Chapter 17: Chapter 17

KEVIN’S POV

I gazed with a blank expression as the water broke into ripples every time I  threw a stone into it. Kiara’s memories were just like these stones, each time they hit, they disturbed the stillness of my mind.

It was six months since I rejected her yet the hollowness that I felt in my chest hadn’t reduced even a bit. It was like my heart and soul had left with her.

“Kevin…” My father’s voice sounded as he sat beside me.

I knew why he had come for. My instant impulse was to bolt out of this place but I forced myself to remain seated on the rough boulder.

“The number of attacks has been on the rise. Four members of our pack died in an ambush yesterday…”

My hands curled into a fist. Drawing in a long breath, I turned to face my father, “I know where you are going with this… but I am sorry, I can’t take Cami as my Luna…”

“There is unrest in the pack. For the first time in decades, they are facing uncertainties… Their confidence is falling… we need to give them something to look forward to…”

I felt shitty for refusing him but there was no way I could give Kiara’s place to someone else. Jumping to my feet, I said, “I… I will go and investigate the attacks…”

“Stop! We are not done yet! Bloody Hell! I said stop... I want to talk to you!” My father’s voice sounded but I ignored him and trudged forward.

“I command you to stop.”

The moment my father’s authoritative voice sounded an intense pain seared through my legs. My muscles went stiff and I was forced to stop.

“Someone has to think about the welfare of this pack. You will marry Cami whether you want it or not…”

The leaves crunched as my father drew closer to me. I hadn’t expected him to use his power of command to make me stop. Did he not care about my feelings at all?

I struggled against the force that was holding me in place to turn around and snapped, “Go ahead… command your son to marry against his will!”

His eyes flashed with hurt and he said in a choked voice, “You know I will never do that…”

“Then let me leave… this conversation will lead you nowhere…”

His lips pursed into a thin line as he looked at me with a pained expression. I felt guilty but I held my ground.

He let out a long sigh and finally nodded his head. I felt the pressure lift and I was able to move freely again. Giving him one long look I walked away briskly.

His words kept rolling in my mind as I sauntered through the forest. He had a point but I couldn’t bring myself to let go. I had to be loyal to my mate even if all I could have was her memories.

My ears perked up hearing the soft sound of the whimpers. Was someone hurt? My pace quickened as I recognized the scent.

I found Cami seated on a log of wood. Her painful whimpers and cries echoed in the forest. I had never seen anyone cry so bitterly and I found myself at a loss to react.

She must have sensed my presence. She looked up abruptly. Flustered by my presence, she wiped her tears hastily and said between sniffles, “I thought I was alone…”

I sat beside her and grasped her hand and asked, “Why are you so upset?”

She threw her hands around me and started sobbing. I didn’t want to hurt her by pushing her away when she was so distressed. So, I let her do what she wanted.

I raised my arms to hold her but dropped them halfway. It just didn’t seem right.

After crying for what seemed like an eternity, she muttered, “I…I found my mate…”

I exhaled with relief. If Cami is with her mate, my father would stop badgering me about marrying her.

“That is great news. Why are you crying?” My voice came out more enthusiastic than I had wanted. Clearing my throat I continued, “Don’t worry about my father… I will talk to him… he can’t force you to leave your mate and marry me…”

She pulled away and said in a shaking voice, “You don’t understand… he rejected me at the first meeting…”

“Why would anyone do that? You are so kind, caring…”

“What is the use of having a good personality when your body is distorted with scars….”

My teeth clenched and my eyes blazed with anger. “Don’t tell me he rejected you because of the scars… Tell me who that b***** is! I will make him beg for your forgiveness…”

She exhaled deeply and said, “There is no use, Kevin. I have already accepted his rejection…” She rolled up her sleeves to reveal the long gash that ran all along her arm. “These scars would never heal… No one can love a person with a hideous body…”

I squeezed her hand slightly and said, “Hey! Please don’t say that… your mate is an a*****e… Whoever marries you will be the luckiest man on earth…”

She looked into my eyes and challenged, “You are just saying that. Will you be willing to marry a girl like me?”

“How can I do that…” I said withdrawing my hand.

Her lips pursed into a thin line and she said, “I knew you wouldn’t…”

“You misunderstand me Cami… It is just that I can’t forget Kiara…”

She snorted and jumped to her feet. “Of course! Like I said even a scheming b**** is better than me just because I am ugly… ugly because YOUR MATE decided to tie me up in silver chains!”

Before I could say anything further, she spun on her heels and walked away.

Her words kept replaying in my mind long after she had left. It was true that my mate had ruined Cami’s life. It was my responsibility to rectify her mistake. The only way to do that was to marry Cami… even if it is just for namesake… Our marriage would solve many problems… I had to talk to her once she calmed down…