Game of Destiny by Dripping Creativity novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The soft creak of the door signaled my mother rising to answer the knock.

“Melissa, I brewed some tea. How is she holding up?” Luna Joy’s voice drifted through the doorway, laced with concern.

My mother’s tone was curt, almost dismissive. “Thank you, but I’m managing. She’s staying strong, holding on.” It was clear she was signaling to Luna Joy that her presence was not wanted.

“I was hoping to spend some time with her, maybe offer some comfort,” Luna Joy persisted gently.

“That’s not a good idea right now. Armeria needs her family beside her,” my mother replied firmly.

“Melissa,” Luna gasped softly, “I consider myself family. We’ve always been close since our mates, Mark and Ron, joined us.”

My mother hesitated, swallowing hard before speaking. “I would have said the same yesterday. But after what Ja—” she paused, gathering her composure, “after what your son did to my baby, some things need reconsideration. I have to protect Armeria and put her first. We both understand how this will affect her. The pack won’t offer her the same protection they would to someone rejected by a wolf who isn’t the future Alpha. The least I can do is ensure she’s surrounded by the right people.”

“I love her like a daughter,” Luna insisted softly.

“But not enough to fight for her right to become your daughter through mating. Loy, you are my Luna, and I will respect and obey you in all matters—except this. From today, my daughter is off-limits to anyone in your family,” my mother declared, then the door to my room clicked shut.

I felt the mattress dip as my mother settled beside me, her hand gently stroking my hair. Despite the overwhelming pain, the warmth of their love soothed me somewhat. At least two people in this world loved me. Yet, that comfort brought sadness too. Because of me, my parents were now at odds with their closest friends, the Alpha pair. This conflict would ripple through not just our two families but the entire pack. Even though my brother had chosen James, I wanted to believe he had wrestled with the decision before making it. It felt as if I was complicating everyone’s lives.

Unable to sleep and unwilling to let my mother know I was awake, I spent the night lost in thought. By the time my brother returned after sunrise, I had made up my mind.

In the quiet early morning, I relaxed my tense knees. I heard the soft creak of the stairs and the opening of my door. Instinctively, I curled back into a ball, drawing my knees to my chest.

“How is she?” Elder asked our mother quietly.

“She’s enduring. Your father needs to talk with you. We must find a way to protect your sister,” she answered.

“I’ll speak with him. Then I can sit with her so you can rest,” he offered. I didn’t want him to stay with me. My brother’s betrayal felt small compared to the turmoil inside me, but my heart and soul were raw, as if sunburned—every slight touch felt like agony.

“I’m fine. I’ll stay with her until she wakes,” my mother said resolutely. I was endlessly grateful for her care.

I heard my brother head downstairs, and snippets of his conversation with our father drifted up. They discussed whether sending me to another pack might be the best solution. After a while, I stopped listening. Their words only confirmed what I already knew—I was a problem. Without a wolf, I had become a burden. It was up to me to fix the mess I had made.

I turned toward my mother. She smiled tenderly and brushed her hand over my cheek. I didn’t have the strength to smile back, but I leaned into her touch.

“My brave, strong daughter, we will get through this, and you will shine brighter than ever,” she whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. If I could have smiled, I would have. My mother was incredible, yet I burned with guilt for the pain I caused her. I simply nodded.

“Are you hungry?” she asked softly.

I shook my head. Instead, I reached out my arms, just like I used to when I was little. She returned a sad smile and pulled me into a long, comforting hug.

I lay back down, this time facing the door. My mother remained by my side. Soon enough, the door opened again, and my father entered. The exhaustion etched in his face nearly brought me to tears once more.

“Hey, pumpkin. Your mom told me you were awake. Want me to make you some of my famous spaghetti?” he asked, kneeling beside my bed to meet my eyes. His “famous” spaghetti was simply boiled noodles mixed with chopped hot dogs and plenty of ketchup.

My dad couldn’t cook to save his life, but whenever Mom needed a break or was away, he made us his spaghetti. Elder and I adored it, mainly because Mom never allowed us to eat such junk. It became our little comfort food.

I shook my head in response.

“Okay, baby girl. It’ll all be alright. I’ll make sure of it,” he promised, kissing my head. A single tear slipped down my cheek. I knew he meant it. He would stop at nothing to bring back my happiness. It was up to me to make sure he didn’t have to.

Elder entered the room as well, his eyes filled with sorrow for me.

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