Fate’s Curse, Hate’s Kiss

Chapter 2

I sit outside the principal's office with an ice pack on my throbbing eye. Georgia is in his office along with her parents. The other girls' parents all sit in the corridor beside their daughters waiting for their turn, whilst I sit alone.

A door at the end of the hall slams shut and I glance up to see my stepbrother sauntering towards me, looking every bit the future Alpha. His face is serious and when his eyes land on me his eyes harden. He sits down beside me silently, anger radiating from him.

When we are finally called into the Principal’s office I am instructed to remain silent whilst my punishment is explained. All of my most recent exam scores are voided, drastically lowering my GPA and jeopardising my dreams of becoming a doctor.

“What the hell were you thinking?” Niall roars at me the moment we are alone in the car.

I clench my jaw and fight back the tears. I won’t let Niall see me cry.

“Do you know that Georgia’s father is on the school board. If they decide to, they can have you kicked out at any time.”He continues to berate me the whole way home, never once asking if I am okay or what has actually happened.

The moment he pulls up to our house I flee from the car, not even stopping to close the car door behind me as the tears threaten to spill over. I barge through the front door and straight up to my bedroom, slamming the door closed behind me just in time for all my emotions to pour from me.

I've had enough humiliation and heartbreak today; I can’t take any more right now so when I hear the telltale soft footsteps of Nanny Gwen I sob in relief.

Gwen is a middle-aged lady who has worked in the pack house for years. She’s looked after me as if I were her own daughter ever since I moved here. She is the only person I want to see right now.

I don’t even want to see my own mother. The accusations the girls at school had thrown around about her keep replaying in my head, making me question if there is any truth to them.

Could my mum really have betrayed my father? Could I have been fooled this whole time? I know I should confront her about it but I'm too scared. Not just because of her possible reaction but of finding out that it’s true.

I feel the bed dip as Nanny Gwen sits beside me. She doesn't speak, just provides silent support whilst I let everything out into my pillow. She waits patiently until I'm ready to talk.

“Oh, Sweet Girl. What happened?” Gwen asks when I finally pull the pillow from my face and she gets a look at my bruised and swollen eye and my split lip.

I tell her what happened at school. Gwen frowns, stroking my hair.

“Did you get a chance to explain your side of the story? It seems very unfair you were punished so severely when you are the victim here.”

“No, I was instructed to remain silent or face further consequences. I doubt I would have been believed anyway, it was my word against five other girls,”

“Well, I'm sure Alpha James could call the Principal and straighten this whole thing out,” Gwen reassures.

“I doubt it. My mother and Alpha James are so disappointed in me that they didn't even come into school when the Principal called them in,” I admit, hanging my head in shame. The Alpha is probably angry that I disgraced the family.

“No, Dear, they left on vacation this morning. They asked me to inform you that they received some wonderful news. Your Mother is with child, you are going to be a big sister,” she beams at me, “Alpha James whisked your mother away for some time alone to celebrate,”

My heart pounds in my chest at the news. A new brother or sister? My emotions twist in a mix of joy and fear.

Will my new sibling face the same torment from the other kids as I do? Will Naill treat them the way he treats me? I am only sixteen, my wolf won’t wake for at least two more years. How can I possibly protect an innocent baby when I can't even protect myself?

“You know there is a way you could solve all your problems with the girls at school?” Gwen says, pulling me from my swirling thoughts.

“How is that?” I raise a brow curiously, eager to hear her solution.

“Simple, you need Niall’s approval. As the future Alpha his favour would shield you from harm. The girls will do anything to gain his attention, even if that means treating you with the respect you deserve. I know you and Niall have had your differences, but if you could find a way to put all that behind you he could be your greatest ally,” she smiles, squeezing my hand before standing to leave, “I’ll fetch some ice for your face,” she adds before leaving me alone to process her words.

Earn my stepbrother's favour? Could this really be the answer to all my problems?

I had spent the last few years trying to avoid any kind of conflict and keeping to myself in the hopes it would keep me safe, but this plan is no longer working. I have to try Gwen’s suggestion. Not only for my own sanity and safety but for the protection of my unborn sibling.

Determination fills me, one way or another I am going to earn Naill’s favour.

Niall has a big event approaching soon, the annual archery contest. It's a significant physical assessment for the pack. It’s Niall's opportunity to show he is worthy of his future Alpha title. He injured his wrist in training yesterday and although it will be healed in time for the contest it is severely affecting his practice.

I smile as an idea comes to me. I'm going to make him a wrist support. I have experience with sowing and my mum has an old sewing machine in the basement. I'm sure Gwen can help me source the materials I need.

I spend the majority of the night carefully designing and creating the supportive brace, by the time I am done it is almost sunrise but I feel pleased with my gift. I flop back on my bed staring at my lilac walls, waiting to hear the sounds of the house waking up. Alpha James had had this room fully decorated in the purple colour after my mum had told him it was my favourite. It wasn't, I actually hate this colour but I’d played along, not wanting to seem rude.

A sudden bang has me bolting upright in my bed, the room is filled with the light of a midday sun. Crap, I must have fallen asleep. I jump up from my bed and straighten my clothes and hair before grabbing the wrist brace to go in search of Niall. I dash down the stairs and almost crash into Nanny Gwen.

“Woah, slow down, Dear,” she laughs.

“Where is Niall?” I ask breathlessly.

“He left for archery practice about fifteen minutes ago. Would you…”

“Thanks, Gwen. You're the best,” I cut her off, rushing out of the house. I need to get to the archery range before he starts his practice.

I run down the driveway, pushing my legs to their limit. I’d be much faster if I had my wolf already but if I keep this pace I should make it just in time. Maybe he will let me stay and watch him. I love archery and really want to learn it. He might even agree to teach me the basics. It would be a good way to bond with him.

I round the corner and my heart sinks as I take in the sight in front of me.