CATRIONA
I jolted awake with a loud gasp, sweat dripping down my face. I was still down on a large cold marble floor. Didn’t anyone hear my fall? Anyway- That’s not the case to be concerned about. I forced my still-numb legs and dragged them into the elevator and to Gabriel’s room where I didn’t find him. Where could he be right now? This is such a huge house that’s divided into multiple parts, which gives me difficulty to know where to start to look for him. I don’t even know who his beta is to ask because I came to learn werewolf betas are the closest to the alphas.
“This man has to die and you can’t stop it. It’s his destiny.”
“Are you ready to lose the child growing in your womb?”
Those two utterances came rushing back into my head, petrifying my body with chills. I pushed them behind me and went on with Gabriel’s hunt. I’ll protect him, necessarily. He doesn’t deserve to die like that. Especially in his stepmother’s hands. How does that old man expect me to just stay still and watch his stepmother…. I can’t allow it. That’s not me.
As I aimlessly wandered around, my gaze fell on someone I wish I didn’t ever meet even in my second life.:Gabriel’s stepmother.” Her gaze met my burning eyes. If flames of outrage could burn someone to death this woman would have been no more. How could a person hate someone so much to such an extent?
“Is there something you want to say to me?” She asked.
Yes, I snapped. I opened my mouth to let her know I know her scheme but a sudden pricking pain jacked me down with a loud cry. Gabriel’s stepmother looked alarmed, wide-eyed. “Are you all alright?” She asked as she made steps toward me. Stop right there. I snapped, making her more alarmed. Confused. Please don’t come near me. I added.
Okay, but are you sure you don’t need my help? Before I could unpleasantly answer her, Miss Olivier hastened to me and helped me up. What happened, child? Are you okay? She asked. Not sure but I’ll explain everything to you once we are in the clear. She nodded slightly as we walked away.
Once we were in her room, I detailed everything, from the first dream I got, to Gabriel’s stepmother’s scheme, and to what I think was a dream I had a few minutes ago. I knew something was off with that woman. Says Miss Olivier. But for what that man said- she paused. What about him? I asked, agitation menacing. They’re essentially significant. The little I know is that they are part of you in another way or the other. They don’t appear unless it is necessary and when it comes to you, they appear with wrath.
Their wrath and them being part of me is all useless to me. You guys keep throwing them in my face as my protectors, guardian angels, whatsoever- where were they when I got rejected from the world? Why didn’t they protect me from rejection? Huh. Why didn’t they protect my mom if they knew she was the one I had? If they want me happy, then why are they stopping me from rescuing the man I love from the den’s death? They didn’t appear where I thought I would need them most. Don’t you think they’re not real?
They’re real. And the only way to prove it is for you to take a pregnancy test. I busted into laughter. She winced. Are you for real, Miss Oliver? Of course, I am not pregnant. It’s been over a month since I miscarried. There is no way I am. Child, if a woman miscarries, she can become pregnant in two weeks or less. Before you confirm the pregnancy, don’t tell Gabriel anything. What if I delay and that woman’s scheme executes and then turns out I am not pregnant? Miss Olivier, my life will be in anguish until my last breath. Miss Olivier cupped my face in her hands, nothing will happen, child. Pull yourself together and think positively. Alright, Miss Oliver. I tell Sandra to get me a pregnancy test. But still, I am worried about Gabriel. I’ll go check on him if it will ease your mind. I nodded gratefully at her gesture and headed out.
I found Sandra in the kitchen having a cup of coffee while watching something on her phone. She noticed me and paused whatever she was watching, looking at me with a smile. Sandra, I need your help.
Sure. She replied.
I need you to get me a pregnancy test now.
O. M. G, Catriona. Are you…!
Don’t jump to conclusions. I’m 100% sure I am not, but I need proof.
Alright then, wait here. I’ll go get it.
In less than twenty minutes, Sandra was back with the tests. Not one but two of them in her hands. That was quick. I said as she approached me. I brought an extra just in case. I took the tests with me in Miss Olivier’s room where I found her dozed and went straight to the bathroom. I followed the instructions, set the timer and sat on the toilet waiting impatiently. Five minutes passed and I threw an eye on the pregnancy kit on the sink. There is no way I am pregnant. “But… what if I am.” How will I be able to cope with it, after what I went through during my last pregnancy? The idea of being pregnant again sank in and I started trembling. The timer’s peal rattled me and I chucked the phone away.
Catriona child, is that you? Miss Olivier asked, her tone twitchy. Yes, Miss Oliver. Am sorry I woke you up. Her silence told me she dozed off again. I ambled over to the sink, outstretched my quivering hand to the test stick and flipped it in slow motion only to see a “pregnant, 3+”. The motion took over my body that I went down, landing on my ass, Knockin on a few things. The bathroom door was instantly opened and Miss Olivier entered, spooked.
I’m doomed, and terrified, Miss Olivier. What do I do now? The test says I am 3-4 weeks pregnant. That means that man was telling the truth. And it means Gabriel is going to die or lose this child if I warn him. Miss Olivier, I went through so much pain when I lost my babies. I still feel that pain whenever I think of it. Miss, Olivier, I can’t go through that pain again. And I can’t let Gabriel die. What if this child is his? How will I face my child in the future when he or she asks me about their father’s death? How will I tell them that his stepmother killed him, that I knew but I was afraid to lose them? I verbalised, tears rolling down my cheeks.
You will keep your child, and Gabriel will be saved, only if you agree to leave him for good. Says Miss Oliver. I don’t understand. I said, furrowing my brows. Intervening in Gabriel’s destiny will put you at risk but if I do intervene, you’ll be safe the consequence is to stay out of his life so am I and your brother.
The decision is for you to make. Decide now because we have to leave before sunrise.
She finished and I gave her a long stare.
Were you not sleeping when I came back? I asked. She nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. “Were you talking with that old man?!
When you blamed them for your suffering they felt really bad and the only way they could make it up for you was to make me intervene in Gabriel’s destiny so that it won’t affect you and your child. Think about it and let me know
There’s no need to think further. If staying out of his life is the only way he will stay alive then I will do it.
Alright, child. I’ll get Edrine, and our stuff ready before I tell him. She lightly patted my hand before heading out. I curled down into a ball, resting my head on my knees as tears ran down. I don’t want to think how painful it is because my emotions might be an obstacle in his living.
Evan helped us load the suitcases in the trunk as Miss Olivier, my brother, Sandra, and I hopped in.
Soon we were at the pack house and I was a little surprised when my brother didn’t ask me nor miss Olivier any questions about why we left. He liked it there and I can see he was not happy. It was late but the security at the pack house was very tight.
I’m a little thirsty, I’ll get some water real quick and I will join you guys. Go ahead and take your time. I will lead them to the guest room. Sandra said, taking them away already.
I got the glass from the cabinet and filled it with mineral water, guzzled it before putting the empty glass down on the kitchen island, thinking about how Gabriel must be feeling now and what he must have done to his stepmother and his brother. He must’ve known by now that we left… without saying goodbye. I left… without kissing him goodbye. Without… thanking him. I’m the worst mate ever. As I was about to turn around, someone from behind pushed me back hard, crashing my belly on the island.
I will never let you give birth to his child.