Chapter 3 - Growing Hatred
Amaia's POV
"Think it through, Amaia!" Beta Harrison begged as I pulled my raincoat from the foyer closet. "You can't leave in this weather!"
More than an hour ago, Beta Harrison caught me leaving my room, and he came to check what I was up to.
I feigned a desire for a snack, and he trailed me to the kitchen, vigilantly observing my slow consumption of my sandwich.
I was hoping that he would get bored by my lack of communication and leave. Instead, he stood there, arms crossed and eyes narrowed, as if he could see through my façade. I knew if I didn’t make my escape soon, his protective instincts would kick in, and I’d be stuck there answering his questions.
When I was done eating, I excused myself in hopes that I could escape his watchful eye, but yet again, he caught me grabbing my truck keys.
"Where do you think you’re going?" he asked, his voice low and steady, making it clear that he wasn't going to let me slip away easily.
I ignored him and stayed silent, returning to my task.
"I have," I replied to his question, stopping at the door. I slowly turned to face him. "I know what I am doing."
Although the storm had passed, the rain continued to pour outside. Thunder and lightning were still playing in the skies, but most of the dangers had already passed.
Earlier, I ensured that all the pack members were safely inside the pack house. I even ordered everyone to stay indoors and not to leave the pack house until the following morning.
I wasn't ignorant about the dangers outside—but I was sure that immediate danger had passed.
"Where will you go?" he asked, stepping closer. "I can't let you leave and put your life in danger. Your parents will never forgive me. You are the only true heir of the pack."
I found Harrison's gaze. His fear for my safety was real, and it warmed my heart.
In my previous life, I could always count on Harrison; he didn't like Darna at all, but she was the Luna at that time, and he had to follow her orders.
"I know," I replied. "Thus, the reason I need to leave tonight. I will be back soon. I promise."
I was sure that Harrison had noticed the change in me. I wasn't the timid and soft-spoken young lady anymore. There was anger inside me. I was filled with frustration and harbored a deep desire for retribution.
"Amaia..." he pleaded, reaching out to me.
"Don't!" I stopped him, stepping aside.
Harrison was like a second father to me, but if I allow him to influence me, I won't be able to leave tonight.
"Let me at least drive you," he tried again, and I shook my head.
"I need to do this on my own, Beta," I said, keeping my tone even. "Besides, I need you to run the pack in my presence."
"Can't you just wait until morning, then?" he asked, shifting his head to the side.
I hated it when he did that. He was trying to read me and find my weaknesses.
His light blue eyes roamed over the side of my face, searching for any hidden secrets within.
I rolled my eyes at him.
I had my reasons for leaving tonight. In my previous life, Oregon came to see me the morning after my father's funeral with a bouquet of white roses. He took advantage of my emotional turmoil while secretly plotting how to gain my trust. I wouldn’t let him do that again; not now, not ever.
Besides, Oregon's betrayal was still fresh in my mind, and I might just lose control and do something irresponsible.
"No," I replied. "I need to leave tonight. Alone. Before anyone else sees me leave."
I was already annoyed that Harrison knew I was leaving. He narrowed his eyes at me, and I could see the question roaming in his eyes. He wanted answers...
"What are you talking about?" he asked. "Who should be unaware of your absence?"
"F*ck!" I internally growled. How the hell am I going to get myself out of this one?
"What is really going on, Amaia?" he continued when I didn't respond. "Tell me what happened. Why this sudden trip in the middle of the night?"
I shook my head, tears building up behind my eyelids.
"Don't you trust me?" he asked.
I knew I was hurting his feelings, but I wasn't sure how to explain things to him, nor did I know if I was ready to reveal what had happened to me. He might think I am crazy or delusional.
I had to find proof that Darna killed my father. I couldn't afford to go to the loony bin.
"I—" I stuttered, unable to utter another word.
What do I say to him?
"I saw the change, Amaia," he said, carefully reaching out to me. He placed his warm hands on my shoulders and gently held me in place. "I sense your growing hatred, and I don't think it's just about your dad's death."
I flinched at his words, while tears spilled over and rolled down my face. I quickly turned my gaze away. He already saw more than I wanted him to know.
Harrison gently turned my face back, raised my chin, and searched my tearful gaze.
"Please tell me, Amaia," he said gently.
"I can't. Not yet," I whispered as my lip quivered. "But I will. Just trust me for now. I promise I will be okay."
Harrison held my chin, searching for answers to his questions a moment longer, before he gently released my chin.
"Just remembered," he said, seriously. "I was your father's beta for over thirty years. My loyalty will always lie with you. No matter what."
I smiled and nodded. That meant so much to me.
"I appreciate that," I said, wiping the tears from my eyes.
Harrison let me go and stepped back.
"I will not stand in your way," he said. "Go do what you need to do. Just be safe."
Harrison dug in his pocket and revealed a cell phone. He handed that and some cash to me.
I hesitated, surprised.
"The phone is a burner," he said, seeing my hesitation. "Cash is always handy when you need it."
"Should I know the reason why you have a burner phone?" I asked, raising a suspicious eyebrow at him.
"When you return, I will explain everything," he replied. "My number is saved on the phone. Call me if you are in trouble."
I nodded with a small smile.
Beta Harrison opened the packhouse door for me.
As I stepped outside, the cool evening air hit my face, a refreshing contrast to the warmth inside. I took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension about what lay ahead.
I gave Harrison one final glance before sprinting into the torrential rain.