Chapter 139: Chapter One Hubdred and Thirty Nine

I frowned at my mother.

"Passed away?" She nodded, that grim look still on her face.

"She left the pack around the same time that you did. And a year after you were taken, she returned. But she was different. Quiet. Strange. She rubbed me off the wrong way honestly"

"How did she die?"

"There was a fire. Huge flames, burn down the whole house. She didn't make it out and neither did her parents. We found charred bodies and we laid them to rest"

A shudder ran through me. I had such a close friend but I didn't remember her.

"But it's impossible for Salem to be related to her if she died over thirteen years ago. Salem is only eleven"

"You don't understand. They look alike too much. It's like I'm staring in her face again after so many years. I don't know Anna. I don't feel okay about that girl"

"Mama. Many people look alike. Salem is just an innocent child. And I would like you not to act differently toward her. I don't want her to feel left out. She's had a lot to deal with already"

"Anna..." Mother's voice dragged and I sighed.

"Please. Just do this for me?" She gave a reluctant nod and I linked our arms together as I led her down the stairs. The children were gathered around the father and Salem stayed closer this time.

My father's eyes landed on me as soon as I reached the bottom of the stairs, a cautious look on his face.

He looked over at Mama, and the look disappeared.

"Good to see you" he said in a cheerful voice and kissed my cheeks.

"Me too. It's been...."

"Had a bit of a delay" a new voice interrupted and I saw Farron standing a few feet away from us, a wide grin on his face.

I shot my mother a questioning look and she avoided my eyes as he drew closer.

"It's good to see you again Anna" he greeted with a smile and I just stared at him.

"Come on. Don't be a stranger. I'm not going to bite if you hug me" he added and I scoffed.

"Don't let my mate hear you suggesting that" I said and just like he was announced, Xander's presence filled the room. His arms wrapped around my waist and he pressed me into his side. Farron's cocky smile slipped away and his jaw worked.

"Come on. Say hello to my mother" I nudged my mate, pulling his attention away from Farron.

The two of them had been in a silent competition for the longest time. Although, there was no competition for me. Xander was my mate. A man I love and nothing would ever change that.

Farron seemed to be stuck in the past and in his head, he was convinced that we would still have a happy ending.

He tried to pass it off as a joke most of the time, which always irritated Xander but I'd seen past the fake humor. A joke that was repeated too many times would slowly begin to sound like the truth.

"You all should get rested and we'll have dinner together" I announced.

Mama and Papa nodded, the servants saw them off and Farron followed behind.

"Leo, take them back up. We'll see you later for dinner" he nodded and they followed him. I couldn't help but look at Salem pitifully. She followed them close enough but still kept née distance.

I'd need to speak to her. I didn't want her to feel left out. She wasn't just a rogue we took in. She was family. My daughter.

"What's with that look on your face?" My mate circled his arms around me.

"I'm worried about Salem" he frowned.

"Why? What's wrong"

"I don't think she's adapting well"

"How do you mean? She's doing pretty good"

"No, she keeps her distance. Like she's scared of getting close"

"Does this have anything to do with your parents' visit? She's not familiar with them so it's okay for her to be distant" I sighed.

Nobody could see what I have. I didn't want to come off as paranoid so I let it go. I just have to work extra hard to make sure she isn't comfortable.

"We should head in. Get some rest before dinner"

"That's hours away" he grumbled, brushing an imaginary hair away from my face.

"Doesn't matter. You've been busy all day. We can spend some time together" he purses his lips as he thought about it.

"Fine. We can be together until dinner. I just have to speak to Gabriel to handle things" I hummed.

"I'll come with you" he smiled and took my hands, leading me towards his office.

"Any word from Xavier?" It had been a while since we'd seen him. Over the years, we'd gotten used to Xavier's often disappearance but he never stayed away for too long. He always popped in so we wouldn't worry too much but it's been quite a while and we haven't heard a word from him.

"Nothing yet. I have men looking out in case they hear anything" his voice was thick with worry.

"Maybe we can convince him to stay the next time he comes around?" Xander scoffed.

"It's like convincing a rogue to join a pack. He'd never agree to it"

"What if there's a reason? Like a mate?" Xander mulled over it but he shook his head.

"Maybe I can just threaten him"

"And it'll work?"

"We'll never know until we try"

I sighed. "Dialogue could work better"

"Certainly not. And it's a good thing he isn't here right now anyway. He never liked your Farron" I scowled up at my mate.

"He's not my anything?"

"Really? You're usually defending him whenever his name is brought up" I scoffed at his jealousy even though it made me excited on the inside.

But he was wrong. I wasn't defending Farron. They had a problem with him and it was obvious why. But I didn't think they should target him over something I could barely remember. And Xavier just hated him because Xander did.

"Why is he even here?" He finally asked the question I knew had been on his mind.

"No idea. I didn't expect my parents to bring him along"

"Did you tell them I don't want him here?"

"No. But.... It's nothing to worry about. I'll speak to them and they won't come with him next time"

"Better"

Xander handled what he needed to and we spent the rest of the day until dinner time.

When we arrived at the table, Farron was absent. My parents gave an excuse on his behalf and I was grateful for whatever kept him off the table. I could do dinner without Xander being moody.

I watched the kids, their excitement loud at the presence of their grandparents. Salem watched and laughed. But she didn't get close enough.

That was a good sign I guess. She caught my eye from across the table and smiled at me warmly. I returned it, itching to hug her.

Our meal was brought in, the servants laying them one after the other. I looked over at Zaine for a moment and then I heard a loud crash.

Salem jumped away from the table, her scream loud as she put distance between herself and the servant.

I jumped to my feet, rushing towards her in concern.

"Salem, what's wrong baby?"

"Her..." she pointed shaky fingers towards the servant. I looked up and I saw her face.

It was burned beyond recognition.