The Forgotten Mate 16. The First Mate. As I returned to my quarters, my heart still fluttering with the memory of the unexpected laughter shared with Alpha Liam, I found solace in the presence of my dear friend, Ana. With weary steps, I made my way towards her, the weight of recent events etched upon my face.Ana looked up from her task, concern etching lines upon her forehead. "Bloom, what happened?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.A mixture of relief and sadness washed over me as I sat down beside her. "Ana, you won't believe what just transpired," I began, my voice laden with a sense of disbelief. "Alpha Liam invited me to share a meal with him, and we actually laughed together."Ana's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and caution flashing in her gaze. "That's...unexpected," she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But, Bloom, be careful. The Alpha's intentions can be fickle. We know what Leah is capable of."A heaviness settled upon my heart as the memory of L
The next morning, I received an unexpected summons from Alpha Liam to prepare breakfast for him. As I entered the kitchen, carrying the weight of my baby bump, his gaze fell upon it. A flicker of annoyance crossed his features, and I couldn't help but wonder why my pregnancy bothered him.Liam's voice dripped with coldness as he spoke, "Make it quick. I don't have all day to wait for you."I nodded silently, attempting to suppress the unease that surged within me. Why was he being so harsh? I had hoped for a semblance of kindness, a respite from the relentless cruelty I endured. But instead, his words cut deeper than I expected.As I worked diligently in the kitchen, the air thick with tension, Liam's presence loomed over me like a dark cloud. He watched my every move, his eyes filled with a mixture of annoyance and something I couldn't quite decipher."Do you need to be so slow? I could have finished the task by now," he remarked, his voice laced with impatience."I apologize, Alpha
The Forgotten Mate 18. Austin was done tolerating Liam's ill attitude towards bloom,He was done letting him control and toy with her not minding she was an expecting mother." Austin!!!!! The fact that I made the second in command in my pack doesn't mean you should try and disobey my own orders!!!" Liam said, Austin ran his hands through his hair because he was frustrated and Liam's actions kept pissing him off." Really!!! Liam don't you have compassion on the poor girl!!! She was brought to this pack without knowledge of anyone here, She accepted that fate and decided to carry on with her duties but you…You chose to be a bone stuck in her throat,Why do you gain pleasure seeing such sweet soul suffer" Austin said. He knew he didn't dare to shout or yell at Liam but now he didn't care anymore,He was going to tell Austin how he felt in plain even though Liam doesn't seem to want to listen to him regarding the issue with Bloom." Are you done ????" Liam raised his eyebrow in annoyance
The Forgotten Mate 19 My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I turned and found Austin standing there, a mix of surprise and concern etched on his face. I could see the questions in his eyes, and I dreaded what he might think of me in this vulnerable moment."Did you see... everything?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, a knot forming in my stomach.Austin's expression softened, and he took a step closer, his eyes filled with empathy. "I saw enough," he replied, his voice tinged with sadness. "I'm sorry, Bloom. I didn't expect... I didn't think Liam would..."His words trailed off, and I could sense the conflict within him. Part of him was concerned for me, his friend, while another part couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the sight of Liam's attention.I averted my gaze, unable to meet Austin's eyes. The last thing I wanted was for him to think less of me, to see me as the "harlot" that I had been painted to be by my past and the cruel words of others."I... I did
Leah stormed into the room where her brother, Austin, sat immersed in his thoughts. Her face twisted with a mixture of excitement and malice as she prepared to share the scandalous gossip she had heard."Austin, you won't believe what I've just learned," she exclaimed, her voice filled with a triumphant edge.Austin looked up from his reverie, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "What is it, Leah? What has gotten you so worked up?"Leah took a seat across from Austin, a devious smirk playing on her lips. "It's about Liam and that wretched slave, Bloom."Austin's eyes narrowed, suspicion evident in his gaze. "What about them?"Leah leaned in closer, her voice dripping with false innocence. "Rumor has it that they've been having a secret affair, Austin. Can you believe it? The mighty Alpha Liam succumbing to the charms of a mere slave."Austin's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing further. "Leah, don't tell me you actually believe such baseless gossip."Leah scoffed, tossing her head ba
As the festival of rain drew near, I found myself cleaning the halls, preparing for the upcoming celebration. My mind was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness, knowing that the festival might bring new challenges.Suddenly, I heard approaching footsteps, and when I turned, I saw Leah, my cousin, heading towards me with a malicious glint in her eyes. My heart raced, bracing myself for whatever confrontation was about to unfold."Well, well, well, if it isn't the little harlot herself," Leah sneered, her words stinging like venom. "Enjoying your little act with Liam, are we?"I tried to stay composed, refusing to show any weakness in front of her. "I don't know what you're talking about," I replied, trying to sound confident."Oh, spare me the act," Leah retorted, getting closer until she was practically breathing down my neck. "I know what you're up to. Trying to worm your way into Liam's heart with that pitiful act of yours."I clenched my fists, trying to control my rising
Leah's mind was consumed with thoughts of vengeance as she made her way to meet her cousin, Stasia. She couldn't bear the thought of Bloom getting any attention from Liam or the pack, especially after her recent encounter with him. She was determined to humiliate Bloom in front of everyone at the festival of rain and make her feel as uncomfortable as possible.When Leah arrived at Stasia's place, she found Her friend sitting by the fire, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Stasia had always been a willing accomplice in Leah's schemes, and today was no different."Leah, what brings you here?" Stasia asked, her voice tinged with excitement."I have a plan, and I need your help," Leah replied, a wicked smile spreading across her face.Stasia leaned in, eager to hear the details. "Tell me everything."Leah explained her idea to embarrass Bloom at the festival by teaming up with Asher , who had rejected Bloom in the past. Stasia listened intently, nodding in agreement."That's brilliant!"
As the day drew to a close, Austin and Leah returned to their pack, their steps heavy with tension and unresolved issues. The ride back had been silent, but the weight of their unspoken words hung heavily in the air.Once they arrived at their pack's territory, Austin couldn't hold back any longer. He turned to face Leah, his expression stern and determined."We need to talk, Leah," he said firmly.Leah rolled her eyes, crossing her arms defiantly. "What's there to talk about?" she retorted. "I did what I had to do. Bloom deserved it."Austin's jaw clenched, and he took a deep breath to control his rising anger. "Deserved it? What has she ever done to you, Leah?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration.Leah scoffed, dismissing his words with a wave of her hand. "She's nothing but a pathetic slave," she sneered. "She doesn't deserve any better."Austin's temper flared, and he stepped closer to Leah, his eyes blazing with emotion. "She's a person, Leah, just like you and me," he sa