Chapter 18: Sweet and painful memories-1

Sofia pov.

As I sat on the porch, memories of Granny Aria flooded me. She'd say, "Sofia, you have beautiful magic in you. You're not just an omega, child. Very soon, everything will make sense, and those who called you worthless will regret their words." I'd giggle, feeling like the most special kid in the pack.

Granny Aria was a force to be reckoned with – strong, beautiful, and powerful. Over three hundred years old, but she looked like she was in her mid-twenties. She'd been the pack healer and head warrior, a title that commanded respect. I'd often marvel at her strength, especially after she'd lost my grandpa and two uncles, in a rogue attack long before I was born. She never got a second chance mate.

When my mother didn't want me, Granny Aria took me in. Josh, Damian, and Mark would come to our house for special training, and I'd watch them tirelessly. Granny Aria was a tough teacher, pushing them to their limits. I'd sit on the porch, asking why I couldn't join in, and she'd say, "Training takes process, Sofia. You've started yours, but it's baby steps. You'll get there."

They'd finish training, and the boys would play with me. Those memories made another wave of tears drop from my eyes...

As I wandered through the cottage, memories kept unfolding. Granny Aria teaching me to identify herbs, her hands guiding mine as we brewed a healing potion. "Trust your instincts, Sofia. Your magic's tied to your heart." I'd stumble, but she'd catch me, her arms warm and safe.

But amidst the happy memories, pain crept in. That dreadful day... I came home from school, excited for my 10th birthday celebration, and found her in the seating room... in a pool of her own blood, a deep cut to her neck. I froze, then dropped to my knees beside her, pressing my small hands to the wound, trying to stop the bleeding. I stayed like that, numb, frozen for what felt like an eternity.

Then, my father burst into the house, his face contorted in pain, clutching his chest. Our eyes met, and I knew. He felt it too – Granny Aria's death.

He rushed to me, scooping me up in a tight hug, covering my eyes with his massive hand. "It's okay, Sofia," he whispered, his voice trembling. "Close your eyes, baby. Everything's going to be fine. You don't need to see this."

I felt his tears on my hair, his body shaking with sobs. "Cry if you want to, but I'm here. I'm here for you. Grandma wouldn't want you to see her like this."

His words broke something inside me, and I buried my face in his chest, letting the tears come. For a moment, I felt safe, wrapped in my father's love.

I shook my head, pushing the memory away. Not now. I wasn't ready to face that pain. Not yet.

I stood there, frozen in the doorway, memories swirling around me like a storm. Damian's voice broke through, "Sofia, what's wrong?" I didn't answer, my mind racing. What was he doing here? Josh brought me, not him. How did he even...?

"Sofia, talk to me," Damian said, stepping closer, his voice laced with concern.

I turned, eyes narrowing. "What are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice low.

Damian's expression was unyielding. "There was no way I could let you come here alone, Sofia. No way I'd let you leave me or reject our bond,

I'm your mate, Sofia. As an alpha, I need you close to me. You can't be this far from me. Trust me, it's not going to be easy for us."

I raised my hand, cutting him off coldly. "I don't need you here, and you don't have any right to tell me where to go or stay. Damian, you may be my mate, but you can't control me. Go back to ignoring me, go back to not seeing me. You're the last person I want to see right now. I need space, I don't want to see your face."

My eyes scanned around , searching for Josh. Damian's eyes narrowed . A low, rumbling growl emanated from his throat, his eyes flashing with a primal, possessiveness.You're looking for another male? While I'm here with you?"