CHAPTER 6

We just resumed school from our spring break. My sisters and I celebrated our birthday 3 days ago. We got to speak to mom and dad. We offered to go back home just to celebrate with them but they refused. As much as it dampened the mood a bit, they managed to still be there for our birthday, thanks to Auriana. She cast an astral projection spell with Elissa and Carissa's help so we could see our parents. That alone made everything better. Of course right after that the Mendez siblings and our friends decided to throw a party for us at the Shadow pack house. We had a wonderful time. Oh yeah, like a month before our birthday, Nick and Alec celebrated their 18th birthday and were handed to titles of Alpha and Beta of the Shadow Pack, respectively. I also found out that Nick was my mate, at the party he and his sister threw for our birthday but I decided to keep quiet about it till he approached me himself.

I had just finished swim practice. We were practicing for another swim meet, this time against West Hill High School which was in two weeks.

"Alright, girls. Today, according to coach, we all broke our swimming records. (All the girls in the locker room cheered at the news.) Yeah, if we keep going like this, we're gonna beat West Hill High and every other school we go against without even breaking a sweat, I can promise you that." I said. The girls cheered again.

"That's right. We are the Pali High Sharks and we never lose." Rae added backing me up. The girls cheered once again before we all went back to what we were doing. I dressed up and bid Rae goodbye before heading out of the locker room. I checked my phone for the time and saw that Kara and Korra would be coming out of gymnastics practice in about 20 minutes. I looked up and saw Nick walking towards me.

"Hey, Nick."

"Hey, Kiara." I noticed that his expression was kind of serious.

"Is everything okay? You have this serious expression going on." I asked.

"Yeah, can I talk to you for a minute?" I nodded. He pulled me into one of the empty classrooms.

"So what did you want to talk about?"

"Kiara, I know you know we're mates."

"Yes, I do. I was just waiting for you to come to me. I don't like to force myself on people or throw myself at them."

"Yeah, I figured and I respect you for that. Look, you're a wonderful person, girl. Sweet, kind, beautiful, fearless, badass and everything. I mean you fight for your family and friends and even those you don't really know and any other guy would be lucky to have you." He started saying.

"Any other guy? What are you talking about? Nick, what are you saying right now? Because you're making me a bit confused."

"Kiara, I'm sorry I have to do this. I didn't want to hurt you but I can't accept you as my mate." I looked at him in shock.

"You can't or won't 'cause that's two different things."

"Kiara, please."

"Ok, fine. Like I said, I don't like to throw myself at people or force myself on them. But I'm at least gonna get an explanation, right? " I asked, my voice breaking a bit as I spoke.

"Kiara, please don't make this harder for me than it already is. I'll see you around. I'm sorry." He said then left me standing in the classroom alone. A tear slipped from my eye as I tried to process what has just happened. A minute later, my phone started ringing. I looked down at it to see Kara calling.

Kara: 'Hey, where are you? We finished practice like 5 mins ago and have been waiting by the car for you.

Me: 'Sorry, I... uh... got held up doing something. I'll be there in a minute.

I hanged up and wiped the tear from my cheek then walked out to the parking lot. I found my sisters leaning against the car waiting. I apologized and unlocked the car so they could get inside.

"Hey, where are Rissa and Ellie?" Korra asked.

"They already went home. They got a ride from Alec." I answered while getting into the car with them.

"Kiara, are you okay? You seem a little off." Kara asked.

"I'm okay. Just a little headache. Let's just get home, okay?"

"Karen, we can tell you're not okay. Just tell-"

"Korra, please. Just leave it. I said I'm okay and I will be more okay if you don't keep asking questions, please. (I gave both of them a pleading look and they nodded in understanding.) Thank you." I started the car and drove us home.

When we entered the house, we found Eliara, Rissa and Ellie waiting for us in the living room.

"Finally, you're home. Auriana called and said she wanted to speak to all of us at once so we were waiting for you." Rissa said.

"And now that you're here we can call her back to hear what she has to say." Ellie added. We nodded and sat down.

"Ok, so call her." Kara said. Rissa nodded then went upstairs to go get her things.

"Kiara, sweetie. Are you okay? You seem awfully quiet and a little, I don't know, off?" Eliara asked me. I sighed and nodded.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Just a little tired and having a little headache." I answered. I didn't want to tell them what had happened between Nick and me though even I don't fully understand what happened my mind was in too much shock to process everything

"Ok." Rissa came back then and then she and Ellie proceeded to call Auriana via a spell. 5 mins later, Auriana appeared in front of us by Astral Projection.

"Your Highnesses." She greeted.

"Hi, Auriana. Rissa and Ellie said you had something to tell us." Korra said.

"Yes. It's time for you all to return home."

"Really?" Kara asked excitedly while I frowned. This was something mom and dad were supposed to tell us themselves no matter how busy they were, not Auriana. Besides they told us we can only come home when the school year was over.

"OK but why didn't mom and dad call us to tell us themselves? Where are they?" I asked warily.

"Well, about that, I have good news and bad news. The good news is the battle against the rogues, which was today by the way, was successful. We won the battle."

"And the bad news?" Eliara asked.

"We, um... we lost the King and Queen during the battle." Eliara, Kara, Rissa, Ellie and Korra gasped in shock and covered their mouths. I stood up then.

"No, no. What do you mean you lost my parents?" I asked almost close to breaking down in tears, even though I knew the answer.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness. Your parents died during the battle. I couldn't save either of them." Auriana answered in a sad tone. A tear slipped down my cheek.

"No, no. That- that can't be. No, they can't be dead. Please tell me this is some kind of sick joke. (Auriana shook her head sadly. I broke down into tears then. Eliara came to my side and held me while Rissa and Ellie held my sisters.) No, no, no, no. This can't be happening. Please tell me they're alive. Please, no. They can't leave us just like that. No, no, no." I sobbed. I cried my heart out for the loss of my parents.

And so it happened that I lost my parents and got rejected by my mate on the same day, just after mine and my sisters' birthday. We were to return home on Friday. A letter was sent to Nick's father, the former alpha of the pack to inform him of the current situation. Some maids had been sent over from the castle, to help us pack our stuff. My sisters and I barely left our room for 3 days, except when they had to go to school. They always came home before lunch but I didn't go with them. I didn't want to see Nick yet. And every time he and his sister came over with our friends, I refused to see them, even Alexander. I didn't want them to see the mess I had become after my parents died, but I still answered all their calls and texts.

Kara's P.O.V

It's been 4 days since Auriana told us about our parents. Kiara barely speaks to anyone but me, Korra, Ellie, Rissa and Eliara. And she decided not to return to school. She told us to tell the swim coach so the coach could replace her. But the Coach decided not to and made Rae the only captain of the swim team. Korra and I also resigned from the gymnastics team as captains and as members of the team. When we were asked why, we gave no reason. For the past 3 days, Korra and I have just been going through classes habitually without being actively involved. Former Alpha Mendez made sure to tell the teachers not to bother us in class.

It was now time for lunch. Usually by this time, Korra and I would be headed home but today we stayed a little longer to talk to our friends. Today is the day we return home but we hadn't yet told them, until today. Cait was the first one to notice us walking towards them and alerted the others. They all smiled at us and got us seats so we could join them.

"Hey, Kara, Korra. We didn't know that you'd be joining us today. Rissa and Ellie didn't say anything before they left for the house saying they had something to take care of." Nicki informed us.

"Yeah, we told them not to. We... um... have something to tell you guys." Korra said. For some reason, Nick just wouldn't look at us.

"Ok, what is it? Does it have to do with why Kiara said she's no longer coming to school?" Alec asked.

"Well, yeah. Something like that. You see, we're-" I was cut off by a familiar bitchy voice.

"Well, if it isn't the Williams sisters, well two of them. I thought you guys never stay around at this time. You know we really got used to you not being here. It's been, oh how should I put it? Refreshing. Especially without that bitchy slutty sister of yours around digging her claws into our guys." Brittany said smugly then she and her sidekicks chuckled. That did it. I stood up and moved quickly to her, wrapping my hand around her neck, pressing hardly before slamming her head onto the table we were seated around. Everyone, minus Korra, flinched and moved back in their seats.

"I have just about had it with you three idiots. There's a reason why my sisters and I have ignored you all these months. But you decided to open that filthy mouth of yours to insult my sister. And that I cannot and will not ignore. You picked the wrong day for this, Brittany. (My nails started elongating into claws which I pressed into her neck but not deep enough to pierce the skin, not yet.) Remember, what my sister said would happen if you ever messed with us? How about I remind you by doing exactly what she said." I readied my claws to cut into her skin.

"Enough, Kara. Let her go. (I heard Kiara say from the cafeteria doorway. Everyone else turned or looked up to look at her in surprise. Not their fault, of course. Kiara hadn't been in school for a while and she had said she wasn't coming back. She walked up to where I was and placed her hand on mine, on the one wrapped around the bitch's neck.) Leave it be, Gaia. She's not worth dirtying your claws." I closed my eyes with a sigh and retracted my claws then released Brittany from the hold I had on her before opening my eyes again.

"Thanks, KK." She nodded and rubbed my back before turning her attention back to the bitch who was still rubbing her neck from how harshly I had held it.

"And you, if you do not leave my sight in the next ten seconds, I will not hesitate to continue what I stopped my sister from doing." Kiara threatened.

"You can't order me around like some regular wolf or omega. I'm an Alpha's daughter. If anything, I'm supposed..." Brittany started saying.

"Do not test my patience right now, Daniels or you'll be speaking and laughing on the wrong side of your mouth. Leave now!" Kiara growled so loudly almost every wolf almost cowered at the tone. Brittany glared at us before leaving with her sidekicks.

"Hey sis, come to do it in person?" Korra asked with a small smile.

"Yeah. (She turned to look at our friends who had been silent the whole time.) Hey guys. It's been a long time."

"Hey. Yeah. So does your being here mean you're coming back to school?" Rae asked hopefully. They all looked at her hopefully, except Nick who was still avoiding eye contact with my sisters and I, especially Kiara.

"Unfortunately, no. Sorry, guys. I actually here because of what Kara was about saying before Brittany interrupted her. While she and Korra do that, Rae, Alec, can I talk to you guys outside alone, please?"

"Yeah. Sure." Rae and Alec said getting up. She smiled at them and went out with them.

"So what did you want to tell us?" Marina asked. I took a deep breath before Korra and I told them.

Kiara's P.O.V

"So what did you want to talk about?" Raelynn asked.

"My sisters, cousins, our aunt and I are going back home." I said.

"Ok, to like visit? Because if that's it then you didn't have to resign as swim team co-captain or withdraw from school." Alec said.

"No, Alec. I mean, we're going back home, for good. We're not coming back."

"Wait, what? Why? The school year isn't yet over and Nick's dad said you'd be staying till the end of the school year."

"Well, we're not anymore, Rae. Something happened back home and we're needed there. I'm sorry."

"But then you still need to graduate." Alec said. I shook my head to say no.

"No, we don't. Technically, we were supposed to have graduated two years ago because of our intelligence. I'm sorry, guys. If it weren't this important and urgent we would have stayed to complete the year. I've never really had such wonderful friends like you two and I'm really gonna miss you two." They sighed in defeat.

"So when are you leaving?" Alec asked.

"Tonight." Both their heads snapped up to look at me in surprise.

"Tonight? How long have you known you'd be leaving?" Rae asked.

"Since Tuesday." I answered.

"What? So you've known for 3 days that you'd be leaving us and you didn't tell us? I thought we were your best friends." Alec said.

"You think it's easy for me? It's not like I've actually been wanting to leave since day one. Ever since my family and I got here, you and your people have treated us like we were your own. You all made us feel welcome. You two made me feel welcome and at ease. You two were the first friends I made besides Nicki. So believe me when I say telling you earlier wouldn't have made it easier and telling you now still isn't making it easier for me. It only makes me feel more like everything is just slipping from my hands." I said with tears running down my cheeks.

"I'm sorry I said that. I know this isn't easy for you. But this breakdown isn't just about leaving. Something else is make you cry and it's not the whole leaving for good thing." Alec said. I looked skyward and tried to hold in the tears that just wouldn't stop flowing. I decided to tell them just a part of the truth.

"I lost my parents on Monday. I got the news when I returned home with my sisters after swim practice. That's why I refused to see anyone. I didn't want you to see the mess I had become. My sisters are handling the grief a little better than me."

"Oh my God. We're so sorry. We didn't know." Raelynn said.

"It's okay. But now you know why we're going back. But before we go, here. (I handed Raelynn a slender box which contained a moonstone necklace and wiped away the tears that had fallen from my eyes and cheek with a tissue.) It's a moonstone necklace. I want you to have it as a sign of our friendship. (She smiled and hugged me in appreciation. I pulled two ring boxes out of my shoulder bag.) This one is for you, Alec. It's a black kyanite ring with the royal insignia engraved on the stone. I had it sent over from home yesterday. You'll understand how I was able to get it when we see each other again, and we will. (He nodded and hugged me as well in thanks. I then gave him the other ring box which contained an emerald ring.) And this is for when you decide to propose to her and make her your wife." I said with a smirk. They both looked surprised that I knew.

"How did you know we're mates?" Rae asked.

"I didn't. You just told me. I only knew you like each other."

"Sneaky as always. We're really going to miss you." Alec said

"Well, like I said, we will see each other once again and when we do, I want to see that ring on her finger, mister if not I will maim you and force you to." I threatened playfully. They laughed and nodded. We gave each other one last hug before I had to leave. I went back inside to say goodbye to the rest of our friends. Thankfully, Nick had already left the cafeteria.

I walked back to the parking lot, unlocked the car and threw my bag on the front seat. I was about to get into the car when I heard Nick call out.

"So, were you planning on not saying goodbye to me before you left?" He said as he approached me. My sisters had already left for the house.

"I think whatever goodbyes we would have said to each other were already said the day you rejected me." I countered.

"Can we at least talk about it?"

"You weren't willing to do so before so why do so now?"

"I'm sorry I'm doing this. It's just I- I- I have someone else in my life that I love. I can't just break it off with her." I chuckled bitterly.

"That's bullshit, Nicholas. Come on, we both know that's a lie. You're breaking my heart, the least you could do is be honest with me about why you're doing it. You know what, since you can't, let me just say it for you. You rejected me because you don't want to be mated to a rankless wolf who, though can kick your ass, you think may not be able to fend for herself in a real battle, which doesn't really make sense. You want someone with a powerful rank of her own that can add up to the strength of yours and make you two the perfect unstoppable duo who can take on anything. That just about sum it up for you, Alpha Mendez? I may not get it or understand why, but I wish you'd have been at least honest about why you're breaking my heart. And that's why I'm gonna help you move on and be free of me by saying, I accept your rejection. Goodbye forever, Alpha Mendez."

"Kiara, I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too." I said in a broken voice, tearing up a bit then I got into the car and drove off to the house, crying on the way.

By 7pm that evening, we were all packed up and ready to go. I looked round my room to make sure I had left nothing then I went downstairs. I found Rae standing there, probably waiting for me.

"Hey, Rae. What are you doing here?"

"Hey, I came to ask you about something, in private. I asked your aunt and she said your plane doesn't leave for like an hour."

"Ok, let's go to the garden. (We went out back into the garden.) So what did you wanna ask me?"

"Tell the truth, the absolute truth. No lies. (I nodded.) Is Nick your mate?" I sighed.

"Why do you ask that?"

"Because Alec said he found him in his room lying on his bed looking at pictures of you that he asked for from Nicola and I know you and Nick weren't that close for him to be looking at your pictures with longing in his eyes. So tell me, is he your mate?" I nodded.

"Yes, he is or he was."

"Then why are you leav- Hold up, did you just say he was? (I nodded.) Why? Why do you say that?"

"I can't tell you."

"Why the hell not?"

"Because if I do, you'll tell Alec and he will be very angry at his best friend, his alpha."

"Ok, fine tell me and I promise not to tell Alec. I promise. Now please tell what it is that could make Alec angry at Nick." I sighed.

"Nick rejected me." Rae looked at me in shock.

"What? When?"

"The same day I lost my parents."

"That's why you said you felt like you were losing everything. Did he at least give you a reason?"

"No. He lied to me about the reason. Raelynn, please you have to promise me not to let anyone else find out, not even Alexander. I haven't even told my sisters."

"Why? Why keep it a secret?"

"Because I don't want anyone to hate him or be angry at him. It was his choice, we have to respect that."

"You're a good person, Kiara. He doesn't know what he just gave up. And I promise to not tell anyone or hold it against him, not visibly anyway. (I gave her an amused look.) What? Just because you don't want others to hold it against him doesn't mean that I can't. You're my best friend and he hurt you. I'm not forgiving him anytime soon." I let out a chuckle and pulled her into a hug.

"I'm really gonna miss you, Rae."

"I'm gonna miss you too, Kiara. Don't forget to text or call us."

"I won't."

"Kiara, it's time to go." We heard Eliara say from behind us. I nodded and pulled out of the hug. Rae and I smiled at each other before she left. Eliara opened her arms for me and I went over and accepted the hug.

"You okay, pumpkin?"

"I will be, in about a year or so. Give or take." Eliara rubbed my back to comfort me before we pulled apart. She smiled at me then we both went out to the car then got in to be driven to the airport where we boarded the plane and flew back home.