BRIDGETTE
“The doctors said he only has a week. And if the transplant isn't done before then, he'll die.”
"Good. That's what I've been waiting to hear. That's what you fucking deserve!”
“W-what?”
“This is all your fault, Bridgette! How dare you! What am I supposed to do with this thing? A sick, defective child is not fit to bear my name!"
Ethan was frothing as he stared down at the tiny bundle in my arms. I could hardly believe he was really saying those words to me. I was still weak and my mind was foggy from exhaustion, but those words sliced my heart like hot knife through butter.
I stared at my mate and husband of two years, trying to understand what he had just said to me. My lips shook as I followed his line of sight down to my fragile and pale baby boy who was barely breathing who needed a bone marrow transplant. I thought he was going to help, I thought he would be the one to step in and save his own son. A ripple of fear seized me.
"Ethan, please. He's our son, and he's part of us. He needs you..."
Without a word, he took a step back and glared at me with utter disgust. Then he sneered. "You don't understand, Bridgette, do you? I don't want a defective child. This thing is not worthy of my name and my blood. You should have told me that this is the best you can do, churning out sickly children for heirs. You have failed me."
I felt my world crumbling. Why was he doing this to me? "Ethan, please. No, no..."
I couldn't help the way my voice was already breaking as I begged, but it didn't seem to get to him. He just turned away, and didn't care to look at our son before he sauntered out of the room. I was shattered, my heart was breaking into a million pieces.
The next few days was one hell of an emotional torture, and all a blur. They let me take my son home after a few days, sending me off with the advice that he needed special care. But I barely remembered that, because my mind was numb with pain and loss. I still couldn't believe Ethan had said those words to me.
I barely noticed anything as I returned to the Packhouse with my son cradled close in my arms. But it wasn't until I got to the front gates that I realised something was terribly amiss. There, in a messy heap, were my belongings- my clothes, my books, everything I owned were just thrown out like trash. I was confused, and the dread was slowly crawling up my spine now.
I looked up and clutched my baby close before walking towards the front door. That's when I saw Seraphina. She was on top of the steps, with a taunting smile creasing her lips. There was also that look of triumph there.
"Back so soon?" She asked, before planting her balled hands on her hips. "I thought Ethan told you that you weren't welcome here anymore."
That sick tone that coated her voice made me want to puke. But I had a lot of questions that needed answering. I swallowed in an attempt to keep my voice steady.
"Seraphina... What are you talking about? And why are my things outside? If I find out that you are the one behind this-"
I was barely through when she began cackling. The sound grated my nerves. "Well, Ethan is no longer your husband, Bridgette. How long did it take you to realise that, hmm? Gosh, he didn't add being dumb to the things he described you as."
She paused for a moment as if musing, then she turned to me and sneered. "Anyway, you're nothing to him now. I am the Luna of this Pack."
My heart dropped. "What is that supposed to mean? Where the hell is Ethan?" The pain and confusion I felt in that moment was crippling.
She scoffed. "He didn't tell you?" Her brows arched and then she placed a hand on her stomach, revealing a small bump I'd never seen before. "Ethan and I have been together for a year now. And I am carrying his child- his true heir. Not some sickly bastard that needs a transplant. Why don't you just kill that thing, would you want to take care of a vegetable for the rest of your life?"
I felt like the ground beneath me had opened. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to fit. "You.. you've been... all this time?"
The way she shrugged told me she wasn't bothered, not one bit.
"I guess he kept you in the dark because he thought you weren't strong enough to give him a worthy child. But I guess he was wrong. And now that you have given him that sickly, little thing, he no longer needs you."
"Hey!" I was about to speak when the voice cut me off abruptly, it was rough and guttural. I turned to see three Palace guards staring down angrily at me. Their huge frames amplified the fear that was working its way up my spine now.
"You have to leave, right now!" The one in the middle growled.
"Wha...what is going on?" An uneasy scoff left me. "You've been ordered to leave by the Alpha. We'll be forced to throw you out if you don't cooperate."
My eyes were burning with tears before he was done. "Ethan wouldn't do that."
"Then why are your things outside?" Seraphina quipped before giving a dismissively wave of her hand. "That's not my problem, Bridgette. If I were you, I'd leave before Ethan sees you here. Have you not embarrassed yourself enough?"
I could barely hold myself up when I turned to the guards but I clutched my son to my chest, hoping for one shred of mercy. "Seraphina, please. Don't do this. You have to beg him for me."
Her eyes narrowed at me. "You and that..thing don't belong here. Get out now or I'll ask them to throw you out, while I watch."
I opened my mouth to plead again but she immediately signalled the guards to take me away. That's when Ethan walked in, looking so angry.
I swallowed hard, hoping he would show me some mercy and understanding. "Ethan, why are you doing this?"
His face was cold. "Bridgette, I guess you've heard it all from her. You're not my mate anymore. And I certainly don't care what happens to you or that thing."
"Ethan, this is your son. Our son-"
He snorted. "Don't you dare call that thing my son. Maybe it would be better if you join your family. After all, the dead don't bother anyone, do they?"
The finality in his voice shattered what was left of my broken heart. I staggered back in shock, every hope I had left was gone, crumbled into dust.
"Guards, see her out of here."
Freezing nights, hunger and exhaustion. That was the only thing I felt in the following days. Daniel whimpered weakly in my arms and I did my best to soothe him, whispering every soft promise I could think of, as if that would better the situation.
I didn't even know if I believed those words. I'd decided to return to my hometown, though there was nothing left for me there except distant memories at the back of my mind. Clinging Daniel close to my chest, I looked down at my legs and just concentrated on moving one foot after the other. I could barely feel my legs now. I was walking through a forest now, and the monstrous trees that loomed ahead did nothing to help with my fears.
That's when something snapped in the distance. I froze immediately and watched as the birds overhead madly flew out in all directions. Something was here, something dangerous. I was still looking around for where to hide when a rough voice came through.
"Stop right there!"
I whipped my head around to see a group of dangerous-looking men approaching. My heart was hammering in my chest now.
"Please," I begged, trembling in the cold like a leaf in a gale. "I don't want any problems. I just-"
"Shhh." One of them interrupted before walking around me. "What's a pretty little thing like you doing out here all alone?"
I took a step back. "Please... I don't want any trouble."
Another voice laughed. "Oh, I think you're already in trouble sweetheart. What's that you're carrying anyways."
"My baby. He needs medication and I'm looking for the nearest-"
"Shut up!" Another voice interrupted before forcefully grabbing Daniel off my arm. "You can have him when we are done with you."
A wave of terror ran through me as I stepped back, watching their leering faces approach.
"Please... don't hurt me."
"We won't hurt you, sweetie," Another voice said. "We just want a good time, and we'll make your death quick, that's a promise."
One of them reached out and grabbed my arm callously. I struggled to get off their grip, but I was too worn down and too weak.
"Help!!" I screamed, but it was shut off when a blinding slap hit me.