Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5: Father's Explanation

Derek's POV

“What do you mean, father?” I asked with a frown creasing my facial features.

“I mean what I said,” Father replied. “This girl is your stepsister!”

He repeated the words. Those cursed words!

I immediately turned and looked at Layla who stood next to me with her eyes widened and her face etched with confusion.

“No.” She shook her head. “It can't be. I'm afraid you must have gotten me confused with someone else Alpha King.” She said.

“No. I haven't.” My father scoffed. “You see years ago, I went into Evergreen Pack where I met a woman. It didn't take long before we were so hooked up with each other. We got drunk and slept at the inn. It wasn't until morning I realized what I had done…” He trailed off.

I was horrified by what I was hearing. My muscles were clenched and cold sweat trickled down the back of my neck.

I always thought that my father was the most faithful man I had ever known and I guess Mom always thought that way too until she died but here I was, listening to my father's story of how he cheated.

“What did you do?” I growled.

Father shook his head sadly as if he found it very painful to relive the past.

“I couldn't bear to think of the shame that would befall me if my deed was ever publicized. I hated myself for spending the night with someone who wasn't your mom. I left before the lady could wake up. I was fortunate enough that she didn't know who I was but in secret, I kept tabs on her even until she gave birth to the young lady who stands beside you now.”

I turned to look at Layla again and her face had switched from utter confusion to straight-up horror as she gapped at my father.

“My… my parents..” She caught herself using that word and then clenched her jaws tightly and her eyes closed for a moment before Continuing. “…my foster parents. They told me that they found me abandoned in the streets…”

Father nodded.

“Despite the fact that I couldn't get involved with you and your mother, I continuously and anonymously sent in money enough for your upkeep. I honestly don't know why your mother chose to abandon you.” Father said.

It's either the subject hurt him that much or he was a very good actor able to summon tears in his eyes at will.

“I was aware that another family had found you and I continued to send in money and occasional letters to you as well. Years had passed but I still couldn't get over all that shame and staying connected with you in my way was soothing.”

“Money? Letters? What letters?” Layla almost yelled out the last words and I gently squeezed her hand to keep her from blowing over in rage.

“I sent them…” My father started and then trailed off with his confusion clear. “You didn't receive my letters?” He asked.

“I didn't know I was an adopted child until yesterday!” Layla exclaimed with her voice breaking a little.

“Unbelievable!” Father exclaimed too. “I never thought they'd keep it all from you! I'm sorry child I should have…”

“Well, it's a little too late for apologies now isn't it?” Layla snapped.

“Excuse me!” She pulled her hand out of mine and ran out of the throne room.

With one look at my father, I turned and ran after Layla.

“Layla. Wait. Wait a minute…” I called after her but she wouldn't stop.

She ran right outside and didn't stop despite the fact that she was new to the surroundings.

I would have caught up with her easily if I wanted but I chose to fall back and give her a little space. Perhaps that was what she wanted.

I dropped to a walk but kept following her scent through the crowded streets. All these while my nose remained open for her smell.

People moved out of the way immediately they recognized me and I nodded to a few greetings but my mind was occupied with but one person, Layla.

I finally found her out of the busy city and standing on a little hill overlooking the pack. Her tears-streaked face looked even more beautiful in the setting sun and I wished I'd say this as a compliment.

She immediately wiped her face when I approached. No need to, everyone cries. I moved up and stood awkwardly next to her.

“Hey…” I said.

“Tell me you didn't know about this.” She croaked. “Tell me this isn't some sick joke you've devised with your father.”

“What? No.” I replied quickly. “I swear by the moon goddess I did not know what Father said until a few minutes ago.”

I was being honest.

“Am I cursed?” She asked between sobs.

“No I don't think so.” I replied.

“Why's all this happening to me then?” She asked rhetorically. “Why has the moon goddess taken so much delight in seeing me suffer? Where will I go?”

Now hold up a minute... I was the one who brought her in and even with father's crazy talk I wasn't sure I was ready to let her go just like that.

“You don't have to think about where to go,” I spoke calmly. “I brought you in, I promised you vengeance and I'll live to see you have it.”

She suddenly turned to face me with her eyes already red and puffy from her crying.

“You promise?” She asked. “You will still do that?”

“Of course, I will,” I replied. “I'll keep my promise,” I assured her.

She nodded.

“I'm not sure what you want in return but I suppose I can trust you.” She said. “It's not like I've got other options.”

“You can trust me, Layla,” I assured her. “I'm a man of my word.”

She nodded and then returned her focus to the pack.

My stomach twisted badly and my heart fell to the bottom of my stomach.

I couldn't bring myself to say it, not to her or anyone but I just couldn't ignore the fact that I felt connected to her right from where I met her.

Perhaps the moon goddess was playing a cruel game with our lives I mean how could I open up that my stepsister was my fated mate?!