have a feeling she knows more than she is letting on.
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