PIPER

After a night of thinking deeply about the situation, I came to the conclusion that Donovan simply wanted to spend more time with me and that was why he lied to me. I was tired, not just because I couldn’t sleep a wink from all the thinking but also because I missed the scent of Donovan around me. Back when I slept in his house, his scent always lulled me to sleep and now that I didn’t have it I couldn’t rest well. But I knew it was something that had to happen, sooner or later I would get used to living back home. I decided not to open the store today because I was tired, so I went back to Donovan’s house instead.

Most of my clothes and things were there so it was the perfect excuse to go. And maybe I’ll get to see Donovan and talk to him. Sadly, when I arrived, Genevith told me that Donovan had had to go out for a last-minute meeting with Richard. I was disappointed but also not surprised since it wasn’t the first time something like that happened.

“I can help you pack your things if you want, Piper.” Genevith offered with a smile.

“You are not busy? No plans today?” I asked her unsure, I didn't want her to feel obligated to help me.

“Well, Richard is not home and my son told me he would call me later today so I have time. I can help.” She said smiling and I couldn’t reject her help. She was so nice to me it sometimes reminded me of my grandmother or the motherly figure I never had.

“Oh, then shall we?” I signaled the way back to the room and Genevith nodded. 

As we packed everything that belonged to me in a suitcase I realized I didn’t have much of my own, a lot of then things were gifts from Donovan and it made me nostalgic. Even though it hadn’t been long since I saw him, I missed him. A lot. The bond was not at fault, it was me. My feelings. I had fallen in love with Donovan, and I almost told him twice already. I needed to find a better time to confess my feelings to him, maybe ask him out on a date and do something romantic. Priya approved. I smiled softly and decided to distract myself from my thoughts by talking with Genevith. 

“So, how’s your son? Conrad, right?” I asked her curious. 

“Yes, my baby Conrad. He is well, work’s got him busy but he is all alone over in that city.” She said with a happy smile that then turned into a sad one. She sighed. “Sometimes I just wish he would come back home.”

“I’m sure one day he will. You never know.” I said trying to comfort her. And you never know what life brings so he could come back anytime. “So he is single?” 

“Yes, single and mateless. Or that’s what I know. Maybe he is keeping a secret lover from us.” She said with a frown on her brows. “But if it was his fated mate he would tell us right away. I’m sure.”

“Yes, I don’t think he will keep that a secret from you,” I reassured her and I asked something I had been curious about since I found out about Conrad’s existence. “You never wanted to have any more kids?”

“I did, yes. But taking care of Conrad, Donovan, and Olivia was a handful.” She said laughing. “We focused so much on those three that we never tried for another one.”

“Oh, Donovan did tell me you were like his mother,” I mentioned and nodded understanding her reasons.

“Of course, Richard and I did our best to raise them with all our hearts. I’m glad they turned out to be such good talented adults.” She said smiling to me and I could tell how proud she was.

“I bet you are an amazing mother, they are lucky to have you,” I said smiling with a bit of nostalgia. I wished I had a motherly figure in my life. I know Genevith noticed the change in my mood because of what she said next.

“Well, you have me too, Piper.” She said placing one of her hands on my shoulder. “Even if we are not the same blood, I already consider you as a son too.”

“It’s an honor that you consider me as one of yours,” I said with a smile. 

“You can call me mom anytime you want.” She said with a big smile.

“Thanks, Gen—” I started saying and she looked at me with puppy eyes. An eagle looking at me with puppy eyes was interesting. “Thank you, mom.”

Her smile was as big as ever and we continued to pack until we were done. Genevith offered me some tea and I couldn’t reject her. Maybe Donovan would arrive as I waited for the tea. 

‘Yes, let’s stay for now.’ Priya said and I nodded. Walking to the kitchen with Genevith as I pulled the suitcase with my belongings. I sighed, nostalgia hitting me back again. I was going to miss this place, this house.

‘I’m sure we will be back soon. Donovan might ask us to move in with him or so I wish.’ Priya said again and I was not opposed to that idea, it sounded amazing.

As I waited for the tea to be ready in the dining room, I heard the main door open and I ran to it. I hoped it was Donovan but to my surprise, there was a woman I didn’t recognize. She was wearing expensive and luxurious clothes. Our eyes met and she looked at me with disgust. And then something hit my nose, a scent, one that I recognized. It was the same scent that was all over Donovan that day. Priya hissed in the back of my mind. My chest felt heavy. Who was her?

“Who are you?” I asked holding back from baring my fangs at her.

“Me? Oh, I’m Helena. Donovan’s fiancée.” She said putting more emphasis on the last word. I felt my heart break. Fiancée…Donovan had a fiancée…No. That was impossible. “I’m here to talk with him about our wedding.”

“No…That’s not possible. I’m his mate.” I said and she laughed hysterically. 

“Ha! You? His mate? Sorry to disappoint you but you are just a toy for him. An item for his collection.” She said with a big snarky smile on her lips. She looked at me like I was no one.

“No…you are lying…” I said confused and hurt. 

“Do you really think that Donovan would mate with the same breed that killed his parents?” She said looking down at me with disgust. “A disgusting reptile.” 

“No…” I couldn’t understand what she was saying. Donovan never told me the reason for their parents’ passing. My chest felt heavier with each comment from the woman. Her words were getting in my head and making me dizzy. What if…she was right? No. There was no way. Donoval loved me, I was sure. His gestures and gifts mean that he cares about me.

“Assuming from that suitcase I see you are ready to leave. I’m glad you are not dumb enough to stay.” Helena pointed at my suitcase and as if she read my mind, her next words shocked me even more.  “Donovan doesn’t love you so walk away and leave him alone.”

“Piper?” I heard Genevith call my name, she walked into the room and saw us. “Oh, Miss Helena you are here. What a surprise.” 

She knew her? So it wasn’t a lie? She was important to Donovan. I had been lied to. He was cheating on me. I couldn’t hold back the tears falling down my cheeks. I needed to get out of there. Now. 

“Piper? The tea is ready, we can drink it all together.” Genevith suggested and I shook my head.

“S-sorry. I have to go.” I said walking to my suitcase and taking it. My head down, hiding my face and tears from both women. 

“But Piper…” She said but I interrupted her.

“Thank you Genevith…” I said holding back my sniffs so she wouldn’t notice I was crying. “See you…”

And I walked past Helena and outside the door. The way back to my home, even if it was going to take me ages to get there due to how far it was but I didn’t mind. The pain I would have in my legs would never compare to the pain I felt in my chest.