Chapter9

#Chapter9

I peered down at the floor, and my chest began to tighten. I couldn’t believe Erik left without saying goodbye; that hurt. I took in a deep breath and rubbed my face with my hands.

“Alpha Cain is here; he is waiting outside for me to take me……back to his territory. I just came in to say goodbye to everyone.” I said as my voice cracked with sadness.

Mom began to cry and whimper; then, she engulfed me in a tight, comforting hug.

“Everything will be alright, sweetheart; I’m sure he will allow you to visit or us to visit you.” She was trying to reassure me of things and make me feel better about the whole situation. I loved her even more for that because we both knew I was fucked!

I looked at Adela and reached out to hug her. She began sobbing silently, and I rubbed her back, trying to comfort her.

“It’s ok, Adela, I’ll be fine,” I said, trying to reassure her.

“I know you will be; it just isn’t fair,” She replied between sobs.

I pulled back from her and wiped her tears away before kissing her forehead, but she continued sobbing and then left the living room.

I turned towards Gunnar, and my lip quivered. Even though he and I didn’t always see eye to eye, he was my big brother, my gigantic pain in the ass, and I loved him for it.

He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed me tightly as he rested his chin on the top of my head.

“I know this whole situation is unfortunate, but just remember everything that I’ve taught you. You are a strong, fierce and independent woman Freja; you will get through this.” He whispered to me, and I held onto those words.

I couldn’t conjure up anything to say, as his words brought me to tears, all I could do was shake my head, not wanting any of this to be reality. Then, finally, he pulled back, wiped my tears away and smiled.

I took in a deep breath and calmed myself. “Is dad in his office?” I asked both of them. They nodded in unison. “I should go say goodbye to him.”

I turned away from them and made my way towards his office. As I got closer, I remembered our last words, and I refused to let that be our last conversation. I needed to make amends with him before leaving, as I didn’t know if this would be the last time I saw him or not.

I reached for the door handle and attempted to turn it, but it was locked. I knocked on the large wooden door, nothing. I struck again, still nothing. Feeling a bit heartbroken, I turned away from the door; maybe dad didn’t want to see me, perhaps he didn’t want to say goodbye; my chest began to tighten, even more, first Erik, now dad. As much as I protested, the tears escaped once again. I looked over at mom and Gunnar, shaking my head; mom tilted her head and gave me an apologetic look; Gunnar just clenched his jaw, clearly angry with our father.

“Well, I guess I should get going, Cain is out there waiting for me, and I don’t want him to come in here to get me. I love you guys so much and will do my best to stay in contact.” No matter what it took, I would see them again, and I would return home.

“I packed you a bag, sweetheart; it’s by the front door.” Mom pointed towards the bag that lay next to the door.

“Thank you, mom; I appreciate that.” I smiled in appreciation, mainly because I hadn’t done that myself yet.

I gave them one last hug before making my way towards the door. I grabbed the bag by the door and was just about to reach for the door handle when I heard dad’s office door open. I turned around, and there he stood; his eyes were bloodshot, cheeks flushed, it was evident that he had been crying and was clearly distressed.

I rushed over to him, and he embraced me in a desperate hug, one that held so much emotion, it was overwhelming.

“I’m so sorry, my little girl. I’m sorry that there isn’t more that I could do to help get you out of this situation. Please know if I could have done something, I would do it in a heartbeat. I would sacrifice my own life to get you out of this.” He said with heartbreak in his voice.

“I know, dad, I know, and it's ok. I’ll be fine.” I assured him, not wanting him to feel guilty.

He pulled back and looked me in the eyes. “As much as I hate saying this, be a good girl, do as he says and please for the love of Selene, try your best to not……be yourself.”

I cocked an eyebrow at him. “Now that, I can’t promise, dad,” I smirked.

He chuckled and hugged me again, squeezing me tightly.

“You should get going; you don’t want to make him wait any longer.” He clenched his jaw tightly with his last statement.

I sighed and nodded in agreement; I didn’t know what he would do if he became severely irritated waiting for me to come out.

I walked back towards the front door, bent down, picked up my bag again, and tossed it over my shoulder. Then, looking back once more, I smiled. “I love you guys, and I will see you all again,” I said with conviction.

I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath as I opened the door; with one last glance at my family, I closed the door behind me, leaving my home and my family behind. I took a moment to gather myself, not wanting Cain to see me in such a broken state. Then, with my head held high, I turned to face the monster I was stuck with for the rest of my life.