Chapter 26
1001words
"Ana!" he exclaimed the moment he heard his voice. "I'm so glad to hear from you. Are you safe?"
She couldn't help but chuckle brokenly into the phone. He was always the one worrying about her even if he was the one dying.
"Papa, I'm alright," she responded. "Don't worry about me. Are you okay?"
"I'm doing better. The money you sent me is huge," he replied in amazement. "Alpha Draco told me everything."
Her eyes widened. "Wait, what? You know him?"
Anastasia could hear him sigh. "There's something I'm not telling you. Your mother was a werewolf. Together, we bought this land from Alpha Draco's father and established a fine relationship with them. When your mother died, I didn't know if you're a werewolf or a human like me, so I decided to raise you as a normal kid. You didn't show any signs as a werewolf either."
"But why didn't you call me, Papa?"
"I didn't want to put you in danger. When I found out, you're the Alpha's mate, I knew you're destined for greater things. But someone out there is searching for you and if I called you, your location will be traced. I lost your mother and I don't want to lose you too. I don't want you to make the same mistake."
"Mistake?" she repeated. There was more to this story than what he was telling her.
"Your mother belonged to a pack," he continued, "but she decided to run away, marry a mere human, and live a normal life. But you see, it didn't end well. We couldn't run away from our past. You're a werewolf and you will become one once you choose your own destiny. You should decide for yourself, Anastasia. And this time, you wouldn't need me."
"But I do need you, Papa," she sniffed. "I'm so confused and lost."
"Once this is over, I'll be here, Anastasia," he assured. "We'll be together."
"Do you promise?"
"I promise. Now, please stay safe, my dear. The man who tried to take you, he will come. I could only wish I was there to protect you, but I'm powerless against a werewolf. You're safer there more than anywhere else. Alpha Draco will protect you."
All her life, all she thought she knew was a lie. But perhaps, she should've known there was something her father wasn't telling her. Ever since her mom died, it was as if there were dark clouds that gathered above him and he had lived in the dark for ages. She could only imagine how much it hurt him.
"Thank you, Papa. It really made me feel better to hear your voice."
"Me, too. I miss you," he said in a faint voice.
Tears ran down her face. "I miss you, too," she responded and ended the call. Draco gave her a pile of tissue and she took it, wiping away her tears. "Thanks," she murmured.
She gave his phone back. She watched as he took the sim card from the phone and broke it into pieces. Sniffing, she looked at his eyes. "How long have I been living with you?"
He looks guilty. "It's been a few months."
"All this time.. my father knew," she whispered, still in disbelief.
"I told you I took care of it," he answered.
Anastasia pursed her lips. It was as if she had found a new purpose. "All my life," she began to say, looking down at her hands, "I dedicated all my time and effort to my father. So that as long as he lives, he'll have a better life. That he'll be happy. But now that I know the truth, I realize what I truly need." Then she looked at him with fierce eyes. "I need you."
Draco looked taken aback but she continued, "I need you to teach me how to defend myself."
Then his surprise faded. "Is that what you truly want?" he asked, looking at her intently.
"Yes. I need to find my hunter and put an end to this." Anastasia broke his gaze and turned her head towards the view. She looked up at the night sky, staring at the moon for a while. The leaves of the trees were gracefully dancing with the wind. She felt so full of hope but tired at the same time. This was too much information in one night.
"Sleepy?" he asked.
Anastasia looked at him and nodded her head, her eyelids heavy. He stood up and rounded the table. He helped her off her seat and walked her out of the restaurant. Monte walked over and thanked them, saying, "Til we meet again, Mr. and Mrs. Bourne."
This time, she told him, "We're not married." He quickly apologized and Draco looked. They headed out of the restaurant and as soon as she stepped out of the doors, her feet felt jelly and she stumbled a little.
Draco caught her with a strong arm. With his back turned to me, he crouched down in front of her and pulled her legs around his waist.
"Draco," she gasped.
"Hold onto me," he ordered.
Anastasia grasped his shoulders and wrapped her legs around his waist, pressing herself against his back. He stood up and lifted me up with him. He began to walk into the woods. Feeling tired, she laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, hearing the leaves whispering and murmuring to each other.
She saw the moon, yet again, high up in the skies, shaped like a cat's smile, almost as if smiling down at them. Coming to the restaurant seemed to be a good choice. Monte was right. After this particular event, she felt almost like a different person. All this time, she thought she had everything figured out.. but there was still a missing piece. She realized now that what she truly needed.. was right in front of her.
