With a heavy sigh, I eased myself out of bed and cracked the stiff joints in my neck and back with a roll of my shoulders. I glanced out the window of my bedroom, frowning at the fresh blanket of snow dusting over the trees.
It was the first snow of the season, and it was earlier than usual—a shiver through my spine.
From the corner of my eyes, I glanced at the pills on the table. My head was pounding, I couldn't feel my fingers, and everything hurt, but I knew this was exactly what the pills did.
Nausea bubbled in my throat the more I recalled how my mother forcefully shoved them in my hand. I wouldn't say I liked the new pills that sat dry and heavy on my tongue.
But I had to take them. It didn't matter that I got headaches so bad that I could barely see, let alone think. Swallowing the suppressants pill, my fingers clutched tightly at the sheets. I slipped into the bathroom and peeled away from my sweaty jeans and the shirt before taking a long shower.
Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, I fought the urge not to cry.
It's been another week since we came back from Alpha Aidens pack house. There was no word from his side, and my entire family were on edge. My cheeks reddened at the thought of his name. Ever since that damned dream, I couldn't stop thinking about him. Why was I so affected?
Bringing my hands to the cheeks, I furiously wiped the tears. Maybe it's because of the after-effects of the heat that I had a difficult time ignoring him. That might be the reason. I should stop thinking about him and try to fix my fight with Zain.
My boyfriend was still upset at the way we left off things. He didn't bother showing up to the park or replying to any of my letters. My stomach twisted painfully at that. What if he abandons me too?
No. I shook my head. He's my best friend and won't do anything that would hurt me. I had trust in him. Mustering a weak smile on my face, I decided to exit my room.
The smell of waffles, fresh and syrupy, drifted down the hall, and my stomach rumbled excitedly. I skipped my dinner the night before, too annoyed to listen to my mother ramble. She was getting incredibly anxious about finding an Alpha for my sister.
Standing just outside the hall, I could already hear a cacophony of shouting and debating from the interior. It made me reluctant to waltz in and become a part of it, but I knew that I didn't have an option.
I pushed past the walls only to be met with a hectic and rather dramatic scene. My mother was running around; my mouth dropped open in excitement. Cara and my father were sat at the table, eyeing her with amusement.
"Good morning", I croaked, nervously inching towards the empty chair.
"Rose! Mom has gone crazy. Come join us," My sister giggled, tugging on my wrist.
"Mary, will you sit down already?"
"I cannot!"
I jolted in surprise when the chair scraped against the floor. A smile curved around my lips, and I hummed, staring at our mother, who wouldn't stay out. What was going on? Why was she so excited? Something might have happened for her to jump around. It's been a while since I've seen her so genuinely radiant.
Once it appeared the entire family had gathered in dining hall, my mother began to speak, her back resting against the kitchen island.
"I have wonderful news," My mother squeaked, a wide smile on her face as she looked over us. "I finally heard back from Alpha Aiden."
"And I'm guessing it's good news?"
"Oh, it's wonderful news dear!" She licked her lips, gushing. "Alpha Aiden has agreed to take Cara as his Luna."
My father sprang up from his seat, his eyes wide as a saucer. He was quick to pull my mother in a hug.
As soon as those words echoed in my ears, I was frozen in place. I could feel my inner Omega pulling at the strings of my soul, urging me down into a place of peaceful darkness. My eyelids began to droop as I wobbled on unsteady legs, fighting hard to maintain my stance. I was pulled into a group hug.
Aiden chose Cara. He would rightfully claim her. Why was I not happy about it? After all, it's my sister they were talking about. She would have an Alpha mate, a huge packhouse and all the members to call her family.
Tears prickled at my eyes. I should have expected this day to come. After all, everyone liked Cara and wanted to be with her. Even when we were younger, she used to attract all sorts of the crowd and had others fawning over her beauty.
She didn't bother with others despite all the attention. Cara was aware of her beauty and the impact she had on others. The betas and Alphas were ready to run on her whims, but my sister didn't crave for either of those.
My mother kissed Caras cheek, stroking her hair affectionately. "You did it! I'm so happy for you, darling."
I noticed that my sister forced a smile on her face, avoiding my mother's eyes. Why was she not happy with the announcement? After all, she would be a Luna of the entire pack unless my sister was hesitant about leaving her family and going to some strange place. That would be scary for sure, but she wasn't the type to think it over.
My mother cleared her throat. "Tonight, we will have a special family and friends gathering to celebrate the exciting news. Let everyone know that our daughter Cara bagged the most powerful Alpha."
My father chuckled. "I won't stop you this time. Go crazy!"
"Of course, dear." I heard my mothers teasing tone before she turned to me. "Come on, Rose. We have so much to prepare for the night."
***