Chapter 14
Astrid's POV
The female voice cut through the air, sharp and accusing. "So, this is where you were?"
I turned, my eyes widening as I took in the sight of the woman standing before us. She was beautiful, undeniably so. Her blonde hair flowed freely in soft waves, framing a face that was both delicate and strong. But the most striking thing about her was her protruding stomach, a clear sign that she was pregnant.
"Are you cheating on me again?" she asked, her voice laced with anger.
The words hit me like a slap. Cheating? What the hell? And she was pregnant? My stomach churned with a sudden wave of nausea. I immediately distanced myself from Kaeleen, taking a step back as if burned. How could I have been so stupid? So naive? I had no idea Kaeleen was with someone, let alone someone pregnant. The thought was disgusting.
Kaeleen released a long-suffering sigh. "Rebecca, how long are you going to keep pulling pranks like this?" he asked, his voice laced with exasperation.
The woman – Rebecca – didn't respond to his question. Instead, her face crumpled, and a look of genuine hurt flashed in her eyes. "Is that what you think this is?" she asked, her voice trembling. "A prank?"
I stared at Kaeleen, my heart pounding in my chest. Disgust warred with confusion. How could he be so callous? So dismissive of her feelings?
"I…I'm so sorry," I stammered, turning to Rebecca. "I had no idea…"
But as I looked at her, something else caught my attention. Her eyes. They were a vibrant shade of green, almost identical to Kaeleen's. The realization hit me suddenly.
"Are you…" I swallowed. I could be wrong but. Are you related to him?" I blurted out, my voice filled with disbelief.
Rebecca burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the trees. Kaeleen, however, remained unimpressed. He simply rolled his eyes and sighed.
"Oh, this is priceless," Rebecca said, wiping tears of mirth from her eyes.
"Where is your accomplice?" Kaeleen asked her with a sigh.
A towering figure emerged from behind the trees, stepping into the sunlight. He was huge, easily dwarfing Rebecca's petite frame. He had short, cropped blonde hair and a friendly, open face.
"Right here." He said with a laugh.
Rebecca turned to me, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Is she the reason you needed a blanket last night?" she asked Kaeleen.
Kaeleen's cheeks flushed a faint shade of pink. "Yes, she is," he admitted.
Rebecca grinned, extending her hand towards me. "Well, in that case, allow me to properly introduce myself. I'm Rebecca Sterling, and this is Alex Harding, my partner."
My eyes widened. Rebecca Sterling? I stared at her, my mind struggling to process the information. I recognized Rebecca immediately. She was a senator, a powerful and influential figure. She was also something of a celebrity, known for her outspoken views and her tireless advocacy for women's rights. She had been instrumental in passing several landmark pieces of legislation, and her name was constantly in the news.
Kaeleen looked at me, a mixture of shock and amusement on his face. "You recognize Rebecca, but not me or Alex?" he asked, his voice incredulous.
Rebecca chuckled, patting Kaeleen on the arm. "She knows what's up, Kaeleen," she said with a wink. "She recognizes real star power when she sees it."
I had always admired Rebecca Sterling. She was a role model, a symbol of strength and independence. She had defied expectations and broken barriers, proving that women could be just as successful and powerful as men.
Leon, of course, had a completely different opinion of her. He thought she was an embarrassment, a woman who was trying to be something she wasn't. He believed that she should stay in her place, that she shouldn't be meddling in politics or trying to act like a man. He often complained about her, saying that she was inserting herself in places where she didn't belong.
Alex laughed, shaking his head. "I never thought I'd meet someone who didn't recognize Kaeleen or me," he said, his voice filled with amusement. "It's a refreshing change, actually."
I was still trying to wrap my head around everything. Alex did look vaguely familiar, like someone I might have seen in a magazine or on the internet. But Kaeleen? I was sure I had never seen him before in my life.
"Well, I approve," Rebecca said, turning to Kaeleen and giving him a playful shove. "Astrid has a banging body. Good choice, little brother."
My cheeks flushed crimson at her words. I had never been comfortable with compliments about my appearance, especially from strangers.
"Her body isn't the only thing attractive about her." Kaeleen says with his gaze on me.
I knew I was blushing red. I averted my gaze and Rebecca gave a warm sound. "Awwn, you are so cute." She said to me,
"Thank you?"
"So, Astrid," Rebecca said, turning to me with a warm smile. "When are you moving into the Emerald Glade pack? We could use a little more beauty and talent around there."
My mouth dropped open. Move into their pack? Was she serious? I glanced at Kaeleen, my heart pounding in my chest. What was going on?
"Rebecca!" Kaeleen exclaimed, his voice laced with exasperation. "Don't put her on the spot like that."
Rebecca simply shrugged, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "What? I'm just being honest. We'd love to have her. Wouldn't we, Alex?"
"Yes, of course." Alex replied, grinning like he was enjoying what was going on right now.
I turned to Kaeleen who seemed like he was searching for something in my drawing book but I knew he was paying attention. Was this a plan of sorts?
"I…I'm not moving to your pack." I told Rebecca.
"But why? You guys are mated aren't you?" She asked me.
I turned to Kaeleen who was now staring at me with an intensity that did things to my stomach.
I shook my head. "I'm..no. we are not mates." I said to her,
"You've not done the mating ritual yet so obviously you are not mated officially yet but you guys are fated. It's obvious to anyone who has eyes." She said to me,
How do I explain to her that I was someone else's mate? Someone who didn't want me by the way.