I couldn't count on my fingers and toes the number of times that Jaxon and I didn't talk to each other after that night. No voices interrupted our contact to show that there was a spark of tension between us.
If I were to be honest, I would admit that I felt a kind of gloominess that I had never felt before, even when I left the Shadow Moon Pack could not compare to this strange emotion.
In addition, I was unaware of how rapidly time flew by because the two of us avoided one another. Despite the passage of autumn, summer, winter, and the impending arrival of spring, I had not heard from him at all.
A sharp needle pierced my heartbeat again, so I couldn't help but asked myself, 'Should I accept the prick of a thorn in my chest?'
Who was really to blame regarding of what transpired between us had not been made plain to me until now. Nevertheless, despite that, I still view the fact that when he avoided me, I put in my mind that it was a blessing in disguise since, in a roundabout manner, it prevented me from stumbling into his perilous and shadowy treatment.
"Veronica, are you with me?!"
The booming voice and the thumping on the floor both shuddered me as I was seated in front of the round table with Betty. When I looked up, she was glaring at me, as if she were going to kill me if I didn't pay attention to her.
"Yes," I answered even though I had lost track of her topic.
"Just make sure because once the result is not good due of your deeds, you yourself will wrap a chain around your neck! This day is crucial to Alpha Jaxon. It's Moonlight Festival and his allied pack will assemble here, so your cooperation is a must." Her words were seething and into my skin.
"I know what you're saying, Gamma," I said and stood up, showing her that I was tired. "By the way, I have to give Morgan a bath, so if you won't mind, I'll excuse myself."
I didn't wait for her answer anymore and left.
Since last month, she kept telling me about the Moonlight Festival even though Jaxon didn't even mention about it. She said that the packs would gather, including the Alpha King, and each of them should be able to introduce their Luna.
Since the Alpha King had no heir, he himself would choose in that day who would inherit his throne—and werewolves started to gossip that the closest to take over was Jaxon.
I had been hearing left and right the line of, "Alpha Jaxon, the next Alpha King, who will have the sovereign power."
And to be honest, I had no reason to disagree. He was the most powerful Alpha and I heard that he was called to the Alpha King's territory five months ago. Perhaps, that was the reason why many concluded it.
And as I was walking, I couldn't help but asked in my heart, 'Why me? Why does he need to bring me when Helene can go with him and he can introduce her as his mate? Is it because of Morgan?'
Hurriedly, I cut off what I was thinking and just bitterly laughed at myself. What else could be the reason besides that?
But how ridiculous, Jaxon...
Today was your son's second birthday, but in a span of his growth, you had never caressed him. He got the impression that you two were miles away even though you were in the same box. If you had treated me just like the wind of no existence, I could have understood it better, but why my son too? He didn't deserve to be treated in this way.
As a new warm water formed in my eyes, my heart was crushed.
While Morgan was outside playing with the servant, I trailed off to collect myself. Perhaps, that was the only thing Jaxon deserved credit for; he could give my son the best treatment from this pack. Even though we were not married, the pack treated my son with reverence since they saw him as the next heir to the throne and a prince.
I wiped the tears from my eyes, forced myself to paint a smile that didn't reach my eyes, then greeted Morgan happily.
Since this mansion was in the heart of the forest, I had planned to go hunting later for Morgan's birthday. If you would ask me where was Jaxon on Morgan's first birthday, I had no idea. I also had no desire to seek for him in those time.
I had another bittersweet reminiscence, but I was too exhausted to feel the anguish. I took a moment to compose myself before returning to my original task.
"Morgan, mommy is here!" I shouted.
He quickly turned to me and his smile reached the sky, "Mommy!"
Morgan Silva Knight, formed between two blue-blooded Alphas. He could already speak straight and walk well. For the royal blood, this sight was pretty normal— and of course, they would think it was a genius how an Alpha pup could develop his mind with no sweat.
"Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" One after another, full of enthusiasm, he called me while pointing to something above the tree.
When I turned to look, I noticed a blood-covered bird trying to take flight. I scowled at what I saw and noticed that Morgan was holding a stone in his palm.
"What did you do, Morgan?"
He looked at me innocently, his eyes wide with astonishment, "What?"
I clasped my palm to prevent myself from bursting, and then, yanked the rock back from him, sending him tumbling to the ground.
No matter how much I tried to hold it in, I couldn't help but yell, "How can you do that to a bird?!" because of what I had seen.
"Mommy, aren't you happy that I caught a bird?"
My lips and hands quiver with many feelings as I spoke, "W-why would I?"
Morgan, you couldn't follow in your father's footsteps. There was no way I was going to allow you to starve to death for the blood of the weak and things in front of you. I couldn't agree that you would utilize a living thing as your prey just because you had the chance!
I looked more closely at Morgan, but his eyes were devoid of any sadness. It was icy, as though what he had accomplished was a personal triumph for him.
I bend in front of him to level our height as I hold his shoulders for support. "Look, Morgan. This is not the way you treat the living creatures. They should be treated and handled with care and love so you will be their friends. Do you wish to merely exist in a world where everything you touch is terrified of you?"
He casually shook his head, which caused my mouth to smile.
I was going to say something again when a deep, well-known voice grazed my guts. The voice persisted, making me feel as though I wanted to puke up from the cold that had been applied to my flesh.
"Are you implying that everyone I touch is afraid of me, Veronica?"