Chapter 96: Chapter 96

Caden and Ellen decided to stand a few feet away, giving us much needed privacy to talk. My mind was still reeling from the earlier events, my heart thumping loudly in my chest. The moment I acknowledged her presence, she threw her body against mine, almost making me collapse on the rocky floor. In her wolf form, the omega began weeping uncontrollably while also scenting me like I was still a pup.

That vulnerable moment bought tears to my eyes as well, chest tightening painfully as I failed to remember my pup days. For me, they were a blur of events, except for my mothers kind eyes and her bright smile. I was knocked with them the moment my eyes fell on hers, something igniting in the pit of my stomach.

We stayed like that for a long time until I wriggled out of the hug and asked her to shift so that we can talk. The wolf, to my surprise, instantly obliged to my request.

Flicking my hair out of my eyes, I looked around the area.

It was sunny, but the afternoon clouds were rolling over the blue sky, cascading shadows over the expanse of the trees lining the property. Stray leaves tumbled across the yard, and an excellent draft blew through them, raising goosebumps on both my arms just as my stomach grumbled in hunger.

My cheeks tinged pink as my estranged mother gave me a once over, her lips twitching. “Let me get you something to eat, my dear. Please stay here.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but no words escaped, shoulders sagging. Ever since I managed to utter that single word, my tongue was heavy in my mouth. Dozen different questions roamed around my head, trying to make sense of the current situation. For a long minute, I considered the wolf to be a product of my imagination, but Caden and Ellen saw her too. That idea was quickly squashed, and I froze on the same spot.

All this time, my mother was living in some abandoned cave, and I had no idea. That one thought revolved around my mind, causing me to whine. Did my father know? Why did he not do anything?

“Here.” My mother forwarded me the hunted creature, plopping on the solid rock in front of me.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her. In her human form, she was the most breathtaking woman I had ever seen. The dirt on her cheeks and under the chin did not hide that. My mother had long dark hair cascading down her back. I couldn’t help but noticed how my eyes mirrored hers, a shiny blend of cobalt and sea blue.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, my stomach turning at the bloody insides. Shaking my head, I thanked her, my legs folded together with my chin resting on my knees.

“I am sure you have a lot of questions.”

“Y-Yes.” I croaked, clearing my throat. “I do.”

***

It turned out after having me without any proper mate by her side, my mother was mistreated in the pack. My mother endured it all in hopes that my father would find a way for them until a sudden attack broke out. The pack house and the members were brutally torched with no means to survive, but she managed to get away. It took her months to heal, and by the time she went back, her old pack land was barren and deserted.

My heart broke for all those years of pain she had to go through on her own, hiding just to survive. In turn, she asked for my story and the reason I was trying to find her. I told her all about the behaviour of my old pack members and also that I was unaware all these years about my powers.

She asked me about my husband and our bond, which I pretty much skimmed over, a shy smile on my face. We may have our differences in the beginning, but Aiden was earnestly trying to work it all out. That’s what matters the most now.

“So, will you help me?” I asked through my teeth, nerves building up.

“Of course!” Her speech slurred. “I am sad that your father did not make you learn about us all these years. That’s all alright. I will teach you everything there is about our kind.”

My eyes glimmered at that, taken back by the honesty behind her words. Honestly, I was not expecting her to easily agree, given that we did not have much of a relationship, to begin with. The only thing I know about her was that she gave birth to me. That’s all.

“However, I have a condition.”

I stilled at that, lips closing. “Condition?”

“You see…” She cleared her throat. “There are still those hunters trying to get me so I cannot roam around. You have to come here for training.”

My mouth opened and closed at that, body going lax. The forest was a few miles away from my pack and it took nearly an hour to locate her. How was I going to do that every time? Then again, she had a valid concern and exposing my mothers identity to the entire pack would put her safety to risk.

“Is that all?”

“Yes!” She bobbed her head, lips folded in between her teeth.

“I will think about it.”

***

Ellen was overjoyed at the news of my mother agreeing to train me. Caden, on the other hand, appeared deep in thought and barely said a word the entire way home. I picked up the pace, in a hurry to get back as it was already late.

As soon we reached the cabin, I let out a sigh, already picking up on Aiden’s scent from inside. When did he come back?

“I will see you then, Rose!” Ellen yelled, waving at me while Caden gave the nod.

“Goodbye.”

With that, I hastily turned on my feet and rushed inside our cabin. My body stilled upon seeing the dull look on Aiden’s face; his head lolled back. Closing the door behind, I rushed to his side.

“Aiden”, I placed a hand on his shoulder, feeling him jump at the touch. “What’s wrong?”

“Rose!” He breathed, pulling me into his lap, his hands coming around to wound around my body like a koala. I squeaked, my cheeks going red and barely hanging onto his neck, legs awkwardly splayed over the couch.

“Where have you been? I have looking for you all over the pack.”

Taking a deep breath, I stared into the green abyss of his eyes, my back straightening. “I found my birth mother.”

A myriad of expressions flickered across his face, and the Alpha tightened his hold onto me. “What? How? Where is she?”

“It’s a long story. I will tell you later.” I murmured, my hand cradling his cheek, noticing the dull look in his eyes. “What happened to you? Why are you sitting here like this?”

Aiden let out a groan, his face burying in the crook of my neck, the cold tip of his nose almost making me jump. I patted his shoulder, nudging him to answer. The Alpha slowly began to explain the turn of events, causing my chest to swell with anger with each passing second.

“A dual?!” I almost rose in his lap, but he pulled me back. Rage coiled in my belly, picturing Ria's smug face as she can brag to others about two Alphas fighting over her. “How could Damon do that?”

“He feels betrayed by his best friend and mate, Rose.”

“Still, that does not make this right. You both have been friends for a long time.”

“I know. That’s what makes this worst.” He sighed again.

My hands curled into fists by my sides; jaw clenched tight. I let out a huff. “First Zach, now Damon. How can Ria do this? She crossed the line every time!”

“Zach?” Aiden mumbled by my side. “What are you talking about?”

That’s when it struck me that I still did not tell Aiden about the letter Zach wrote me before leaving. I turned to him, a sheepish look on my face. “Oh right! I am sorry I forgot to tell you, but Zach left me a letter in which he detailed Ria's twisted plans. It may stop her madness forever.”