86 Do you hate me ?

L

I screamed and stumbled backwards .

Just as I felt myself slipping , strong hands reached out , steadying me .

I looked up , ready to bolt only to meet Beta Jeremy’s calm gaze .

His expression softened as he pulled me to my feet , still keeping me close as his eyes surveyed the garden before he asked .

“ Are you alright ? Did you see something that frightened you ? ”

Quickly , I stepped back , straightening my clothes with shaking hands and avoiding his gaze .

I was sure of what I had felt .

“ I’m sorry , I thought … I thought you were someone else .

”

Curiosity shed through his eyes as he stared at me .

I know he had questions but he seemed to think better of it and merely nodded , going with my exnation .

He took a step back .

“ Nathan was worried about you , so I came to fetch you .

Come with me , we’ll be leaving soon .

”

Without a word , I walked towards him and together , we fell into step beside each other .

We walked in silence as we moved through the garden paths with only the light from the moon .

I sneaked a look at Beta Jeremy , his hands were sped behind him , his gaze fixed ahead … I wondered what he was thinking .

Since my return , there was this unspoken tension between us as if he was silently ming me .

for something .

When we emerged out of the garden , I stopped .

Immediately , he also stopped and turned to me .

“ I know you hate me .

”

He arched his brow for a moment , studying me quietly .

“ What makes you think that ? ”

I wrapped my arms around myself as if I was trying to hold myself together .

“ Because I’m the reason Nathan was imprisoned for four years , I said .

“ You … you must hate me for it .

The lines on his forehead ttened as a quiet smile crossed his face .

“ I don’t hate you , L .

He paused as if he was collecting his thoughts .

“ Was I angry with Nathan in the beginning for risking everything to keep you safe ? Yes ! I was frustrated that he got involved in the drama between you and your mate … but I didn’t hate you and that’s normal as a parent .

You’re like my daughter too , L … I watched you grow up .

”

I was surprised at his words .

Truly , I had expected a harsher response , some form of confirmation of my fears maybe , but he was gazing at me warmly .

“ Then why have you been acting awkward and distant ? And in the car earlier , those icy looks you gave me as if you resented me … ”

He signed , letting his guard slip .

“ It’s not resentment , L .

It’s … caution , ” he hesitated , then continued .

“ Because I know you’ll sway Nathan , ” he admitted .

“ And you already did .

As much as I want to protect him from you , I cannot .

He’s headstrong and when ites to you , I feel like no one can give him any advice .

Seeing you together again … he shook his head , “ I can only pray

C

86 Do you hate me ?

you’ll be as good to him as you were before .

”

The honesty in his words and voice surprise me .

I stared at him , my mind racing .

“ You think I’d steer him wrong ? ”

He shook his head .

“ You’ll get him involved with Alpha Ramsey again .

Seeing that his Beta came to the meeting today , I know he’s aware that you’re around .

”

“ But he came because my mother requested it , ” I tried to counter .

“ And you think those uptight Lycans would leave their duties ande for something as trivial as this ? He didn’t even have the decency toe to Pack house after your father was pronounced … ” he swallowed hard , his features clouding

with pain .

“ Dead … ” I whispered softly .

“ Yes ! ” he nodded .

“ His Beta came for you , L .

I don’t know what’s the story between you three and honestly , I am not interested but I need you to assure me that you’ll protect my son from Alpha Ramsey .

He’s ruthless … I’ve met a lot of people in my life … Alphas , Lycans from across the world but Alpha Ramsey is something else .

”

He sighed , looking off into the distance .

When he looked back at me , he wore a grimace .

“ Alpha Ramsey doesn’t look like someone who would give up anything he likes .

He’s like a child who will never allow anyone y with his toys .

”

“ He’s rejected me already ,” I shook my head .

“ We agreed it was best .

I am not the kind of woman

he wants .

“ I don’t think that meant anything to him , L ! ” Beta Jeremy chuckled .

“ He’s not obessed with you either … he loves you … the same way my Nathan does ,” he sighed .

“ You have to make it clear this time around who you want , although I don’t think Ramsey would give you options to choose another .

”

“ He can’t do that ,” I shook my head annoyed at the fact .

“ We don’t mean anything to each other and I can be with whom ever I wish to be .

”

“ Then you’ll go back to the human world ? ” he asked me .

“ As soon as we’re done with father’s burial ,” I nodded .

“ I already have life there and I intend to go back to it .

”

Beta Jeremy nodded quietly , without saying anything .

By this time , we had neared the front of the hall .

Immeldately , Nathan rushed over , grabbing me by my shoulders as he pulled me in for a hug .

“ Are you okay now ? ” he murmured .

“ I was worried .

”

I saw the few people left staring at us curiously .

Nathan was acting like I had just came back from

a war .

I pushed away from him but he didn’t let me go .

He still held my shoulders , staring intently at me .

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“ Yes , I’m fine .

”

“ Thank God ! ” he sighed , cupping my cheeks .

86 Do you hate me ?

“ Nathan ! ” I said through gritted teeth , getting ufortable with the whispering growing around us .

“ People are watching .

”

“ Let them watch , L … ” he said with a belligerent smile “ They’ve never seen a beautiful woman .

”

I blushed hitting me slightly .

“ How can you say that ? ”

“ Because it’s true ,” he chuckled and tried to hug me again , when his father’s voice rang .

“ I’m sure , Miss L is tired from all the strain of the activities today .

How about we go home

now ? ”

I shot Beta Jeremy a grateful smile .

Nathan rolled his hands , reaching instead for my hand this time around as he steered me towards the car .

Just before he helped me into the car , my eyes caught a familiar figure hiding at the treeline of the garden .

1

I didn’t need to be told what it was and I as d too , that I wasn’t wrong about that at least .