Chapter 11

He stopped, though his breathing was still ragged, his wolf pressing dangerously close to the surface. But when it came to my mother, he was powerless. “I’ve already told you—that alliance will never work,” she said firmly. “You will not force him to claim a woman he has no interest in.” “He’s our son, Olivia,” my father shot back. “I know what’s best for him. Bella will make a good mate and a good mother.” My mother shook her head. “No, Owen. I know how close you and Hamilton are, but you won’t drag my son into your little circle.” “Bella loves him,” my father pressed. “I don’t care,” my mother replied, her voice like steel. “Osborne doesn’t love her. That’s all that matters.” Thank the Moon my mother wasn’t buying into the madness my father called friendship. I let out a silent sigh of relief. My father’s eyes flicked toward me, sharp as a blade, and I glanced away. “I can see he hit you,” my father said coldly. “And you deserved it—because I would have done worse.” I didn’t reply. My mother turned toward me instantly, her eyes narrowing as she caught sight of my reddened cheek. “How could he?” she muttered, furious. I sighed again. “Excuse me, I need to rest. It’s been a long day.” By then, my father had already walked over to sink into the couch, while my mother gave me a small nod. I left them there, letting them carry on their argument without me. Aina I woke up feeling refreshed, my gaze immediately drawn to the flowers I’d placed in a vase the day before. I hurried over to them, leaning in to inhale their fragrance. His scent lingered there too, wrapping around me like a memory. A soft chuckle escaped as I covered my mouth. I still couldn’t believe something as simple as this could make me so happy. Then my eyes caught my reflection in the mirror. I studied myself, recalling the way he had looked at me—with such genuine affection. There had been no hint of irritation or judgment toward my body. No one had ever looked at me like that before, and the thought sent a warm, needy ache through me. Clearing my throat, I told myself, “Today is going to be a good day.” I took a quick bath, got dressed, and headed downstairs. I wasn’t surprised to see breakfast already laid out on the table. The night before, my mom had made dinner with the reluctant help of a grumbling Suzy. Now, as soon as they spotted me, my mother’s face lit up. “Our future Luna,” she said with pride. I supposed I’d have to get used to hearing that. Forcing a small smile, I joined my family at the table. “Good morning, Father,” I greeted politely, and he gave me a single nod. The room was quiet until Suzy broke the silence. “I’ll be going out today to get groceries. I think Aina should come with me.” My mother frowned at once. “No, we can’t have her walking around. What if something happens to her?” Josh, clearly at his limit, snapped, “Even before she was Osborne’s mate, she went out. What’s different now, Mother?” But one sharp look from my father shut him up. “True,” my father said simply. “She should go.” With that, my mother reluctantly agreed. After breakfast, we got ready to head out. A taxi ride later, we arrived at the grocery store—only to run into a group of Suzy’s friends. The moment she spotted them, Suzy lit up and rushed over. They greeted each other with excited hugs, leaving me standing there alone. I didn’t mind, but one of the girls glanced at me, covering her mouth as a smirk tugged at her lips. It wasn’t friendly—it was the kind of smile meant to mock. “Oh, so fat Aina’s here too. Come to get groceries?” one of them said, and the others burst into laughter. Even Suzy chuckled under her breath, though she tried to hide it. I simply smiled politely. “Yes. And if you’ll excuse me, I have to get going,” I said, turning to take a basket. I moved through the aisles, picking up everything we needed while Suzy stayed behind, chatting with them. Once I finished, I made my way to the register. The cashier packed my items neatly. “Thank you,” I said, taking the bags. As I headed toward the exit, I caught their voices again—low but sharp enough to cut. “What? No way. That fatty?” one of them said, and snickers followed. I cleared my throat, loud enough for them to hear. All their eyes swung toward me at once. The looks they gave me—half shock, half envy—told me Suzy had already filled them in on exactly who I was mated to. They closed in around me, forming a loose circle, Suzy hanging off to the side like a spectator who’d already chosen her team. “So, is it true?” Ruth asked, her arms folded across her chest like she was the one delivering justice. “You’re mated to the future alpha of our pack?” I met her gaze and gave a small, calm nod. “Yes, I—” They didn’t let me finish. Laughter erupted, loud and sharp. “You?” Ruth sneered, stepping closer. “You honestly think he’s not just using you? As if our perfect future alpha would choose an imperfect, fat, ugly ogre like you.” Her words hit like a slap, but I stood still. There were too many of them. I didn’t need a fight I couldn’t win. “If it offends you,” I said quietly, “then I’m sorry. Can I go now?” And that’s when I understood—this was exactly what Suzy had planned when she insisted I come with her. Another girl chimed in, voice dripping with cruelty. “I even heard you were mated to the future beta once, but he rejected you. How pathetic. So what—are you just throwing yourself at any man with a title now? What are you, a whore?” I bit my lip hard, forcing the tears back, my hands tightening around the grocery bags. “You will reject him, Aina,” Ruth warned, her eyes cold. “Or I’ll make your life miserable.” This time, the tears slipped free, warm against my cheeks. I said nothing. They clicked their tongues, walking away like they’d already won. Suzy laughed and followed after them.  And then I was alone—standing there in the exit of the store, the weight of their words pressing down on me. Deep down, I knew this was only the beginning. If I stayed as Osborne’s mate, more of this would come.