Chapter 4 Chapter FOUR

Eileen's POV

"You murderer! You killed our Luna!" A warrior hurled a stone at my forehead, and blood immediately began to flow.

I looked to my twin brother, hoping he would defend me, but he only turned away in disgust. Then there was Arthur, my first love, and his two brothers, my close friends.

They all pushed me away, spitting at me. Then came the punches and kicks.

I blacked out. When I woke up, I saw Jason's gentle expression, but it quickly turned to one of annoyance.

"My biggest regret is claiming you as my mate! You'll never bear a healthy child. You're worthless to the pack!"

"Take your monster and leave!" Jason snarled.

"No!" I screamed.

I flailed my arms, but strong hands grabbed me, pulling me into a tight embrace. I opened my eyes.

When I saw those familiar, painful eyes, rage burned through my veins.

Arthur! The irony—he was my second mate? Did that mean the other two triplets were also my mates? My destined mate had just rejected me for being infertile, and now, my former tormentor was my second mate?

Was the Moon Goddess mocking me? Was she truly this cruel to me? I'd already been through so much. Was this my fate now? I refused to accept it. No, this was unacceptable.

"I'm leaving," I said coldly, pushing myself up and avoiding his gaze.

“No, Eileen!” Arthur commanded. “Tell me what Jason did to you!”

Was I hearing this right? The man who had once led the charge in bullying me now wanted to hear my story? I bet he just wanted to mock me, to laugh at how I was destined to be abandoned.

"Where's Amber?!" I refused to open up my scars. All I wanted was to leave with Amber. I didn't know how long I'd been unconscious, and I hated my weakness. I hadn't protected Amber!

Her autism made it hard for her to adapt to new environments. What if…?

"Amber's fine. She's with Alex. Your brother," Arthur replied.

No! Alex had also been one of my bullies. How would he treat my daughter? I tried to get up, but Arthur held me down, his lips inches from mine.

I refused to be distracted.

"Eileen, stop! No one here will hurt you anymore. I promise!" Arthur's voice made me pause. What had happened in the five years I'd been gone?

"I'm the murderer, aren't I?" I sneered.

Arthur lowered his head in guilt, and his next words stunned me. "I'm sorry, Eileen. We were wrong. We all regret what we did to you."

What… did I just hear? My mouth hung open. I'd dreamed countless times of seeing them regret their actions. I blinked. Was this real? But was an apology enough? Arthur's hand gripped my arm, and the memories of their abuse burned me like a branding iron.

I pushed him away. They'd be just like Jason, using the mate bond to numb me before betraying me.

"Bullshit! I won't believe any of your lies! Now, I'm leaving! I want to see Amber!" I extended my claws, but Arthur let them dig into his arm.

Blood flowed from his arm, and I stared into his guilt-filled eyes. My pain intensified! I pushed him away. Tears streamed down my face. Why? Why couldn't I just escape my pain? Why wouldn't they let me go?

"Eileen, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Arthur came over and hugged me tightly, repeating his apology over and over. "You don't have to forgive me, but please, believe me one last time. I'll never hurt you again!"

I lost my strength. I didn't want to argue anymore. I just cared about Amber. "Take me to Amber," I said.

"We'll go now," Arthur replied. When I looked up, Arthur tried to help me stand, but I pushed him away. I was desperate to see Amber, but when I saw her playing happily with Alex, I was stunned.

Amber had even refused to let her father, Alpha Jason, near her. Was it because Alex and I were identical twins?

But she'd just met Alex. As I stood there in shock, Amber ran to me, and I immediately hugged her. "Sweetheart, are you okay?"

Amber nodded without hesitation, then reached out to Arthur from my arms.

My eyes widened again. Why? Why could Amber accept them so quickly? I knew children were sensitive, like animals. She could sense who was harmful and who was friendly. If she judged someone as friendly, she'd lower her guard and open her arms to them. Were they truly remorseful for how they'd treated me?

Before I could react, Alex rushed over and hugged me. I inhaled his familiar scent, and I admit my eyes welled up again. Alex looked so different—taller, more handsome. I didn't know how to react, so I let him hold me. "Sister, stay." Alex said.

"No!" I refused! But suddenly, a warrior interrupted us.

"Alpha! Beta! It's bad—Alpha Joseph's health has worsened!" the warrior said urgently.