3

ESMERALDA’S POV.

I find it weird now that I have thought about it. If Anthony truly is my mate, something I have no doubts of now, then why can’t he feel it? I am sure what I felt was true, I indeed felt the mate bond so…what is up with his reaction?

Is he truly indifferent? Does he really still want that woman over me, over his mate?

“She must have done something to him,” My wolf said, tried to reason. She sounded so certain, I could not help but listen and try to make sense of her words. “Maybe she used witchcraft on him or something?”

“Witchcraft?” I shook my head at my wolf’s thoughts. “She is human, you can tell as well. So, that is out of the picture.” There is no doubt she is human, I would have been able to sense if she is a witch, we all would.

Before my wolf could say anything further, I decided to return back home, as I have been out in the woods the entire day and it is getting late. It is best if I return home now. Instead of going to the pack house where I have been staying though, I decided to head to my parent’s house, knowing it is the one place I can go to avoid everyone.

The last thing I need is the looks of pity I would be getting from everyone, along with whatever judgmental looks they must have cooked up and stored by now. And I most definitely do not want to settle my sight on either Anthony or that human woman of his, I am not so sure I will remain calm.

It has been a hassle holding my wolf back when even I feel feral inside. It is best if I do not take risks and try to settle this somehow. Not to mention, the rage won’t be good for my baby.

With that thought in mind, I headed back home. However, the moment I stepped feet and took steps into the house, I was met by the sight of the woman whom birthed me storming in my direction. And before I could speak or even attempt to, her hand rose upwards and a sting registered on my face as she slapped me.

My head moved to the side following the impact, and I found myself releasing a small breath due to the unexpected action. It stings, I admit. But the pain in my heart is bigger.

Pointing an accusing finger at me, she scolded. “You are so useless!” She hissed, her eyes narrowed and her tone cold. “You let Anthony fall in love with another woman! Are you that incompetent? You could not even keep a man?”

My hand reached out and covered the spot she slapped, unable to believe she would actually blame me for that, as if we can do anything to stop a man if he intends to cheat. Can we? Of course not.

“I knew having a female child is useless,” My father’s voice came, in a hiss as he stepped into the room as well, staring at me with a disappointed look. “I told you to abort her when we had the chance,” He directed the statement to my mother, uncaring that I am practically there, listening.

She shifted her glare from me, then hissed lowly as she crossed her arms over her torso. “I thought we would be able to get her to marry Anthony someday,” She said to him, as if they have not made that a well known fact already. “But now that she has lost him, she truly is useless. I regret birthing such a disappointment,” She turned to look at me, then screamed right in my face. “I should have gotten rid of you when I had the chance!”

Her words were not supposed to hurt me. I know already. I have already known because they made it clear countless times that they favored male kids to female kids. That they favored my brother Cole regardless of how many times he got into trouble. I tried to be good enough for them.

I studied harder, I trained harder, heck I can beat Cole on a one on one combat any day, and I thought all this would be enough to show them I am worthy…apparently not.

Cole has always mocked me that I am merely wasting my time by trying hard, he was right. I should have listened to him all those years he tamped me down and walked all over me as our parents allowed.

“You better find a way to fix this,” My father threatened, his tone low as he held my gaze. “Become his mistress for all I care. But, fix this. Else, you can forget about being our daughter and find some other parents.”

With that said, they turned around and disappeared leaving me all alone.

My hand subconsciously went to my belly, as I caressed it. The pain in my heart made it difficult for me to breathe, I felt the pain slowly growing in on me, till the point I feel as though I would collapse any minute now.

Mustering the small strength I have, I left the room and went in search of the one person I trust to see me in this state. I know it is late, so, when I showed up in front of his home and knocked on it, as he made an appearance, I found myself apologizing almost immediately.

“I am sorry for showing up unannounced,” I said, my tone laced with exhaustion due to the day’s collective activities and emotional whirlwind.

My long time friend, and a doctor—the sole person aware of my pregnancy, Davis seemed taken aback by my presence. But, he quickly recovered and then shifted. “Esmeralda, come in, please.” He ushered me in, and I did just that.

Settling down on the first couch in sight, Davis disappeared further into the small home he lives alone as he is an orphan and unmated, before appearing again with a cup of water which he dropped on the table for me.

I took the water, then thanked him because I truly am in need of it. After quenching my thirst, I looked at him, my expression serious.

“Are you okay?” He beat me to ask, before I could speak. His tone was warm, and laced with worry and genuine concern. “About everything, I mean.” That is nice of him, I know he has always been the one person that has always cared for me—an act that made him hated by my brother and the others…my parents and Anthony inclusive.

But, he never bothered. He still cared for me. Always has.

I sighed, then shook my head. “No.” I said earnestly. “But, that is not why I am here.” Turning around to face him completely, my expression yawed serious as I spoke again. “Davis I need you to help keep my pregnancy a secret, please do so for me.” Preparing myself, I decided to tell him the conclusion I have come to. “I am leaving the pack, Davis. Until then, I need it to become a secret.”

His brows drew in, and he seems to be contemplating it. Eventually, he caved in. “I am not happy about this,” He expressed his dislike towards the entire thing. “But you need to be very careful, Esmeralda. If this is what you want, I won’t stop you. But I need to remind you that you are still at a high risk of miscarriage.”

“I know,” I breathed out. “I will be careful, I promise.”

He sighed. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

I nodded. “I am.” I confirmed. “I am leaving this forsaken pack.”