Esmerelda POV
I make my way back through the forest. When the cottage comes into view, I brace myself for my mother's wrath. I'm sure she has been watching through her looking glass. I know she isn't being completely honest with me, but she is my mother. Besides, becoming friends with Marcus wasn't a hardship for me. I had hoped that he would be my mate and I could have a reason to leave my mother, but he wasn't. I won't lie about how disappointed I was when I looked into his eyes on my eighteenth birthday and didn't feel the pull.
I knew it wouldn't be as strong since he wasn't eighteen, but I knew I would know he was mine. Seeing his dad today means that not only does the Beta of the pack know about me, but the Alpha probably does too. I refuse to acknowledge him as anything other tha
