Chapter 3 The parents

Malia

I arrived at my best friend Melissa's house, feeling a mix of emotions. I needed someone to confide in, but I was hesitant to reveal the full extent of my pain. As we sat down in Melissa's cozy living room, I took a deep breath and began to share my story.

"Melissa, you won't believe what happened," I started, my voice trembling. "I caught Jackson cheating on me. I thought I knew him, but he's not the man I thought he was. He's a monster." As I explained everything to Malia- Well, almost everything. I decided to hold back the part about my suicide attempt, feeling embarrassed and not wanting my best friend to think any less of me. I know Melissa would never do that, but I don't want her worrying about me. I already worry about myself, and I know how draining that is.

I can't do that to her.

Melissa's eyes widened in shock. "Oh my gosh, Malia, I'm so sorry. That's awful. You deserve so much better than him," she said, her voice filled with sympathy.

I nodded, tears welling up in my eyes. "I know, right? It hurts so much because I trusted him completely." I paused, gathering my thoughts. "But there's something else I need to tell you. I haven't been completely honest. I... I tried to... end my life." I changed my mind and confessed. She's my best friend, we've shared everything since I moved to Moonblood back, and married Jackson.

Melissa's face turned pale, her eyes filled with concern. "Oh, Goddess! Malia, why didn't you tell me? I'm here for you, no matter what. You're not alone in this." Her eyes filled with tears and she pulled me into her embrace. The sounds of our sobs filled her cozy home.

I sniffled, wiping away my tears. "I was scared, Melissa. Scared of judgment, of being seen as weak. But I'm grateful to have you by my side." I tell her truthfully. Melissa Banner is an angel sent from the moon goddess.

She's been by my side for years.

Melissa reached out and held my hand. "You're strong, Malia. And you're not defined by this dark moment. I'm here to support you through it all." She hugs me again and I decide to quit trying to fight the ugly tears and just let them fall.

As we continued talking, Melissa asked where I planned to go next. "You're welcome to stay here for as long as you want, but I doubt you'd want that. Seeing as your ex is the leader of.... yeah." She trails off

I sighed, feeling the weight of uncertainty. "No, I can't stay here. I think I'll go back to my parents' house. It's the only place I have right now." As sad as it was, it's true. My parents and Melissa were all I had now. I was only twenty-one when my former pack came to sign a treaty with Jackson's pack. That was how we met. My father was Alpha of my former pack, The Shadow Moon tribe. But after I mated with Jackson and we got married, his pack became mine, and he became my family.

How stupid I was back then.

"That sounds like a good idea. I'm sure they'll be glad to have you. Without hesitation, Melissa offered, "I'll drive you there, Malia. You need some rest and time to heal after these chaotic days."

When we arrived at my parents' house, my heart sank as I anticipated their reactions.

"Malia?" My father called out surprised before greeting me with open arms. His embrace felt warm and welcoming as if it was offering me comfort and understanding. "Hi, Melissa. You girls didn't tell us you were coming. We would have prepared." Dad announces happily. He always loved having people over.

"Sorry, Dad."

"Sorry, Mr Bailey." Melissa and I say at the same time.

"Where's mum?" I ask before looking behind him for my mother.

"She should be at the back. Let's go inside, I have a fire running. It's windy outside, you must be cold." Dad says before guiding us over the steps and leading us into the warm house.

After some time my mum joined us. Surprised as well as Dad was. They looked so happy that I came to visit. And I know they are just itching to ask why Jackson isn't with me, that's how I know I need to stop beating around the bush and tell them.

"Dad, Mum, uh..." I clear my throat and Melissa gives me a small nod of the head urging me to go on. "Jackson and I are divorced."

My parents look at each other, "Divorced? What do you mean? Is that even a thing among us?" Mum chuckles nervously.

"It is," I reply, making sure to ignore the way my mother is looking at me.

Dad nods knowingly. He's always been a calm and understanding parent. "How do you feel about everything, Malia? Losing a mate is no easy pain to bear."

I bite back tears at my father's understanding tone, "It's difficult, Father. And it hurts... a lot. I spent years loving a man who cheated on me repeatedly, disrespected me, and never saw me as anything but a maid. How could I have been so blind to everything?" I feel Melissa's hand on my back moving up and down in a consoling manner.

My dad's jaw clenches, and he's about to say something but mum beats him to it. "So, you left him because he cheated? You left an Alpha. You destroyed your position as Luna of a powerful pack, just because he cheated?" Mum sneers.

"Lilah, stop it! She just separated from her mate." Dad says angrily.

"Yeah! And it's probably all her fault. Did you please him enough?" She scoffs, "Of course, you didn't so why won't he cheat? Even if you did that was a very stupid reason for leaving the life you had behind!" My mother, Lilah's face twisted with anger and disappointment as she looked at me. "You should have stayed, Malia. No one would want a werewolf that can't shift."

"Lilah!" Father yells angrily before scoffing with disbelief and walking out of the room.

"Mum, why would you say that? It's not my fault that I can't shift. And I left Moonblood because Jackson treated me horribly, he insulted me!"

"You could have stayed! Oh, so you can't handle a few insults?"

"Mrs Bailey, with all-"

"I wasn't talking to you, Melissa." Mum dismisses her.

"Mum, don't speak to Melissa that way. And you have absolutely no idea the amount of disrespect I received from Jackson. Breaking the mate bond hurts, but it was necessary." I tell her angrily. I hate the way my mother is talking. Why can't she just support me?

"You did the right thing," Melissa says, consoling me. However, my mother, Lilah, didn't share the same supportive sentiment. She looks at me with anger and disdain before walking out of the house.

It was time for Melissa to leave so I thanked her for everything and waited until her ride came to get her. While we waited I wanted to tell her about the voice I had been hearing, and the information that was revealed about it. I was unsure, so I decided to hold back on telling her.