Denied by Destiny: Trapped in the Shadows of the Mate Bond novel Chapter 316

~ Josie ~

A few days passed and I was back at the hospital, my thighs showing hardly any sign now that they were only torn open a few days ago. I have to say it myself, my herbal remedies are bloody awesome.

Tonight it was the pack’s turn to host the annual party that extended to all packs part of the same alliance.

Usually keen to stay at the hospital for as long as possible, I couldn’t wait to finish my shift today so that I could get home to help with the set up. Auntie Alora would be attending the party and I couldn’t wait to see her.

Every Dark Phantom pack member was welcome at the party, whereas it was only the alphas, lunas and betas that attended from other packs. Meaning…for once…it was a pack party that George couldn’t invite himself to.

I didn’t have to walk on eggshells, worry about his overly wandering hands…I could just forget about any potential drama tonight. I could just enjoy spending quality time with Auntie Alora…no drama.

As I walked along the path leading home, I could already see her car outside.

Picking up speed, I burst the front door open with sheer excitement, the back of the door hitting against the wall.

“Auntie Alora?” I call out…Dad’s, Jaxon’s, Knox’s and Riley’s heads all turning around at my energetic entrance.

“She’s in the garden…” Dad calls out but having scanned the hallway to see her not there, I was already making my way to the garden just as Dad confirmed what I already knew.

Exiting back out the front door, I walk around the side of the house to enter the garden’s side gate.

She was Mum’s mirror image…except for a few slight noticeable differences. Just like Jace and Jaxon, I always knew how to tell them apart. Hearing me enter the garden she turns, a full beam erupting on her face as she stands next to Mum.

“Josie.” She calls out, opening her arms as I run towards her. Her hands wrap tightly around me, as

I get lost in her supportive embrace that I have missed.

“Mum said you had been hurt?” She states with concern as she pats the back of my hair.

“It’s nothing, I’m fine now. When did you get here?” I brush off her concern as I pull out of her hold, I was fine now and didn’t want to keep thinking of it.

“Not long ago…I didn’t come alone.” She cups at my face and for a brief moment dread washes over me that she was referring to George, but thankfully Ezra walks out of the back door with a few mugs in his hands.