Beginning From The End

KATHERINA

“W-what are you doing h-here, Ben?” Blood had drained from mom’s face.

I looked at the man who just entered.

“What is happening, mom? What is it?” I had to ask.

I glanced at the boys, especially Aaron, everyone was paying attention to what was happening right that moment. Someone else followed behind and before I could see who it was, I heard…

“Mate!”

I turned to see Baron growl out those words and when I looked at the door again, it was a girl who was almost same age as I was.

Her wolf’s eyes flashed as well as soon as she stepped in, her gaze quickly picked Baron from amongst us.

Slowly, they walked to each other.

“Well, well, well… Who would have thought?” This man who mom had called Ben raised a surprised brow as his gaze latched on Baron and this girl moving towards each other.

“Wait, I don’t understand a thing going on right now.” Dad said, his eyes on mom. “Who is this man, Elizabeth?”

The man’s gaze tore away from these mated duo and landed on me. He looked at mom, then at me.

When he faced mom again, he asked. “Is this her?”

Speechlessly confused, I stared at them both. “Do you know me, mister?”

A small frown appeared on his forehead. “You didn’t tell her.”

“Why are you here, Ben? What are you doing here after so many years?” Mom was stricken with disbelief and some kind of root-deep pain clouded her gaze as her tone went from shock to being accusatory.

“What do you mean what am I doing here? Don’t I have the right to come see my family?” This man called Ben retorted, an annoyance growing in his voice.

“Family?!” I could not believe my ears.

“Family?” Dad’s expression was plainly showing his confusion.

“Can someone explain something and stop with the drama?!” Aaron impatiently spoke.

Silence ensued, it was deafening as we all waited for either this strange man or mom to talk. Especially mom.

She looked like she was about to cry and would rather be anywhere than where she was right this moment. She blinked her eyes, I could suspect she struggling with tears. She went to take a seat on one of the sofas.

As though on cue, we all followed her. Lucas sat beside her, ready to be supportive. I loved him for that but right now, I needed to know what was happening and why this man was talking about family.

Trenton, Aaron, Zach and me all occupied a long sofa.

Dad took his sit beside mom.

I saw Zach drag Baron away from the strange girl and had him sit with us. Baron gave him an annoyed look but sat with us nonetheless.

On another day, another time and atmosphere, it would have been laugh-worthy. But now, it was not. There were lots of things to discuss, like for instance, why this man would not stop staring at me as though he couldn’t believe I exist.

“Katherina.” Mom raised her sad eyes to meet mine.

I didn’t like the way my heart skipped when she called me in that tone. I almost didn’t want to answer her. In fact, I wanted to chase these new people out of the house and let things go back the way they used to be. But that would be considered the irrational, coward’s way out, so I responded. “Yes, mom.”

“Ben here is your father.”

“What?!” My voice mixed with others in the room to exclaim in shock.

“You said your dad is dead.” Aaron looked at me.

“That’s what she told me.” I replied.

“Elizabeth, what’s going on? You told me you only have a daughter. No other family.” Dad was in disbelief and hugely surprised.

“Katherina is my only family, no matter what is happening or who has decided to come into the picture.” Elizabeth replied reassuringly.

“But you just said…”

“I know what I said, David. Ben here is her father and it’s up to Katherina to do whatever she wants with that information. As for me, I already have a family I love and adore, I don’t need anyone else.” Mom’s tone was getting firmer by the minute.

“He’s your…”

“He’s nothing to me!” Mom lashed out on Dad.

“You hear me, David, he’s nothing to me! You’re my husband, these boys are my sons and Katherina here is my daughter. You guys are the family I have.”

David kept shut, studying mom.

“You can’t say that, Elize.” This man began. “I’m still…”

“One more word from you, Ben, I will have you thrown out. You’re nothing to me! You hear that? Read my lips Ben, you do not exist me! You stopped existing the day you…” Mom swallowed the rest of her words.

A tear escaped. “Get out.” She ordered in a low yet chilling tone.

“I’m here for you and our daughter. I’m going nowhere.” This Ben insisted stubbornly.

Angrily, mom stood on her feet. “I said get your pathetic ass up from that seat and get the hell out of here! Guards!” She screamed when he was proving stubborn.

I was dumbstruck. Speechless. Not knowing what to say.

Two guards came running into the general living room. “Yes, Luna.” They bowed.

“Get this man out of this place and don’t ever let him in.”

Then she swiped at her tears and made to leave. This Ben of a guy tried to hold her back before the guards could get to him.

He received a punch. It was Lucas, he was angry. “Don’t ever touch her.”

Mom had seen him throw the punch. She got emotional and hugged Lucas who was taller than her. He hugged her back. “Thank you, darling.”

“This is not over yet, Elizabeth. I’ll do anything to have you back.” He yelled as he was being dragged away.

The girl who had come with him gave me a strange look, then stared at Baron briefly before following them out.

I stared at mom, watched Lucas console her as my emotions were in turmoil. I could not help but ask.

“Why did you tell me he was dead?”