(Ruby)
I spent the rest of the week in bed at the pack hospital. Karson explained that he received a phone call right before he came to the school. A rogue attack on Emerald Forest. The attack took the lives of anyone standing in their way, including Alpha Michael…and my father.
The doctor was explaining that the pain I was feeling was because someone I was close to was killed. The pain would eventually subside. I reached for my purse and grabbed out the phone my father left me. Still clutching my chest, I dialed my mother's number.
“Who is this?” My mother said between sobs. Hearing my mother cry only broke me more.
“Mama?” I managed to say.
All it took was for her to hear my voice to send her into tears again. I spent two hours on the phone with her. I would come back for my father’s funeral, help her clean up the house and stay for a weekend just until I knew she would be OK.
The next morning, I woke up to Karson talking to the doctor. I had never seen him so distressed before. His hair was a mess and I could see fresh stubble growing around his perfect jaw. He never left my side. I loved him for that.
“Do you think it's really OK to discharge her?” Karson asked the doctor.
“Your mate will be fine, Alpha. Take her home, let her rest. We need the beds and rooms for other patients.” The doctor advised him.
“Karson, it’s ok. If the doctor thinks I’m OK to go home, then let's go home.” I said from my bed. Karson came back into the room with the doctor in tow.
“Are you sure, my love?” Karson asked.
“I’m sure. The doctor already told you there isn’t much they can do, besides rest.” I told him.
The doctor looked at us both and nodded before leaving the room. A few moments later, he came back in with discharge papers.
“Now get plenty of rest and we will see you back in about a week.” The doctor said,
“Why a week? I thought you said all she needed was some bedrest?” Karson asked.
“Well, you will want to be here for your first ultrasound,” the doctor said with a smile on his face.
It took a moment for Karson and I to register what he had just said.
“Alpha, Luna, congratulations you're pregnant.”
Karson stayed attached to my hip as we left the hospital. It was cute in a way, but also very annoying. I wasn’t going to break and a part of me felt like he was being too careful.
“Karson, I’m not going to break, you don’t need to hover over me like a china doll.” I said, frustrated.
“I know, I just, I’m here if you need me.” Karson said, placing his hand on my stomach. I couldn’t help but feel bad for yelling at him. When we made it down to the lobby, Karson left me for a moment to get the car. I sat there letting the sun hit my face as I tried to remember all the good memories I had with my father.
One of my favorite memories was being pushed on the old tire swing in our backyard. My laughter had filled his ears as I remembered his big smile. All of that seemed to disappear as a shadow blocked the sun from my face. I looked up and instantly became pissed off.
“I was coming to see how you were doing but I see your being discharged,” Olivia said with a smirk on her face.
“Olivia, how nice to see you.” I said, clenching my teeth.
“When I heard you collapsed at school, I must admit I was worried. How are you feeling now?” She asked, but I could tell she didn’t care.
“I’m fine, Karson went to get the car. We are heading home. I have a lot to do once I get home,” I said.
Karson pulled up in the car and walked towards me. My bad mood had gone in an instant when I saw him.
“Are you ready, my love?” Karson asked, not even glancing at Olivia.
“Karson, do you mind if I ride with you? My ride won’t be back for another hour.” Olivia asked, grabbing at Karson's arm.
She’s about to lose that arm- Flora growled.
You ain't lying- I told her.
Karson gave me a look, and even though I wanted the bitch to walk home I agreed. Olivia jumped with joy and hopped in the front seat.
Oh hell no… She did not just steal our seat- Screamed Flora.
Oh yes she did. Am I invisible here?- I questioned.
It didn’t look like Karson was all too happy with her actions, as I simply kissed him on the lips and got into the back seat. The whole ride home, Olivia talked mine and Karson’s head off. I wanted to shut her mouth with my fist. Karson must have caught that thought because I saw him smiling in the mirror looking at me.
Hope was there to greet us when we pulled up. She immediately went to hug me but stopped when she saw Olivia in the front seat instead of me. She gave a stern look and then opened her mouth.
“Karson, what is the meaning of this? Why is Ruby in the back seat? And why is Olivia here?” Hope asked one after the other. I had to smile. This would be the perfect payback.
“Hope Karson was being careful of me. He didn’t want me in the front seat after learning of my pregnancy,” I said, sending a verbal slap towards Olivia.
Hope’s eyes lit up as the word pregnancy left my mouth. Pure joy could be seen radiating off of her.
“Wait… You’re pregnant?” Olivia choked out.
“The doctor gave us the good news this morning,” Karson said as he placed his arm around my waist. “Let’s get you upstairs and into bed.” Kason led me into the house, leaving Olivia outside.
“Karson, we need to talk.” I said before reaching our room.
“Anything my love.” I looked at Karson and I guess he could tell where this was leading.
“I have to go home and help my mother plan my father's funeral. I plan on staying until everything is done. I have to help her go through all of his belongings.” I said, with tears in my eyes. Karson looked at me and didn’t say anything, he just held me there.
“I won’t be able to go with you, I have to stay here and work on a plan with the rest of the council to figure out what the hell happened. I would feel better with you staying here, but I know that won’t stop you from going, so I’ll be sending Nate with you as your own personal guard, OK.”
(Olivia)
I kept my distance as they walked into the house together, arm in arm. It made me sick! The pure agony and hatred I felt when she announced she was pregnant. Luna Hope was already planning another party for her. That should be my spotlight.
I walked past Karson’s office without knowing his door was ajar. I could hear him talking to his Gamma Nate about being Ruby’s guard when she returns home for her father's funeral. That’s when it clicked, without even knocking, I entered Karson’s office and walked up to his desk.
“Olivia, this is a private conversation,” Karson growled. I rolled my eyes.
“I’d like to go with Ru.. I mean Luna Ruby. If not for support, then maybe to find my mate.” I said. It didn’t look like he was opposed to the idea, but I could see he didn’t trust me either.
“You have Nate going, he can keep an eye on me if you feel you can’t trust me. I promise to behave myself.” I blurted out, fingers crossed in the back of my head.
Karson looked at Nate, who then nodded.
“Pack a bag.” Nate ordered. I didn’t need anything further. I left, headed to my room and began packing. I picked up my phone and called a certain Alpha who would die for this information.
“Hello?” The man answered.
“Ruby will be headed to your pack tomorrow. I will also be joining and I'm requesting a meeting with you in person,” I said.
“Who do I have the pleasure of talking to?” The man said.
“Call me Olivia, your new best friend.”
(Ruby)
I woke up running to the bathroom. Karson must have felt me run from bed. I barely made it to the toilet before I emptied the contents of my stomach.
“We can hold this off another time. You should be resting.” Karson said as he lifted my hair from my face.
“Karson, I’m not gonna die, this is natural with pregnancy.” I said, motioning my face back to the toilet.
Karson let out a little chuckle and kissed my forehead. Once I felt I was OK, I got up, brushed my teeth and grabbed a shower before getting dressed. I made sure my bag was packed before I went to bed last night. I had enough clothes for at least a week. I had to be back before our ultrasound. I touched my belly and a smile formed on my face. Alec and Anna will have a brother or sister soon.
I finished getting ready and headed down to the kitchen. I stopped when I saw Olivia and Nate talking.
“Good morning Luna. Are you ready to leave?” Nate asked. Confusion was written all over my face as my eyes darted from his to Olivia’s. But it was Olivia who spoke up.
“I’m coming with you. Maybe I’ll get lucky and find my mate. You don’t have to worry about me, I won’t be in your hair.” She said as she grabbed her bag and left.
I gave Nate a look and he shrugged his shoulders. He grabbed my bag and headed for the car. I made my way as well after I grabbed a granola bar and a banana. Karson was standing by the car waiting for me.
“I’m only a phone call away, I will hop on the next flight to be with you if you need me.” Karson said, as he pulled me closer to place a kiss on my forehead.
“I love you Karson,” I told him. I was about to get in the car when Karson spun me around to face him one last time. I giggled at him but immediately covered my mouth as I watched him get down on one knee holding a small box.
“It’s not the way I wanted to ask you but I’d feel better knowing your answer.” I was completely speechless. I loved this man more and more each day.
“Ruby Hale,, will you marry me?” Karson asked, as he opened the box, revealing a white gold band with an oval diamond surrounded by little diamonds. A single tear fell from my face as I gave my answer.
“Yes, a thousand times, yes.” That was all Karson needed before he scooped me up and spun me around, placing the ring on my finger.
The entire drive to the airport I was beaming with happiness. Olivia scuffed a few times as Nate congratulated me. When I boarded the plane, I handed my ticket to the flight attendant who directed me to first class and directed Nate and Olivia to economy. Nate didn’t seem bothered by it but Olivia was pissed. I swear she could have started a fire with how red her face was.
I was greeted by my mother and brother at the airport in Oregon. Nate said he would drive with Olivia so that I had time with my family. I thanked him before leaving with my family.
Seeing my parents' house without my father, it left a hole in my chest. I helped my mom go through the different suits my father had, before choosing one for his burial. Once we found one, we hung it up and began cleaning his office.
My mother chose to clean up his shelf as I took on his desk. Sitting here didn’t help my emotions at all, as I wiped some more tears off of my face. When my father wasn’t so cold towards me, we used to play this game where he would leave a note with a clue and I would have to guess where to find my secret prize at the end.
I pulled open the drawer and noticed my name on a sheet of paper.
Ruby,You know where to look.
Dad
Puzzled, I got up and told my mother we could finish this tomorrow. She didn’t object, so we left the office and went to our rooms. Once I knew my mother was asleep, I went back to my father’s office and went straight to the floorboard of his desk. I pulled at the loose floorboard and found a file and some letters. I took the whole file and went back to my room.
The file contained documents, deeds and bank slips. This would be helpful for my mother, but what caught my eye was the 4 letters in the file. Two letters addressed one each to my twins and one for both me and Karson, all from Alpha Michael. The last letter was addressed to me by my father. I chose to open that one right away.
Ruby,I wasn’t always the perfect father to you. I’m sorry for that. If you're reading this, then that means I’m no longer here to care for your mother and brother. I have left the file containing all the documents you will need to help set your mother up. I put away enough money so that they will live comfortably. I also set up an account for you and my grandchildren.I love you, you are my daughter.Dad
Tears welled in my eyes as I reread the letter over and over again. I will take my mother into town tomorrow and set this up like my father wanted. I placed the remaining letters in my bag and curled up on my bed and drifted to sleep.
(Olivia)
I told Nate I would find my room on my own. He didn’t argue, he grabbed our keys, handed mine and went straight to his room. I waited till he was gone, walked over to the receptionist and asked for a courtesy ride to the pack house.
I was greeted by what seemed to be an omega girl.
“Hello miss, my name is Clair, I’ll be escorting you to see the Alpha.” The girl led me to the office on the 1st floor.
“Thank you, Clair, you may take your leave.” The girl bowed her head and left.
“You must be the famous Alpha Collin. My condolences on your father’s passing.” I said, never taking my eyes off of him.
“Thank you Olivia. Please take a seat, let's talk. Would you like a refreshment?” Collin asked. I raised an eyebrow.
“Unless you have a magic Martini bar, I’d love one. If not, let's get straight to the point.” I responded.
“I happen to know you want Ruby, and I would love for her to disappear from my life. She is only here for a week that I know of for her father's funeral. I leave in two days. She has a guard with her. Whatever plan you have, take him out first.”
Collin and I chatted for a bit before I had to leave. Collin called for his Beta to come take me back to the hotel. When he entered the room, his scent hit me so hard I almost lost my composure. He looked at me and that’s when it hit me, I already knew him. By the look on his face, he knew me too.
He led me out the door and into the car. We didn’t say anything. I could feel Pearl whimpering in the back of my head.
MATE!
We pulled up to my hotel and before we got out he turned and looked at me. Pearl began to growl.
No…Please no..
It was too late. I knew this would happen.
“I Kyle Griffen, Beta to Emerald Forest Pack…” Oh goddess no, I’m not ready to feel this pain. But Kyle continued.
“Herby reject you, Olivia Pearson of Sunset Crest Pack as my mate!” I didn’t have time to process what had just happened. I felt my core being shattered as I ran from the car and into my room.