Chapter 133

Chapter 133
“You mean you were in that pack all along?” Her father asked, still taken aback.

“Not exactly. I was only there for a little over a year.” Veronica replied quickly.

“Oh, wow. I actually had some friends there some time ago. It's been a long time ago though. I met them when I went on a trip concerning pack matters. It's just that we no longer communicate that much, because their pack is quite far away from here and everyone is busy with one pack duty or the other.” He explained to Veronica.

“Really?” Veronica asked, surprised.

“Yes. In fact, one of them was popularly called Richie back then, I think.” He said, narrowing his eyes as he tried to remember.

He turned to his wife, and asked her, “Am I right?”

She nodded affirmatively. “Yes, his name was Richie.” She confirmed, nodding affirmatively.

“He came with a woman. He said they were representing the Alpha of their pack, who was unavoidably absent.” He added, and Veronica had a puzzled look on her face.

“Hold on a second. Richie. What does it mean? Was it Richard?” Veronica asked, with an unsure look on her face.

“Honestly, I have no idea.” He replied, slowly.

“What about the woman? Did you get her name?” Veronica pressed further.

Her father squinted as he asked her, “Uhm… Why do you seem so interested?”

“I just want to confirm if they might be the same people I know.” She answered, getting a bit bothered.

“Well, it's been a very long time. I can't remember her name at all. I only remember the husband's nickname, because that was what most people who knew him there called him.” Her father said, and Veronica’s shoulders dropped slowly.

She had really hoped that the man her father was talking about was Beta Richard, but seeing as he couldn't remember, her hope of seeing them again became shattered.

“It's okay. Everything will be fine.” Her mother hugged her, encouraging her as soon as she noticed her sore mood.

“Thanks, Luna.” Veronica said, without thinking carefully.

“Luna?” Luna Isabella was a bit taken aback. She gently pulled away from the hug.

Realizing what she had just blurted out, Veronica's eyes slowly widened. “Oh my. I'm so sorry.” She apologized, and took a deep breath.

“The thing is that I'm not used to it yet. I'm not used to this kind of life. All my life, I've been treated like an outcast. Like a curse. I've been treated like the ‘one bad apple’ that spoils the whole bunch.” She spoke from her heart, but her parents could hear and feel the pain in her voice and they felt for her.

“I've never called anyone my parents in the past nineteen years of my life, and now suddenly I find out that I have real parents. And they aren't just any random people. They are the Alpha and Luna. The king and the queen. It feels too much to take in all at once and It feels so sudden too.” She wiped a single tear which had quickly escaped her eye.

“I’m sorry, but I know it might take me a while before I can confidently call you both ‘mother and father’, but I hope you can understand and be patient with me.” She said with mixed feelings.

Alpha Charles sighed sharply. “It's fine, Veronica. Take all the time you need. Just know that we're always right here for you. No matter how long it takes, we’re going nowhere. We are not losing you again.” He said and those words gladdened Veronica’s heart.

“Thank you d…dad. Thank you m…mum.” She stuttered as she sincerely struggled to call them her parents, even though it wasn't so easy for her.

“Thank you for the effort, my princess.” Alpha Charles commended her like a proud father, and Veronica felt like tumbling with joy.

“Come here.” He opened his arms, and gave her a hug, while the queen smiled, happily watching the duo.

About two hours after their conversation had begun, a guard walked in, and bowed down before Alpha Charles.

Seeing the guard, Luna Isabella quickly asked, “Uhm… Are the chefs done with the celebratory feast?”

The guard turned to her. “I think they are almost done, but I'm not sure, Luna.” He responded, firmly.

“Okay, kindly check, and if they aren't done yet, tell them to hurry up because it is almost time.” She instructed him, and he nodded with understanding.

He turned back to King Charles. “Alpha, the people have begun to assemble in the outer court ground.” He said, with his head still bowed.

“That's good.” Alpha Charles nodded, impressed.

“Should our neighboring packs be invited as well?” The guard asked him, and he thought about it for a while.

“What do you think?” He asked, turning to his wife, but before she could answer, Veronica spoke.

“I don't think it is necessary.” Veronica said. “I'm scared that it might pass a message to the wrong set of people. I don't want to be kidnapped again.” Veronica said again, her face filled with fear and worry.

“I agree with Veronica. Let's just celebrate within our pack. Then when we have other festivities, we can invite them.” Luna Isabella suggested, and her husband nodded in agreement.

“That's a good suggestion.” He commented, and turned to the guard. “You heard what she said, right?” He asked, and the guard nodded.

“Good. So you don't need to send invites to the neighboring packs. We don't want to have her face in the public yet. So, we will just have the feast in the pack.”

“But Alpha, don't you think the people will tell their friends living in those packs about it?” The guard asked him, a bit concerned.

“It is unavoidable, but it doesn't matter. As long as we do not invite outsiders into the pack for now, it is okay.” Alpha Charles noted.

“Alright, Alpha. I'll take my leave now and do as you've said.” The guard said, waiting for the go ahead.

“Good. We'll be out when it's time.” Alpha Charles replied, acknowledging the information. “You can leave.” He said to the guard, who then got up and left the room.

As soon as the guard left, Luna Isabella suddenly spoke, “Enough of the bad thoughts and memories. Let's forget about the past, and let's focus on the present.” She said, and they all gave a nod of approval.

“With that being said, we should get you dressed.” She said, getting up and pulling Veronica along. “Tonight is all about you.”

She stopped abruptly as she remembered something important. “Oh, and there's someone you need to meet.”