Chapter 7

My father went pale before our eyes.

Logan: No! Impossible!

Zach: Why is it impossible?

He glared angrily at our mother, and she, too, went pale.

Anne: Because Amelia’s mother was your father’s first mate, but he rejected her simply because she was an Omega. He never expected to see her paired with his Beta! That’s why he grew to resent his Beta. And I resented *her* because she looked just like her mother! There is no way my sons are going to be bonded to her!

Alex: You mistreated Amelia because she’s the daughter of the mate you rejected!

Zach: Did… did Amelia’s father know?

Logan: Yes, he knew he was her second-chance mate, and he knew I was her first. He was always taunting me with his perfect mate—and later, with his perfect little girl!

Anne: So, how could I possibly open my heart to a brat who looked so much like the woman haunting your father’s mind? She deserved what happened to her! She should have died that day from the poison she swallowed! A harmless glass of fruit juice I had someone give her… but she didn’t finish it all; her father took it from her, and when he saw she was sick, he rushed her to the doctor!

Zach: You tried to kill our mate?

My brother’s voice came out as a low growl. I could feel waves of anger radiating from him.

Anne: I tried to kill a brat who looked too much like her mother for my own safety! When your father chose me to be his Luna, nothing could have stopped me from fulfilling my role and holding my ground—certainly not a little pest like her! And when her father died, there was no way I was going to let her be happy again! She didn't deserve happiness! She is my enemy's daughter!

Alex: The daughter of the woman Dad rejected—the daughter of the woman who accepted that rejection and found a second chance!

Logan: And why did a lowly little Omega get a second chance while I didn't?

Zach: Because *you* were the one who rejected her, Dad. Not her! Now, get out of our way. If any harm comes to our mate, you’ll be held responsible and made to pay the price!

Logan: I am your father! How can you take her side against me?

Alex: She is our soulmate, and unlike you, we aren't rejecting her!

Anne: You’ll see—*she’s* the one who will reject *you*. You’re among the ones who made her suffer!

Logan: Yes, and whenever I ordered someone to punish her, I made sure she knew it came from you! I know the Goddess’s habit of wanting to unite two families at all costs; I suspected she would become your mate, so I made sure she hated you—deeply!

Alex: Why did you do that, Dad? Why did you want to ruin our happiness?

Logan: I didn't want to ruin your happiness; I want what’s best for you! You need a strong Luna—a Luna who can stand by your side, just as your mother did for me! That girl is pathetic; she’ll never make a good Luna. Let her reject you; that will give you the chance to find a second chance. And if the next one isn’t any better, you can reject her and choose a Luna worthy of the title!

Zach: That’s out of the question! We’re the Alphas now; you handed power over to us last night during the ceremony so we could have our first day as Alphas on our birthday. We’ve found our mate, and we want her more than anything—more than this Alpha title!

Alex: Our Goddess never does things to cause harm—unlike the two of you! You disgust me as parents! If I were you, I’d leave this house!

Anne: You’re kicking us out? Because of her?

Alex: At the risk of repeating myself: she is our mate! Now, get out!

I walked past my parents and headed toward the wing we had chosen for ourselves. Zach opened the door for me, and I made my way to the master bedroom—the largest one, the room we had wanted for the three of us, but which our sweet mate would occupy until she was ready to accept us. The doctor was already waiting. I gently laid my angel down on the bed, and the doctor began asking us questions about her. We had to admit that we didn’t know much, other than the fact that she hadn’t had access to real food for quite some time. He sighed with resignation as he looked at us, and I felt guilt welling up inside me. He set up an IV drip, explaining that it contained nutrients and vitamins to boost her energy; he emphasized that it was crucial for her to eat well from now on, as her health was fragile due to the repeated periods of starvation she had endured.

The doctor left after giving his recommendations, telling us he would return in an hour to change the IV. Zach sat down on our angel’s right side, while I took a seat on her left. I gently took her hand in mine and kissed her palm. Her hands were cold, and I worried she might be freezing. I got up to fetch some extra blankets to cover her. The most effective way to warm her up would have been to lie down on either side of her, but I wasn’t sure she would appreciate that.

An hour later, the doctor returned; after changing the IV, he checked her vital signs again.

Doctor: Her vitals have improved. She should wake up soon. Plan for a light meal to start—chicken soup, steamed vegetables, poultry, a little rice... some fruit and mild cheese.

Zach: Alright, I’ll tell the kitchen to get that ready and bring it up here.

His eyes grew misty as he contacted the kitchen.

Zach: I ordered three portions of each—to eat with her... The staff are grumbling about having to do it since Amélia isn't here...

Alex: We’ll set things right, brother. As soon as she’s better, we’ll sort it all out...

Zach: Tell me, Doctor, do you have a housekeeper?

Doctor: Yes, of course! Why?

Zach: What is her weekly wage?