Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Amber’s POV

“Please just fit,” I hissed under my breath, frustration rising in me as yet another top spilled from the suitcase.

With a sigh, I threw my hands up and stood back to admire my work. Earlier today, after Mina made Lucas leave, I came home to pack my things.

Walking down the hallways of the Pack house felt nostalgic. The air still smelled like warm baked bread and fresh cookies. The voices of the Pack officials from Father’s office still filtered into the hall. The packhouse felt completely normal. 

“What did you think? That the world would stop spinning?” Vera hissed bitterly.

I let out a breath and rubbed at my temple. She was hurting.

One more reason why I had to leave. 

I moved to my bed, unzipping the overflowing suitcase. If I’m leaving my old life behind, I might as well shed some things.

My fingers began to move through the soft fabrics, selecting the ones that made the cut. I was so engrossed in my task, I didn’t notice my bedroom door sliding open.

“Amber?”

I jerked around in shock, a pink dress dropping from my hand.

“Mother,” My shock dialed back to numbness as I watched her cross the distance between us.

She looked as impeccable as always. Blond hair in a tight bun, red lipstick applied to perfection. Although now, if I let my eyes linger, I could see it.

Wine-colored nails chipped from constant picking. Poorly covered undereye circles. Some grey strands in that golden pool of hair—telltale signs I hadn’t noticed before. 

Mother devoted her life to adoring Maggie, and now in a year, my sister would be gone.

My knees suddenly felt too weak, and I turned from her, making my way to the bed.

“You’re packing,” It wasn’t a question. Her voice was softer than I’d ever heard it with a strange vulnerability.

“Nothing left for me here,” I whispered, sitting on the soft bed and watching her carefully.

“She’s your sister, you know,” Her hands trailed the pile of discarded clothes on the floor.

A familiar pang hit my chest, filling my tongue with a bitter taste. “Trust me, I know. It’s all I’ve heard for the last twenty years,”

I watched her face, bracing myself for any tears or accusations, but she just sighed.

She seemed almost… weak. Tired?

Mother raised her head to stare at me, her face filled with more warmth than she had ever directed at me. “I know how you feel, Amber. We ignore it but I know you feel wronged.”

She cared how I felt? I caught myself a second before my mouth dropped open. Mother had never—

“And this time,” she continued, softly, “You’ve willingly given your mate to your sister.”

Warmth washed over me at her caring tone. But still, willingly was far from the truth. “Mother I—“

I began to shake my head but she held my hands. 

“Amber, listen to me,” My heart raced as her thumb tenderly brushed over the bandage Mina put across my injury. “I see all your contributions. You’re very important to our family. All that we’ve gone through…”

Her voice broke and her blue eyes began to shine. 

Unwittingly, my own eyes grew hot and began to mirror the tears in hers. 

“Amber,” She continued in a whisper. “We would have never made it this far without you. Please don’t leave us; your family needs you.”

She was so close; her comforting cinnamon smell warmed me. Her hands held mine softly while she stared into my eyes. 

My entire body shook. This right here. Just this acknowledgment and care. This was all I’d ever wanted. 

“Please, Amber,” Mother pressed gently. “Promise me you’ll stay for us?”

It wasn’t a matter of choice as I nodded eagerly. “Yes, Mother. I’ll stay back. I’ll be here for the family,”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ONE MONTH LATER~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Miss Amber, are we using the red or pink napkins?” 

I turned from the flowers I was arranging to face the Pack house maid. She stood before me with both arms outstretched, holding samples of the two fabrics. 

“The red one,” I replied, turning back to my flowers when noise from the living room door drew my attention.

“Careful with the ladder… no to the right… Yes, a little. No left!” Mina’s voice yelled commands as she and a maid struggled to carry in a large ladder.

“Hey, careful!” I shoved the chrysanthemums I held at a maid, wiping my hands on my jeans as I moved to assist my best friend. 

“Let me help.” I moved the maid out of the way, and together, Mina and I carried the ladder over to the west wall. 

“Thank you,” I breathed in gratitude as we dropped the heavy ladder and rested it against the wall.

Mina’s face scrunched up in annoyance. “Oh, don’t thank me. You know, I think this whole thing is stupid.”

She yanked the handkerchief that tied back her red hair and began to use it to mop her temple.

I sighed deeply. Her face was red and she was sweating. It was almost evening, and neither of us had gotten any rest or eaten any food. 

Around us, equally sweaty maids worked hard. Some hauling in fresh flowers and prepping them for me to arrange. Some beautifully draping white and pink silks from the ceiling. Others were running in and out, attending to other errands. 

It was tonight.

Maggie’s dreamy wedding to Lucas. 

As her sister, I had been charged with making sure everything ran smoothly. Through it all, even though Mina disapproved, she had been right by my side. 

“Come on, let’s take a break.” I pulled my own handkerchief from my dark curls. “Maybe eat something,”

“I’m not complaining. Even though I don’t understand why you’re still here,” Mina scowled as she followed me out of the living room.

Over the last month, I had asked myself that question countless times. Each time… my answer was less sure—until I couldn’t remember why I stayed back in the first place. 

“Amber,” Mina pulled on my hand. I paused and turned around to face her. 

“This,” She threw her hands up at the already decorated hallway. “This is wrong. I still think you should leave,”

“Don’t worry about me, Mina,” I forced a small smile, doing my best to keep my voice even as I held her arm and gently tugged her back to walk with me. “I’ll be fine,”

I was in fact, not fine. The joining ceremony took place under the moon outside, yet I could barely breathe.

My throat felt constricted. 

Breathe Amber. Breathe. 

But I could barely think straight. Vera was silent, her painful silent rasps sending tremors through my body. My grip on the flower basket tightened as the village elder tied the ribbon from Lucas to Maggie’s arm.

She stood on her feet today, no wheelchair in sight. Her dark hair was pinned up in a bridal style, the curls holding a long veil in place. Her makeup was expertly applied and her dress… it was breathtaking.

My heart squeezed, cold sweat beading on my forehead as I watched them. Maggie looked beautiful.

The pack house grounds was full, every single pack member was present tonight. 

Their large number did nothing to ease me as I tried and failed to gulp down enough air.

“Are you okay?” Beside me, a concerned Mina tried to hold my hand but I bit down on my lip and drew back. If she held me now, my ruse would be up.

The dam of tears I was holding back would break and my pretense would be over.

“You may hold hands and mark each other. The ritual is complete. I now pronounce you, man and wife,”

The crowd exploded in applause. Loud cheers, howls, and whistles renting the air. 

I couldn’t stay here. Not anymore.

I shoved my flower basket at the nearest person, gathered the skirt of my dress in my hand, and began to push through the crowd. The ceremony was over. No one would question my absence.

Already, the hot tears in my eyes were leaking. The liquid blurred my vision as I kicked off my heels into the grass and pushed my way into the pack house.

Inside the house, I gulped in enough air for the first time, gasping loudly as I raced for my bedroom. 

I slammed the door shut, pressing my back to the oak wood as I crumpled.

I was tired. Tired of pretending like it didn't hurt. Tired of being so strong all the time. The mate bond was gone but the pain was still there. The betrayal as fresh as yesterday.

My hands shook terribly as I swiped it against my face and slowly stood to my full height. I couldn’t afford to wait or wallow in self-pity. 

Everyone was busy, so now was the time.

My feet moved quickly behind my closet door, where the bags I packed earlier today awaited me.

On my bedside table, my note was already ready.

Dear Mother,

I’m sorry I lied. My plan was always to stay until Maggie gets married, but I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to make the family sad. I didn’t want to take away from Maggie’s happiness on her day. 

Love, Amber.

My tears threatened to choke me but I swallowed them down. With one last look around my room, I pushed open my bedroom window, threw out my suitcase, and then jumped after it.