Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Ana.

After staying in Andrew’s office for over an hour without any positive results, I could not help but break down. It’s painful. The thought of probably losing someone I love for good creates a deep ache in my chest.

Andrew left. He couldn’t find anyone with the witch’s contact so he decided to go by himself despite the injuries. I think like Leo, he deserves a second chance to come back in the pack.

So, after he left, I slumped back on his bed and started wailing. I couldn’t go back to our room and sleep in the enormous bed alone. His scent will be there and my wolf won’t allow me to rest easy when our mate is somewhere in the pack.

My primal side lacks understanding. There is no way to convince my wolf why I am not close to him. She will easily take control and do it herself.

A presence appears at the door and for the first time, I don’t have the strength to push him away. Leo pulls me up and silently wraps his arms around me. He is not as warm as my mate but I need comfort right now. I just want someone to tell me that it’s going to be okay even though it’s a total lie. Something to take my mind away from the turmoil going on in me right now.

I never imagined Jace would walk right through when I am still in Leo’s arms and his reaction is something I could have never expected. Is he seriously jealous or he is acting on impulse?

“You don’t know shit, Leo. Ana is my mate and this is just a phase that will eventually pass” My mate snaps glaring at Leo. The tension between these two is heavy. Leo and Jace have always been on opposing sides and it will only take something irrelevant to switch on the fire between them.

Leo chuckles gripping Jace’s collars and I am forced to intervene.

“Stop it will you?” I get between the fuming guys and push them apart. “Stop fighting and seek help if you care” I face each one of them but sigh in disappointment when none of them looks at me. They are not even listening.

Shaking my head, I slowly exit the room and I don’t think they even noticed my presence is gone. Before taking the stairs to my room, I spot my dad in the living room and walk to him. Something to keep me out of the bed.

“How are you holding up?” Noah asks and I sigh joining him on the seat. I grab the

coffee in his hand and take a big sip but regret it afterward.

“Goddess! Dad” I quickly hand back the cup, fighting the urge to spit out the bitter liquid.

“What?” Noah laughs in amusement and pats my back. “You didn’t give me a chance to warn you. I can make you one if you want” He offers and I quickly accept.

“Yes, please” I fold my legs on the sofa, lean back, and close my eyes. I don’t understand why people like black coffee at all. I love mine with enough milk and

sugar.

“So, how are you taking in everything?” He repeats the question and I open one eye to peek at him. Everything is shitty. I should be in bed right now with my son, but I can’t bring myself to because it won’t be the same without my mate holding me throughout the night.

“You should pardon Andrew, Dad” I mumble and his jaw instantly clenches. I know he hates him for taking his mate but we can’t entirely blame Andrew. It’s Maya who made her choice. Furthermore, Andrew was never entirely on Maya’s side. If he did, he wouldn’t have saved us multiple times and Dad knows it.

“Leo wants to join the pack too,” I say when he remains quiet. “Give them a chance dad, we both know it’s through their help we are here”

“We don’t just overlook mistakes, honey. Both of them have tried to take the throne not once but a couple of times. What do you think will happen when we let this kind of people in our midst? I have done everything to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself and I need you to stop letting emotions control you, and do what is right for your pack” he strictly informs and I deeply furrow my brows.

“Are you forgetting it’s because of these emotions we feel the need to protect each other?” I ask the question without elaboration and he sighs sitting next to me. My dad hands me a steaming cup of coffee and I Immediately take a small sip. Just the way I love it.

“I know, honey. I know. I am sorry for my ignorance. I am trying to overlook their mistakes but I just hate that guy.” Dad shakes his head and I squeeze his hand.

“You don’t have to bring them back here. We have over a thousand packs in the world, let them choose one for themselves”

“I know. For now, let’s settle everything first. Your mate needs to get back in his head, Ana. I have been thinking, honey, from the way you handled the war, I think

you don’t need training like the rest of the wolves. I trust you, dear, and I believe since you killed the queen, you will do just fine when you take over, what do you think?” My dad proudly smiles and I return it.

I don’t know dad, I don’t think it’s the right time. Jace…”

“If you have learned something from the beginning honey, I hope you will understand that in this life we are somehow alone. You love your mate I know that, but what if he is not here someday, what if something similar happens and he chooses another over you, or what if Jace doesn’t come back? Have you thought about that? I am sorry but you were born with a responsibility dear, you are my heir and I want you to get that in your head. Relationships can change in the blink of an eye, but as a leader, you need to do what is right for your subjects. We can’t let people with ulterior motives pave the way on the throne and ruin everything, just like that girl was trying to do with your mate”

‘Can you give me a little time then?”

“Of course, sweetheart. After I take care of the rest of the traitors and appoint a new council and palace guards, I will announce my resignation. I am sorry sweetheart, but you will rule with your mate as your helper. I will start training Liam and he will succeed you as soon as he becomes an adult. I hate to admit this, but I don’t trust your mate with this kind of responsibility, there will always be opportunists everywhere and we can’t risk harm befalling our people again” Dad mumbles and I nod in understanding.

“I understand Dad” I mutter, drowning the whole liquid in my cup. I guess there is no more running.

“Also…” Before Dad can finish his sentence, the door opens and he instantly drops the cup he was holding out of shock. Andrew and a perplexed woman remain in the doorway and I wonder why she and Noah are staring at each other in horror.

My dad’s eyes turn black and when his nails elongate to claws, he instantly shifts and breaks through the kitchen window, leaving the shattering of broken glasses behind.