I smiled weakly. "I'll miss you too, Alec. You're a good man. I hope you find your mate soon."
Later, I approached my parents with a decision. "I want to study in the US."
As expected, they didn't ask questions or express concern. I felt a pang of sadness, but it was nothing new.
Feeling unwell and uncertain, I scheduled a hospital checkup.
The diagnosis shocked me to my bone.
"You're pregnant", The doctor delivered the unexpected news
Overwhelmed, I collapsed in the hospital, my world shattered once more.
I opened my eyes to find Alec beside me, his gentle patting and soothing words a comfort. But as memories flooded back, I burst into tears.
"What am I supposed to do now, Alec?" I sobbed.
"We'll figure it out, Jas. I promise," he assured me.
Days later, I decided to tell Jackson about the pregnancy, hoping it might change his heart. Alec cautioned against it.
"No, Alec, I can't deprive my child of a father," I insisted.
Alec's expression softened. "You're strong, Jasmine. You'll be an amazing mother and father to your child."
I shook my head, desperation creeping in. "You don't understand, Alec. What do I tell my child? That their werewolf alpha father rejected me for my best friend?"
Alec's voice rose, his words surprising me. "Fine, then, Jasmine. I'll marry you."
I recoiled, shocked. "Why would you do that? Do you pity me that much?"
Alec's face gentled. "No, Jasmine. It's because I love you. I know this isn't ideal, but I couldn't help how I feel."
I hesitated, torn. "But I'm not your mate, Alec. You have a mate out there. I won't risk hurting another woman like I was hurt."
Alec's eyes locked onto mine, his voice filled with emotion. "Jasmine, you're still trying to be the good person despite everything. I stood firm. "It can't work, Alec. I won't change my mind."
Alec nodded, his expression resigned. "Alright, Jas. But promise me one thing: if it doesn't work out with Jackson, you'll accept his rejection and move on. No lingering feelings."
I nodded, a sense of determination washing over me. "I promise, Alec."
....
A few days later, I decided to confront Jackson, despite Alec's warnings. I found Emily in Jackson's office
"I need to talk to you alone, Jackson. It's important," I said, trying to stay strong. He nodded at Emily to leave. She glared at me, brushed past me, her shoulder grazing mine.
He sneered. "What is it, human? Begging for acceptance?"
I took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant."
Jackson's expression turned fierce. "What?! You think I'll believe that?" I showed him the test results.
"This is bullshit!" he shouted, his anger escalating. "I can't accept you nor your filthy child, get rid of it, He said with no empathy
When I refused to abort the child, Jackson's rage turned violent. He grabbed my throat, pushed me against the wall, and punched me in the stomach continuously.
Alec burst in, fighting Jackson, but the Alpha's strength overwhelmed him. Emily intervened, pleading with Jackson to let go of her brother.
As I lay on the ground, writhing in pain, Emily slapped me, blaming me for the chaos.
Jackson's final words still echoed in my mind: "Get out and never come back."
With a surge of defiance, I declared, "I, Jasmine Coker, accept your rejection, Alpha Jackson Wade."
Then, I passed out.
I woke up in the hospital, Alec by my side. I hugged him tightly, apologizing for not listening to him.
"It's fine, Jasmine. But there's something you need to know," Alec said, his voice laced with sorrow.
I sensed the gravity in his tone. "What happened, Alec?"
Alec hesitated before speaking. "The doctor said... I'm so sorry, Jasmine. You lost the baby."
I felt a numbness wash over me. "Oh..." was all I could manage. Alec looked at me, concerned. "Jasmine, are you okay?"
I nodded and said "I want to go home."
Alec stayed with me, fearful I might harm myself.
As I made travel preparations, Alec remained by my side. Eventually, I arrived in Oklahoma..
Raymond comforted me as I cried, offering tissues to wipe my tears. Then he said he wants to book the nearest flight to Ontario to confront Emily and Jackson.
I laughed, knowing Raymond's protective nature. "I don't want to lose you yet. What do I do now, Ray?"
Raymond's expression turned serious. "You either come with me to Ontario or wait for news that Emily and Jackson are dead."
I laughed, holding my stomach. "Stop it, Ray."
"I meant Scott, Raymond. What do i do about him?"
"Are you ready to get involved with another Alpha? What if there's another Emily waiting in the wings?"
I shook my head, frustration rising. "You're not helping, Ray."
Raymond's expression softened. "There's something that makes me feel Scott will be different. I think you should give him a chance."
I got to school the next day with Raymond and we parted ways for our classes, but when my lecturer didn't show up, I headed to the cafeteria. As I sat down, a sudden unease washed over me.
Then, I heard it – a voice calling out "Katherine." The voice sent shivers down my spine, as I turned to face the speaker, my knees weakened and I gripped a chair for support..