Chapter 4

ADIRA'S POV 

For the next couple of days I continued to face pressure from Grandpa Alan. Just like in my past life, he was still the only one that wanted me here. And he was more determined this time. 

But I had already had it up to my neck, and I was determined to leave today. I picked only the important things I needed and Lumina's things too.

“Where are you going with those things?” I heard Ryder ask behind me as I made my way down the hallway.

“Just act like you didn't see me like you always do and continue on your way.” I gritted out and continued on my way.

He walked briskly with purposeful strides, cutting me off and positioning himself to block my path.

“You won't leave with my daughter!” His voice boomed with authority.

I scoffed. The only way to get a reaction out of him was if it concerned Lumina. 

The little girl slept peacefully in the stroller. 

I snorted, “How can you hate the mother of your child but love the child she gave birth to? That sounds like hypocrisy to me.” 

“You may have birthed an angel like Lumina, but that doesn't change the fact that you are a devil.” He spat.

My eyebrows furrowed. “That's rich coming from you. So we both had a one-night stand, which was a drunken mistake, but I am the devil, and you are the saint?” I chuckled.

“Well, I do not intend to exchange words with you. I only have one question for you. Do you really care about Lumina? Because if you did, you wouldn't want to take a child less than 2 years from her mother.” I said to him.

I knew he loved Lumina too much to do that. And truly his eyes immediately softened. 

“I am leaving this pack, so leave my way.” I nudged him out of my way, and he stood and watched me leave.

Everyone I passed stopped to look at me as I made my way to the border. I didn't care to look at them. They weren't worth my time.

“You can't leave Luna.” The border warriors blocked my path just as I got to the border.

“Since when did I become a prisoner in my own pack?” I asked.

“I am sorry, Luna; we are acting on orders.” The leader replied.

“And who gave this order?” I asked 

“Grandpa Alan. You can leave alone, but you cannot leave with Lumina.” He replied. 

“He went this far?” I yelled angrily.

“Well, I am Luna of this pack, and I order you to leave my path immediately!” I growled.

My wolf was ready to make a scene. We were done dealing with this rubbish.

The warriors shared a worried look. I could see the confusion in their eyes.

They couldn't disobey Grandpa Alan, but they also didn't want to disobey me. 

“Don't put them through that torture.” A voice said behind me.

I turned around to see Beta Atlas walking towards us. He was one of the few people that had treated me well in my past life.

“You know they are working on instructions, and they also do not want to disobey you. Don’t put them in an awkward situation.” He said.

“I need to leave.” I said to him, ignoring everything he had just said.

“You guys can go. Give us some privacy,” he said to them.

The warriors immediately dispersed, going back to their positions.

“Don’t do this…” he said quietly. “I know you want to leave, and I understand why you want to leave.” He said softly. 

“But this will end badly if you do. No matter what you say or do, Lumina remains the daughter of Alpha Ryder and currently the next in line. You cannot take her away from this pack unless you want to start a war.

Sorry to say this, but you need to hear it. Alpha Ryder rejected you but not his child. So Lumina’s title is unquestioned. If you do not tread cautiously, her safety may be jeopardised.” He said.

I hated that he was right. Everything he said was correct.

I breathed out heavily, hating the whole situation.

He looked at me with pity and concern. “You will have to find another way to deal with this issue. Just think about it.” He said so and walked away.

I reluctantly returned to the house. After laying Lumina in her bed, I sat by the window and just thought about everything.

Everything Beta Atlas said was right. I couldn't jeopardise Lumina's safety, and neither can I end the peace between the two packs. If I return home, my parents will want to fight for me, and that will only bring about war and enmity between the two neighbouring packs.

But staying here, we will only end up dead too.

My breath suddenly caught in my throat. From where I sat, I could see the area that the secret safe house is located in. 

The memories of that unforgettable day started to rush into my mind. My heart constricted, and it suddenly felt like there was no air in the room. 

I could smell the smoke, the burning flesh, and Lumina's cries.

“Breathe, Adira! It's not real!” My wolf yelled in my mind.

“It's not real.” I muttered continuously, and my eyes began to clear. I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with air. My eyes were still glued to that spot.

“It's strange…” I said to my wolf.

“What is?” She asked.

“The fact that we were the only ones that were burnt to death that day. Now that I think about it, the rogues knew the location and code to the lock of the safe house, which is supposed to be top secret. And when they entered, they came straight for us, dragged us out and set us on fire.

I can still vaguely remember that they left after they watched us burn for a while.”

“It's almost like they specifically came for us…” She muttered with a deep scowl.

“It's not almost… I think someone wanted us dead. Whoever it was gave them the location of the safe house and also the code to the lock. That is the only reasonable answer.” 

“Our deaths were premeditated!” she yelled as it finally clicked.

“Yes… and whoever planned it is in this pack. Even if we leave now, our safety is not guaranteed. Actually, the only way to survive is to remain here and find the person. That is the only way to keep Lumina safe.” I muttered, my eyebrows furrowed together in deep thoughts.

“You are right; we can't keep running and hiding. It's time to chase rather than be chased. We have the advantage of knowing the future; if we utilise it well, we will definitely find the person or persons.” She said,

“Right. We are going to stay, but this time on our own terms.” I said to her,

After that I left to see Grandpa Alan. 

“What are you doing here?” He asked as soon as he saw me.

“You made me a hostage in your pack.” I said to him as I took a seat.

He readjusted his glasses. “This is your pack too. You don't have to be a hostage.” He replied.

“Well, I have something to say. But I intend to say it in front of Mrs Willow and Ryder.” 

“I will summon them.” He said. His eyes glazed over, and I knew he was mindlinking them.

After some minutes, they arrived and sat down.

“I have thought about it and realised that it would be wrong for me to take Lumina away from her father and pack. She is still young, so I cannot leave her here alone. 

However, I still do not intend to marry Ryder or become Luna. I will only stay temporarily.

But it will be on my own terms. I want to move out of the house I share with Ryde. Secondly, I will not accept any form of maltreatment towards either me or Lumina. No matter who tried to do it. If it ever happens again, I will not ignore it just because you are Ryder's mother.” I said, looking directly at her.

Also, I want to freely leave and return to the pack without questions or restrictions. I am the mother of the Alpha’s daughter, not a prisoner.” I said.

“How dare you! You think you can dictate these things to us?” Mrs Willow snapped.

“It is either that or nothing.” I replied and relaxed into the chair.

Ryder's eyes lingered on me. He looked at me like he was seeing me for the first time.

Well, he is actually because this is the new me. And this time I am only going to stay on my own terms.

“Fine. You will get everything you just asked for.” Grandpa Alan said with a smile. “Anything to keep you here.” He said sweetly.

“Thank you.” I smiled and got up.

“I will find whoever killed me and my daughter in my past life," I vowed.

"And there is a chance that it's one of you here.” I thought to myself, my eyes glued to Mrs Willow and Ryder. 

They were at the top of my list.

“Let's play this game.” I muttered as I closed the door behind me.