Rejected Revenge: Mistress of Water

Eight

{Hailey’s POV}

Ever since that day when I saw the wolf, I’d been more conscious whenever I was out in the clearing or just outside the house. I was always wondering if someone was watching me or Sapphire. I couldn’t stop thinking if that wolf ever heard our conversations or saw us—saw me losing control of my water element.

I wonder if that was just an accident. But I’ve never been so sure about what I saw, and I saw that werewolf, watching Sapphire’s house like there was no tomorrow, and although what it was doing was kind of harmless, I still couldn’t ignore this nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach—like warning bells going off whenever you encounter a bad people.

But I could be wrong. Maybe I was just tense and being a little too paranoid.

I could only hope so.

“Sapphire,” I called when I saw her opening the front door. She stopped and turned to me, waiting for me to continue. “Where are you going?”

Of course, I didn’t tell Sapphire about the ash brown werewolf, watching her house, don’t ask me why though. I just feel like it wasn’t that serious and, for all we know, she might just scold me for always going off in the woods.

“Out. Don’t wait for me. I might not return ‘till dawn. Stay inside the house until I come back.”

“Wait–what? Why?” My eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“I just have to finish some things, Hailey.” And with that, she turned around and left after closing the door. I was left staring confusedly at the now closed door.

It had been weeks since my little outburst happened, and it seemed like everything just went back to how it was, only that Sapphire was more considerate, but still the same bossy, emotionless, strict woman I knew.

Lennox hasn’t made an appearance in that week that passed and I don’t know what I would feel about that. I mean, he wasn’t trespassing anymore and there’s no one besides Sapphire that’s annoying me, so it should be a good thing, right? So, why am I feeling a little…empty inside?

I shook my head.

It’s not the time to think about him right now. I should be worrying about other things like how Sapphire left so early, not that it was new, but this was the first time that she'll be away for that long.

It’s only past seven, and she won’t be back ‘till dawn? What could she be doing that it’ll take her that long to finish?

In other circumstances, I wouldn’t be this concerned, but these past two days, Sapphire had been acting a little strange. It’s hard to describe, but it almost seemed like she was not herself lately, as if she’d been going through some real sh/t, and that’s what worrying me.

I busied myself in the garden, taking care of my vegetables. It was also a great way to clear my head off and think clearly. Somehow, doing this calms me despite Sapphire’s warning not to go out until she comes back.

I was in the garden for hours and I didn’t realize that it was already lunchtime until I felt the heat of the sun stinging the back of my neck and arms. I set aside all of my tools, and after I washed my hands, I went back to the house, only to stop when I felt multiple presence there.

I hid through the side of the house and took a peek at the front porch. There were four men standing there, talking to none other than Sapphire.

Wait—I thought she wouldn’t be back ‘till dawn?

I held my breath and tried my best not to make my presence known.

“I know that today is not a very convenient day for you, but Sapphire, you have to let this land go. People in the Half-Moon pack need it more than you do, and I know that you were never a member of our pack, but what about your mate? Do you really think he’d want you acting this way?” An elderly looking man whose hair was almost white spoke, and even though his words weren’t harsh, there was also no sign of sympathy in his voice or face.

I saw how Sapphire flinched at the mention of…her mate?

My eyes widened.

Sapphire has a freaking mate!

“Henri,” The guy beside the elderly looking man gave him a warning look before looking at Sapphire apologetically. “I’m very sorry, Sapphire. I think coming here today was a mistake. You look quite unwell, are you okay?”

“What are you saying, Gideon? Of course, she is okay. She is the Mistress of Air and, quite frankly, we are not here to discuss her well-being. We are here to talk about the land. This land. Our Alpha is getting impatient, and we do not want him making things harder for you, though I don’t think he will have any other choice in that matter, especially since you are not cooperating with us.” The white-haired elderly man, Henri said. He was standing in the middle and the way he carried himself told me that he was somewhat in position.

I expected Sapphire to have her snarky, cold comeback like what I'd seen her do when I first met Lennox and his gamma, Neil, but the girl I was seeing right now looked so fragile. She was looking down, seemingly trying so hard to fill her lungs with oxygen.

When she didn’t respond, the Henri guy continued as if what he previously said wasn’t enough.

“Sapphire, I know that today is the sixth year death anniversary of your mate and child, but you have to know that we need this land. Accept that you have to let go of some things and move on to give space to others. We’ve been nothing but considerate to you, but if you continue to be stubborn and persistent, I don’t think there would be any room for kindness left for you anymore.”

It seemed like a bomb had been dropped when Henri mentioned Sapphire's mate and child.

Today is their sixth year death anniversary…

It means that they have been gone for six years now.

I looked at Sapphire, who seemed weaker than she had ever been. Now, it explains why she has been acting so out of herself lately. She was going through something.

“Henri, I don’t think we should do this today. She’s clearly unwell—” The guy next to Henri said. It seemed like he was the only one who was considerate and kind enough to notice how Sapphire’s clearly not in a good shape right now.

“Gideon, I said—” But before Henri could finish his sentence, I pushed myself off the wall and walked towards them, in front of Sapphire, whose eyes widened when she saw me.

I’ve had enough of watching this man, pressuring Sapphire and clearly taking advantage of her state.

Five pairs of wide surprised eyes, including Sapphire’s, looked at me like I was some kind of new invention put on the market.

“You—who are you?” Henri asked, even pointing a finger at me.

Stay calm, Hailey. Just stay calm.

I let out a breath before finally speaking in the calmest voice I could ever master.

“Hi. I’m Hailey and I would like to inform you all that this land is off-limits.” I spit the words firmly. “So, if you would be all so kind and leave this territory now, it would be great.” I added with a fake smile.

Henri seemed like he didn’t take disrespect very well. Guess what? Neither do I.

“What a disrespectful child. You have no right—” I cut him off and took a step forward, all the smiles vanishing from my face.

“And you have no right to set foot in a private territory such as this land. Are you even aware of the words trespassing and no? She told all of you over and over again that this land is not and will never be for sale, so to hell with your pack, this land will remain off-limits, so while we are being considerate and kind as you like to put it, please leave now.”

Anger was very evident in Henri’s eyes. If looks could kill…hmm, but I’d like to see him try. He was about to speak again, but was cut off by the guy next to him, whom I assume was Gideon.

“She’s right, Henri. We should leave.” he stated firmly, then turned to me, his gray eyes looking apologetic. “We are very sorry for causing both of you any trouble, but please know that we mean no harm. We’ll take our leave now.”

Gideon had to forcefully convince Henri to go as the other two men behind them, who seemed to be pack warriors, followed suit.

Once they were out of sight, I turned to Sapphire and calmly asked.

“Are you okay?”

She sighed, already on her way inside the house.

“I’m fine, Hailey. I’m going to rest.” Even her voice sounded strained.

I followed her inside and watched as she went upstairs to her room. My chest felt so heavy as I realized that Sapphire was still a person capable of being in pain. I almost forgot it because she always looked so tough and emotionless, but now, I’ve never been so wrong. I felt so guilty because of the things I said to her and the fact that I couldn’t take them back now. She accepted my harsh words wholeheartedly, knowing that I needed to let them out, but I didn’t hear anything bad from her in return.

I wanted to follow her inside her room, but I know that she needs space right now.

I sighed and decided to go to the garden.

She’s going through so much right now and those people who just came here know it, they practically told me some minor details without them knowing. Things that were enough for me to know that Sapphire needs someone to lean on right now.

I just hate how insensitive those people were. Can’t they just find another land and leave this one alone?

I was in the middle of picking some tomatoes because I wanted to cook something for Sapphire to at least make her feel better when I felt a presence behind me.

“You have made quite a hobby.”

A week without hearing that arrogant voice of his had passed, and in other circumstances, I would probably have been happy to have him here again, but after what happened earlier, I don’t think I have it in me to act oh so kindly right now.

I continued to do what I was doing without giving him any response, making it obvious that I was purposely ignoring him.

“Hm…I see. Someone woke up from the wrong side of the bed.” I heard his chuckle from behind me, but I paid him no attention.

Finally, when I saw that I'd had enough vegetables, I didn’t waste a second and started making my way towards the house, but I hadn't even made it to make three steps when I felt a hand on my wrist, stopping me.

I ignore the sparks that ignite when our skin touches and harshly pull my hand away, as if his touch burns me. Well, it kind of…

“What’s wrong?” he asked, a frown making its way to his handsome face. God, I even hate the way I think.

I finally met his eyes.

“What’s wrong? You’re seriously asking me that? Really?” I scoffed in disbelief.

Confusion filled his eyes. I could also sense a hint of worry from him.

“Why? What did I do wrong?”

He genuinely looked like he had no idea of what I was talking about, and it only pissed me off.

I shook my head. “This is such a waste of time.” Then, I turned around and started making my way back, but he was really persistent.

He caught my wrist again and pulled me back. “Tell me, Hailey.”

I ignored how my heart seemed to flutter when he called my name.

“Let go of me!” I harshly pulled my hand back before glaring at him. “How could you?! Does this land really mean that much to you that you had to pull that stunt earlier? I thought you were better than that, Lennox!”

His eyes slightly widened, and I don’t know if it was because I finally said his name for the first time or because of the fact that I am literally shaking with anger right now. Anger that's clearly directed at him.

He shook his head. “What? I didn’t…” he seemed to be processing what I had just said, then realization must’ve hit him because suddenly, worry was very evident in his face. “Hailey, it wasn’t me. I didn’t know anything about it—”

“I don’t believe you.” I spat. “From the first time that I saw you, this land is all you have ever wanted, but are you really that insensitive, huh? You couldn’t even wait to let this day pass?”

He kept on shaking his head. “No, Hailey, believe me, I was not part of it. I didn’t even know—”

“Stop.” I held up my hand for him to stop, and then I looked him straight in the eyes. “Don’t ever come back here. Don’t ever set foot in this land again.” I backed away and sighed. “I thought you were different, Alpha.”