When You Were My Mate (Demetra and Emris) novel Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Demetra.

ས ༣ 72%

65 vouchers

“The boys play soccer here. And the girls do cheerleading over there. They also do other recreational activities involving both genders-”

“Is there not soccer for girls?” I ask, watching Amira leave my hard and join other girls at the swing where the staffs are helping them get on.

“Soccer? For girls?”

I take my eyes off Amira and look at the principal for a long second until she gets uncomfortable.

“Don’t tell me you discriminate in such a school where we pay a fortune to bring our children? Is that what you are telling

me?”

Mrs. Warton swallows.

“No, it’s just that. This school is a cradle for future leaders. Girls prefer other things like—”

“How would you know what girls prefer when you do not make available? My daughter likes to play all kinds of she is the granddaughter of an Alpha. She is no less than the little boys, I hope you understand what I am saying.”

games and

“Of course, ma’am.” She stops arguing. “I will speak to the management and we will add a girls soccer in the curriculum immediately.”

“Thank you.” I smile and raise my eyes. That’s the moment I notice two women, they have been whispering. Well, everyone has been whispering since I walked in. Seeing Emris, my mate, for the first time is a feeling I didn’t think I could still feel. I’m still shaking right at this moment but I’m doing my best to say strong.

When he rose, I knew he could recognize me by scent at first.

But he cannot see my face so…

It’s like I’m the one but there is one more obstacle of doubt. While he was staring, I pretended not to see him but when I eventually looked at him, I could not believe how handsome he has become. You know when you hate someone, you wish the worst on them just to keep living but my mate looks like the years has made him even more handsome.

Tall, stronger…I did everything not to keep his scent from rushing into my nose.

It was harder than I thought but years of work on my confidence has helped me.The women who are whispering at the left end up coming close to me.

“Hello, there. I am Luna Glinda of the Resort pack.”

I simply nod.

“We didn’t know Alpha Ronin had a daughter….” Luna Glinda say, her smile a little too sharp. “For a second, I thought you were the wife of Alpha Slade, but he doesn’t have a Luna yet, mh more a child.”

“Slade is my brother.” I let the correction fall and see the subtleift around us. Ears twitching, postures tilting. Pretending not to listen is an art form here, and I learned it in a different world. Years in the Parisian art circles taught me to read a room, to see the silent auction happening in every glance.

“Hmm. So, where have you been all this time?” Her curiosity is rap

“In Paris.” Two words.

14

111

O

18:30 Fri, Apr

Chapter 8

72%f

55 vouchers

The principal seizes the moment to excuse herself.

“You have a daughter, that means you are married,” the other woman presses, a vulture in silk. “What Alpha are you married to? Is he from overseas?”

“And that bag?” Luna Glinda’s friend draws every eye to the piece hanging from my arm. “It’s a gorgeous piece. I read that it was auctioned at one of the most famous museums. How did you get your hands on it?”

“It was a gift from the designer.” I make a simple statement of fact and there is a collective gasp from the onlookers. It is more satisfying than I’d admit.

“And… what about your husband?” The question hangs because that’s the moment Elena walks into our orbit. Our eyes meet…or rather, mine find hers from behind the shield of my glasses. I’m not sure if she can tell, but I can. The women notice my silence, my diverted attention.

“Oh,” Luna Glinda coos, leaning in as if we are best friends. “That is Luna Elena, of the Black Covenant Pack. Her husband is Alpha Emris.”

They are telling me information that’s already carved into my own bones.

So, Emris married her. After tossing me out. After I gave him everything my heart, my future, my very self. To him, I was the greatest liar, the most faithless whore. And from that scorched earth, I found the reason to stand still, to contain my shattered heart behind walls of ice.

I watch Elena as she speaks to someone. I see the social cue….how everyone leans in, feigning rapt attention. One of the women beside me gives a soft, disdainful huff. It tells me everything. They don’t like her. They tolerate her for what her position can do for them.

As expected.

“Don’t let the perfect look fool you. I heard she and Alpha Emris are not mates.”

“Exactly,” another woman chimes in. “All of her perfect facade could crumble if one day t of him.”

eal mate stands in front

That is my cue to exit. I turn and walk away from the cluster of women because their gossip a toxic perfume I refuse to breathe in. I need air. I need to find Amira.

I head for the field where the sound of children is a welcome distraction. I see Emris’s son running after Amira. My daughter, usually so bold, is running from him on the playground, her small face pinched with annoyance. When she sees me, she squeals, “Mommy! Mommy!” and sprints into my open arms.

I crouch, catching her so she doesn’t fall. “He keeps following me she huffs, pointing an accusing finger at the boy

“Oh, it’s the angel!” Milo says, stopping right in front of us without a trace of fear. I squint behind my glasses. It feels… ugly. this twist in my heart. Looking at Emris’s son, knowing what I know. Somewhere, beneath the ice, I know it’s not his fault In a secret, silent chamber of my heart, this is Amira’s half-brother

“Why do you keep calling me angel?” I ask, keeping my voice so for him, neutral.

“Her name is Mommy!” Amira insists, pouting.

“Angel one. Angel two. Milo declares, pointing between us.

A surprised chuckle escapes me before I can stop it.

“I don’t like him.” Amira grumbles, burrowing into my coal.

“Milo, what are you-” Elena’s voice cuts across the field with mernal alarm. I rise to my full height, turning to face her as

2/4

[II

О

18:30 Fri, Apr 3 TO.

Chapter S

55 vouchers

she approaches. I watch her eyes scan me, and I wonder if she sees even a seed of recognition on me. Probably not. Even with the white hair, I doubt I cross her mind.

“The Lion Pride Pack, right?” she asks, stopping before us.

Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes as she looks at me from head to toe. She lifts her finger after a moment. “Is that real, or… did you dye it?”

The glint in her gaze is a hunter’s glint. She’s probing, testing.

Maybe she has a clue of who I am, after all.

“As you can see, my daughter has white hair, too. Not that I need to give you an explanation.” I let the chill seep into my words.

She stiffens. “You don’t have to be rude.”

“Rude? I’m not the one asking if the hair on someone’s head is real, am I? I think you should learn some social cues again.” I turn, ready to walk away, Amira’s hand securely in mine.

“I think you are new here—”

I stop.

“Because if you’re not, you would know better than to start something with me, the Luna of the Black Covenant Pack. When it comes to social standing here, everyone begs under my mercy”

“Mommy, stop fighting with the Angel!” Milo stomps his feet and she glares down at him.

“Listen to your son, Elena. Even if you are not wise, the little boy is.” I turn and lead Amira to the waiting staff. It’s time for

me to go.

After a final, tender goodbye to my daughter, I make my way towards the front drive. My ca it, I hear hurried clack of heels behind me on the pavement.

I but before I reach

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify