Ch.9 Chapter 8 - Rejected Lovers

Chapter Eight - Consolation

I'm on my lunch break when my phone vibrates in my pocket. Frowning, I take it out and recognize that it's my mom's number. I always keep important phone numbers written in a small notebook just in case something happens and when Atticus destroyed my old phone and got me a new one all I did was enter the numbers. My mom's being one them. Instant dread fills me and I excuse myself from the table before picking up my bag and walking outside. I accept the call with a nervous greeting.

"Olivia! What is the meaning of this?! You left Vincent?!" My father's voice booms through the speaker and the unexpected loudness of it makes me jump.

"I didn't just leave him, dad. I rejected him too." I reply quietly as I walk away from the school.

"You've done nothing but embarrass us, Olivia!" Mom cuts in and I realize I'm on speaker phone. Her words cut deep and I feel myself crumble a little. "First you cheated on him â"

"I did not cheat on him! You have no right to accuse me of something I didn't do!" I growl as I walk out of the school gates. This conversation is much too private to reach anyone's ears, especially my fellow pack members who attend this school with me. "You're all so blinded by his act that you disowned your own daughter! You are an embarrassment to me!"

"How dare you speak to us that way!" Dad roars and I find my disbelief grow. "Get back to Vincent right now or else I'll drag you there myself!"

"I will do no such thing!" I snarl angrily and hear my mom scoff in the background. "I have explained everything to you and yet you choose to believe a stranger over your own blood!"

"You are no blood of ours, Olivia." Mom growls and I feel my heart shatter in pieces. "The Moon Goddess blessed you with an Alpha male and you threw it back in Her face like an ungrateful brat! You are a disgrace!"

Tears stream down my cheeks and I fight the urge to sob freely. Words are on the tip of my tongue but I can't seem to get them out. I hang up with a pained sob and allow myself to break down. Every time we've talked they have never listened to me, never believed me so what's the point in wasting my time talking to them and only getting more upset.

"Miss Olivia?" I jump when someone calls me and hurriedly wipe my tears. Turning, I see that the driver has brought the car to the gates. "Shall I take you home?"

"N-No..." I breathe shakily as I get in. "Take me to someplace quiet."

He nods and drives out of the school grounds. The tears keep streaming down my cheeks and I grab a tissue to wipe them away. How has Vincent managed to keep my family under his thumb? I think to myself in despair. How can they believe him over their own child?!

I watch the scenery change from the town to trees that are losing their green colour and turning shades of red, orange and brown. We don't have to travel far to find a quiet place to stop at. I thank the driver before walking over to the river's edge and taking a seat on the grass.

Looking up at the gloomy dark clouds I find myself feeling the exact same. Why is my life filled with such hardship, oh Moon Goddess? I think as I wrap my arms around my knees and rest my head on them. Why didn't Vincent love me? What did I do to anger you for you to destine me for such misery?

This time I let the tears fall freely knowing that nobody is watching me. I can't believe my parents said such hurtful things to me, their own flesh and blood. I've tried so hard for them to listen and believe me but they never do. What spell does Vincent have them under?

Sighing heavily, I spend my time watching the afternoon sun set and the sky transition from a vibrant orange to hues of purple and pink. I know I must get back soon but sitting out here in the quiet brings me a sense of peace. However, I should have known that a certain Alpha is never far. I smell him before I hear him. His unusual scent of sea breeze and spice wraps around me as I hear him march over to where I'm sitting.

"Olivia!" He growls angrily as he stops behind me. "What the hell are you doing out here after skipping classes?!"

"I'm sorry. I just needed some space." I whisper as I pick at the hem of my shirt.

"You should have told someone! Do you know how worried I was?! What the fuck were you thinking â" He's interrupted by my loud sob and immediately becomes silent. I had already had an argument with my parents and it looks like I'm about to have one with him next.

He crouches down beside me and turns me to face him. I watch his eyes widen as they zero in on my tears and what are probably bloodshot eyes. They darken at the edges and he pulls me into his arms with a protective growl. The dam breaks and I cry harder into his shirt as he holds me.

"What happened, Livi?" He asks softly this time as he rubs my back soothingly. "Tell me, who made you cry?"

"I-It's nothing." I sniffle as I pull away.

"You wouldn't cry over nothing, little one." He murmurs gently as he wipes my tears away. "Did someone say anything? Was it Scarlett?"

I shake my head as more tears brim my eyes over my parent's hurtful words. "My parents called me on my lunch break."

Instantly his eyes harden with a cold look. "What did they say to you?"

"Just the usual." I half laugh half sob as I shake my head.

He stares at me knowingly and I look away. But my bottom lip quivers as I feel the oncoming tears and I close my eyes in frustration. I've been strong for a very long time. I must not break now! I think to myself. Releasing a deep breath, I turn to him and wipe a lone tear away.

"Because I refused to go back to Vincent they don't consider me their blood anymore." I explain and hear him snarl angrily in response.

"How can they say that?!" He exclaims as he stands and paces in front of me in frustration. "You're their daughter! Why don't they believe you?!"

"It's confusing for me just as it is for you." I shrug halfheartedly and watch as he calms down.

Sighing, he holds out his hand for me to take which I do. As much as I want to stay by the river where it's quiet and peaceful I know I must get back home. He tucks me into his side as we make our way to the car and get in. I'm assuming he shifted into his wolf and ran here when I don't see another car.

"Home, please." Atticus requests and in seconds we're back on the road.

I sigh as I rest my head on his shoulder. Much like the car ride here I zone out as we travel back home. Thankfully Atticus doesn't push me to talk more about what happened. He merely provides me with the comfort that I need right now and I couldn't be more grateful for the silence.

We arrive at the house in no time and I thank the driver before Atticus takes my hand and guides me inside. The scents of his parents and siblings linger so I can tell they haven't been home for a while. I climb the stairs with him following behind, fully intending to go to my room but he catches my attention with what he says next.

"My room." He orders gently as he steers me towards his bedroom door at the end of the hallway.

"Atticus, I'm fine â"

"No, you're not." He replies with furrowed brows.

He pulls me flush against him which makes my breath hitch loudly. My cheeks flame in embarrassment when he smirks knowingly and I wish the ground would swallow me whole. I move to pull away but he only tugs me back and holds me tighter. My gaze meets his and it's like he can see my soul.

"You're just going to spend the rest of the evening feeling like shit whereas you could come to my room and raid through my secret stash of snacks and chocolate." He offers with raised brows. "Think about it, Liv. Hanging out with me sounds so much better."

"So, the big bad Alpha can't resist junk food huh?" I tease and can't help but chuckle when he grins sheepishly. "But seriously...you probably have more important matters to deal with. I don't want to be a bother. It was just some words and I'll get over it like I always do."

"I'm only going to say this once Olivia so listen well. Nothing and nobody is more important to me than my family, my pack and you." He states firmly as he cups my face. "We have history between us. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you and I know if I was in your situation you would do the same. Don't be formal with me."

I nod as I bite my lip. I try my hardest to reign in the wave of emotion rising within me. It feels like it's been so long that I haven't had someone to depend on and to put my trust in. Ever since I found out Vincent cheated on me I've felt alone. My family turned their backs on me, the pack hated me and my own mate made me feel worthless. Because I was isolated by everyone I have never had someone to confide in. So, for anybody to show that they care about me makes me feel overwhelmed.

"Okay." I nod with a small smile as I take his hand and step towards his bedroom door. "I'm warning you though, that junk food stash of yours will be no more after tonight."

His husky laughter echoes behind me as we walk inside. "Dammit! Maybe I should've thought this through!"

I laugh along with him and for the first time today I feel much lighter and happier. I send up a thankful prayer to the Moon Goddess for giving me someone like Atticus. He truly is a blessing.

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