Chapter 14

MADGADALENE'S POV

July was discharged immediately when he woke up, and August wasn't at home by the time we got back.

I covered my neck with a scarf so no one would see the mark yet; I needed time to assimilate the shit and fucks happening right now.

"I'm fine," July told me when he could speak. "I'm sorry I got everyone worried; I don't know how it happened."

I could only muster a silent "goodnight" and went back to my room; it was now 1am.

Everything August said was unforgettable, even though I wished I could forget it.

I stripped the wet clothes and stared at my nakedness in the mirror; I felt I wasn't myself at that moment.

My human body appeared only for a split second; my wolf appeared, crimson-furred, not too big, and looking very weak.

"So I had a wolf," I whispered to myself, reality tasting bitter. "And one of the gammas could die because of the mate bond."

The marking spot arched for a second, announcing its presence.

'You can now reject the mate bond,' Cate said, her voice in my head but still appearing in the mirror.

Now that's the biggest turn-off. How do I bring myself to reject the men I have been secretly thinking of?

My hand traveled to the mark again; it hurts as I press on it.

"But what do I tell others?" I blinked. "June would be so mad to see that I'm now carrying a mark."

No reply from the voice in my head. She must really be weak. Perhaps standing before the mirror won't help.

I moved to the tub, washed myself very well, and tried scrubbing the place off, but the pain wouldn't let me.

The night wears on with a heavy heart. "Tomorrow is another day."

•••

"Hey, Wolfe!" Clawdeen barged into the class, noisily frowning as she had just gotten a breakup letter.

The scarf around my neck to hide the mark made me feel hot inside. I could only look at her weakly. "What do you want?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "Are you seriously asking me that silly question? July was admitted last night, and you didn't call to tell me!"

Only if she knew the bigger problem I'm in right now. "I'm sorry. It happened so quickly, but he's fine and..."

"He's fine?" she squealed maniacally. "That stepsister of theirs would be with him! I told you to report everything to me!"

Her squeals made my insides twist. How could she be thinking so blandly?.

"Clawdeen, you can go to the manor if you want to see him; I don't know much."

She stomped away, just like I'd anticipated, and my much-needed sanctuary resumed.

The biology textbook was upside down, and anyone from afar would think I was reading, but I seriously wasn't.

What do I do with this new mark??. What do I tell the other brothers, especially my mom and Alpha Moses, when they come back, filling my heart and making it ache dangerously?

Talk of the devil, her call entered the moment I flipped the book over, actually to read

"Darlene,She cooed like a monkey. "I'm now in the Maldives."

This would have made me happy but surprisingly, it wasn't.

Perhaps I had been too greedy — wanting four brothers at once.

Perhaps I was too selfish not to consider mum as lusted away.

"Darling??"

"Oh." I cleared my throat, blinking."That....That's good.. I love that you're enjoying. Just send me more photos."

She giggled away happily. "By the way, what happened to your brothers? Moses was unable to reach any of them since last night and he was getting a little worried."

My heart snapped. Did Alpha Moses not hear about what happened, or did they choose not to let him hear about it?

"You can tell them to call their father soon; I can't handle his panic attack."

I swallowed. "Mum, what kind of wolves are common in our family?"

"You feel your wolf?"

"I..." My chest tightened. Is it a good idea to tell her what actually happened?

"Why are you spacing out? Is anything the matter?"

Tears stung my eyes that I would have to lie to her again.

I desperately wished I wouldn't but what choice do I have?

"No," I lied. I haven't felt my wolf I'm just curious.

She sighed. "Don't think of anything, your family wolf are not always special and—"

"What about your family?" Funnily enough, I don't know anything about my mother's family.

Back at our old pack before coming here was like that too, mum hates talking about her family or the reason why she was wolfless.

"Face your studies and don't worry about anything if you're fine"

Then she hung up.

My head dropped to the table; as much as it should be exciting nothing was!

Wh did she never talk about her family?

Why did my wolf appear now of all time and the mark!

"What have I done...!"

The silence was short-lived. Footsteps invaded the classroom and I could hear some familiar bullies's voices.

I simply kept my head on the desk; whatever it is can come later.

"Wolfe!!" Clawdeen suddenly yelled across the room and I lifted my head slowly.

She bolted to my side ferociously. "How dare you lie to me about who you really are?"

I blinked, my throat suddenly devoid for what to swallow.

Did she find out I was their stepsister so quickly

"What.."

I was expecting her to shut me up with a slap as my voice trialed off. Instead, she pulled me over and hugged me tight. "How did I not realize you're my long-distance cousin?"

I was confused. "Cousin?"

"Aunt Gracey's daughter, that's you."

My heart dropped. How did she know my mother's name?. How much did she know about me in the first instance?.

"What are you talking about?" I quickly pushed her off me. "I was your cousin?"

She pulled my hand happily. "Come, our grandma is outside."

Our grandma?

I followed her foolishly and confused. What on earth is happening! I wished I hàd someone to ask, but I don't..

We moved through the hallways and just before we could slip out, I caught August in the middle of nowhere, our eyes met.

Getting outside, a pink Lamborghini was parked elegantly and the occupant came out dressed like Barbie but old.

I stopped in my tracks. Why does this woman look so familiar?

"My darling," she cried trying to hug me.

I didn't move, I looked at Clawdeen with confusion.

She was beaming happily.

"Gracey left home with your pregnancy. I didn't know we would later meet"

That name again — Gracey, Mum's name.

"How did you know my mum?"

She hesitated, her tone turned sad.

"Only begotten crazy daughter. Gracey is your mother"