Chapter 28-The Big Surprise

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Chapter 28-The Big Surprise

Sydney Carrington's POV

The face of my mother hadn't changed much. She looked older and more wrinkles lined her face than what I remembered.

I could feel my knees turning weak as I gazed at the figure that belonged to my mother through the kitchen window. There was no doubt that it could be her. I recognised her immediately. After all, I had been painting a portrait of her and my father recently.

She was wearing a black cloak and I didn't know I was practically screaming until a pair of strong muscular arms wrapped around me and pulled me away from the window.

I wasn't too sure what I had done but I was a hundred percent sure that I was in shock. It couldn't be real could it? Could my mother actually be alive all this time? All these years?

Instantly, the figure of my mother vanished from sight and I struggled against the arms holding me. "Let go! She's just there!" I shouted and struggled to look through the window for the sight of my mother.

"Sydney! Calm down!" Brendon gripped onto me tightly and finally my knees went weak and I would have collapsed onto the ground if he wasn't holding onto me.

"She's just there! Can't you see? Let go of me!" I pleaded and Brendon gently lifted me to sit on a chair. Immediately, I craned my neck for the figure of my mom but she was gone.

Brendon stood in front of me, eyes scanning all over me, searching for any injuries. "Sydney, are you alright? What's going on?" He demanded, his tone full of worry and concerned.

I ignored him and pushed him away before heading towards the window, hoping for another sight of the figure of my mom. All I could think of was my mother. I swallowed harshly, my eyes scanning through the darkness of the backyard looking for the black clothed figure.

"Who are you looking for? Sydney! Please tell me what's wrong." Brendon pulled me away from the window to face him. His grey eyes were full of concern and worry as he looked at me.

My lower lip trembled and I cast one last longing glance towards the window. "My mother. I saw her outside." I murmured, my voice shaky and looking down at my hands, they were trembling. It was only when I looked down did I realise that Brendon was only in his bath towel and that he was dripping wet from his shower.

"O-ooh." I stuttered at the sight and Brendon was frowning, his eyes peering out of the window. "Your mother? Hadn't she passed ten years ago?"

At that, I quickly averted my face and nodded shakily. "She did. In an accident along with my dad." My gaze went back to the window and my heart thundered. Could my mother really be alive? Or was I imagining things?

"Where did you see her?"

I looked up at him and pointed. "There. Right there, she was just standing there looking into the house." I pointed out and Brendon narrowed his eyes before looking at me. "Are you sure?"

I nodded my head jerkily and Brendon glanced out of the window before looking back at me. "Alright, if you say so."

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "You believe me?" Brendon nodded and gazed down at me tenderly. "Of course, stranger things have happened."

My jaw worked and Brendon bent to pick me up. "Careful, you dropped your mug." He lifted me up and carried me up to the room. I was thankful for that because I think I wouldn't be able to walk due to the shock I was in.

I held onto him tightly, my mind barely understanding what I had seen. If my mother was truly alive all these years, why hadn't she let my siblings and I know that she was alright?

Or what if I've imagined it all? What if she wasn't alive and it was just a figment of my imagination? Brendon set me on the bed and checked me over once again for any injuries. "You're in your bath towel." I pointed out and a wolfish grin crossed his face.

"Yes. Maybe next time you could join me."

I didn't say a thing but smiled at his words. Brendon turned around and headed back into the bathroom. A few moments later, Brendon came out in a grey sweatpants and a black tee that strained against his chest as he towelled his damp hair.

I could feel myself letting out a dreamy sigh at that sight as he headed towards me. "Are you alright?"

I looked up at him as he stood in front of me gazing at me with concern. I nodded my head and Brendon got onto the bed with me. "Why would you believe me?" I questioned curiously and Brendon studied me. "Don't you believe what you saw?"

I looked down at my lap as I sat cross-legged. "Actually, I have no idea. I mean, what if I was just imagining that I saw her? She can't be alive can she? She died. Ten years ago."

Brendon kept quiet and I continued. "And if she really was alive, why didn't she let my siblings and I know?" I finished and fiddled with my fingers. "Sydney. Look, I believe you. You are the most sensible and level headed person I've ever known. I highly doubt that you've imagined seeing your mother."

I pressed my lips together and sighed. "I don't even know what to think about this anymore and I certainly don't know what to say." Brendon sighed before switching off one of the lamps in the room.

"Whatever it is, we ought to sleep. It's late. And we'll deal with this tomorrow." He stated firmly and I nodded wordlessly before slipping under the covers and with Brendon's arms around me, I fell asleep.

***

"I'm sorry to say that your parents had been killed in a tragic accident." A pack guard entered the living room and I could see that Sarah started shaking her in head in denial. "No! They can't be!"

"We're very sorry." The guard repeated and left. Immediately, I crept out of my spot to see Sarah still staring at the closed door in shock.

"Sarah?" I called out, fear in my voice and the sight of Sarah turning around to look at me with tears in her eyes and sorrow made my lower lip tremble before I burst into tears and ran towards her.

I jerked awake and stared around the room in confusion. My heart was racing and I could feel that I was a little sweaty. I was tense and my mind was stuck on the dream that I had. It wasn't really a dream per se. It was more of a memory. And I hadn't dreamt of that memory for years.

I shut my eyes and willed myself to calm down. By my guess, I figured that it was about seven in the morning and I hastily got out of the bed to grab a cold shower. I was disoriented and my thoughts were in a jumbled mess.

I knew it was seeing the figure in the backyard last night that made this memory appear again. And now that I was more awake, it didn't feel particularly real. The likelihood of seeing my mother was most probably an imagination.

She had to be dead right?

Nevertheless, I quickly pulled on a light blue dress and exited the bathroom before rushing out to the backyard where I had seen the figure of my mother. It had to be an imagination!

Standing in the backyard, I looked around desperately trying to look for a sign-any sign that last night was real. And of course, it wasn't. There wasn't a single thing that proved my mother was alive and that what I had seen yesterday was all in my head.

I sighed, feeling somewhat disappointed and yet relieved before turning to leave the garden when I spotted a scrap of black material on the rose bushes.

With trembling hands, I reached out for it and gently plucked it off the thorns from the bush and studied it. Sniffing it, I recoiled and dropped the scrap of cloth.

There was no doubt that it belonged to my mother.

A hand landed on my shoulder and I jumped and let out a shriek. "Luna, it's just me." I turned around quickly to see Owen looking down at me in concern. "Oh, it's just you." I breathed out deeply, trying to calm down. This whole mother-back-from the-dead thing was getting me strung up.

"Is everything alright?" He asks and I shook my head before forcing on a fake smile. "Nothing. I'm fine. Just a little freaked out that's all."

Owen nodded before standing up. "Alright then, if you need anything, I'll go back to my post." I nodded and watched him walk off before sprinting back into the house with the scrap of cloth in my hand.

I wasn't imagining it after all. I had really seen my mom alive last night! She really was alive! Joy and relief burst through me as I headed to the bedroom. "Kingston! My mother! She's alive!" I announced and entered the bedroom to see Brendon buttoning a black buttoned down shirt.

"Why are you calling me Kingston? I thought you were calling me Brendon." He pointed out with a frown on his face.

I ignored his comment before staring up at him with wide eyes. "My mother is alive! I went to the yard and I got this piece of cloth. It was from her cloak that she wore. And it smells of her scent. Even though it's a little weak!" I spoke excitedly.

Brendon nodded his head, "That's good. Would you like me to send out men to look for her?"

I was about to nod when a thought cross my mind. "I-" I started before stopping abruptly. If my mother was really alive all these years, why hadn't she told me and my siblings that she was okay?

Hurt sliced through me and I froze. Seeing my wounded expression, a frown crossed Brendon's face as he turned towards me. "Sydney?" He prompted and my gaze flew to his.

"I was just wondering. If my mother was really alive all this time, why hadn't she contacted me or my siblings? Why did she leave us in that orphanage? Didn't she care for us?"

Suddenly, I didn't really want to find her anymore. Because I was afraid of what she could reveal. Or the knowledge that maybe she didn't care enough for her children.

"Sydney, I can sense where your thoughts are going. And you have to relax. Maybe your mother had an amnesia or something, after all, she was in a car accident. Or she could be protecting your siblings and you by staying away because like we had guessed, that accident was maybe not an accident."

At his words, I nodded my head. "You're right. I'm overthinking. Again." I rushed out and he pulled me into his arms. "Thank you." I mumbled out, my voice was muffled due to my face being pressed into his chest.

I closed my eyes, breathing in his delicious sexy scent as I enjoyed being in his embrace. "You don't have to worry. I'll be here for you. Every step of the way." He murmured in my ear and I nodded my head.

Pulling away, I tiptoe and pressed a chaste kiss on his lips. "I better get breakfast started." I mumbled and Brendon nodded reluctantly. "Alright. I'll get men to start searching for your mother and Kyle."

I sighed and together we headed down.

It was widely believed that Kyle had left the European pack after he had escaped. His accomplice who had gotten him out? We still weren't sure as to who was the traitor. But I guessed that the person must have left. However, Brendon and I were still wary about the impending future.

After his escape, I strongly believed that Kyle was not acting alone.

It was about seven in the evening when the doorbell rang and I stood up to answer it. Opening it, I beamed and Cara hugged me. "Hi Syd!"

"Hi! Come on in, dinner would be ready in about five minutes. Brendon is checking the oven so we can chat for a while. How's college?" I questioned curiously and Cara laughed before answering.

"It's alright. The humans can be a little annoying but it's normal. Adam is there too so it isn't too bad. Besides! I've missed you and Brendon so much!" Cara exclaimed before pushing her hair behind her ears.

Entering the kitchen, I stifled a laugh as Brendon frowned at the oven as he peered into it. Hearing us, he turned around and a happy smile cross his face. "Cara. How are you?" He asked formally and I frowned a little.

"Brendon. I'm fine. How are you? Now that you and Sydney are closer." She grinned cheekily and I could feel my cheeks turning red. Brendon rolled his eyes before handing her a stack of plates.

"Set the table." He ordered and Cara rolled her eyes with a smile on her face. I smiled at them before turning back to the salad bowl and placed it on the table. Hearing the doorbell ring again, I headed to it and opened the door leaving the Kingston siblings bantering with each other.

Immediately, I could feel all the blood in my face drain at the person standing in front of me.

"Hello. May I come in?"

I froze as I stared at her. "I-I-I-Mom?"

It was very different from seeing her from afar. But seeing her just in front of me, I could feel my jaw working for an answer. Her blonde hair was streaked with some gray hair and of course more wrinkles lined her face. But except for these changes, she looked almost the same from ten years ago.

"I heard you were looking for me." She said tonelessly.

I could only just gape at her. I was speechless and I could feel my eyes welling up from tears. The possibility of her not remembering my siblings and I was out of the window.

My mother gave me a tiny smile before questioning. "May I come in?"

I nodded my head shakily before widening the door and she entered. "I-how are you here?" I stammered, my voice was shaky as hell and seeing my mother, alive in front of me, I was stunned even though I knew it.

"Quick, are your siblings here?" She questions and I shook my head dumbly still staring at her.

"Sydney, who is at the door-" Cara questions before stopping abruptly as she caught sight of my mom. At Cara's reaction, Brendon stepped out of the kitchen and stood behind Cara, his blank expression not showing anything as he took in the sight.

"You look exactly like your father." My mother said quietly as she stared at Brendon accusingly and I could only gape at her.

Brendon didn't react like I thought he would, instead, he simply narrowed his eyes at her before straightening. "You must be Sydney's mother. Would you like to have dinner with us?"

At Brendon's words, my mother clutched onto my hand and I looked at her as she peered at me earnestly. "Sydney. Tell me, is he holding you against your will?"

I frowned at her words, "What?" Her hands grabbed me and she stared at me. "Did he or did he not force you to stay with him?" I shook my head. "No. Maybe at first yes, but now, no." I answered confused as hell.

What the bloody hell was going on? After not seeing my siblings and I for ten years, not a 'I miss you'? Not a hug, not a single sign of affection from her? My heart clenched at that and I pressed my lips into a thin line.

Her hand took hold of my wrist and she stared down in horror at my left. "Not the Blood Exchange!" My mother said horrified as she looked at me with pity in her blue eyes.

Up till now, Brendon was silent until this. He let out an annoyed growl and stalked towards us. Standing behind me, he stared down at my mother a little coldly. "Is there a problem?"

Shooting him a disapproving glance, I turned back to my mother and frowned. "Mom, how are you here? How are you alive?" Just staring at her, all I wanted to do was to hug her tightly and to tell her that I loved her. But the frosty and glacier exterior she had on prevented me from doing so.

My mother stared at Brendon with barely concealed disgust before looking at me. "I thought you were in trouble. You're with a Kingston after all ."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I questioned, not really liking her answer. My wolf was demanding for us to stick up for her mate. My mother stiffened before answering. "All the Kingstons are monsters! I thought you were in trouble and I came here for you."

I stiffened at that and glanced to look at both the Kingston siblings. I shook my head vigourously. "Where have you been mom? Why didn't you let us know that you were alive all those years? And Brendon is my mate and Cara is like a sister to me. I don't really appreciate you speaking ill about them even though you're my mother." I said calmly, trying not to get annoyed and I knew I was going to lose it.

My mother looked as if she had been slapped as she looked at me coldly. "You would say that now, but their father tried to kill your father and I. And he succeeded in killing your father!" My mother snapped and I paled.

"What?" I whispered, not sure if I heard her correctly. I could feel my eyes welling up with tears. Brendon was right, my parents' death was not an accident. It never was.

Cara spoke up awkwardly. "Why don't we talk about it in the living room?"

Now, after seeing my mother alive and well, I wasn't too sure I wanted to hear what she said. And she didn't seem to be the same woman I remembered from ten years ago. Straightening, I nodded before leaning into Brendon because I wasn't sure I could stand up for long. All I could feel was anger and sadness and hurt. So much of it.

He curled an arm around my waist before gently leading me into the living room. I could feel my mother's intense gaze on me but I ignored it. Once seated, I faced my mother who was seated opposite me.

"Explain. Please." I spoke and stared at my mom pleadingly.

***

A/N: Hello! Here is the next update! Really hoped that you liked it! It's just a filler for the plot to thicken ahah. But well, as you all know, my exams are starting this Friday and well my updating schedule is in chaos till 26 Feb. Updates would be irregular for TMS and TOK. I really apologise for that!

Secondly, I hope that you guys will love this chapter! Give it a vote and a comment please? Once again, thanks so much for reading! I love you all!