Chapter 0005

**Octavia**

The next morning when I woke up, my head was pounding and I could hear the chattering from downstairs I knew that everyone was probably awake by now.

I groaned softly, trying to cover my ears when someone cleared their throats.

Blue eyes, long blonde hair…

“Mum?” I whispered, opening my heavy eyes as I sat up to look at her.

She grinned as she looked at me, her eyes teary. “Breakfast is ready downstairs,” she said, turning on her heel before I peeled off my sheets.

I was in my T-shirt. Did I change into these last night? I inwardly asked myself as I looked at myself.

‘I am sorry:” I said to her before she could leave.

She stopped in her tracks, turning to me and glancing at me. “Your omelet will get cold,” she responded without actually saying anything.

Did she make omelets? 

“Why don’t you freshen up and I will reheat it for you?” She suggested and walked out of my room as I sighed heavily, nodding my head.

I sighed heavily, looking at my bed. She probably came to help out in the night and made sure I was okay.

I quickly made my bed and I went to take a shower. Memories of my handsome stranger filled my mind as I run fingers over my hand, recalling how his touch felt. His skin against mine.

I can’t believe I am thinking about a man I am meant to be having a one-night stand with.

I quickly freshen up and got into a pair of black joggers and loose white tees and sneakers before rushing downstairs.

“Good morning Kiddo,” I said, fist-bumping with Adele and settling down.

“Is Dad still in?” I asked no one in particular as I looked around.

“No. He had to leave early.” She responded as I faked a smile. She placed my omelet down and a glass of coffee.

She brought some pills into a small cup and went to get her things. “Did you come with any formal dresses?” She asked me as I looked at Adele, then back at her, wondering why she was asking.

“Um... Not really, I just came with...” “I will send someone to bring over some dresses.” She finished packing up her things as I sighed heavily.

‘Wait, I have to—“

“Can I drive you to work?>” I offered, as she scoffed, shaking her head. I knew she was upset and probably not showing it right now, but I needed to make up for not going to see her first.

“Mum, please,” I pleaded, clasping my hands together.

“Fine. Finish up your food. We can look at dresses while you do that,” she said to me as I grinned at her and she took out her tablet.

‘But why do I need dresses?” I asked, digging into my omelet.

I didn’t understand why I would suddenly need dresses to wear. After all, I was probably called to be part of Avery’s security, which I am sure of.

‘Because you are one of the few women who will be welcoming the Alpha King’s people,” She said

“The what?’ I choked on my coffee as she looked at me with her eyebrows raised.

“Mum, you are joking, right? I can’t be part of... I mean, I definitely can’t…” I stuttered as she tilted her head.

“I have been away for five years. You surely can’t expect me to—”

“Yes. You have been away for five years, Octavia Cohen. And what’s the first thing you do when you come back to town?” She paused as she fought back the tears that filled her eyes.

“Mum, I am sorry,” I apologized, dropping everything and standing up to approach where she was standing.

I know it hurt her feelings. I should have gone in to see her, but I was at the pack house. All the memories of that night finding out that my boyfriend was not my mate came back in an instant.

“I am sorry, Mum. I wanted to see you, but...” I paused as she sniffled, looking away from me.

“I should get going. I will be late” She grabbed her bags as I rushed to her.

“I am a terrible daughter. I have failed you all this time, but I wanted to see you when I came back,” I said...

“Mum, she came to the pack house,” Adele added as I turned to look at her

‘Adele,” I said, almost in a whisper, and she lowered her head.

Wait... How did she know I got to the pack house?

“You should have called me. You should have called your mother. Do you know how many nights I am worried about you? The questions I asked myself?” She asked me, her tears finally falling from her blue eyes.

“Mum” I whispered.

I hated myself for making her cry. She deserved better. She deserved better from me.

“I wonder if you had a roof over your head. Did she eat? Who called for her? But what do you do when you get back in town?” She asked me as I went closer to her, holding her hands.

‘I am sorry, Mum. I have failed. But I knew your prayers to the goddess kept me safe,” I assured her as she chuckled, looking away.

“I am sorry I worried you” I held on tight to her hands and she nodded her head.

“I promise to make up for everything while I am here, okay?” I tilted my head, trying to look at her face, and she smiled.

“Do you want me to cook later?” I offered, and she scoffed.

“No. thank you. I don’t want to die of food poisoning,” she added as I chuckled, pulling her into a tight hug using my height as an advantage over her.

“Let’s go. I am sure Arwen might be panicking.” She said to me as I quickly grabbed her bags and gestured for her to walk out fast and she rolled her eyes.

I grabbed my phone from the table and winked at Adel, who waved at me as I walked out.

“So why is the King suddenly coming down from his kingdom for the ceremony? Is that why security is tight?” I asked her, opening the door for her as she got in.

“Well, a lot of things have happened in the last five years and the King is coming for the ceremony. You do realize he rules us so he will probably want to see if our new alpha is worthy and he might also be looking for his mate,” she added as I drove away thinking about everything.

“Wyatt is worthy. Why bother about that? He surely has other plans,” I stated as I finally pulled over at the pack house and she looked at me.

“It’s not Wyatt they are worried about.” She said, coming out of the car I frowned, wondering what she was talking about.

“Who are they worried about?” I asked her as we walked inside the pack house.

“Your sister,” she said to me as I frowned. I took in a heavy sigh as a familiar scent hit my nostrils.

I would recognize that scent from anywhere. I was obsessed with it and still am.

I lifted my head, looking at the staircase as my eyes met the eyes of the person I didn’t expect to find here this morning.

“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath.