Chapter 0028

Athena

A fragmented memory surfaced abruptly.

Luna Victoria's cheerful voice echoed in my mind.

"It's so warm today, isn't it, Athena?" Her tone was light and pleasant as she guided me through making lemonade. She had allowed me to stand on a chair at the kitchen counter, assisting her. A second jug waited on the counter, its bottom lined with unfamiliar leaves.

"What's that, Victoria?"

"I thought we could prepare extra. Everyone enjoys lemonade on days like this."

The memory shifted abruptly.

I saw myself offering the jug to my parents. I watched intently as they poured themselves drinks and toasted to something. Then chaos erupted.

Screams filled the air as someone grabbed my arms and dragged me away. Before I lost sight of them, I saw blood pouring from my parents' eyes, noses, and mouths. They clawed desperately at their faces.

"Athena, what did you do?!"

"I don't know." My young voice trembled with fear.

"Victoria, I didn't mean to. I'm sorry, will they be okay?"

Her face hardened, green eyes narrowing to slits. "My name is Cassandra, and you, you foolish girl, just murdered your parents."

I blinked several times, returning to reality. Just as I looked up, Marcus entered through the door.

"Apologies. I had matters to attend to." His dark eyes found me. "Decided to bring her back then? Too much trouble?" He mused.

"Just sit down!" My brother snapped.

This was unlike Dominic. He never spoke sharply to his mate or his Beta.

"We've told them the truth about our parents." Dominic continued. "It was time for the truth to emerge."

"If it even is the truth." Alpha Alexander snapped.

I followed instructions and remained silent. I would tell him about my flashback later, hoping he wouldn't be too angry.

'I'm also here to ensure you reject her properly." Alpha Alexander told Marcus.

Everyone stared at him. Even Luna Victoria showed surprise, but not my brother. Dominic still knew we were connected.

"You told me you rejected her." Luna Victoria shrieked. I covered my ears. Her voice always caused me physical pain.

"I did, and she accepted."

"Lies." Alpha Alexander snapped. "All fucking lies. If you had truly rejected her, how could you force a blood tie on her?"

"You did what?" My brother's chocolate eyes widened in shock.

Either Dominic was an excellent liar, or he genuinely didn't know about the blood tie. It was impossible for me to tell. I could probably sense it if I had my Wolf.

Alpha Alexander's crimson eyes searched my face. "Say it."

What did he want me to say?

"Fucking speak the words and reject her." Alpha Alexander roared. I felt my body tense.

"Marcus, reject her. Reject her right now." Dominic uttered.

"No." Marcus's lips curved into a smirk.

Alpha Alexander turned away from me, squaring up to Marcus. Alpha Alexander was noticeably taller, yet Marcus held his ground, refusing to back down.

I felt frozen. If I were in his position, I would probably be preparing for death.

"Marcus, do as you're told." My brother shouted.

"Fine." He moved around Alpha Alexander and stood directly before me. I dropped my gaze, unwilling to look at him directly.

"Look at me, whore!"

My body trembled. Slowly, I forced myself to meet his eyes. Pure hatred burned in his gaze.

"I, Marcus Souls, Beta of the Silver Creek pack, reject you, Athena Harrison." He paused dramatically. "As my mate, now and forever."

"I accept!" I muttered quickly, wanting this to end. "I accept your rejection, Marcus Souls."

While I felt nothing, his face contorted as if in severe pain.

"And now," Alpha Alexander smiled coldly. "I can kill you!"

He pulled a dagger from his jeans and drove it straight through Marcus's back and into his heart.