Chapter 6 Chapter SIX

Eileen's POV

As I left the hospital and saw the familiar pack, memories of past abuse assaulted my soul.

"You should let them claim you as their mate! They've never been more vulnerable!" my wolf roared. I refused to respond. I could feel Arthur and Brett's pain, but the scars of the past and the fresh betrayal from Jason… I couldn't do it.

I told her to shut up. I watched Amber quietly playing with her doll, lost in thought.

Arthur seemed to have uncovered the truth about my innocence. But what had really happened to the Luna? Why had Alpha Joseph said those things?

Back then, all the rogue scents had vanished, leaving only me and the Luna's body. I'd been unconscious and had no memory of what happened. I'd always wondered how I'd survived. I must have smelled something familiar before I blacked out.

I felt uneasy. Scents were the hardest to erase. If dark magic truly existed, it meant all packs were in grave danger…

"It's time to use our power, Eileen," my wolf said for the first time without urging me to find a mate. Her tone was serious. "For the future of the werewolves."

"The future of the werewolves?! What are you talking about, Nora?" I pressed.

"Eileen, you'll know soon. I didn't tell you because the triplets are the key to unlocking our power. We must accept their mark!" Nora said mysteriously.

I was furious she kept hiding things from me. I forcefully shut down the link.

I turned to find Amber asleep. I gently laid her on my lap, stroking her body as she breathed softly in her sleep. For Amber, I'd find a way for us to survive. I wouldn't let anyone hurt us again!

Fifteen minutes later, the familiar gates of the packhouse came into view. We'd arrived. The car stopped, and I picked up Amber. She stirred, blinking at me. She was awake now.

"Hey, sweetheart," I whispered to her, and she snuggled closer. I chuckled and got out of the car with her. "Please follow me," an omega said, leading the way. I held Amber's hand and followed. We entered the building where I'd grown up, and nostalgia hit me. The omega took me to a room I recognized—my old room.

Memories of playing with the triplets flashed before my eyes like a slideshow. I clenched my fists. It was hard to hate them as much as I hated Jason.

The omega reminded us about dinner, and Amber's appetite seemed better than ever. My unease began to fade. After Amber fell asleep, I couldn't help but doze off too.

I felt someone touch my face and woke up with a start. Brett was standing by my bed, staring at me. His green eyes were filled with sorrow—the first time I'd seen that look since the Luna's death. Now, it was for his father, Alpha Joseph.

But remembering what he'd done to me, anger burned in my veins. He and Kyle had been the ones who'd truly hurt me.

They'd forced me to clean in the snow wearing thin clothes. Brett would grab my braid, scrutinize my outfit, and mock my figure. When I'd turned to Arthur and Alex for help, they'd believed Kyle, saying it was my penance.

Just because he was my mate, was I supposed to forgive him for hurting me?

Brett's eyes flickered with mate excitement. He reached for my arm, but I coldly pushed him away. I saw his hurt expression, but I knew the bond didn't guarantee they wouldn't hurt me again. Jason had proven that. I'd reject them after ensuring Amber's safety.

I sat up, about to ask him to leave—but he hugged me, pleading, "Please, Eileen. Dad's gone. Only you can give me the strength to… say goodbye."

His vulnerability stopped me. I'd never seen him so broken. He and his brothers were pack stars. He loved racing and was always rebellious.

"Eileen," he murmured, his chin resting on my shoulder. His voice was thick with emotion, and my heart softened. I hugged him back.

He spoke again, "I… don't know where to start, but I want to apologize. Everything that happened was our fault. We didn't believe you were innocent, and we punished you for a crime you didn't commit. Please, let me make it up to you. I'll—"

"No," I interrupted, the past memories cutting deep. "I don't need anything from you. You've already caused me enough pain. I'm fine without you. I don't need your redemption." I swallowed. I knew this was harsh for someone who'd just lost his father.

I wanted to reject him like I'd rejected Arthur, to reject them all. But with Alpha Joseph's death and the mystery surrounding me, I sighed.

"Eileen," he called again. I shook my head and stepped back. "You know, maybe the Moon Goddess is punishing us for what we did to you ten years ago. Dad was so strong. How could he die from just an illness?"

I… opened my mouth and sighed. "Listen, Brett. I don't want to talk about the past or forgiveness right now. I've been through too much… I just want to find a place for Amber and me to live. We… can't go back to the past. After Alpha Joseph's funeral and once I solve the mystery of my identity, I'll leave with Amber."

When I said "leave," my heart felt like it had been struck by a stone. I could barely breathe. But I had to do this.

"No! Eileen! I'll never give up on our mate bond!" Brett grabbed my shoulders tightly, his grip hurting me. I was about to push him away when Arthur burst in, shoving Brett back.

"Are you hurting Eileen?! You bastard!" Arthur raised his fist, but I stopped him.

"Amber's still asleep," I reminded them.

"Eileen, are you okay?" Arthur asked, looking at me anxiously. I nodded. Just then, a warrior knocked on the door, interrupting the tension. He reminded us that Alpha Joseph's funeral was about to begin.

"Eileen, Dad said your existence is tied to the survival of the Blackwood Pack. I hope you'll think carefully about your decision," Arthur said gravely before leaving.