86 Do you hate me ?
L
I screamed and stumbled backwards .
Just as I felt myself slipping , strong hands reached out , steadying me .
I looked up , ready to bolt only to meet Beta Jeremy’s calm gaze .
His expression softened as he pulled me to my feet , still keeping me close as his eyes surveyed the garden before he asked .
“ Are you alright ? Did you see something that frightened you ? ”
Quickly , I stepped back , straightening my clothes with shaking hands and avoiding his gaze .
I was sure of what I had felt .
“ I’m sorry , I thought … I thought you were someone else .
”
Curiosity shed through his eyes as he stared at me .
I know he had questions but he seemed to think better of it and merely nodded , going with my exnation .
He took a step back .
“ Nathan was worried about you , so I came to fetch you .
Come with me , we’ll be leaving soon .
”
Without a word , I walked towards him and together , we fell into step beside each other .
We walked in silence as we moved through the garden paths with only the light from the moon .
I sneaked a look at Beta Jeremy , his hands were sped behind him , his gaze fixed ahead … I wondered what he was thinking .
Since my return , there was this unspoken tension between us as if he was silently ming me .
for something .
When we emerged out of the garden , I stopped .
Immediately , he also stopped and turned to me .
“ I know you hate me .
”
He arched his brow for a moment , studying me quietly .
“ What makes you think that ? ”
I wrapped my arms around myself as if I was trying to hold myself together .
“ Because I’m the reason Nathan was imprisoned for four years , I said .
“ You … you must hate me for it .
The lines on his forehead ttened as a quiet smile crossed his face .
“ I don’t hate you , L .
He paused as if he was collecting his thoughts .
“ Was I angry with Nathan in the beginning for risking everything to keep you safe ? Yes ! I was frustrated that he got involved in the drama between you and your mate … but I didn’t hate you and that’s normal as a parent .
You’re like my daughter too , L … I watched you grow up .
”
I was surprised at his words .
Truly , I had expected a harsher response , some form of confirmation of my fears maybe , but he was gazing at me warmly .
“ Then why have you been acting awkward and distant ? And in the car earlier , those icy looks you gave me as if you resented me … ”
He signed , letting his guard slip .
“ It’s not resentment , L .
It’s … caution , ” he hesitated , then continued .
“ Because I know you’ll sway Nathan , ” he admitted .
“ And you already did .
As much as I want to protect him from you , I cannot .
He’s headstrong and when ites to you , I feel like no one can give him any advice .
Seeing you together again … he shook his head , “ I can only pray
C
86 Do you hate me ?
you’ll be as good to him as you were before .
”
The honesty in his words and voice surprise me .
I stared at him , my mind racing .
“ You think I’d steer him wrong ? ”
He shook his head .
“ You’ll get him involved with Alpha Ramsey again .
Seeing that his Beta came to the meeting today , I know he’s aware that you’re around .
”
“ But he came because my mother requested it , ” I tried to counter .
“ And you think those uptight Lycans would leave their duties ande for something as trivial as this ? He didn’t even have the decency toe to Pack house after your father was pronounced … ” he swallowed hard , his features clouding
with pain .
“ Dead … ” I whispered softly .
“ Yes ! ” he nodded .
“ His Beta came for you , L .
I don’t know what’s the story between you three and honestly , I am not interested but I need you to assure me that you’ll protect my son from Alpha Ramsey .
He’s ruthless … I’ve met a lot of people in my life … Alphas , Lycans from across the world but Alpha Ramsey is something else .
”
He sighed , looking off into the distance .
When he looked back at me , he wore a grimace .
“ Alpha Ramsey doesn’t look like someone who would give up anything he likes .
He’s like a child who will never allow anyone y with his toys .
”
“ He’s rejected me already ,” I shook my head .
“ We agreed it was best .
I am not the kind of woman
he wants .
“ I don’t think that meant anything to him , L ! ” Beta Jeremy chuckled .
“ He’s not obessed with you either … he loves you … the same way my Nathan does ,” he sighed .
“ You have to make it clear this time around who you want , although I don’t think Ramsey would give you options to choose another .
”
“ He can’t do that ,” I shook my head annoyed at the fact .
“ We don’t mean anything to each other and I can be with whom ever I wish to be .
”
“ Then you’ll go back to the human world ? ” he asked me .
“ As soon as we’re done with father’s burial ,” I nodded .
“ I already have life there and I intend to go back to it .
”
Beta Jeremy nodded quietly , without saying anything .
By this time , we had neared the front of the hall .
Immeldately , Nathan rushed over , grabbing me by my shoulders as he pulled me in for a hug .
“ Are you okay now ? ” he murmured .
“ I was worried .
”
I saw the few people left staring at us curiously .
Nathan was acting like I had just came back from
a war .
I pushed away from him but he didn’t let me go .
He still held my shoulders , staring intently at me .
Read thetest and free novels at .Com</a>
“ Yes , I’m fine .
”
“ Thank God ! ” he sighed , cupping my cheeks .
86 Do you hate me ?
“ Nathan ! ” I said through gritted teeth , getting ufortable with the whispering growing around us .
“ People are watching .
”
“ Let them watch , L … ” he said with a belligerent smile “ They’ve never seen a beautiful woman .
”
I blushed hitting me slightly .
“ How can you say that ? ”
“ Because it’s true ,” he chuckled and tried to hug me again , when his father’s voice rang .
“ I’m sure , Miss L is tired from all the strain of the activities today .
How about we go home
now ? ”
I shot Beta Jeremy a grateful smile .
Nathan rolled his hands , reaching instead for my hand this time around as he steered me towards the car .
Just before he helped me into the car , my eyes caught a familiar figure hiding at the treeline of the garden .
1
I didn’t need to be told what it was and I as d too , that I wasn’t wrong about that at least .