Silent vows

Lauren!!

My husband's mistress

The name resounded in my head for the umpteenth time today. I still couldn't wash over the look of disgust on Aidan's face and the mocking smile on Lauren's as they both walked away with their hands locked in. 

Ouch! 

I cried out in pain. 

“You need to focus, you're getting distracted and you're doing so well already. What's wrong?” James asked, gently caressing my arm where he'd hit me with his wooden sword. 

My brother James finally heed to my pleas and cries, he gave in to teaching me how to defend myself since that is the reason I told them. 

“No you would do no such thing” mother objected strongly when I mentioned it at first but with silver help, we were both able to persuade them. 

My relationship with Silver was everything I'd wanted me and Stella to be, but we couldn't because she never gave me the chance. It has always been a competition for Stella. The way Aurelia's family are always there for her__ for me makes me wonder if this is what a happy family looks like, it's even more perfect than the one I had imagined and hoped for. 

I was holding back at first because I was scared her family hated her and wanted Aurelia dead too like her husband and then proving me wrong shows how being around toxic people has messed with my thinking. 

“Put your head in the game, make sure your eyes are on the opponent” James yelled, yanking me out of thought. 

“You want this so put your head in it, now position your shoulder and point your weapon towards me again” I did as he instructed. 

“Attack!” He called and I attacked him with the wooden sword in my hand. It's been a little over a week since I started training, at first the weapon was too heavy for me. I couldn't lift it, it was an eye do that James told me to quit and just give up but I just couldn't. 

If I'm going to end up a stranger in my husband's house I need power, I need to know how to defend myself. I need to make a place for myself here, find my ground and make it unshakable. 

If I want to stay alive, I need to be Aurelia, I need to be in tune with the body. I need strength and good health.

I won't be run over for the second time, I'm not taking this second chance lightly. 

James’ sword was up in the air as I struck a hard blow on him. 

“Wow, that was good.” he gave me a thumbs up followed by a high five “I see you are getting there”

I nodded at him, my breath coming out very short and I struggled to catch my breath. 

“Are you okay?” James patted my back gently as he handed me a bottle of water, he bent my head forward a bit and poured water on my head. 

It's not the first time I'm having a tough time breathing after our training session but it's not as bad as it used to be. 

I freshen up in the restroom of the underground training room before heading back to the pack house. 

“Hey girl, what's up with you?” I waved at Sarah who in return ran towards me. 

“Hi babes, I'm good. We've been waiting for you since forever” she rolled her eyes at me with a smile. 

I look up to see her friends, waiting eager for Sarah's feedback. My aching joints and weak knees are a reminder that I need to go rest but the look on Sarah and the girls told me they won't take No for an answer. 

“Okay, let's go sit under the tree” smiles break out in their faces and they rush to sit under the tree making space for me right next to the tree so I can rest my back on the tree. 

Which I did. I sat in the middle of five year olds and told them stories. It's been a regular routine for weeks now, I can say it's one of the things I look forward to most times. The kids are smart, funny and ask the silliest questions. 

They make me wonder how my child is doing, if Lucian and Stella are taking good care of him. 

After spending an hour with them, it's escape time! 

Yes, the parents are worse than the kids. Since I decided to live more and see the pack for what it is. I took time to get to know the pack and pack members. 

At first, they were reluctant and distant but as soon as I started to hang out with their kids they softened up one after the other. Now I avoid most of them, not for anything but because they're always bringing herbs, food and other things. 

“This fruit works for the hearts, it's been in existence for over a thousand years”

“You should try this tea, it works wonders”

“This seed only grow once in Ten years, have it”

It's always one thing or the other, all for health purposes. I couldn't be more grateful but I have to avoid them. 

I snuggled my way out of those little muffins only after I promised them we'd play games tomorrow instead of telling them stories. 

I walk back to my quarter with a forced smile on my face. After smiling at everyone I met on my way, some smiled back while some sent me death glare. 

Everyone hated Aurelia but some pitied her for being sick, some were relieved to hear she came back alive while others said she had stayed dead. 

The more I stayed, the more I realized the only people that loved Aurelia were her family. She was never liked, not to mention, of love. We are similar, the only difference is that they showed their hatred to her face while mine pretended. 

I wonder why I possess her body? Is that why… 

“Where are you coming from?” I almost jumped out of my body, my eyes widened in shock as my heart beat doubled. Standing before is the Almighty Aiden, who I haven't seen since he walked out of the garden with his potential Luna.

“Geez” I breathed out as I walked past him to my room and his footsteps followed behind me. His presence annoys me but his words make my blood run hot. 

Did you just walk out on me?” He half yelled as soon as we both stepped inside with the door closed. 

I look him in the eyes, without a word and shrug my shoulders. 

His face turned red in disbelief and anger. 

“Can you come back tomorrow? I had a stressful day and I need to rest” I said, walking deeper into the room. 

“Are you telling me to leave?” shock and disbelief were mixed in his tone and expression. 

Yes!” His eyes doubled “I'm sure your Luna is waiting for you” I folded my arm under my blossom, staring at him. 

He opened his mouth several times but he couldn't get the word out. He looks at me keenly with one of his hands in his pocket. I ignore his presence in the room totally as I prepare my night care routine on my vanity so I could freshen up. 

Suddenly, he started to walk towards me, one step after the other, I turned to him just in time. My eyes caught his, they were boiling with rage and something else. 

I backed away when I saw the color of his eyes change to black, knowing his wolf was taking over. I took to my heels and headed to the bathroom. I thought I was fast when my hand met with the door handle but he was faster. 

I was slammed against the wall before I knew it, I closed my eyes in fear of what's to come. 

But nothing came. 

I didn't know what I was expecting, 

A slap___ maybe. 

He looked like he could strangle me with his eyes. 

I felt his breath on my neck, my eyes flew open. He had my hands caged on each side, I couldn't move. I can only sink myself deeper into the wall. 

He sniffed me, his nose in the crook of my neck. He paused and sniffed me again. 

“Who the hell are you?” his eyes darkens, as he stared deep into my soul and hus grip tightened around my arm

My heart skipped a beat. 

Is my scent different from Aurelia’s?