Page 54 of Fated Alpha Protector

“No one except me…” A cold shiver runs down my spine, but Theo hugs me when he notices.

“I was thinking we'd visit Prairie today,” he offers gently.

I look up into Theo's emerald eyes and nod. “I'd like that.”

He smiles and plants a kiss on my cheek. “Let's have breakfast, and then we can leave.”

I nod eagerly as I pull the tray onto my lap. We have our meal together and leave in his Jeep as soon as we're done. Theo informs me that his parents will be back tonight, but this anxious feeling in my gut isn't because of that.

It's a feeling that grows as we head toward Prairie. And when we pass a sign that indicates we've entered the town, I feel a lump in my throat.

“Are you okay?” Theo asks as he reaches for my hand. All I can offer him is a nervous smile as he folds my hand on his lap.

Ahead of us, the village comes into view. Not like what I remember from the dreams I'd been having.

It's just an empty shell of what's left of the foundations of the cabins. Gloomy and gray, the ghost of what was once a quaint and peaceful village is all that remains.

My exhale staggered as I take it all in. Theo brings the Jeep to a halt, cutting off the engine and turning to me.

“Do you wanna climb out?”

In response, I click off the safety belt hitch. My movements become mechanical as I step out on the dry sand that was once the most luscious lawn.

Theo is at my side in a heartbeat, taking my hand in his. He leads me through the village, stepping over stray wood and rocks that cover the path.

It's a strange thing – trying to make sense of what each of the structures once bore. Some housing the werewolves, others forming what would have been a market.

If I dig deep enough, my memories span the days when I'd walk through that market with Mama and Papa.

Vendors would greet them with the utmost respect, bowing their heads as we walked by. I'd get free ice cream and fresh fruits, courtesy of the members of the pack.

Life was simpler, beautiful in that simplicity. It wasn't distorted by greed or the need to be superior. Even Papa, who was the Alpha of Mystic Moon, walked amongst the pack like he was an ordinary man.

That's why Mama loved him so much. Glancing at Theo, I realize that it's more than just fate that made me fall in love with him.

It's that intense humanity and selflessness that he exudes. Despite being the Alpha of the Nightwalker Pack, he's never been egotistical or greedy.

Giving his hand a gentle squeeze, I draw his attention to me.

“This is–” he begins, but my knowing smile stops him as he's about to tell me where we are.

“I know,” I glance back at the shell of the cabin. Without windows or doors, it's just an ashen carcass. But it's one I recognize as I step onto the platform that was once the porch.

Theo holds my hand as he follows me through the frame of the door. Inside, the wooden floors are black with soot from the fire. As if they've stained the floorboards like varnish.

Theo gently releases my hand, going around to inspect what's left of the place. His curiosity warms my heart as I do the same, heading to the bedroom.

As memories of my mother hiding me under the floorboards come rushing back, I find myself sinking in front of that cavity. The frightened feeling I felt back then returns as an ache in my chest.

It's like I'm reliving the past that I'd forgotten for so long. The past is hidden from me thanks to a necklace cast from sterling silver.

Theo's footsteps grow distant as he seemingly leaves the cabin. I get to my feet, fingers absentmindedly running over the mattress consumed by the fire as I head to the window.

To the left of the cabin, an empty piece of land forms a graveyard. I can tell from the mounds of dirt piled in the form of a gravesite in rows of tens. A dreary shiver runs down my spine.

Still, my feet set in motion off their own accord toward the graveyard. Theo knelt between two graves, a hand resting on the top of each of the mounds. Each has a makeshift tombstone carved nondescript on the stone.

They bear the names of my parents.

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