Chapter Seven

Even though the weather was cold today, somehow I was sweating. I kept cleaning my hands in my dress because I was trying to find a way to keep myself busy.

Hayden was in front with the children, while the guards secured us from all corners as we headed into the pack house. Where his stepmother and her son lived too.

Suddenly, it felt like five years ago, nervous and giddy, Alex, the cleaner's daughter, entered the house with Hayden's hand on hers. So trusting, I believed the smile on their faces and shared a hug with Ann, who told me to feel free to call her mother that day but warned me not to call her that a few days later when Hayden was not present. But I was a fool then, and I endured all that, telling myself that it was an honor to be a member of this family.

I sighted the swing that I always came in the evening to clear my head and blame myself for wanting my fantasies instead of making do with what the moon goddess had given me, but after every sacrifice, all I got was a be