3: Cat fight

WREN’S POV

I went back into the room to ask my mother what the hell was going on. She looked so much smaller now that she was alone and when I entered, she smiled at me. It was a soft, familiar smile, the one I’d grown up with. The one that didn’t scold or judge.  

I walked over and held her hand, tightening my grip when I realized she wasn’t pulling away. It was a rare moment… one that felt like we were back in a time when things were simpler. I smiled back, and we stayed like that, not saying a word.  

It felt good. Like, despite everything, I still had her.  

The silence stretched for long between us. I could see her eyelids drooping and I knew she needed sleep more than anything. I let her hand go and stood up not wanting to overwhelm her.  

I glanced at her again and felt a pang of guilt. I look so much like Dad. It must be hard for her to see me and not think of him. Maybe that is why she avoids me.

Then it hit me, the main reason why I had come back in the first place. Something Alpha Ronan had said. 

“Mom…” I hesitated then sighed, running a hand through my disheveled hair. “Alpha Ronan said something about an island? Packing? A flight?”  

I wasn’t sure why I felt nervous asking. Maybe because, even now, she could still intimidate the hell out of me. And it has been four long years. This was supposed to be holiday with Christmas spirit.

She coughed softly and motioned for water. I handed her the glass, watching as she took slow sips. She looked so fragile and part of me felt awful for pressing her. But she’d always preferred Piper over me so maybe it didn’t matter.  

“Yes” she finally croaked.  

“Why? What for? I came back to spend the holidays here with you before looking for a job” I said, my throat bubbling with bitter sadness.  

I had almost forgotten I was supposed to be on holiday. With everything going on, it was easy to wish I had other options than coming back to this place. I hated it here and still do. I came back for her but she is sending me away.

“You’re going in my place” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Alpha Ronan was invited by a pack he’s been wanting to ally with. Only couples were invited.”  

Her words sank in slowly and confusion wrapped around me like a fog. She said it herself, a couple. Why the hell am I in the picture then?

“B-but that means you, Mom. As his… his wife” I stammered, shaking my head at the same time. “I’m his stepdaughter”

“You must go with him, Wren” she said firmly though her voice was raspy. “This is important to him. Don’t argue. Start packing. The island is hot by the way.”  

I opened my mouth to protest but the sharp glare she shot me made me snap it shut. I didn’t know what any of this meant, but it couldn’t be good. My stomach churned with unease. This is bad. 

I bent down to kiss her forehead before leaving the room. Is it too late for me to go back where I came from?

Back in my room I locked the door, afraid Piper might barge in and tear me apart again for getting a free ticket out of the pack. That had to be why she was angry and threatened to kill me earlier. 

I packed quickly, throwing things into my suitcase without thinking too much. A brown sundress caught my eye cause it was plain but light enough for the heat. After a quick shower, I slipped it on.  

A calm knock on the door startled me. It wasn’t Piper, thankfully but I opened it cautiously in case. You can never be sure about that cunning girl.  

A guard stood there, expression neutral.

“Alpha is waiting for you outside” he muttered in a robotic voice before turning on his heel and leaving.  

I grabbed my suitcase and followed him, sneaking glances around the corridor to avoid running into Piper. But luck wasn’t on my side.  

As soon as I stepped out of the pack house, there she was standing with Alpha Ronan. He looked like he was trying to console her but when her eyes landed on me, her expression twisted with pure unforgivable fury.  

She launched herself at me before I could react. Not that I could do anything to her. She is effing strong.

Her weight slammed me to the ground and I felt the sharp sting of her nails raking against my skin. I had no strength, no training and nothing to fight back. Pathetic with no wolf. 

“Piper, leave her this instant!” Alpha Ronan’s voice cut through the chaos but she turned deaf.

  But she didn’t stop. Piper had always been a spoiled brat and now she was entirely unhinged. Her fists came down again and again and I curled up, trying to protect my face and anywhere. 

“PIPER!” Alpha Ronan roared this time and she finally froze.  

She turned to him, panting, her hands trembling with rage. It looks like she was here for my life.

“She doesn’t deserve to go!” she spat. “She’s nothing! I should be the one going!”  

Alpha Ronan’s golden eyes hardened, his gaze cold that would make any other person shiver in their shoes. He took a step forward in her space.

“You don’t decide what I say or do” he said, his voice deadly calm. “Touch her again and you’ll regret it.”  

Piper’s defiance faltered and for a moment, she looked like she might argue. But the coldness in his eyes silenced her. She spun on her heel and stormed off muttering under her breath.  

I stayed on the ground, trembling, until Alpha Ronan’s shadow loomed over me.  

“Get up” he ordered in a clipped tone. 

I struggled to my feet, wincing as I dusted myself off. My knees were scraped, my dress smeared with dirt but I didn’t dare complain. Complain to whom anyway.

“Are you hurt?” he asked, his expression unreadable and uncaring. 

“No” I lied.  

His eyes narrowed but he didn’t press further cause he doesn’t care. He turned and nodded toward the sleek black Mercedes Benz parked nearby.  

“Let’s go. We’re late”