CHAPTER THREE: UNWELCOME VISITOR

       Unwelcome Visitor 

ETHAN?? 

 I had to be dreaming .  

 He stood in the doorway, his expression a mix of annoyance and nonchalance.  

 “We’d give you both a moment . Leave the door open Emily , we’d be right outside , if you need us just call out okay?” My dad rubbed my shoulders and I nodded  

 "Hey," Ethan said gruffly, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for something. 

 His nose turned down in utter disgust , he was silently mocking the room.  

 I felt a wave of anger and hurt at his presence. What was he doing here? Did he think a simple visit would make up for the way he'd rejected me in front of the entire pack? 

 Maybe he wanted me back, My heart beamed with hope 

 "What do you want, Ethan?" I asked, trying hard to make my voice sound cold, unbothered and detached. 

 He shrugged, his shoulders barely moving.  

 “I came to see how you were “  

 “What for ? I thought you didn’t care about me “ I smirked ,surely he’d had a rethink and wanted me back. 

 "Oh please . Do not flatter yourself , I would never hate myself so much to undergo such a punishment as coming to this trash hole you call a home . My dad told me to check on you. He said I needed to make sure you were okay after...everything." 

 I raised an eyebrow, incredulously. "You mean after you rejected me and let your friends use me as a goalpost until I passed out?" I controlled my voice . I didn’t want him to see how much he’d hurt me , I fought the tears that threatened to fall out from how much his words hurt .  

 Ethan's expression didn't change, but I saw a flicker of something in his eyes. Guilt, maybe? Regret? Or it was just all in my head .  

 "Yeah, that," he said, his voice still gruff. "So, are you okay?" 

 I laughed, a harsh, bitter sound. "Why do you care, Ethan? You made it clear how you feel about me." 

 He shifted his weight, his eyes darting around the room. "I'm just doing what my dad told me to do, okay? I don't really care about you or your feelings." 

 His words stung, but I wasn't surprised. I'd expected as much from him. He wasn’t the angel I had thought him to be , he was a heartless person and I wanted nothing to do with him.  

 "Well, you've seen me. I'm fine. You can go now." I sassed  

 Ethan hesitated, his eyes lingering on me for a moment before he took a step closer to me. "Look, Emily, I know this is awkward, but...my dad is really worried about you. He thinks you might be...hurt or something." 

 I snorted, rolling my eyes. "Hurt? You mean like my feelings? Oh, don't worry, Ethan. My feelings are just fine. Thanks for asking." 

 Ethan's expression darkened, and he took another step closer to me. "That's not what I meant. 

He thinks you might be...physically hurt or something." 

 I raised an eyebrow, my anger rising just below the surface. "And why would your dad think that? Did you tell him about how you and your friends treated me? Oh ,how could I forget , you didn’t have to, he saw it happen . For goodness sake Ethan , you humiliated me in front of the entire town” 

 Ethan's eyes dropped, and he muttered something under his breath. I didn't catch it, but it looked like he was trying to avoid eye contact. 

 "Look, just forget it, okay?" he said, turning to leave. "I'll tell my dad you're fine, and we can just forget this whole thing ever happened." 

 “Whatever “ I rolled my eyes  

 “ you do realize who you’re talking to right?” He thundered and I flinched immediately  

 “I’m sorry” I apologized quickly . The consequences of disrespecting an alpha were severe and 

I was already through so much to incur Ethan’s wrath  

 He glared at me , his jaw ticking in annoyance . Then he turned his back and walked out .  

 I watched him go, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. As the door closed behind him, I let out a deep breath . 

 ************************************** 

 THREE DAYS LATER  

 I was already feeling much better and all my bruises were healing up nicely . 

 Funny enough, I’d been looking forward to this day ,ever since I had the last conversation with Ethan.  

 It pushed me to want a fresh start. I needed a change of environment  

 With a sense of determination, I zipped up my bags and headed downstairs, ready to leave for my grandparents' house and a new beginning. My parents were waiting for me in the living room, their expressions sad. 

 "Are you ready to go, Emily?" my mother asked, her voice soft. 

 I nodded “Yes mum “ 

 I was really curious about What lay ahead? What would I find at my grandparents' house? 

 “We would miss you sweet heart . Please do not forget to always keep in touch “ she whispered , pulling me closely into a hug  

 I hugged her back and soon my dad joined in the hug and after what seemed like eternity, we pulled away  

 “I don’t want to leave you both” I sobbed . 

 “It’s for the best “ my dad reassured me , wiping my tears .  

 I nodded , he was right .  

 I hugged my mum one last time , both of us wiping each other’s eyes .  

 My dad was going to drop me off at the airport. Then I would board a plane to Europe .  

My flight tickets and everything had already been taken care of by my parents 

And when I got to Europe, someone was going to be waiting to pick up and take me to my final destination.  

 I felt my confidence falter as we drove away but I was ready to face whatever came next, as long as it meant leaving the pain and heartache behind. I was done with this place, I was ready to start a new chapter of my life, one that didn't involve Ethan or the pack's drama. 

 I do not remember much about that journey asides the fact th

at it was the longest journey of my entire life .