Chapter 3 The truth

Mirabel's POV.

"Hey you, little one, be careful of where you are running to."

I tripped as a person elbowed me in the pack house kitchen. Catching my breath, I looked up to find Rory. No not again.

"S-sorry," I said, although it was not my mistake.

Rory moved closer, his lips almost touching my ear "I had wanted for this for so long." he whispered. As he used both his hands to sweeze my ass very roughly. I struggled away and he laughs out loud.

"I heard about the meeting the other day. You think you are something now huh?."

I tried to clear my throat in an attempt to control my shaky and already provoked voice. "I have no idea what you are saying."

"Liar," he hissed. "Freaks don't last long in this pack. Everyone is talking about your freaky glowing eyes, Mirabel; my father may be protecting you now, but don't get comfortable."

Forcing a kiss on my lips and pushing me away, he laughed loudly walking away. I rested against the countertop and felt my pulse quicken. This was the third day since the pack meeting and things had not improved at all.

Uncle Declan was watching me like a hawk, and the rest of the pack either ignored me or glared at me as if I were the most disgusting creature on earth, like Rory. The photo that I had discovered in the office of Uncle Declan was still in my mind, and it seemed to me that it was almost consumed by flame.

I hoped the photo was worth the risk of almost being caught the other day in his office. I was glad he got a call and had to leave the office because I honestly was not ready for any form of confrontation yet.

I had questions, I needed answers.

When I was done with the kitchen errands I quickly made my way out of the pack house. It was the autumn and the streets of Brighton were crowded with people who were walking fast and briskly. I pulled my threadbare jacket tighter around me and headed for the one place I thought might have answers, the local library.

Mrs. O'Brien, the librarian, was a kind old woman, and she smiled at me when I entered the library. "Hi, Mirable, it is so nice to see you; where do you want to sit? The usual table?"

I nodded, still feeling the touch of her hand and her kindness. Mrs. O'Brien was one of the few human beings who were aware of our pack, and she never discriminated against me.

In one of the corners of the library where nobody could see me, I took out the photo. A couple with smiling faces and two children, a boy and a girl were reflected on me; who were these people? What did it mean to be a member of a 'Lycan Royal Family'?

I was so deep in thoughts that I did not realize that someone was coming close to me until the shadow of the person fell on me.

"Well, well, well, look at this; what a very interesting picture you have here, child."

Startled at the sudden intrusion, I jumped, and as fast as I could, I tried to cover the picture. But the old woman standing before me simply smiled.

"There is no reason to be scared," she told me. My name is Fiona, And I know your parents.

My heart began to throb. "My parents?"

"Yes the photo in your hand are those of your parent"

"Huuhh! You. . . you knew them?"

Fiona smiled and nodded her head vigorously acknowledging what was said with her eyes sparkling. "Oh yes wonderful people they were. And you, my dear, are the spinning image of your mother."

I was utterly shocked by what I had heard. At least here was someone who knew my parents, after years of not knowing anything about them myself but I was more surprised that my parent were these couple that were tagged Lycan Royal Family.

"Please," I managed to whisper and my voice trembled. "Can you tell me about them? Who were these people?"

Fiona's smile disappeared a little. She looked around, in a manner that suggested she was making sure that nobody was eavesdropping. "You cannot speak here, child. There are eyes and ears all around, and not all of them are on the side of the angels."

My joy changed to wondering and a little fear. "What do you mean we are in danger?"

"You are," Fiona said in a very stern manner and in a little hush tone. "Some people would go to any length to ensure that the truth remains buried, your uncle for instance."

I knew that, but what was the truth?

Fiona shook her head. "Not here, Meet me tomorrow at sunset by the old oak tree in Phoenix route, I will explain everything to you then."

She began to walk away and I grabbed her by the arm. "Stop! How can I be sure that I can trust you?"

Fiona's eyes softened. She fumbled in her pocket and pulled out a small, shiny silver pendant. It resembled the one my mother had on in the picture I held.

"Because Mirable," she whispered, "I was there the day you were born and I promised your parents that I will protect you."

With that, she walked away from me with more questions than answers that I could ever think of.

The next day seemed to be slow and tiresome. I did my work absent minded all day, wondering what Fiona might tell me; Uncle Declan was even more jumpy than usual and yelled at people and looked around nervously.

Last of all, when the sun was setting, I was able to escape from the pack house. I was nervous as I walked towards phoenix route.

The old oak tree was a mighty one, and in the evening light, it looked all the more so. But as I approached, I could not see her anywhere, so I had to wait for her alone.

"Hello?" I said in a whisper. "Fiona? Are you here?"