Chapter 3 Eavesdropping

Aiden's POV

"What is written on the letter?" She asked inquisitively.

"It is nothing serious Mum, just an invitation to the next park meeting," I lied through my teeth, as she took a deep breath in.

I dropped the letter back in the drawer.

She cleared her throat, looking serious. "Aiden, we need to talk."

I moved away from Dad's desk and sat down across from her. Mom reached out, holding my hand tight. Her eyes were filled with tears she was fighting to hold back.

"I know it's not going to be easy, now that you've lost your father," she said, her voice cracking.

A single tear rolled down her cheek, and I felt my own heart twist in pain. Losing Dad was a huge pain for all of us, including the pack members.

"I know, Mom," I said, trying to sound strong, but inside, I felt like I was drowning.

"I'm trying... and I need you to stay strong for me and Camila. We need you." I added, mom nodded, her eyes soft but sad.

Then she said the words I'd been dreading to hear since the whole incident happened."You know you're next to take over the pack, right? But before you can, you need to find your mate."

I swallowed hard. It wasn't the first time I'd heard this, but it felt heavier now. Dad was gone, and now it was up to me. But without a mate, I couldn't fully take my place as Alpha.

"I know, Mom," I muttered, rubbing my temples in frustration.

"I've searched everywhere, within our pack and even in the neighbouring packs. I don't think the moon goddess has given me a mate." I uttered in disappointment.

Mom's face hardened slightly. She wasn't going to let me off easy. "You can't give up. You can't be like your sister," she said, her voice firm. "Camila hasn't found her wolf yet, and she still hasn't met her mate. You need to do better than that."

"Do you want to give out your position as the Alpha to another person? Do you want all your father's effort to be given out to someone else?" She asked, and I knew she was trying her best not to snap at me.

Her words stung, even though I knew they were meant to push me. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of my father's death and now the pressure to lead the pack, everyone is looking up to me. Everything was crashing down on me all at once.

"I'm trying, Mom," I said quietly. "I'll keep searching."

She placed her hand on my shoulder, giving me a small, comforting squeeze. "You're strong, Aiden. You'll find her. I know you will."

But something felt off. I couldn't shake the feeling that someone else was in the room, someone listening. My wolf stirred inside me, sensing something nearby. But I didn't say anything. I just sat there, trying to gather my thoughts.

Camila's POV

I stood outside the office, my heart racing. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but when I saw Mom head in there to talk to Aiden, I couldn't help myself. I pressed my ear against the door, careful not to make a sound.

At first, I just heard them talking about Dad. The pain hit me again, sharp and real, like a knife in my chest. Losing him... it still didn't feel real. But then, the conversation shifted, and I heard Mom talking about Aiden becoming Alpha.

"You need to find your mate first," she said.

I bit my lip, holding back the tears that were threatening to fall. Of course, Aiden would find his mate. He is the future Alpha. He is strong, and capable. Everyone loved him. And me? I didn't even have my wolf yet. I am 20 years old, and I still haven't shifted. Mom didn't hide her disappointment about that.

"You can't be like your sister," Mom said.

Those words hurt more than I could've imagined. I pressed myself tighter against the wall, trying to breathe quietly. I didn't want them to hear me. I felt like a failure. I hadn't found my wolf, and I hadn't found my mate either. I was weak in their eyes, and that hurt more than anything.

I wanted to run, to get away from their words. But before I could move, someone grabbed my arm. I gasped and turned around, my eyes wide in fear.

It was Ethan, Aiden's Beta. He had caught me spying. "What are you doing here, Camila?" he whispered, his face serious but calm.

"I-I wasn't... I didn't mean to..." I stammered my voice barely above a whisper. I could feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"I was just... I wanted to help." I stuttered, and he looked at me with pity.

Ethan sighed, his grip loosening slightly. "I know you want to help," he said softly, "but eavesdropping won't do any good. You know that."

I nodded quickly, pulling my arm free. "I know. I'm sorry."

"Come on," Ethan said softly, pulling me away from the door. "Let's go."

Without another word, I turned and walked away, my heart heavy with everything I'd overheard. Aiden would find his mate, he'd take over the pack, and where would that leave me? I wasn't even sure if I'd ever shift. Maybe I wasn't meant to be part of the pack's future. Maybe I was just destined to watch from the sidelines, alone.

I let him walk me down the hallway, my heart still aching from what I had heard. I couldn't help but feel like I didn't belong. Aiden was on his way to becoming Alpha, and I... I didn't know where I fit anymore.

The whole issue felt like an unbearable pressure on my neck. I was hoping Aiden was going to defend me, but he didn't. I don't blame him, I blame the moon goddess for everything. If only I'd gotten my wolf, I wouldn't be the talk of the town.

'I wouldn't be discussed in people matters as a reference, I wouldn't even be down there eavesdropping on people's conversation,' I thought, as tears rolled down my eyes.

I could remember that day I didn't shift to my wolf form, while my age mate shifted. I became the laughing stock in the pack, most people don't want to be my friends anymore, and I lose all my friends. Even my mother was pissed at me, but my dad tried to comfort me telling me I would definitely get my wolf.

"You are always a disgrace to this family," my mum spat to my face.

"You always come last in class and still couldn't get your wolf," my mum mocked me, as I felt my heart break into a million pieces. I was expecting her to comfort me, and tell me everything will be alright. But instead, I got the opposite.

I took a deep breath as I tried to shake off those painful and depressing words out of my head.