Return to Wisteria (Book Three of the Wisteria Chronicles)

CHAPTER 12~Mission~

Summer 

      “She always hides here.” his voice was low and deep. I turned to share my bright smile. His tall frame blocked out the sun, casting a shadow over his face. I wrapped my arms around his thick waist, inhaling his watermelon scent. I looked up, catching him staring. His warm smile turned cold as he removed my hands.  

    He pushed me away from him with a look of disgust. I reached out, confused by his sudden hate. “I, Aiden Summons, hereby reject you, Summer Frost of the Crescent Woods pack.” I cried out in pain; the beautiful forest suddenly turned into darkness. Aiden walked away, leaving me alone in the abyss. 

     I slowly opened my eyes, the bright light stung. Mom’s face crowded my vision, her eyes watering. Why was she in my dorm room? Memories of the battle at Spring Creek flooded my vision. I cried out as I remembered Aiden’s soft touch and his deadly words. Mom tried to console me with meaningless words. “He rejected me.” I wailed. I tried and failed to find a reason, an excuse, anything that would explain the hurt he caused.  

    “Why wasn’t I good enough?” I whimpered. Mom climbed into the bed, pulling me close. “You are more than enough, sweetheart.” I shook my head, “Then why didn’t he want me?” Mom sighed and hugged me tighter, I don’t know, baby.” She held me until I ran out of tears and my head began to pound. “Can you bring me some water?” I asked her. “Of course, my love. I’ll go get Carly too.” Mom kissed my forehead then left. 

     I stared up at the ceiling and sighed, “I know you’re there, Auggie.” August cracked the door open and poked his head inside. “Can I come in?” he asked in a serious voice. I nodded my head and watched him come forward. He handed me some tissues then sat down on the bed. He gave me a concerned look, “Are you gonna be, ok?” I blew my nose then answered him, “I'm gonna be ok. I feel lost and broken right now and I don’t know how long it will take for me to fully recover, but I’m gonna be ok.”  

     “Listen, I’m-” August was cut off by the arrival of Mom and Dr. Chambers. “We are all relieved to see you awake, Summer. Do you mind if I examine you?” Dr. Chambers questioned. I nodded my head and let her get to work. August stood up, “I’ll go get Autumn.” He quietly left the room. Dr. Chambers began her interrogation of medical questions while mom fluttered about the room. 

     Autumn burst into the room, frozen in place like she had seen a ghost. Her hair was wild and you could tell that she had been crying; she looked like a damn mess. I couldn’t help but smile, “Hey sis.” She ran to me with fat tears falling, her arms outstretched. She held me tight as questioned me, verifying with Dr. Chambers that I was ok. “Summer, I-I did something terrible.” Autumn whimpered. I patted her head, reassuring her that we’d talk later. It took me a few minutes to fully calm her down. 

    Dr. Chambers flipped through her paperwork, “Everything seems great! I want you to finish the IV drip that you’re on and then you can be released.” Thank Goddess, this was a rare chance to sleep in my old bed and I didn’t want to waste it. I thanked her as she left, letting in more visitors. Auntie Phoebe and Ziva came to invade my space. The interrogation of questions continued.  

    Once everyone settled down a bit I asked about Dad. “He’s out at Black Meadows. They had a rogue attack there four days ago and he’s wrapping everything up. He said he’s headed home now so he should be here soon. He’s very excited to see you. He’s been worried about you.” Mom advised. I smiled, I missed him too.  

   “What exactly happened during your side of the battle?” I asked. Ziva bounced up and down, waving her hands excitedly as she told her side of the story. My mouth dropped when she started to explain August’s last-minute plan. He pretty much played the world’s deadliest game of pop goes the weasel. August had cleared his throat and avoided eye contact, his caramel cheeks pink with embarrassment. I was tears from laughing so hard, who knew August had a sneaky side.  

    Ziva’s excitement dampened when she mentioned that they were eventually saved by Aiden. August had growled, promising to kill him the next time he saw him. I clenched my fist, unsure of how I felt about his threat. Autumn had held my hand tighter at the mention of him, her face flooded with guilt. Interesting. “Why were they there? How did they know about the attack?” Ziva asked.  

     August shook his head, “I don’t know. But there’s a rumor floating around the survivors of previous attacks. They’re saying that they received help from people who weren’t part of the pack. These strangers haven’t been identified yet.” Hmm, so it was possible that the Twins were helping others besides Spring Creek. “Why are rogues suddenly attacking? It doesn’t make sense, especially with their large numbers.” Autumn murmured.  

      Mom shared a look with Auntie Phoebe. “It’s the Fallen. He started to make his move.” Phoebe said, sending chills all over my body. The atmosphere became tense at the mention of the fallen god. Our parents shared all of their stories and experiences regarding him. They started to train us two years earlier than the requirement, taking the Goddesses’ warning to heart. They made it very clear that we would have a fight in the future. But when nothing happened after we turned 21, I had pushed it to the back of mind. 

      “Why would he use rogue attacks? What does he gain?” Autumn questioned. “It’s a military tactic. He wants to create fear and prove that the Council will be unable to protect the people. It creates panic and distrust; eventually starting the collapse internally.” I answered. August nodded in approval, “You’ve been paying attention in class.” I shrugged, “I had nothing better to do.” August chuckled and shook his head.        

      This was lovely. First heartbreak and now a psychotic god whose been planning revenge for over twenty years was making his move. It seemed like the only breaks I got were when I was asleep. Well, not even then, since I’m sure my nightmare would be playing on repeat. They also filled me in on what’s been going on with the Council. I was shocked that we weren’t getting punished.  

    There was a knock on the door then Thaddeus and Vincent strolled. “Awe, Ms. Frost. We are thrilled that you survived.” Vincent said with an overly cheery voice. “It’s good to see you up.” Thaddeus murmured. Auntie Phoebe stood up suddenly, her chair dropping with a loud smack. She let out an aggressive growl, shocking everyone in the room. “Bee, are you ok?” Mom asked her. Phoebe’s face was pale and angry, sweat beads decorated her forehead.  

   “It’s suddenly overcrowded in here. I’ll be back to check on you later, Summer.” she huffed then warped away. Autumn frowned and leaned in close to my ear. “Auntie Bee really doesn’t like the Council.” she whispered. I tilted my head, maybe it's because she doesn’t want them to realize she’s the lost princess of Nysthgroth? But that doesn't make any sense, her actions just draw more attention to her.    

    “I’m so sorry about my sister’s manners, we’ve all had a rough couple of days.” Mom apologized. Thaddeus frowned; Vincent waved her off. “It’s nothing we aren’t used to. Most folks are scared of the Council.” Vincent said. I scoffed; Auntie Bee wasn’t afraid of anyone. “Anyway, we’ve come to give you an award. A little something for your brave efforts at Spring Creek.” Vincent continued, handing us small pins with the Council insignia on it. 

    “An award for going against orders?” August asked him. Thaddeus shifted uncomfortably, “Your little escapade resulted in saving a lot of people. The Council would like to recognize your dedication.” I nodded my head, finally understanding. “So, instead of the Council admitting that they failed to protect a tiny pack from slaughter, they are using us as a cover up and taking all of the credit.” I stated. Vincent waved his hands, “We’ve also come to offer you a new official mission.”  

     I chuckle at his lame attempt to change the subject. “Since there hasn’t been a new rogue attack in the past four days, the Council believes that the worst is over. They are now sending teams to other important missions.” Thaddeus advised. “Where are we going?” August asked. “There is no we, my boy. This mission in Atlari is meant for Summer. The Council has taken her current...condition into consideration. They believe an opportunity to distract herself and to get away would be best for her.” Vincent said with a wide smile.  

     I clenched my fists, did everyone know about my rejection? “Typical Council move, using my grief to benefit themselves.” I sneered. Thaddeus cleared his throat, “The higher ups want an answer by tomorrow evening.” Vincent waved and followed Thaddeus out of the room. I was becoming overwhelmed. I looked at my IV bag and shrugged, it was practically empty. I hissed as I pulled the needle out of my arm and removed the other cords.  

    Mom started to huff and lecture. I ignored her, “I want to take a bath. Autumn, will you take me to the bathhouse?” Autumn giggled as she helped me off the bed. The door closed to the sounds of Mom saying that I was just like my father. The walk to the bathhouse was quiet but peaceful. We were greeted by an omega who had promised to bring down a change of clothes for the both of us. Autumn and I took turns washing each other's hair then settled into the bath.  

    “Summer, I’ve done something terrible.” Autumn said after a few moments. I let out a heavy sigh, "There's nothing wrong with being with your mate, Autumn.” She gasped, her eyes wide with surprise and shame. “How did you know?!” she squeaked. I chuckled, “You smell just like him.” Autumn burst into tears, “I’m so sorry! I was caught up in the moment and his words. I-” I cut her off.  

     “You’ve done nothing wrong. Archer has done nothing wrong. Out of the three of us, your mate is the only one trying to be with you. Don’t throw that away.” I said, pulling her close. “How can I, when he betrayed our family?” she cried. I shook my head, “He’s done nothing wrong. Don’t punish him for his brother’s actions. It would break his heart.” Autumn cried until our bodies became wrinkly. She said she couldn’t fully trust Archer, but she wasn’t going to push away any more.  

     We put on the clothes the omega had left in the locker room and trudged back to the pack house. I’ve been asleep for five days but my body was acting like it got two hours. I closed my bedroom door and froze. The smell of watermelon was overwhelming. Aiden had been here, in my room. I flicked on the lights, scanning every surface.  

    One of my pictures was missing as well as my teddy bear that I had won at a festival. My bed was crumpled like someone was tossing and turning in it, and my pillows were smeared with small blood trails. Tears ran down my cheeks as I sat down on the bed. Aiden looked unaffected when he rejected me. But he came here, in the same pain that I was in. He surrounded himself with the things that I loved and carried my scent. He had suffered too.   

    I didn’t understand. It was obvious that he had feelings for me, so why was he doing this to us? My heart hurt, it was hard to breathe. I couldn’t do this. I took out my phone and texted Thaddeus, letting him know that I’d be accepting the mission. I grabbed my blanket and held it up to my nose. It smelled like watermelon, fear, loneliness and love. I held it close to my chest and cried myself to sleep.