Chapter Four

It was painful. Excruciating even. My stomach churn painfully that I had never imagined. My chest constricted and I could hardly breath. The bond that once existed was no longer existing and it was slowly killing me. It was too painful to the point that it had gotten numb.

Tears soaked my face. Everything was over between us. I ended the ties between us and the chance of me having a second chance mate is quite impossible since mating is a very sacred thing and shouldn't be taken lightly. And yet, I dare to reject it.

To say I was regretting it was probably an understatement. I am regretting it. Not because I want Axcel in my life or I was scared that I might not be able to find another mate. No, no, it was actually the contrary. I was regretting it because the excruciating pain in my chest from the rejection is slowly killing me. I don't want to die yet. Not when I haven't met my younger sister or brother yet.

"God, dear. What is wrong with you?! You've been crying all day. You're much thinner than you already are!" My mom nagged, standing at the doorway with her hands on her hips. She has that worried yet annoyed expression on her face. "You barely eat, you rarely leave this room, and you don't talk to anyone! God, help this child!"

I sobbed again. Burying my face on my palms as I sat on the bed. My back against the headboard, and my knees folded on my chest.

"Mom..." I uttered, my voice was rasped due to lack of water. I was slightly dehydrated from all the crying that I've had.

Her eyes visibly softened. She walked into my room and closed the door behind her. She cradled me into her arms and gave me a warm hug.

"What is wrong, baby?" she asked as she caressed my head. I felt myself being vulnerable around her presence.

I sniffed and hugged her waist, not missing to notice the slight bump on her belly.

"Mom... why am I so unlucky?" I asked. My body was trembling as I continued to cry.

 She rubbed my back. "Hush, you're not unlucky, baby. In fact, you're the most lucky girl that was born into this world. You're beautiful that can't compare to any beauty. You have a nice personality. You're humorous, friendly, and above all, a loving child to me. You're a total package," she tried to lift up my mood.

I shook my head of disapproval. Though, I was kinda grateful because she's trying to lighten up my depressed mood. "If I am, then why did they keep leaving?"

Mom let out a shaky breath. I was referring to my father, to the males I have dated, and lastly about Axcel. 

They can't get content with what I have and could give. They are selfish assholes who can't live a day being tied to me. I am such an unlucky girl. What an unfortunate life.

"Trust me, you are not, baby. It just happens that you come across the wrong person at the wrong time. Everything happens for a reason, trust me. And when you finally meet and get into that perfect time, everything will get into the right places; including the right person," she said softly. "So cheer up, okay? I know that most of the time I am not there by your side, but you can always count on me. I got your back, hmm? I love you and you're the reason why I continue fighting despite all the challenges I went through. You're my luck, my precious daughter, and I am more than lucky to have you until this very day."

I lifted my head and took a peak on her face. She has watery eyes and a solemn look on her face. She cupped my cheeks and wiped my tears. "I don't want to lose you, Aurora, so please. Will you stop crying for me and start moving forward?"

Eventually, I was convinced with my mother. It was just too hard to resist her, especially when she pulled up that pitiful look on her face.

My mother was extra careful with me today. She bathed me, dressed me up, and even fed me. It feels like I was rather six years old than sixteen that I am today.

"You'll be joining the dinner tonight, alright?" she said. "Your brother, Axcel, will be joining us, too."

At the mere mention of that son of a b*tch, my whole body stiffened. He'll be joining?

A lump was suddenly stuck in my throat. I wasn't sure if I was ready to see him. After what happened during our last encounter, I wasn't looking forward to meeting him.

But remembering my mother's words. I should start moving on. Maybe it will help me heal quickly.

I took a deep breath before forcing myself to nod.

It's definitely going to be a tough night for me. And yep, I wasn't mistaken.

Sitting across my seat was Axcel. The atmosphere was thick and awkward. It has been three days since that incident happened and I've heard he hasn't been home since that day, which I was glad for. But now he's here, my stupid heart couldn't help but to throb painfully. My wolf whimpered in my head, missing the touch of our mate. But I blocked her off and focused on my plate instead.

"Again, you're playing with your food, Aurora. I didn't raise you like that. Stop doing that and eat your meal," my mom scolded me. When I looked at her, she had that embarrassed face. 

I pursed my lips and looked at her and the alpha apologetically. Alpha Marlon smiled understandingly.

I sighed and forced myself to eat. From the corner of my eyes, I could see him looking at me intently. But I didn't look in his way.

"Where have you been, Axcel?" Alpha Marlon started the conversation. 

Without taking his eyes off of me, he replied, "I stayed over Andrew's house to catch things up."

Lie. He's probably went around fucking every she-wolf around this pack. What a bunch of lies.

I clenched my jaw.

"Really, you should've invited him over here instead. With that, you can accompany your sister at the same time. You know, touring her around and introducing her to some of our members. Right, Ana?"

"Yes, that would be a great opportunity for you to know each other more. After all, you two are gonna be brother and sister once Marlon and I get married. Besides, Aurora is really a lonely kid and I'm afraid she can't get any friends around here. So your company would be highly appreciated if you agree to it. But of course, we won't force you, Axcel, dear."

I gritted my teeth and furrowed my brows. I understand that my mother only wants the best for me. She wants a fresh environment for me so I could live peacefully, but deciding what I want or not without discussing it with me beforehand is making me annoyed. Especially because it includes the asshole of a guy named Axcel.

"It's quite alright for me, Ms. Carter," he replied after some time. My head snapped up at him. But then he averted his eyes on me and looked at my mother. "It'd me by pleasure to tour my sister around," he said, emphasizing the word 'sister'. 

It makes me somewhat sick in the gut upon hearing it. My mother's eyes practically brightened up. She broke into a huge smile. "Great. Thank you so much, Axcel. And oh, you can call me Auntie Ana if you're okay with it. Ms. Carter is way too formal."

"Sure, Auntie Ana."

I threw a look of disbelief in Axcel's way. No way he's being serious right now. After what happened between us, will he agree to be around me and act like a good step brother as if I never rejected him?

There were a lot of questions running in my head that I wasn't able to express due to how shocked I was. I was speechless and beyond dumbfounded. 

But all those unspoken questions and confusion in my head suddenly vanished and was replaced by irritation when I caught a sight of Axcel smirking.

Now, what was he planning?