Betrayed By My Two Possessive Warrior Wolves

Ariel's POV

Today was a very sad day for me.

It was the anniversary of my father’s death.

After showering, I grabbed my plain, black dress and pulled it on.

I was going to go out to visit his grave to pay my respects and place some new flowers on his grave.

I grabbed my black purse and the bouquet of flowers that I had bought the day before then walked out of my room.

As I passed my cousin, Demi Johnson’s room on the second floor, the door opened and she walked out.

“Where do you think you're going, Ariel Johnson?” Demi asked me in an obnoxious tone of voice.

I stopped and turned around as I answered her, “Today is the anniversary of my father's death, so I'm going out to visit his grave to say some prayers to him.”

“But today is my birthday and I'm having a party. You have to attend my birthday party!” She insisted as she stomped her foot like a little child.

“I’m sorry, Demi, but I can't attend your birthday party.” I replied and then turned around to walk away, but she quickly stretched her hand out in front of me, blocking my way.

Her eyes flashed amber, showing that her wolf was on the surface as she growled at me, “I said, ‘you have to attend my birthday party’ and you will!”

My eyes glowed amber too as my wolf rose to the surface and I growled back at her, “No, I won't!”

I was a powerful shewolf who was a warrior in our pack and I didn't like being challenged. If she wanted to fight, I would give her a fight!

Moreover, I was stronger than her since my father was Alpha, but because I was a shewolf, I couldn't take on the title of Alpha, so it was passed to my father's close friend, Alpha Ryan.

Presently, Demi’s ears perked up as she heard the sound of people.

Suddenly, she fell down and rolled down the stairs to the first floor.

I rushed down the stairs to see that she had drawn the attention of our two male friends, Morgan Andrews and Nate Hawkins.

Demi cried crocodile tears as she held her injured arm and asked me, “How can you push me, Ariel?”

“What? I didn't! I was just ” I tried to defend myself, but Morgan interrupted me.

“How can you do this to your own flesh and blood?!”

Nate nodded as he blamed me too, “You shouldn't have pushed her! Now, you've gotten her injured!”

“You've really changed, Ariel!” Morgan exclaimed as his brows raised in surprise.

Nate nodded with a frown on his brows as he added, “And you didn't change for the better, you changed for the worse!”

Morgan and Nate each grabbed Demi's arm and helped her up.

Morgan wiped her tears away as he said in a comforting voice, “Don't worry, you'll heal soon enough.”

“But will I heal fast enough?” She asked as a pitiful expression appeared on her face.

“She's right, Morgan. We need to get her to the pack hospital.” Nate said as he continued delicately holding Demi's arm.

“Yeah, you're right. Let's go.” Morgan replied as he held Demi's other arm again.

They rushed to take Demi to the pack hospital and I realized that they had completely forgotten that today was the anniversary of my father’s death.

Just then, my cell phone vibrated. It was my mother calling.

I picked up the call, “Hey, Mom!”

“Hey, honey. How are you?” She asked, sounding pleased to be talking with me.

“I'm good, Mom. What about you?” I asked her.

She coughed as she answered me, “Not so good. I've been admitted into our pack hospital ‘cause I'm sick.”

My heart clenched with worry and I rushed out, “What kind of illness is it? What did the doctor say? Are you going to be alright?”

She chuckled lightly and replied, “Calm down. I'm going to be just fine. The doctor said that I have leukemia and that I don't have very long to live.”

I gasped as tears brimmed in my eyes, but I blinked them back. I couldn't let myself break down, I had to be strong for my mother.

So I drew in a deep breath and let it out to calm myself down. My voice was steady as I replied, “Oh my God, Mom! I'm so sorry that this is happening to you. I wish it would just go away!”

“Don't worry about me, Ariel. Like I said, I'm going to be fine.” My mother comforted me and I felt better about the situation.

She was really wonderful. She was the one that had a terminal illness, yet she was comforting me.

“Can you visit me as soon as possible?” She asked as her voice sounded weaker.

“Yeah, of course.” I answered her in a soft voice.

“I want to see you get married before I pass away, so I've arranged a date for you.” My mother said, surprising me.

I didn't know what to say for a while as I thought about her words.

After a moment, I replied, “Alright, Mom.”

I remembered when my father had entrusted me to the care of the Andrews and Hawkins families after my mother left.

It was a sunny day when my father took me to the Andrews and Hawkins house where he had said, “My wife has left us and my daughter needs someone to take care of her, but I'm too busy with work.”

“You don't need to worry about anything. We'll take good care of Ariel!” Morgan had said to my father.

“Yes, we will!” Nate added as he grinned at us.

I felt welcomed and soon warmed up to them.

The Andrews and Hawkins families were among the families with the strongest werewolf bloodline which made them very powerful, and they were also strong warriors in our pack.

Due to my congenital heart condition, Morgan and Nate always took good care of me.

There was a time when a girl at school, Brittany, mocked me for not having a mother by saying, “You wouldn't know how sleepovers work since you don't have a mother to tell you how it works, so I can't invite you to my sleepover tonight.”

Morgan was quick to defend me as he growled at her, “At least she knows how math works unlike you!”

Nate growled at her too as he added, “And she wouldn't want to go to your sleepover anyway since you're an airhead!”

I felt delighted and thanked them for standing up for me.

As we grew older, Morgan became a lawyer and Nate became a doctor.

Nate became a doctor because he wanted to perform surgery on me someday and cure me of my heart condition.

However, after my father's death, Demi appeared and everything changed.

I walked out of the house and took a taxi to the graveyard.

As I entered the graveyard, I rushed to my father's grave and placed a bouquet of flowers on top of his grave.

“May you keep resting in peace.” I said my prayers then added, “Goodbye, father.”

I have decided to leave this painful place and let the three of them be.

I pulled out my phone and set a countdown for my own departure.

After reminiscing, I decided to hand over my father's studios before leaving.

I walked around the studio and touched the items as a way of saying goodbye to it and to my father.

Suddenly, I heard a mindlink which pulled my attention away from the studio.

“Hey, Ariel. Can you bring me some clean clothes to the pack hospital?” Demi asked me in an irritated voice like she really hated me and didn't want to talk to me.

Well, she didn't have to anymore since I was leaving. If she thought that she hated me then I hated her cunning self more.

“No. You acted like I pushed you and even accused me of pushing you!” I exclaimed in my head as anger bubbled inside my heart.

“How can you refuse to do what I say?!” She yelled in her irritating voice.

“Stop mindlinking me because I'll never bring you anything after the stunt that you pulled!” I yelled back.

“Fine!” She yelled and then stayed quiet.

“You made the right choice, Ariel.” My wolf, Quinn, encouraged me in my head.

“I know.” I replied as I sighed.

“Since you're feeling down, why don't we go for a run?” Quinn suggested in a soft voice.

My lips stretched into a smile at the thought of going for a run in wolf form and I replied, “Sure, let's go.”

“Awesome!” She exclaimed, the excitement evident in her voice.

I walked out of the studio and then walked over to the woods beside it and started walking through it.

After a few steps, I stopped and hung my purse around my neck then started shifting into my wolf form.

I didn't need to take off my clothes as our clothes stayed on when we shift into our wolf form, but it turns invisible and so after shifting back to our human form, it appears back on our body.

I didn't know how that worked, but it was just how it was.

After I was done shifting into my wolf form, I started running through the woods.

I knew these woods like the back of my hand since my father and I used to run through them before he passed away.

Running in wolf form was important to us, werewolves, and it was special as we became stronger whenever we ran. So I felt amazing as I ran.

I could feel the wind blowing through my fur.

“Are you feeling better now?” Quinn asked me in my head.

“Yes! It feels so good to run!” I exclaimed as I ran faster.

I howled as I felt overwhelmed with excitement.

After running for what felt like hours, I shifted back to my human form and decided to go back to the house.

So I took a taxi back home.

As I walked into the house, I was about to walk upstairs to my room to start packing when the front door opened and I turned around to see who was about to walk in.

Morgan and Nate walked into the house.

They frowned as soon as they saw me and walked up to me.

“How can you refuse to bring a change of clothes to the pack hospital for Demi?” Morgan asked in a cold voice.

Nate gave me a cold look as he asked in an equally cold voice, “Yeah, how cruel can you be?”

“She asked you to bring her just a change of clothes and you're acting like she asked for something impossible to do.” Nate continued scolding me as he shook his head in disapproval.

“Yeah, and it's not like she asked you for an insane amount of money!” Morgan yelled as he stomped his foot in anger.

I sighed as I rubbed my temple in frustration, “I said I'm not bringing her anything or running her little errands!”

“You wouldn't even bring her a change of clothes. How can you be so rude?” Morgan asked as he frowned at me.

She was the rude one!

How did they not see it?

They were so blinded by her web of lies and pretty face that they couldn't see just how cunning she was.

Feeling irritated, I growled at them and my wolf started rising to the surface – it was the second time that day.

My hazel eyes flashed amber as my teeth extended into sharp wolf teeth and fangs.

I was so frustrated with them that my wolf rose to the surface and I wanted to fight them back for trying to fight with me, but I restrained my wolf.

I breathed in deeply and slowly then let it out as I tried to calm myself down. In a few seconds, I calmed down and my teeth returned to normal.

I took off my diamond bracelet.

It was a birthday gift that they had given me on my eighteenth birthday and it was a gift that the two had carefully searched the city to find in my favorite style.

When they saw me take it off, Morgan and Nate felt that something was off.

So Morgan’s eyes widened in surprise as he asked me, “Why are you taking your bracelet off?”

“We tried so hard to find that exact style, don't you like it anymore?” Nate asked as he raised his brows in question.

I nodded as I replied, “This style no longer suits me.”

“Why don't we buy you a new one?” Morgan suggested as a worried frown fell on his brows.

“Maybe that's what you would prefer.” Nate added as he also looked worried.

“There's no need for that.” I muttered as I placed the bracelet in his hand.

I turned around and walked upstairs to get to my room.

I was going to pack so that I can get ready to leave because I couldn't wait to leave.

After I packed my things, my eyes were filled with tears. If they knew I was leaving in ten days, would they regret their actions?

Morgan and Nate were walking down the hallway and walked by my room when Morgan spoke up.

“Ariel hadn't given Demi a birthday gift yesterday!”

I heard him exclaim with my heightened werewolf hearing.

Nate sounded close as he replied, “I just realized it too! How wouldn't she give her own cousin a gift on her birthday?”

“I don't know, but I bet these items would be perfect as Ariel’s present to Demi.” Morgan suggested as he opened the door to my room and pointed at my closet.

“Yeah, you're right.” Nate agreed as he walked into my room.

Morgan walked in too and went straight for the closet, and Nate did the same.

“Hey! You can't just walk in here and take my things!” I yelled as I stood up from my bed.

“Well, Demi deserves a gift and we're going to take it to her whether you like it or not!” Nate yelled back.

Together, they pulled the door of the closet open.

Surprise showed on both of their faces as they realized that there wasn't a piece of clothing in my closet.

They both turned to me and their lips parted as if they were about to ask me why my closet was empty, but Nate's phone started ringing.

He pulled it out of his pants pocket and glanced at the screen.

His lips tugged up into a smile and he answered the call, “Demi! Are you feeling better now?”

I could hear her clearly with my heightened werewolf hearing as she replied to him, “Not so good. The doctor wants to draw my blood to test for any other ailments. I'm scared! Can you guys come back? I need you here.”

“Yes, we can come back right now.” He confirmed as his smile dropped and worry showed on his face.

She hung up the call and he pushed his phone back into his pants pocket.

He glanced at Morgan as he said, “We need to go to the pack hospital right now.”

“I know, I heard her.” Morgan replied as he looked just as worried.

They didn't spare me a glance as they walked out of my room to get to the pack hospital for Demi’s sake.

Later that day, I was at my father's studio, talking with my father's close friend and our Alpha, Ryan, when he did something so marvelous.

“Ariel, I want to give you the Diamond Jade as a gift from me to you.” Alpha Ryan said as he smiled at me.

The Diamond Jade was a piece of jewelry and one of my father's best designs.

I was so surprised, yet pleased to be receiving this gift.

“It's an honor to accept this gift, Alpha Ryan.” I replied as I smiled back at him.

The next day, Demi was discharged from the pack hospital and helped me pick up the jewelry from the courier.

She walked into the house and made her way towards me to hand it to me.

Instead of Demi handing me the jewelry box, she opened it.

Her eyes filled with awe as she saw the piece.

“Wow! It looks so beautiful!” She exclaimed as she stared at it.

“I want to try it on!” She said excitedly.

“No, you can't try it on, Demi.” I interjected as I walked up to her.

“Why?” She asked.

“Because it's not yours!” I replied as I felt frustrated with her.

“Well, I'm going to try it on anyway.” She said as she picked up the Diamond Jade.

I grabbed it to stop her as I said, “Oh no, you can't!”

“I want to!” She yelled like a stubborn child and pulled the jewelry, trying to get it out of my grasp.

I pulled it too as I tried to get it out of her grasp.

Suddenly, she pulled hard and it slipped from both of our grasps.

The jewelry fell to the ground and broke at the clasp.

“You broke it!” I exclaimed as I stared at it.

I bent down to pick it up and placed it back in the box.

Out of nowhere, Demi started crying as tears filled her eyes and a sob left her lips.

Worry showed on both Morgan and Nate's faces, and they rushed to her side.

“Don't cry, Demi. It's going to be alright.” Morgan said as he tried to comfort her.

“Yeah, it's going to be just fine, and we can even get you another piece of jewelry.” Nate said as his effort to comfort her.

She sobbed harder and they looked torn at the sight.

Morgan turned to me as he blamed me, “How can you harm your cousin over an inexpensive piece of jewelry?!”

“Is it more valuable than your cousin?!” Nate yelled as he glared at me.

I wanted to say yes because it meant so much more than having a scheming vixen like her as my cousin.

However, I sighed as I asked, “What are you trying to say?”

“You shouldn't treat Demi like this!” Nate yelled.

Morgan shook his head as he said, “I'm disappointed in you, Ariel. You should treat Demi with love and care as if she was your little sister.”

“She broke my father's precious jewelry!” I exclaimed as I stared at them like they were out of their minds.

He sighed, “As her elder cousin, you need to let this go.”

“Exactly! You can't blame her when she's been harmed.” Nate added as he brushed Demi's hair from her face as she finally stopped wailing.

She wiped her tears, but she didn't say anything and stared at me with pitiful eyes.

I was furious since the Diamond Jade was my father’s final piece and it had been meant as part of my dowry. He had wanted me to wear it on my wedding day.

The jewelry was so important to me that when it broke, my heart broke as well.

My jaw clenched in anger as I was about to reply to Morgan and Nate, but Nate cut me off, “You haven't even apologized to her for hurting her.”

Morgan nodded as he said, “Ariel, apologize to Demi right now!”

"If you don't apologize, we will send you to jail! Charge you with intentional injury!"

Facing Morgan and Nate's attitude towards me, I felt a pain in my heart. They didn't notice that my palm was scratched and bleeding, but they forced me to apologize for this woman.

I was done!

I raised my head and looked directly into his eyes, and spoke firmly——"Never!"

I scoffed as I replied to them, “She should be the one apologizing to me since she broke my father's final piece!”

Morgan shook his head as he said, “No, she won't be apologizing to you, Ariel because you harmed her while fighting over the jewelry.”

“No, I didn't!” I defended myself and decided to expose her as I added, “She's pretending to be hurt and crying fake tears to gain your sympathy. It's what she's always done.”

She gasped as if she couldn't believe that I would say that.

“Demi would never do that! She's not cunning like you.” Nate said, defending her.

“And it wouldn't have hurt you to let her try the jewelry on, but you had to fight her over it. You should have known better.” Morgan chastised as he wrapped his arm around Demi's shoulders.

She leaned into his embrace and Nate also wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

Morgan stared at me expectantly as he raised his brows and asked, “Well?”

“What?” I asked him as a confused frown fell on my brows.

“Aren't you going to apologize to Demi?” He asked me.

“How can you even have the guts to tell me to apologize to me when she's the one that did me wrong?” I asked him.

“Apologize to her, Ariel!” Nate yelled as he gritted his teeth in anger.

“I'm not apologizing to her.” I replied then walked past them to walk upstairs to the bathroom to get the first aid kit.

Later that day, I was reading a novel on my phone in the living room when my phone started ringing.

I saw that it was my mother calling, so I picked up immediately, “Hi, Mom.”

“Ariel. I've missed you.” My mother replied in a soft voice.

“I've missed you too! How is your health?” I asked her as worry gripped me.

“I'm feeling better now that I'm taking medication. Have you booked your flight?” She asked me, sounding curious.

“Yes, I've booked my flight.” I answered her as I smiled, feeling happy that I was talking to her.

“Flight? What flight?” Nate asked as he and Morgan walked into the room.

“Are you going somewhere?” Morgan asked me.

“I'll talk to you later, Mom.” I said and waited for her reply.

“Sure.” She replied and I hung up the call.

I realized that Morgan and Nate have overhead my phone conversation and I tried to think of a suitable reply.

Should I tell them the truth?

“What do you think Quinn?” I asked my wolf in my head.

“Do what your heart tells you to do.” She replied in a soft voice.

“I’m going to attend a jewelry show in London. It happens only once a year and it's really popular. It's also very exclusive, but I can get you in if you would like to join me?”

“Ah, no, I can't go. Demi needs me to take care of her, so I can't just leave the country!” Morgan exclaimed.

Nate nodded as he said, “I can't go either because Demi also needs me here. Besides, leaving the country is a big deal, so you should have known that we won't be able to accompany you before you even asked us.”

His scolding made me frown and before I could reply, Morgan said, “Excuse me, I need to go check on Demi.”

“I'm coming with you.” Nate said as his eyes brightened at the mention of Demi.

They didn't wait for my reply and turned around to rush upstairs to Demi's room.

Their reaction made me feel disappointed.

It was hard to believe that they used to dote on me.

I decided to go to bed early, so I stood up and made my way upstairs to my room.

The next morning, my eyes fluttered open and I sat up on the bed.

I made my way to the bathroom to brush and shower.

It took me less than half an hour to finish showering and get dressed.

I walked over to the dresser and glanced at my reflection in the mirror then decided to touch on a bit of makeup.

After I was done, I walked out of the room and made my way downstairs.

As I walked into the kitchen to make breakfast, I saw Morgan, Nate and Demi standing in front of the counter with a cake in front of them.

“Ariel, you see this cake?” Morgan asked me as he pointed at the cake.

Before I could react, he continued, “Demi made it all by herself!”

“Oh! Well, nice cake, Demi.” I said awkwardly, not knowing what else to say since we weren't exactly close since she was a cunning little vixen.

“Thanks.” She replied as she held her head high acting like she has achieved something great

Nate grabbed a plate from the cupboard and a knife from a drawer.

He sliced a small piece off the cake and placed it on the plate then picked up the fork from the counter and placed it on the plate.

“Why don't you try it?” He asked as he approached me.

“No, I don't have to.” I replied as I shook my head.

“But you do have to, Ariel. Demi tried so hard to bake this cake. Just have a bite.” Morgan reasoned as he gestured at the plate in Nate's hand.

“I don't want to eat cake first thing in the morning. It's not healthy for you.” I argued honestly.

Demi pouted as she put on a pitiful look and as they glanced at her, their expression changed.

Morgan turned to me and asked in a sarcastic tone of voice, “Really, Ariel? You are being stingy to Demi?”

“No, it's not like that. I just don't like cake very much and it's so early in the morning.” I explained as I gave them a strained smile.

“Then you must be looking down on Demi. What would make you think so lowly of her?” Nate asked as he frowned.

“I don't know what you guys are talking about. I don't think lowly of her and I'm not looking down on her.” I said as I looked between the three of them.

“If you want us to believe you then have a bite of the cake.” Nate insisted as he thrusted the plate of cake towards my face.

Realizing I had to eat the cake to appease them, I took the plate of cake and sighed as I said, “Fine, I'll eat the cake.”

They all smiled as they watched me pick up the fork and pinched a piece of cake then moved it to my mouth.

My eyes widened in surprise and my heart raced as I felt the taste of mango in the cake.

I was allergic to mango and Demi knew that! Why would she let Morgan and Nate pressure me into eating it?

Maybe it wasn't really mango.

I felt worried, so I asked Demi, “Does this cake have any mango in it?”

She nodded as her smile widened, “Yes. Why are you asking?”

“I'm allergic to mango and you should know that!” I replied in a strained voice.

I panicked and tossed the cake aside.

Seeing that, Morgan frowned as he chastised, “How can you toss the cake aside like that? It's so disrespectful to Demi.”

“I feel so bad right now.” Demi said as she batted her eyelashes in a pitiful way.

Morgan wrapped his arms around her to comfort her.

“See how you've made her feel! You need to give Demi the respect she deserves, Ariel!” Nate yelled as he banged his hand on the counter rudely.

He was the one being disrespectful towards me right now.

Besides, she never gave me the respect I deserved as the elder cousin, so what respect should I give her? And this wasn't even about respect, it was about how she just fed me a cake that contained mangoes which I was allergic to.

Was she trying to kill me?

My throat started becoming constricted as I started gasping.

The allergic reaction was already starting and I needed help.

I pulled my phone out from my jeans pocket.

One hand held my throat gently as my other hand held my phone.

I shakily dialed 911 and they answered immediately, “Hello, this is 911. What's your emergency?”

“I need an ambulance.” I croaked out as I tried to breathe evenly.

“Don’t worry, we'll be there right away! But first, what's your address?” The female 911 dispatcher asked me.

I rattled my address off to her and she hung up.

Morgan started sweeping the floor while Nate started washing the utensils used in making the cake as Demi stood in the middle of the kitchen, still looking upset.

“Don't let what Ariel did to your cake get to you, okay?” Morgan said to Demi in a comforting voice.

“Okay.” She replied as her expression softened.

Nate’s lips tugged up into a comforting smile as he said, “She's probably just jealous ‘cause your cake is so sweet.”

Nate turned to me as he reprimanded me, “Stop being jealous of Demi and be nice to her for once.”

“I'm not jealous of her!” I croaked out as I continued gasping, feeling my throat tighten even more as it started throbbing.

“Then stop being so toxic towards her!” Nate exclaimed as he scrubbed the mixing bowl that he was washing harder.

I felt anger bubbled inside my chest at their accusation and groaned as I replied in a strained voice, “I'm not!”

Morgan let go of Demi as he yelled, “Stop being rude to Demi and making her feel bad!”

I shook my head, unable to form words after hearing what he had to say about me.

“You're being unreasonable and unrecognizable, and I just realized this after you tossed her cake aside!” He added as he grabbed the broom and continued sweeping the kitchen floor.

I pointed at the cake on the floor as I explained, “It’s not that! You need to understand that I’m allergic to mango and there's mango inside the cake.

My mango allergy acts up whenever I have even an inkling of mango and it's very lethal. It can become very painful in only a few minutes and I won't be able to speak if I don't get treatment fast enough.”

They both stared at me with their eyes widened in surprise like they didn't expect me to say that.

Before they could reply, I continued, “You two used to protect me from anything that would cause me harm just like when I ate that chocolate with nuts and I didn't know that I have peanut allergy. You rushed me to the hospital and took care of me after I was treated.”

They both looked embarrassed and Nate was the first to speak up, “I'm sorry that you're going through so much pain right now.”

Morgan nodded as he also apologized, “Yeah, I'm sorry too, but you have to understand that the cake is important to Demi since she had put great effort into making it.”

I couldn't reply because my throat was throbbing too much, so I just watched them.

When they saw that I didn't reply, their expression turned sour.

“Why don't we take you out to cheer you up, Demi?” Morgan suggested as he threw the cake and dirt that he swept off the floor into the trash can.

Demi's eyes lightened up as she asked, “Really?”

“Yeah, come on.” He answered her as he walked over to her and took her hand in his.

“Nate, are you done?” He asked as he turned to Nate.

“I'm done!” Nate exclaimed as he washed his hands in the sink.

He walked over to Demi after drying his hands with a towel and wrapped an arm around her.

He smiled at her as he said, “I'm sure going out will cheer up.”

She put on a pitiful expression as she replied in a low voice, “I hope so.”

“Let's go!” Morgan said as he tugged her hand and started towards the door.

Nate took his hand off her shoulder and took hold of her other hand.

They walked out of the house, leaving me alone as I fell down, holding my throat while it swelled and throbbed.

I heard the sound of the ambulance and it didn't take long before they opened the door and rushed in.

A male paramedic was pushing a stroller and two female paramedics rushed to my side.

“Ma’am, can you talk?” One of the shewolves asked.

I shook my head and they looked worried as they helped me up and led me to the stroller.

As soon as I laid down on the stroller, they pushed it out of the house and to the ambulance.

They pulled me inside as the one that asked me a question opened a first aid kit as she said, “It looks like an allergy reaction. She needs an EpiPen.”

“There's no EpiPen in the ambulance. She has to wait until we reach the hospital.” The other shewolf replied as the man closed the ambulance doors.

So the first shewolf turned to me with an apologetic expression as she said, “Hang in there, Ma’am. You'll be saved as soon as we reach the hospital.”

I managed to nod my head, and I hoped that we would reach the hospital soon as the ambulance started moving.

Two hours later, I was back from the hospital after I recovered from my allergy reaction.

I was now in my room, packing my bags as I decided to leave.

Having Demi feed me mango while knowing I was allergic, and having my childhood friends chastise me instead of saving me was the last straw.

I wasn't going to stick around and continue being mistreated.

Half an hour later, Morgan and Nate returned to the house. However, they were shocked to see a strange man sitting in the living room as he watched the TV.

“Who are you?” Morgan asked him.

“I'm the new owner of this house.” He answered him with a smile as he briefly glanced at them.

I have sold my father's house at a low price to one of his colleagues.

I knew that it was the right choice since I was leaving.

Morgan turned to me as a frown fell on his brows and he asked me, “Why would you sell the house?”

Nate looked just as angry as he scowled at me and asked, “Is selling the house over a minor allergy incident really necessary?”

Before I could reply, Morgan asked, “Are you feeling down lately? We can all go on a trip together to relax.”

I gave them a tight smile as I replied, “Selling the house has enabled me to buy a camper van which would be perfect for a road trip.”

“Demi would love a road trip!” Morgan exclaimed.

Nate nodded as he said, “Yeah, I'm sure she'll want to go on a road trip.”

They seemed to have realized that Demi needed this road and that must have been why they eagerly agreed.

“Mr. Harold, can you take care of the house while I'm gone? I need to visit my grandfather.” I asked my father's colleague whom I had sold the house to, Mr. Baker.

“Yes, don't worry.” Mr. Baker replied as his lips tugged up into a smile.

I felt relieved that I have found a reliable person to entrust the house to.

He has always been there for my father and when my father passed away, he was there for me.

He was just like our Alpha except that Alpha Ryan helped me even more before and after my father passed away.

I nodded at Mr. Baker and turned around to make my way out towards the front door.

As soon as I was out of the house, I walked to the side of the road and raised my hand, making an incoming taxi stop.

I took the taxi to the nursing home where my grandfather lived.

He was the Alpha before my father took over and he ruled the pack fairly.

For the past two years, he has regularly sent me money, taught me how to manage my father's company and guided me in design.

So we were close and I missed him. Besides, I needed to say goodbye to him before I left.

Soon, I arrived at the nursing home and paid the taxi driver before climbing out.

I walked into the nursing home as Quinn murmured in my head, “I miss grandfather too.”

I chuckled in my head and replied, “Well, you'll see him now.”

I walked over to the front desk and glanced at the lady sitting behind it as I said, “I'm here to visit Victor Rowland.”

She glanced at me then nodded as she recognised me and gave me a small smile, “Okay. Go right in, sweetie.

“Sure.” I replied and I turned around to make my way down the long hallway.

It felt familiar as I walked past the ward room doors, looking for room A22 since I usually regularly visited my grandfather in the nursing home.

A22.

My eyes caught the number and I stopped in front of the ward room.

I knocked on the door and I heard a gruff, “Come in.”

I walked in to see my grandfather lying on his bed as he read a book with his glasses on.

When he saw me, he kept the book aside on the bedside table and sat up.

His lips tugged up into a smile as he opened his arms wide and exclaimed, “Ariel!”

“Grandpa!” I exclaimed as I ran over to hug him.

He squeezed me tightly and I hugged him back just as tight.

After a few moments, I pulled back.

“You haven't come to see me in a while, Ariel, and I was starting to get worried.” He murmured as he placed his hand on my shoulder and caressed it.

I smiled at him politely as I replied, “Don't worry, grandpa. I was just so busy that I didn't get to see you.”

“Well, you're here now and that's all that matters now.” He muttered as he smiled back at me.

“Yes, you're right!” I exclaimed excitedly, feeling happy to see him again.

However, sadness tugged at my heart as I remembered how I would be leaving soon.

I felt my heart break as I tried to explain to him, “But the thing is… I wanted to tell you that I'll be leaving this country to go live with my mother.”

His smile dropped and a sad expression showed on his face as he asked, “Why?”

“Mom has been diagnosed with leukemia and she has very little time to live, so she wants me to visit her.

Seeing that Dad's gone and I've given his studio away, I realized that it's better that I move to Germany to live with Mom instead of only visiting her and returning here.” I answered him as I took his hand in mine and gave him a comforting squeeze.

He squeezed my hand back as he smiled at me faintly, “I believe that you've made the right choice.”

“Me too. I've even filled out the pack transfer form after I requested it from Alpha Ryan. I've sent it to my mother's Alpha.” I said as excitement showed in my eyes.

“When will you be leaving?” He asked me, looking curious.

“Today.” I answered him as I gave him a comforting smile.

He looked sad again as tears welled up in his eyes, “I'll miss you, Ariel.”

“I'll miss you too, grandpa! Goodbye.” I said as tears welled up in my eyes too and I hugged him again.

He hugged me back and then I pulled back as he whispered, “Goodbye, Ariel.”

I turned around and he watched me go with tears in his eyes, but then I was stopped when Morgan and Nate walked into the room along with Demi.

When they noticed the redness in my eyes and grandpa's eyes, Nate asked me, “Why were the two of you crying?”

I rubbed my eyes and sniffed as I answered him, “It's just that we were talking about my traveling to London for the jewelry show and started saying our goodbyes.”

I didn't want them to suspect that I was living, that was why I had to lie again even though I hate lying.

My grandfather didn't bother explaining anything to them, so he didn't deny my fake reason.

I felt sadness grip me at seeing Demi with them. I had hoped for a quiet private reunion with my grandfather.

“Ahh, I see. Traveling and leaving family behind can be quite dreadful.” Nate replied to me as his expression softened.

Morgan's expression softened too and he nodded as he added, “Exactly.”

“Yeah, I'm glad you understand.” I replied as I gave them a tight smile.

I turned around to walk out of the room and go home, but Morgan grabbed my arm as he said, “Wait!”

I turned back around and pulled my arm out of his grip as I asked, “What?”

“Why don't you stay to have a meal with us?” Morgan asked as hope showed in his eyes.

Nate nodded as he added, “Yeah, it will be just like old times.”

I shook my head and replied, “No can do, guys. Remember that I need to leave for the jewelry show and I can't be late.”

“Oh, okay.” Morgan said, the hope in his eyes vanishing.

“Yeah, you're right. You need to catch your flight early.” Nate said, looking like he understood my excuse.

“Yeah.” I replied as I turned around to walk out of the room, and this time, they didn't stop me.

My heart beat faster and my senses heightened.

I was finally leaving this painful place behind to embrace a new future.

As soon as I reached home, I walked upstairs and went straight to my room.

I wanted to finish packing my bags since I was leaving today. So I made my way to my dresser and grabbed my makeup then walked to my suitcase and two traveling bags.

I unzipped my traveling bags and started gently placing my makeup inside.

Next were my toiletries, so I walked into the bathroom and grabbed them.

I walked back to my traveling bags and placed them inside one by one.

Just as I finished, I heard Demi's cheerful voice through mind link.

“Hey, Ariel! I'm so excited to tell you the good news that I've just received!”

Knowing Demi, I knew that good news to her wouldn't be good news to me at all.

So I sighed as I asked, “What's the good news?”

“Our grandfather is considering leaving me the entire nursing home!” She exclaimed as she giggled.

Our grandfather owned the nursing home, and I was shocked that he was leaving it to her even though I had felt closer to him.

“Oh, that's good news indeed.” I muttered as I realized that she was trying to show me that he loved her more than he loved me.

However, I didn't care because I knew that he still loved me and we have a special bond.

“And that's not all.” She said, still sounding excited.

“Okay, tell me the rest of the good news then.” I urged her even though I was dreading what she was about to tell me.

“Morgan and Nate have been very kind to me by taking me out to eat and shop, and they even introduced me to their families!” She said in an overly excited voice and I knew that she was putting on a show to make me jealous.

“Well, good for you. Maybe they'll even ask you out.” I said in a steady voice.

She giggled and I said in a firm voice, “Anyway, I need to go. I have to get ready for my flight.”

“Alright, see you when we come back.” She replied and giggled again.

It sounded like she was mocking me as she laughed at me. My grandfather and I have always been close, yet he was leaving her the nursing home, and Morgan together with Nate have always been around me, but now, they were always around her.

She came here and tried taking everything away from me. She thought that she had destroyed my life, but she hadn't because I’m still standing strong since I didn't care whether my grandfather loved her more or Morgan and Nate cared about her more.

After Demi went quiet, I grabbed my phone from my bedside table and dialed my friend, Sasha Blake's number.

She was my best friend and also a warrior. She has always been there for me whenever Morgan and Nate decided to mistreat me for Demi's sake.

"Hey, Sasha. I need a ride to the airport." I said in a soft voice.

“Ariel, are you leaving?!” She asked, sounding shocked.

“Yes, my mother has been admitted to their pack hospital in London and she wants me to visit her. So I decided to move to London and live with her.” I explained as I thought of how I would miss pack training with Sasha.

Alpha Ryan has traveled, so that was why we haven't been training recently. He was our coach and he wanted us to wait until he was back to train.

I was itching to train since I was a natural warrior and I hoped that I would be able to after I arrived in London.

“I'm so sorry that she's sick, Ariel. I'll come pick you up right away.” She replied, sounding sympathetic.

Fifteen minutes later, Sasha arrived and helped me drag my suitcase down the stairs and to her car while I held up my two traveling bags.

After loading my things into the boot of her car, we climbed into the car.

She started driving as she said, "Morgan and Nate have always chased away anyone who's ever shown interest in you. So I always thought that you stayed because of them."

I chuckled as I shook my head, "Oh no! That's not why I stayed. I stayed because my father's studio is here and I wanted to run it for a while before saying goodbye to it, but now, I'm ready to leave for good."

“Woah! I had no idea, and you know, with how Morgan and Nate have always been around you, I thought you would choose one of them to be your mate.” She said as she glanced at me.

“Well, they're not always around me anymore.” I replied as I sighed.

Her expression changed as a frown fell on her brows, “Oh, right. They changed after Demi arrived and they're now all about her.”

“Exactly and I actually prefer it that way since none of them truly liked me for real.” I said as I looked out the window.

“But tell me honestly. If Demi had not appeared, would you have chosen one of them as your mate or even both of them?” Sasha asked me as her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

I nodded, “Probably.”

“Ooohhh, spicy drama! Probably both of them, right?” She pressed on and when I stayed quiet, she added, “Come on, girl. Tell me all the spicy details!”

I chuckled at Sasha's reaction and replied, “I don't know.”

“Girl, I need to know your deepest, darkest secrets ‘cause I'm your best friend!” She exclaimed, making me chuckle again.

I smiled as I replied, “Okay. I'll tell you what I really think, if they hadn't discarded me after Demi appeared, I would have probably chosen one of them.

But it would be really hard to choose between the two of them, so taking both of them as my mate would be easier.”

She laughed and said, “That's what I wanted to hear!”

“Why don't we share a final farewell meal, Sasha?” I asked as I glanced at her.

Her laughter died down and her lips tugged up into a smile as she answered me, “Sure, that sounds great. I know a restaurant on the way to the airport, we can dine there.”

“Okay.” I replied with a nod.

It didn't take long before we arrived at the restaurant. It was called Heiser.

As she shut the car's engine, we climbed out of the car and made our way into the restaurant.

We walked to an empty table in the middle of the crowded restaurant and sat down.

A waiter immediately approached our table and I saw that it was a hewolf.

He greeted us, “Good evening.”

“Hi!” Sasha and I replied at the same time.

“Have you decided on what to order?” He asked as he looked between the two of us.

“Give us a minute.” I answered him as I picked up the menu from the table.

Sasha also picked up her menu and started looking through it.

“Alright.” He replied and waited patiently for us to decide.

After a moment, I said, “I'll have the grilled chicken and potato goulash.”

Sasha ordered next, “And I'll have the grilled salmon and saffron rice.”

“Alright, your order will be ready in a moment.” He announced then turned around to walk through the double doors that were at the back which I assumed were the doors to the kitchen.

“I'll miss you terribly when you're gone, Ariel. Who will I train with after you're gone?” Sasha asked as she looked down.

I gave her a comforting smile as I replied, “Don't worry, we'll talk everyday while I'm in London.”

“But we can't even mind link each other anymore once you arrive at your new pack in Italy!” She exclaimed as she pouted.

I placed my hand on hers and gave her a comforting squeeze as I said, “It doesn't matter, we can talk on the phone.”

She sighed, “Okay, but I'm still glad that you're leaving Morgan and Nate behind. They don't deserve your friendship.”

“Yeah, you're right.” I replied as I nodded.

The waiter walked out of the restaurant’s kitchen and approached our table, holding two plates of food in each hand.

“Here you go, Ma’am's.” He said as he placed them on the table then walked over to another table to take their order.

We dug into our food as we talked here and there.

After our meal, Sasha drove me to the airport.

As we arrived, I felt a mix of emotions. Excitement for my new life in Italy, but also sadness at leaving behind the only home I had ever known.

Sasha hugged me tightly as she said, "You're doing the right thing, Ariel. Start fresh."

My phone rang, breaking the moment. My mother's voice filled the line, weak but warm, "Hey, honey. What time does your flight arrive? Someone will pick you up."

“Hi, Mom! My flight will arrive at 9:30 pm.” I replied in an excited voice.

“Alright, honey. Be safe.” She said in a soft voice, sounding amused.

“Don't worry, Mom. I'll be safe.” I said as I smiled, feeling grateful for her love and care.

She hung up the call and I placed my phone back into my handbag.

That was when I noticed Morgan and Nate lingering nearby. Curiosity made them approach me.

"Who's that?" Nate asked, his tone curious.

I shrugged as I said in an indifferent tone of voice, "None of your business."

Their expressions faltered, stunned by my coldness.

Morgan spoke up, "Ariel, we need to talk."

I raised an eyebrow. "What's there to discuss?"

He explained, "You might notice that we are not paying much attention to you now. It's because Demi needs more attention than you. She's been through a lot."

Nate nodded, “Yeah, she has no one, but you at least have your mother.”

I scoffed and asked them, "Why do you feel the need to justify yourselves? You've made it clear where your priorities lie."

Morgan's face reddened in embarrassment as he accused me, "You're just jealous, Ariel. We understand your feelings completely."

A frown fell on my brows and I clarified, "I don't care. You're just friends to me. Nothing more."

Nate's eyes locked onto mine, pleading as he murmured, "But we want more than friendship, Ariel.”

Morgan nodded as he added, “Yeah, and we want you to recognize your feelings."

I remained calm, unmoved as I said, "I've made my choice. Let's drop it."

“Okay, at least let us carry your luggage.” Morgan insisted.

Nate glanced at my luggage and said, “It looks too heavy for you to carry.”

“Okay.” I replied, knowing that they wouldn't back down.

The tension between us was palpable as they carried my luggage.

Demi walked over to us, pulling her luggage behind her.

Her voice was laced with sadness as she said, "I have to take a different flight. I'll miss you, Ariel."

I wouldn't miss her, so I couldn't say that I wouldn't. Instead I said, “We can still talk on the phone.”

As soon as Morgan and Nate saw Demi, they dropped my luggage and rushed to help her carry her luggage.

“Let me help you with that.” Nate said as he grabbed her traveling bag.

“And I'll take that.” Morgan said as he took her small suitcase’s handle from her hand.

When I saw that, I seized the opportunity. I pulled out my phone from my handbag and blocked their numbers, removing all contact.

I turned away, my heart pounding in my chest.

I quickened my pace, eager to leave the past behind.