Chapter 26 - My Mate and Brother's Betrayal

Reese POV

A beeping sound breaks through the darkness. I can hear hushed voices that sound angry, but I can't make out what they are saying. I reach out to Fallon, but I can't feel him. My heart starts to race. Why can't I reach my wolf? I try to force my eyes open, but they feel so heavy. I feel fingertips touch my forehead and wish I would feel tingles even though I know Rosie is gone.

My mind thinks back to my father's office. The pain took my breath away and brought me to my knees. What the hell was that? Lips pressing against mine interrupt my thoughts. "What the f**k do you think you're doing" my mother says to who I realize is Bryce. He just f**king kissed me after I told him we were done. "You know exactly what the pain that Reese felt means. When he wakes up, I'll be here to show him that I'm not going to leave him like your precious Luna," he says.

"Leave. Do not come near my son again unless he gives you permission. You have done enough damage" my mother says. I hear Cain say my mother's name before she growls at him. "Bryce, you need to leave" Cain says. I hear the door slam before I feel my mother's soft hand against mine. "I'm so sorry Reese. I wish I could take this pain from you. I know you made mistakes and you're truly sorry, but unfortunately, mistakes have consequences."

I try again to force my eyes open. I can feel my eyelids moving this time. When I finally force them open, my mother smiles down at me but the sadness I see in her eyes guts me. She places her soft warm palm on my cheek like she did when I was a little boy. "I'm so glad you're awake Reese. How are you feeling" she asks. "Fine, the pain is gone. I'm just confused about what the hell happened." I notice Cain is sitting on a chair in the corner of the room.

I can't help the anger that bubbles up at the fact that my father isn't here. Before I can ask where the f**k he is, Cain answers my unspoken question. "He wanted to be here, Reese, but he needed to speak with his brother and Mindy. He knew you would want Rosalyn located as quickly as possible after what just happened" he says.

I look at my mother, confused about what Cain just said. "Leave Cain, this doesn't concern you and keep your son away from this room" she says with finality. I can see he wants to protest, but he gets up, leaving us alone. "Reese, can you tell me what it felt like before you passed out" my mother asks.

"It felt like my body was on fire. Every part of me felt like I was being burned. After a few seconds, I had pain like I've never known in my stomach and neck." I watch as tears roll down my mother's cheeks. "Reese, do you remember your Alpha training? The lessons on what happens when a mate marks another when a bond is still intact." My heart starts to race again and I feel like I can't breathe.

"Mom, she wouldn't," I manage to croak out. "I'm so sorry Reese. I know Rosalyn wouldn't just mark someone. She must have found her second chance mate" she says. "No, it's not possible. I never accepted her rejection" I say, my voice rising with each word. "Reese, you need to calm down. I know your upset, but you're still weak from the bond snapping. I know you don't want to believe that Rosalyn has moved on but her bond with you was broken the minute she spoke her rejection to you," she says.

"No, I'm sorry mom. I'm so sorry. I can't live without her" I plead. "Oh, sweetheart, you can and you will. You'll learn from all of this and hopefully the goddess will forgive you. She may even give you a second chance," she says. The thought of being with anyone but Rosalyn makes my chest ache. My perfect little mate and I've lost her completely. I let my own tears flow as my mother wraps her arms around me like she did when I was a small boy.

Alpha Robert POV

"That little b**ch thinks she can do this to my son, my pack" I say as I pace my office. "I have always been good to that girl and this is how she repays my kindness, by acting like a wh*re. She is the destined Luna of this pack, and she will not turn her back on my son or her duty."

"Calm down Robert. We need to find the girl first. Then we can deal with her and her pathetic mate," my brother says. "Do you have the item I asked for," Mindy asks, reaching her hand out to me. I grab the bracelet I found on the floor after Reese passed out. Placing it in her hand, I take a step back. I'm not afraid of the witch, but I hate dealing with them.

They can't be trusted. If I wasn't so desperate, I would never have agreed to allow her in my territory. My brother is probably f**king this one, which is why she agreed to help him. She takes a small box out of the bag she's carrying and sets it on my desk. She places the bracelet inside the box. She reaches into her bag, taking out a vial with a shimmery purple liquid inside. She places a few drops inside the box before she places it back in her bag.

A knock on my office door startles us all. I growl "go away, now." "Robert, it's Cain. I need to talk to you. It's important." I roll my eyes, but make my way over to the door. Once he is inside, I lock it behind him. "What is so urgent that you're interrupting? You know how important it is that we find that traitorous little b**ch." "It's about Maureen."

My wolf is pushing to the surface worried about our mate. She is angry with me, and he's worried she will reject us like Miranda did to Cain. I know she won't leave me as long as she never finds out about my relationship with Cain. I need to figure out what the f**k to do with Bryce before he f**ks up my bond. I will not let my wolf become weak because that little pr*ck is having a tantrum. "What is wrong with Maureen?"

"Reese is awake, and she had to explain to him what the pain meant. She kicked me out of the room, but I listened to their conversation from the hallway. She is encouraging him to let Rosie go and be happy with her second chance mate." Before I can say that won't be happening, Mindy speaks from behind me. "I've located her." I turn and she hands me a paper with a place that I can guarantee isn't a pack.

"What the f**k is this?" "From what I can see in my vision, it's a human city" she says. "Why the f**k would they be among humans?" I don't wait for an answer before I turn to Cain. "Find out everything you can about this city" I say handing him the paper. "I want to know everything there is to know about this f**king pathetic place. Also find out about any packs that surround it." "Of course," he says before leaving my office. "What are you going to do about Maureen, Robert," my brother asks.

I rub my hand down my face. Before I can answer my brother, Mindy speaks again. "How far are you willing to go to keep your Luna from finding out about your relationship with your Beta?" I take a step toward her and growl. She raises her hand in surrender. "I'm not judging Alpha, just offering my assistance." "At what cost, your kind isn't exactly known for doing things out of the kindness of your heart."

"I want nothing from you, Robert. I care for your brother. We have a special relationship, and he wants me to help you" Mindy says. "Fine, I would do anything to keep my Luna from finding out. I can't lose her. Despite my relationship with Cain, I do love my mate." I feel Maureen linking me. "I know your busy being an a**hole, but your son is awake. I expect to see you in the next five minutes to discuss what happens next," Maureen says and cuts the link.