Chapter 34
“Oh my goodness!” He exclaimed as he saw her. “What happened? How did you end up on the floor?” He asked and before she could answer, he asked again, “Were you trying to get something?”
She nodded her head, “I'm sorry, I was thirsty and I wanted to get water. I tried to get up to pick it up from the table but I fell as soon as I stood up.” She replied.
“You should have called me, I would have helped you to get it.
“I'm sorry, I didn't want to be a bother. You've been of great help to me, I didn't want to stress you any further, and since the cup was just over there, on the table, I thought I could just do it myself.” She apologized to him.
“I understand you but you need to understand that your body is still really trying to find its balance. You know you're still really weak for now. You can't start walking around and stressing yourself yet. You know this.”
“Yes, I do and I'm so sorry for the mess I caused.
“It's fine, just be careful. Don't touch the broken pieces, I'll clean it up right now.” He said and carried her back to the bed and helped her to sit up, with her back leaning on the headboard.
“Are you comfortable?” He asked and she nodded and said, “Yes, thank you.”
He then headed to the kitchen to get a broom and a packer to clean up the mess made by Veronica.
He also got her a fresh cup of water and took the used dishes back to the kitchen for cleaning.
When he was done in the kitchen, he came back to the room and sat on the chair beside her.
“Would you like to have your bath now so that you can have a change of clothes?” He asked her and she stared suspiciously at him, different thoughts flying around in her head.
“I'm not a pervert, if that is what is running through your mind right now.” He raised his hands, innocently.
“I just feel you should take a shower to feel refreshed. I mean you've spent days in the forest without having a bad, I feel it's just right that you do so now that you finally can.” He said.
“And how do I do that considering the fact that I can't even walk on my own now and I have an injured shoulder?” She asked.
“I can carry you into the bathroom.” He offered, “There's a bathtub in there, so you can just sit in it and do your thing. When you're done, drain the water out and you can call me, and I can come and help you out. That is, if it is fine with you.” He added and she sighed.
“I'll give you one of my clothes to wear for now but I'll call Megan to buy you some clothes at the pack's market on her way back.” He said again and she nodded. “So, what do you say?” He asked.
After a moment of thinking, she replied, “Okay, I'll love to do that. Thank you.”
“Alright, would you like to go now?” He asked and she nodded.
“Let me prepare the bath for you, I'll be back shortly.” He said as he got up and went into the bathroom.
After a while, he came out and took her into the bathroom and gently placed her in the bathtub.
“Here are some clothes to pick from.” He told her as he pointed at the clothes close to the tub to make it easier for her to pick from them.
“I'll be outside, just let me know when you're done.” He said and left, shutting the door firmly behind him.
She gently and carefully took off her clothes, and placed them on the floor. Now sitting completely naked in the bathtub, the gentle hum of the heater enveloped her, wrapping her in an aura of calmness. She took a deep breath and immediately could smell the scent of lavender and vanilla as it floated through the air, transporting her to a place of entire serenity.
She turned on the faucet and water began to pour into the tub. The bubble bath had earlier been poured in, creating a fluffy, white cloud that seemed to excite her. She dipped her hands into the water, catching a white cloud of lather. With a contented sigh as the tub filled up, she turned off the faucet and slowly began to lower herself into the bathtub, the bubbles gradually rising up to meet her.
As she sank deeper into the water, she felt the tension in her muscles begin to relax. The past days she spent in the forest had been very stressful and harsh on her, with the twisted roots and jagged branches of trees tugging at her clothes with every uncalculated turn. But this right here... this was bliss. It was all she needed at that moment and deep down she was grateful to Steve. She was grateful that he found her and helped her out of that damned pit!
She closed her eyes, allowing the warmth of the water to find its way into her bones, and she felt her eyelids grow heavy. Holding her breath, she dipped her head into the water completely. And with the silence, she could hear her breath slow, her heart calm, and her mind at peace.
She remained there for a long time, letting the warmth and comfort seep into her very being. She became lost in her thoughts, the memories of her time in her previous pack and the time spent with her best friend before she unfortunately passed away after that incident with the rogue wolves.
Her mind travelled to the night she was banished. She remembered the fear, the loneliness, the disappointment and the betrayal she felt on that night.
“You're hereby banished from the Sun Crest pack! Leave immediately!!” The voice of the Alpha re-echoed in her ear and she gasped as she brought her head out of the water and breathed out.
Coincidentally, she heard a knock on the door, completely snapping her out of her mood.
“Are you still in there? Vee? Are you okay?” It was Steve’s worried voice she heard next.
“Yes, I am and I am okay.” She managed to say as she pulled the plug and drained out the water from the tub, to give her room to dry herself with a towel and dress up. “I'll be done shortly.” She added.
She managed to get dressed and informed him. She opened the door gently and picked her up, back into the room and gently placed her on the bed.
“Phew, you got me worried back there for a moment. I thought something had happened to you. If I'm being honest, I was getting scared.” He said almost immediately and she smiled.
“I just couldn't barge in on you because that would be very wrong of me.” He stated and she couldn't help but stare at him with respect.
“Thank you for not barging in. It is rare to find someone as thoughtful as you.” She muttered and he nodded.
“Let's just say I was raised well.” He said, proudly and she smiled.
“I think I have to agree with you on that.” She said, agreeing with what he said.
“You were right though. I really needed that bath. Thank you so much.” She said in appreciation.
“For what? Convincing you to take your bath?” He asked her.
“For everything.” She replied. “Thank you for everything. Sincerely, I don't know how best to thank you.”
“It's fine, you're welcome. I didn't even have to do too much because you knew you needed it.” He replied with a smile and she smiled too.
“What about Megan? Is she not back yet?” She asked him.
“Yes, she's not.” He answered.
“Why? Has she left completely?” She asked again.
“Not exactly.” He answered and Veronica raised her eyebrow as she tried to understand his response.
He noticed that she was confused and said, “She'll be back soon. She needs to do something for me urgently.”
“Oh, okay.” She said softly. “She seems cool.” She said again and Steve scoffed.
“Why? You don't think she is cool?” Veronica asked, a bit surprised.
“Yes. She is a big bag of trouble. Very troublesome.” He said, jokingly.
“No way. I don't believe you. I think you're just being intentionally mean.” Veronica said, rolling her eyes and Steve laughed.
“Of course I'm not being mean. I'm just stating the obvious truth. Megan is a handful.” He said, shaking his head.
“Hmmm…Well, to me, she looks like a very cool person, I don't care what you say and she is very beautiful too.” Veronica said, smiling. “How long have you been friends for?” She asked him.
“Ummm…Almost twenty two years now, if I remember correctly. We've been friends since we were kids, literally.” He answered.
“Wow, that's a very long time.” Veronica said, amazed.
“Yeap, our parents are pretty close, so us being friends is quite inevitable.” He explained and she nodded as she mouthed ‘oh, that explains it.’
“So, you live here alone?” She asked him another question.
“Hmmmmm, you seem to have a lot of questions.” He said with a raised eyebrow.
“I'm so sorry. I apologize if I'm crossing the line.” She quickly said.
“Oh no, that's not it. It's just like seeing you in a different light.” He said.
“What do you mean by that?” She asked him.
“It's nothing. Never mind.” He said, looking away and she shrugged.
“So, back to my question, do you stay here alone?” She asked him again.
“Yes, I do, which is why you'll be safe here for now.” He replied.
“Wait, what? I'll be staying here with you?” She inquired, quite shocked.
“Yes, this is the only safe place for now. You have to remain here until I can tell the Alpha about you, which is why you need to remain indoors for now. If you need anything, just let me know.” He answered her and she nodded after thinking for a short while.
“Thank you.” She said to him, “I'm so grateful for all your help these past few days. If it wasn't for you, I probably would have been dead by now in the forest. Thank you so much for saving my life.” She thanked him genuinely from her heart.
“Come on,” he groaned. “You've thanked me enough already. If I had a penny for the amount of times you've thanked me today, I should be rolling in money by now.” He said jokingly and they both paused and burst into laughter at the same time.
“But really, you've thanked me enough. I'm glad I was able to be of help.” He said, smiling.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
“That should be Megan.” He said excitedly. “I'll be right back.” He said to her as he got up and rushed to the door with smiles.
“What took you so long?” He asked out loud as he walked to the door. “I was beginning to think you have forgotten about-” As he opened the door, seeing who was at the door, his smile vanished instantly.
Chapter 35
“Good morning sir. The Alpha requests your presence immediately.” It was two of the guards from the Alpha's palace. Hearing this, Steve frowned. He stepped out and quickly closed the door behind himself.
“Do you have any idea why he wants to see me?” Steve asked, hoping to get a hint from the guard but his efforts were futile.
“No sir, I have no idea. “One of the guards replied and Steve nodded. “Thank you. You can leave now but tell him I'll be there shortly.” He said, dismissing the guards as he turned to go back into the house, but they refused to leave.
“I'm sorry but we can't leave yet.” The first guard said
Steve turned to look at them, “Why not?” he asked.
“The Alpha ordered us not to come back alone. He said you must come with us.” The second guard said and Steve's eyebrows furrowed.
“And what if I refuse?” He asked them and their faces fell.
“Please sir, don't make this hard for us. You know what the Alpha would do if he isn't pleased.” They pleaded with Steve.
“What does he want from me now?” Steve thought to himself.
He and his father have not been on the best speaking terms as their relationship had been strained due to an incident.
“Fine, I'll be right back.” He said to them, and went back into the house.
“Was that Megan?” Veronica asked as soon as Steve walked back into the room.
“Oh no, that wasn't Megan. It was someone else.” He replied, not telling her the exact truth and she immediately covered her mouth.
“I shouldn't have spoken so loud.” She whispered through her covered mouth.
“Nah, it's fine. No one can hear us in here, we're not talking too loud after all.” He said to her but she kept whispering throughout.
Despite the fact that Steve has kept the real truth from her, Veronica had a feeling that something was up with him because his facial expression as he walked back into the room was different from when he went out, even though he tried so much not to show any difference. He was excited when he went to open the door but as he walked back in, he looked worried and bothered.
“Are you okay?” She asked, not able to fight the urge to ask him if he was okay or not. “You look worried, are you fine?” She said again.
“Yes, I'm fine.” He faked a smile. “Why do you ask?” He asked her.
“You look like you have something bothering you.”
“Really?” He asked her.
“Yes, your face says it all.” She answered and he touched his face as if trying to feel his expression with his hands.
He then walked to the mirror and saw what Veronica was saying- he truly looked like he had a lot going on.
He sighed and walked back to her and said, “Don't mind my face, I promise you it's nothing serious.”
“Okay, if you say so.” She replied and noticed that he was preparing like he had to go somewhere.
“Are you going somewhere?” She asked him.
“Um, I need to attend to something urgently. I should be back soon.” He said to her, “Hopefully.” He added with a whisper, squinting his eyes, and she sighed, looking worried.
Noticing her worried face, he said, “It is nothing serious, I can assure you.”
“Is Megan going to be back soon?” She asked him.
“You know what? Let me put a call through to her.” He said and pulled out his phone from his pocket.
He dialled Megan's number and it kept ringing but she wasn't picking up.
“I wonder why she uses a phone if she won't pick up when she is called.” He complained with a frown on his face, and Veronica chuckled quietly.
“That's Megan for you, she sometimes just dumps her phone anywhere and it would keep ringing without being picked. That's one of the reasons why I said she is a handful.” He said, shaking his head, a bit disappointed.
“Since she isn't picking up, I can't tell when exactly she will be back here but I don't think she should still take long before getting back.” He continued and Veronica nodded.
“I have to go now.” He said and began to leave.
“Are you going to stay out for long?” She suddenly asked, making him stop and turn to her.
“Should I be honest?” He asked, walking up to her, and her heart skipped a beat.
“Yes, please.” She managed to answer, searching his eyes for answers even before he started speaking.
“I don't know how long I'll be out for.” He said with a voice different than normal.
“I wish I don't have to leave now, seeing as you're still new here and you don't know your way around yet, coupled with the fact that you still need help to move around here, but this is quite urgent.” He explained, his voice firm and clear as crystal.
With the way he was talking, she began to have mixed feelings deep down, but she didn't know why. She just nodded as he spoke.
“I'm going to lock the door from outside because it would naturally raise suspicions if I don't lock it, considering the fact that I live alone. Megan has a spare key. Hopefully, she'll be back soon, so she will open the door when she gets back.” He explained and Veronica nodded in understanding.
Soon, he left the house and shut the door and locked it. On sighting the waiting guards, he rolled his eyes and shook his head.
“Can we go now?” The first one asked.
“Yes we can. I'm going in my car, we'll meet at the Alpha's palace.” Steve said and headed for the garage.
“Oh, no sir. Please, you have to come with us in this car.” The guard said, pointing at the royal car that they came in.
“So, I can't go in my car too? Is this an arrest or what? You guys are unbelievable.” He said, fighting the urge to scream at them.
While he was still speaking to them, Megan finally arrived.
“Look who finally decided to show up. I thought you were kidnapped or something.” He teased and she scoffed.
“Really? You're just unnecessarily dramatic.” She said jokingly, rolling her eyes as she approached them, carrying different bags with different things in them.
“What is going on here?” She asked, looking confused as her eyes travelled from Steve to the guards who greeted her and back to Steve.
“Honestly, I don't know.” Steve answered her, shrugging. “They said the Alpha asked to see me, yet they have refused to let me go in my car. They insisted on me going with them in theirs.” He explained to her and she looked confused.
“That's unusual.” She muttered as she thought about it.
“I know, but I'm going to see what he has to say and then come back.” He said to her and she replied ‘okay’.
While they were still talking, they heard a light crashing sound from inside Steve's house and they were all shocked.
“What was that?” The guards asked. Turning to his partner, he asked him, "Did you hear that too?” and he nodded a ‘yes’.
“I think there might be an intruder in your house?” One of them asked and Megan's eyes widened but Steve was able to comport himself.
“Of course not! Who would dare do such a thing?” He said confidently.
“But we heard a sound just now.” The guard said again. “They might be trying to set an ambush.
“That's not possible. I'm very sure it is one of the dishes I was unable to stack properly after washing. It must have slipped and fell on its own. I actually had a feeling that something like this was going to happen but my mind skipped it which was why I was unable to attend to it .” He lied smoothly, and surprisingly, they bought it and mouthed ‘ohhhh’.
“Don't worry, I'll clean it up when I get back.” He added again, not raising any suspicions.
Steve and Megan then exchanged glances before he spoke again.
“I have locked the door with my key. You can use yours to get in.” He said as he smartly hinted to her that they must not know that there was a stranger in his house.
“Oh yes, I will do just that.” She answered, nodding her head.
“Let's go.” He said to the guards and they walked off to the car, got in and drove off, while Megan stood at the entrance of the house, watching as the car slowly disappeared.
As the car completely disappeared, Megan hurriedly searched through her bag for Steve's keys and as soon as she found it, she quickly opened the door and rushed in, straight into the room.
Rushing into the room after dropping everything she was carrying, she was shocked by what she saw; --BLOOD.
Chapter 36
“Oh my goodness, how did this happen?” Megan asked as she rushed to Veronica, who had blood trickling down her hand as she crouched to the ground beside the broken pieces of what looked like it previously was a glass cup.
“I'm so sorry, it was a mistake. I didn't mean to break it, I promise, it was a mistake.” Veronica began to apologize.
“It's fine, just stay put. I'll get the first aid box.” Megan said to her.
“You need to be careful, there are still fragments of glass on the floor.” Veronica warned as Megan walked away to get the first aid box.
Megan soon got back and cleared the floor before proceeding to attend to Veronica's wounded. The moment she was done, she helped back up to the bed and helped her sit.
“But how did this happen?” Megan asked her. “Were you in need of something?”
“I needed to use the restroom but I couldn't call Steve because he had already left. So, I tried to help myself. I didn't see the glass on the shelf and tipped it over mistakenly.” She explained to Megan who listened attentively and nodded as she understood what Veronica was saying.
“It's fine, you just need to be extra careful. You almost put Steve in trouble.” She said to her.
“What?” Veronica's eyes widened in shock.
“Yes, if not for the timely interference of Steve himself, he would have been in a lot of mess right now, especially with his father.” She replied. “Please be extra careful next time, else we all will get into big trouble.”
“I will… I will be more careful from now on.” Veronica assured her and nodded.
She then remembered that Veronica talked about making use of the bathroom earlier and so she asked, “So, have you been able to use the bathroom or do you want me to help you?”
“No, not yet. I was on my way when this happened.” She said, pointing at the floor where the cup broke.
“Oh, do you want me to assist you now?” Megan asked her.
“Yes, please. I'll really appreciate that.” Veronica replied.
“Come then, let me help you up.” She said as she helped Veronica up from the bed and they both made their way into the bathroom.
She excused Veronica and allowed her to do her business, while she waited outside. “Let me know, when you're done.” She had said and she stepped out to wait for her.
She then began to scroll through her phone to while away time, while she waited for Veronica who soon was done and hollered at her.
Megan then helped her out and they both got on the bed.
Megan kept checking her phone at intervals, waiting for a response from Steve. She had earlier sent him a text and had been waiting for a response since she sent it but he had not responded yet, which got her a bit uptight.
Veronica noticed and couldn't help but to ask her about it.
“Ummm, are you okay, Megan?”
“Huh?” She said, snapping out of her daze.
“I said, are you okay? You look a bit carried away.” Veronica said to her.
“Oh, no. I'm fine. My mind is just a bit muddled. I have a lot on my mind.” She replied.
“Is it something you want to talk about?” Veronica asked but Megan shook her head.
“Oh no, it's nothing too serious. I'll be fine.” Megan confirmed.
“Okay, if you say so.” Veronica said, shrugging.as they both sat there in silence, except for Megan who was typing away on her phone.
At that moment, Veronica finally noticed the bags that Megan dropped when she came into the room. She also noticed that it seemed like Megan had forgotten all about it.
“Megan? Are you going to pick those up or you don't need them yet?” She asked her, referring to the bags on the floor.
As Megan looked at what Veronica was talking about, she gasped and widened her eyes, “Oh my goodness!” She yelled.
“I can't believe I forgot about those.” She said and rushed to pick the bags up and peeped into them and began to sort them.
“These are for you,” she dropped the first two bags beside Veronica and she immediately thanked her without checking what was in it.
“These are for you too.” She dropped another two bags and Veronica thanked her again.
“This one is for Steve.” She said, setting the bag aside. “I'm sure he will definitely throw a tantrum when he sees what I got for him.” She added and chuckled.
“He doesn't like gifts?”
“Well, not exactly. He has a lot already, so he prefers not to get anything except he decides to go to the store to get them himself and that's where i come in.” She paused.
“ I'm sure he will say I'm such a pain in the neck because I keep buying him things even when I know he might not need them.” She continued jokingly and laughed while Veronica just smiled, watching her as she kept sirtung everything she bought.
“But why do you keep buying them when you know he might not need them?” Veronica asked her.
She stopped what she was doing and thought about it. “Honestly, I just can't help it no matter how hard I try.” She then replied.
“Now, these are yours.” She said as she handed five more bags to Veronica who became shocked beyond words.
“No way! This is a lot.” She managed to say as she found her voice.
“You haven't even checked what is in it. Won't you check them out?” Megan told her and Veronica swiftly began to open all the bags and with every bag she checked, her mouth fell wider than before. The bags were filled with different clothes, shoes of different designs, and different other good stuffs and they were a perfect fit,
“How can I thank you enough, Megan? What did I do to you guys to deserve all these beautiful things that you have showered me with.” She said, teary. “Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. This means more to me than you know.” Veronica said with so much gratitude in her heart.
She tried to find the best words that could describe how she felt at that moment but words failed her but she was extremely grateful.
It's fine. You're welcome.” Megan said, smiling. “It's nothing really.”
“What? It's SOMETHING.” Veronica stressed and Megan began to laugh.
After a moment of gratitude, Megan suddenly remembered something and said, “I think I'm forgetting something.”
“Oh, what is that?” Veronica asked.
“Close your eyes.” Megan said and Veronica furrowed her eyebrows, trying to guess what Megan was up to.
“Come on, close your eyes.” She said, excitedly and this time, Veronica closed her eyes.
“Ta da!” Megan joyfully said as she handed a package over to her, making her open her eyes. “This is for you.” She added.
As she opened her eyes and saw the shape of what she was holding, she didn't want to believe.
“Come on, open it.” Megan urged her and she began to unwrap the package.
As she took out the last wrap of the package, she gasped in shock, with her eyes almost popping out of their sockets.
“It's a phone!” Veronica said, almost screaming as tears of joy began to roll down her cheeks.
“Yes, it is.” Megan confirmed.
“I lost my previous one in the forest. I can't believe I now have a new one already.” She said excitedly. “Megan, I'm so grateful. Thank you so much.” She jumped and hugged Megan but immediately sucked her teeth as pain seared through her.
“Easy. Remember you're still hurt. I'm waiting for Steve so that we can get you treated.” She said and Veronica smiled in happiness, with her dimple, making her look more beautiful and adorable.
“Thank you so much, Megan. Sincerely, I don't know how to feel. I feel like I might pass out from too much excitement.” She said and Megan burst into laughter.
“Please don't.” Megan said, still laughing. “Anyway, you're welcome but it's not just me, you have Steve to thank. It was all his idea.” She said and Veronica nodded.
“I'll thank him as soon as he is back.” She said and turned on her new phone, while Megan went back to what she was doing on her phone and soon became engrossed once again.
Veronica happily scrolled through her phone but while she was at that, a thought popped up in her heart and she decided to ask Megan about it.
“Megan?” Veronica called her attention.
“Yes.” She answered, looking away from her phone, to Veronica. “Do you need something?” She asked.
“Not really. I just want to ask you a question.” Veronica replied.
She scoffed, “Is that why you're being formal?” She asked. “I thought it was something serious.” She said and Veronica smiled with a corner of her lip.
“Ask away.” Megan said.
“It's about Steve.” Veronica answered.
“What about him?” Megan asked, still typing on her phone.
“I don't know if it is a sensitive topic for him to talk about because he hardly mentioned anything about it since I got here but I'm sorry but I'm just a bit curious.” She said calmly, trying to give Megan a heads up but she was too engrossed in what she was doing on her phone, that she didn't get it.
“He never talks about what?” Megan asked her.
“His parents. What about them?” Veronica asked, in a single breath, as if she was going to be stopped if she asked any slower.
Hearing this, Megan immediately stopped what she was doing on her phone and looked at Veronica, with a look that Veronica couldn't really explain.
Chapter 37
Seeing her reaction to her question, Veronica immediately began to apologize, “I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to cross the line. Please forgive me.”
“It's fine.” Megan said, “but why did you ask?”
“Like I said, I was only curious and I let my curiosity get the best out of me. I didn't mean to ask. Please just forget that I asked about it.” Veronica said in a rush.
“Calm down now, will you?” Megan said and she paused for a bit.”
“If you were so curious, why didn't you ask him?” She asked Veronica.
“I just felt he might not be willing to tell me about it because that topic seemed a bit sensitive to him.” Veronica answered her.
“Hmmm,” Megan sighed slightly. “I'm sorry but I can't answer your question. It's not my story to tell, it's his and I think he is the best person to answer you.” She said to Veronica.
“Also, can I just give you a little advice?” She asked Veronica who nodded and said, “Yes, please.”
“Don't ask him anything about it. Just like you have rightly figured, it is a very sensitive topic which he doesn't really like to talk about. So, just leave it that way.” Megan warned. “Except he decides to tell you himself, which I highly doubt will ever happen.” She then added after thinking for about a minute.
“Okay, thank you.” Veronica thanked her and began to think of various things that might have happened that would warrant Steve to not want to say anything about his parents or his family.
Veronica was already so lost in her thoughts that she didn't realize that Megan had been talking to her.
“Veronica?” She felt Megan's soft palm as she placed it on her arm to call her attention and this snapped her out of her thoughts.
“Yes. Were you talking to me?” Veronica asked and she rolled her eyes
“Really? So you've not been listening?” Megan asked, a bit disappointed.
“I'm so sorry, I was lost in thoughts.” Veronica apologized.
“Why? What was so serious that you couldn't stop thinking about it, that you didn't know I had been talking to you since?” Megan asked her.
“It's nothing serious. I'm sorry for zoning out like that.” She apologized.
“It's fine. Anyway, how do you feel now?” She asked.
“Uhm, aside from the pain in my shoulder and ankle, I'm fine.” Veronica responded.
“Okay, just wait a little longer. Once Steve is back, we'll attend to that.” Megan assured her and Veronica thanked her so much.
***********
The drive to the Alpha's palace, although not usually far away, seemed like the longest journey Steve had ever embarked on. Throughout the course of the drive, he had different thoughts in his head. He wished he knew the reason why his father had sent guards to his house to bring him to his palace.
“I just hope this man is not up to something strange.” He thought to himself as he closed his eyes.
He only realized that they had gotten to the Alpha's palace when the car stopped and he heard the engine turned off.
“We have arrived sir.” Tha guards announced and their voices brought him back to the present as he opened his eyes.
They opened the door for him and he stepped out of the car. As he stepped on the grounds of the compound and looked around, different memories began to flood into his head.
“This way, sir.” One of the guards said and Steve sighed loudly and then took a deep breath before he followed the guards who led him in.
Not that he wasn't familiar with the place, he just chose to act like a stranger.
“Look who finally decided to show up.” Alpha Marcus said as soon as he saw Steve. The guards had bowed and stopped at the main entrance and they had gone back from there, leaving Steve alone to walk into the Alpha’s inner chamber.
“I wouldn't have been here, if you didn't drag me here.” Steve answered coldly and Alpha Marcus scoffed.
“Is that a way to talk to your father after all these while?” Alpha Marcus asked him.
Steve snickered, “Father? Really?” He asked scornfully. “You really hold yourself in high esteem, Alpha Marcus.” He said.
Alpha Marcus glared at his son for a moment but Steve on the other hand, raised an eyebrow.
“Why? Are you angry?” He asked mockingly but his father didn't respond.
“Why did you drag me here? What do you want from me?” Steve asked him.
“I won't beat around that bush and I'll just go straight to the point. You need to go on a journey in three weeks time to prepare you for the task ahead.” He answered him and Steve snickered again, seriously trying not to believe what he was hearing.
“You're joking, right?” He asked him. “You brought me all the way here just to tell me that I'll be going on a journey? And what makes you think I would even want to go on the journey?” He asked him.
“After all you did us? You really have some nerve, Alpha.” He said with so much irritation in his voice. “You know, it's funny how you act in a certain way to unsuspecting people, making them believe you are a perfect and blameless person but deep down, you know you're nothing but a heartless coward!” He spat.
“Silence! How dare you?!” Alpha Marcus sprung to his feet angrily. “I won't sit here and watch you insult me!” He yelled at him.
“I won't also stand here and listen to you give out unnecessary rules for me to follow after all you did to mum!” Steve snapped back at him and strangely Alpha Marcus became silent.
“Why? You think I wouldn't find out?” He said and smiled bitterly. “She trusted you! We trusted you, but what did you do? At the slightest sign of a problem, you threw her under the bus and destroyed this family!” He screamed at his father, pain in his voice.
Some years ago, there had been a serious issue and Alpha Marcus’ family was in big trouble and a lot was going on. It got to a stage where the paternity of Steve was being questioned and his mother was seriously being questioned. Alpha Marcus, who was being blackmailed at the time because of some things that he did way before he became the Alpha of the pack, couldn't stand up for his wife and believed liars instead.
He immediately banished her for bringing a bastard into his home and she left with Steve. Surprisingly, the truth came out and a search party was sent out to look for them but they found Steve alone without his mother. He narrated their ordeal to the warriors and that his mother was taken away from him by some strange looking wolves and she had asked him to run away to save himself before they found him.
The warriors then went in search of his mother but only found her dead in the forest. That was one of the main reasons why Steve loved to go into the forest, because it held memories of him and his mum before she unfortunately passed away.
After bringing him back to the pack, the relationship between Steve and his father never remained the same again and so after a few years, he decided to move out of the house and moved far away from his father.
“I won't stand here and listen to whatever else you have to say.” He said again and turned to leave but his father stopped him.
“Do you think you're any better?” He asked as he took his seat back on the throne, and this stopped Steve in his tracks.
“You're my son and my blood flows through you. Whatever you call me, bear in mind that that's what you are also, because we're the same.” Alpha Marcus said insensitively and Steve immediately shook his head.
“I'm not like you. I'm nothing like you! I'll never be!” He shouted at his father who just sat on his throne, smiling proudly.
He was trying to manipulate Steve and he was so sure that it was going to work, maybe not immediately but eventually.
“Don’t you think it's high time you quit all this drama of the past? Act like a man and stop throwing tantrums. You're going to be the future Alpha of this pack, you need to be ready and prepared to make any decision for the pack no matter how hard or impossible they seem!” He said, raising his voice at his son who seemed unfazed by all of that.
“What makes you think I even want to be the Alpha of the pack?” Steve asked him, irritated.
“You have no choice, son! You're the only heir and you have to be the Alpha according to the moon goddess.” He snapped at him.
“I won't go anywhere! I won't do anything you want me to do! You can't force me!” Steve revolted.
“You have no choice! The earlier you come to terms with this and stop hiding like a coward, the better for you!” Alpha Marcus yelled at him again and Steve glared at him.
And if you resist further, I'll make sure you regret it. Remember you can't hide anywhere because I'll always find you. No matter where you go, I'll definitely find you.” Alpha Marcus threatened him.
Hearing his father's words at that moment, Steve felt like doing something really crazy. He glared at him and wished greatly that he wasn't related to the man sitting in front of him.
“Don't push me, Steve. Just a gentle reminder that if you do, everything you care about will disappear right before your eyes.” Alpha Marcus threatened his son in the softest voice possible and Steve angrily stormed out.
Chapter 38
Angry and frustrated by his father's words, Steve left the pack and ran off to the forest. Knowing that he couldn't go back home because Veronica was there and also Megan, who had been calling and texting him nonstop. He knew she would definitely still be at his house. So, not having any other place to go, he just kept running and as he ran angrily in the forest, he transformed into his wolf form, tearing his clothes into shreds and growling angrily. His growl was not only that of anger and disappointment, but of serious pain and anguish.
At that moment he didn't care where he was or what could happen to him. He just felt so bitter, devastated and helpless because no matter how hard he tried to run away, he was still his father's son and like his father had said, ‘his blood was flowing through his veins’. Those words alone cut through him deeply like the edge of a sharp sword.
After long hours of venting his anger alone, he finally calmed down as he remembered Veronica who would be waiting for him. He then decided to head back but as he transformed back to his human form, he realized he had nothing to wear.
“Shit!” He kicked the air aggressively.
He looked around and searched for his clothes, hoping he might find something out of the shredded parts and lucky for him, he found his jacket, which was the first thing he removed and flung as he ran. Fortunately, it was still in good shape, but for the other clothing, they were all useless.
He wrapped the jacket around his bare waist, “I can't return to the pack like this. I'll only attract unnecessary attention to myself.” He said to himself and began to search the forest for some other piece of clothings, hoping that someone might have left it there.
While searching, he luckily found his phone and as he unlocked it, he saw tons of missed calls and texts from Megan and rolled his eyes.
“Now she won't stop calling and texting me.” He complained, shaking his head as he checked one of the texts which read, “Where are you? I've been waiting for you for hours.”
He saw another message and decided to check it too. It read, “I've given her the phone, the clothes and other things. She loved them all, she couldn't stop thanking me.”
Reading the message, he smiled and strangely felt at peace within him. This time, he decided to reply to Megan's message but soon realized he was out of network coverage. He raised his phone up high, hoping to at least get the slightest signal but there was nothing, which made it impossible for him to return Megan's calls or reply to any of her messages.
Still in a good mood because of the message he had read, he locked his phone with a big smile still on his face. He then thought about his father's words one more time.
“I am NOT my father.” He affirmed to himself. “I am better than him, I will protect all those I care about and I will be a better leader.” He said with so much confidence and determination.
“I need to be wise and act wise too from now on.” He muttered to himself.
He continued his search and after a while he found a little bag and after examining it from afar and ensuring that it was safe, he moved closer and opened the bag. In it, he found some clothes and they were not so dirty. It probably belonged to someone who got lost in the forest or was being chased by an animal and had to throw their belongings away.
He immediately checked the clothes and although they weren't his perfect size, they were wearable. He put on the clothes and wore his jacket too, he then headed back home.
Back at home, Megan worriedly checked the time. It had been hours since Steve left with the guards, for his father's place and he was yet to be back. She didn't know what to think exactly and to make matters worse, he wasn't answering any of his calls, and he wasn't replying to any of her texts either.
Frustrated, she grunted and started biting her nails. This was a habit of hers and she did it anytime she was worried, nervous or scared.
She unlocked her phone and tried to call Steve again but this time, his number wasn't reachable and this got her more worried.
“Could he have gotten into a fight with his father and thrown into the dungeon?” She thought to herself.
“No, no, that can't happen.” She said out loud and Veronica, who had been sleeping, woke up.
“Megan? Are you okay? What is going on?” She asked, rubbing her eyes.
“Did I wake you? I'm sorry.” Megan apologized. “Do you feel a bit better now?” She asked her and Veronica nodded.
“Yes, I feel much better.” Veronica assured her.
“That's good to hear.” Megan replied.
“How long have I been sleeping for?” Veronica asked her.
“A couple of hours.” Megan replied and Veronica was surprised.
“Really?” Veronica asked, shocked, her eyes almost popping out of their sockets.
“Yes. Come on, don't be dramatic.” Megan said and smiled slightly. “I think that's what the drugs are meant to do.” She added.
“Yes, I think so. Those drugs you gave me really knocked me out, but I can't lie, I feel much better.” Veronica said, as she tried to move her ankle, which moved in the direction she wanted it, with less pain than before.
“Wow. Would you look at that.” Megan said and Veronica smiled excitedly.
“Thank you so much.” Veronica said, still smiling.
“You're welcome, but don't push it. Don't put too much pressure on it, allow it to heal at its own pace. Do you understand?” Megan said to her.
“Yes ma'am.” Veronica replied jokingly and Megan smiled but from her smile Veronica could sense that something was bothering her.
“I don't see Steve around, is he not back yet?” Veronica asked her and her face fell further.
“Yes, he isn't. I've been calling him but he is not picking up. He is not responding to any of my texts too.
“Are you sure he read them?” Vee asked her.
“I really don't know.” Megan replied, worriedly.
“Don't worry. He'll be back soon. Maybe he was just caught up in some serious work. Or what do you think?” She said and Megan sighed.
“I don't think so, I'm not sure.” She answered while still typing away on her phone.
“I think we just need to be patient. I'm sure he'll come back soon.” Veronica assured her and she nodded slowly.
A few minutes later, they heard a knock on the door. Both of them exchanged glances and Megan jumped up excitedly.
“That must be him.” She said, excitedly as she rushed to the door to open it.
As she opened the door, her excitement immediately vanished. To her surprise, it wasn't Steve who was at the door, it was someone else entirely. Someone she didn't imagine she would see there at that point in time.
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Table of Contents
×1
Chapter 1
2_3
Chapter 2–3
4_8
Chapter 4–8
9_13
Chapter 9–13
14_18
Chapter 14–18
19_23
Chapter 19–23
24_28
Chapter 24–28
29_33
Chapter 29–33
34_38
Chapter 34–38
39_43
Chapter 39–43
44_48
Chapter 44–48
49_53
Chapter 49–53
54_58
Chapter 54–58
59_63
Chapter 59–63
64_68
Chapter 64–68
69_73
Chapter 69–73
74_78
Chapter 74–78
79_83
Chapter 79–83
84_88
Chapter 84–88
89_93
Chapter 89–93
94_98
Chapter 94–98
99_103
Chapter 99–103
104_108
Chapter 104–108
109_113
Chapter 109–113
114_118
Chapter 114–118
119_123
Chapter 119–123
124_128
Chapter 124–128
129_133
Chapter 129–133
134_138
Chapter 134–138
139_143
Chapter 139–143
144_148
Chapter 144–148
149_153
Chapter 149–153
154_158
Chapter 154–158
159_163
Chapter 159–163
164_168
Chapter 164–168
169_173
Chapter 169–173
174_177
Chapter 174–177
178_182
Chapter 178–182
183_186
Chapter 183–186