Rejected By My Mate, Chosen By Fate
Chapter 107

As soon as we got closer to Crescent Moon, I instantly cautioned Nevaeh on the dos and the don’ts for when we get there.

“Nevaeh dear, we’re about to arrive at another pack and while we are there, you must not call me mummy for any reason, do you understand?” I began.

“But why?” She questioned with big round eyes. Of course, she’s just a little girl so there’s no way she’ll understand. I’ll just have to replace a way to explain it.

“Um…. Well, it’s….. It’s a new game I came up with. It’s called pretend. And we’re going to start playing the game as soon as we arrive at our destination. While we’re there, you’ll pretend to be someone else’s daughter and I’ll pretend like I’m not your mother in front of everybody else but when we’re in the room, we won’t play the game. You mustn’t tell anyone about our game and no one should replace out we are mother and daughter or else you’ll lose the game. You want to win the game, right?” I asked, amazed at how quickly my brain had come up with that.

“Yes! I want to win, I love winning. I also like this game very much, we’ll play pretend and no one will know. You’ll see mummy, I’ll win this game.” Nevaeh said cheerfully and I smiled back at her.

Thank goodness, I already have her cooperation. That was actually much easier than I had anticipated. Now I just have to arrive there, replace out the necessary things, maybe see my family again and be on my way. It’s simple enough in my head, I just hope everything goes as planned.

Just then, we arrive at Crescent Moon and are welcomed at the border by the scouts when we show them the official letter from Alpha Richard.

We’re quickly escorted to the Pack house by two of the scouts and I’m pleased to see that it’s gotten much bigger than I remember. No matter what, it’s good to see development in my place of birth.

We’re directed into the pack house and I follow quietly, pretending like this is my first time here. The scouts we met don’t seem to recognize me and I don’t think I’ve seen them before as well. They must be new.

Well it’s better that they are new because if they had recognized me, they might have created a fuss because I was banished from this pack after all and it would have taken a great deal of explaining to let them know that I’m only here on official business.

As the Alpha, Zephyr will at least be level headed enough to let me explain my purpose for being here.

We stop in front of a door which I quickly suspect to be the Pack meeting room or rather the throne room.

“Please wait here while we inform the Alpha that you’ve arrived.” One of them instructed and I simply nodded.

They went into the room and while we were waiting outside, I thought to quickly remind Nevaeh of our little game because the moment of truth has finally arrived.

I stooped down a bit and whispered to her. “Nevie, my darling. We’ve arrived at the place so now it’s time for our game to begin. Do you remember the rules?” I asked just to be sure.

“Yes mummy.” She called and I frowned.

“Oops. I’m sorry, I forgot. But if I can’t call you mummy, what should I call you then?” She questioned and I paused for a bit, I hadn’t even thought of that. There’s not much time for contemplation, I’ll just have to figure that out later.

“We’ll talk about it once we’re in the room but for now, don’t say anything.” I said and she nodded. I’m just thankful that she’s decided to be on her best behavior. It’s quite funny though, she’s in her father’s pack and she has no idea. It’s best to keep her away from Zephyr and all his madness, she doesn’t need to know about a father that abandoned her even before she was conceived, especially when she already has a father who seems to love her even more than me.

“You’ll have to stay here with the others while I go in and talk to somebody for a moment. Be good and don’t cause any trouble or run off anywhere.” I cautioned and she nodded.

“I’ll be good, I promise.” She said and I kissed her forehead. “That’s my girl.” I praised before standing up and just then, the door opened and one of the scouts came out.

“You may come in Miss but just you, since you’re the envoy.” The scout said and I nodded.

“Sure.” I said before turning to Linda, one of the maids who had accompanied me here.

“Watch Nevaeh for a bit.” I instructed and she asserted. “Yes, princess.” She answered and I nearly facepalmed myself. Didn’t she know she wasn’t supposed to call me that while we were here? I can’t tell why but I just don’t want Zephyr to know about my personal life because once he replaces out one concrete detail, it’ll be easy to dig out the rest and I really don’t want to risk it.

I had cautioned my daughter but had forgotten to do the same with the rest of my retinue. That would just have to wait.

I followed the scout into the room and as l slowly did, I could feel my heartbeat accelerating by the minute. I had been thinking about this moment for a while but now that it’s finally here, I’m suddenly feeling so hesitant, my stomach is knotted up in tight notches, the adrenaline coursing through my veins and I can feel my face getting paler. I thought I had defeated this fear but apparently there’s still a little bit of it within me and walking so slowly behind the scout isn’t helping.

“Alpha, I present the envoy from the Kizmet pack before you.” He announced before giving way for me and as I slowly walked to the front, I saw Zephyr’s eyes widen like never before and his mouth was on the verge of dropping. His reaction didn’t help me at all, I instantly assumed that it all sprung from his anger of having to see me again but no matter what, we’ll just have to put our differences aside for now.

I had formerly thought of finally telling the truth of what happened six years ago and finally defending myself from all the accusations leveled upon me but now that I think about it, what’s the use? He hadn’t even made an effort to believe me or replace out the truth in the past so what is the guarantee that he’ll believe a word that I have to say now just because I can actually speak? It’s not like I even have any evidence to prove my innocence, everything happened six years ago and it would just be impossible to redeem myself now, I just have to forget about it. As long as I know that I’m innocent and my true family believes me as well, it doesn’t matter what others think. There’s no use opening up old wounds, I should just focus on what I came here for and leave as soon as possible.

I quickly cleared my throat and Zephyr fixed his expression as well, assuming one of seriousness. I would just have to keep it as formal and precise as possible.

“Good day Alpha. As you know, I’m an envoy from the Kizmet pack. I’m only here for one task and we are both aware of what it is. An unfortunate incident happened recently, your group was attacked while on a hunting trip and as a result, you lost some of your best warriors and I understand how devastating the situation must be. So I’m here as a representative of my Pack to replace out how we can be of assistance to you in this difficult time.” I spoke smoothly, even shocking myself. I hadn’t been sure that I would be able to say a single word fluently in front of Zephyr but I guess my confidence came through in the end. It also helped that I wasn’t looking at him at all and was just thinking about Kayden the whole time.

When I looked up, I saw that Zephyr had another shocked expression, something in between surprise and fascination. He looked frozen for a second before he finally spoke, even spluttering over his own words which really surprised me.

“I….. I…. Yes.” He stuttered before pausing and clearing his throat before continuing. “I really appreciate the kind gesture from the Alpha of the Kizmet pack, not many people would do that which he’s doing now and it’s very commendable. I…I would also like to thank you for taking the time to come here.” He thanked me and I was left stunned for a moment.

Is Zephyr actually thanking me for showing up here or am I perhaps daydreaming? It has to be the latter because that would make much more sense. I pinch myself just to be sure and when I’m sure that all this is actually happening, I decide to play along, realizing that this must all be for courtesy’s sake.

He probably still hates me as much as he formerly did or maybe even more but I don’t care, I owe him nothing.

“Yes, it is my duty and I’m only carrying it out.” I remarked with a fake but polite smile.

“Of course and it’s very kind of you. As regards to the type of assistance we need, I’m sure that will be discussed in due time but for now, I suggest you and your escorts have a good rest. I know it has been a long journey, you must be tired and need to rest. Besides, you’re my guests here so you must be treated properly. It is a habit of the wolves of Crescent Moon to treat our guests like family.” Zephyr said and I frowned.

His words though cordial are really nerve wracking for me. Just what is he up to this time? I had expected anything else but such nice treatment. I had expected his words to be tactfully sharp and accusatory, his demeanor to be harsh and unforgiving but it’s just different and because this is Zephyr we’re talking about, I replace it scary. I don’t even know what to expect next.

I forced out a small laugh to ease some of my tension. “I love that policy, it’s quite welcoming but I really don’t think that would be necessary. You see, I’m on a tight schedule and I really just want to finish my task here so I can begin on my other duties as soon as possible. As for the journey, it wasn’t really that long and I’m not tired, I think it would be best if we had the discussion today.” I pushed with a forced smile.

“I would agree with you but what’s the rush? Your pack is doing so much for us and the least I can do is treat you like a queen during your stay here.” Zephyr said and I tightened my hands in fists.

I really don’t like where this is going but I guess I’ll just have to play along.

“Alright, if you insist. We’ll rest early today but I would really appreciate it, your Highness, if tomorrow we could talk about the task at hand.” I propelled with a sweet smile.

“Of course but it’s good to have a proper rest now. The maids will show you to where you’ll be staying during your time here, I sincerely hope that the arrangements are up to your taste. Do let me know if you need anything.” Zephyr said and I took a slight bow.

“Thank you, your Highness, you’re too kind. I look forward to a productive meeting with you tomorrow. Have a nice rest Alpha.” I said and turned back towards the door and I paused when I heard him almost say something.

It sounded or rather felt like he wanted to say my name but stopped himself before the words could skip out of his mouth. I shouldn’t be thinking about things like that, I really need to focus. I don’t want to have anything to do with him that isn’t duty related and I want the same from him as well.

I continue walking towards the door and eventually leave the room. Nevaeh runs to me as soon as I’m out of the room but she doesn’t say my name, only hugs my legs.

I smile and pat her head softly. She’s a sweet and obedient child and I’m glad that she’s nothing like her father in behavioral aspects and I sincerely hope it stays that way.

Maids soon approach us and politely tell us to follow them. We do and they each show us to a room. As soon as I’m settled in the guest room with Nevie, I plop on the bed tiredly.

I have a slight headache and my heartbeat is still trying to become steady. I take a deep breath and run my hands through my hair before laying my head down on my lap. I had known returning here wouldn’t be easy but I hadn’t known that it would be so overwhelming. There are so many emotions coursing through me at the moment that I don’t even know which one to express, I mostly feel anger and pain, maybe bitterness as well and a bit of self pity.

The conversation with Zephyr just now makes me believe that he’s planning something and I know quite well that whatever it is, I won’t like it. I’m just scared that he’ll suddenly show up and ruin the perfect life which I’ve worked so hard to build over the years and I really don’t want that. I release a light but sad chuckle when I realize it.

Fear.

This was the only emotion that dominated me each time I was with Zephyr. Four years ago, it had been the fear of him and the way he abused me, I had feared he would destroy me and after finally overcoming that, I’m faced with another fear, the fear that he’ll ruin my happiness because he wants to take revenge on me.

The thought of it brings tears to my eyes but I try to hold back. Just then, I feel a light tap on my arm and I look up to see my darling daughter.

“Mummy, why are you sad? Please don’t be sad, I know you’re missing daddy a lot but I’m right here with you so you don’t have to be sad, we will be fine.” Neveah said with a cute, innocent smile and to me, those sounded like the wisest words I had ever heard, they were just the words I needed.

I smiled back at her and took her in my arms, hugging her closely. She may be three years old but she’s right. As long as I have Kayden’s love and my daughter right here with me, it’ll be alright.

I’ll be just fine.