The Alpha's Exchanged Mate
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 182

Edwina’s POV…

I turned my head, trying to adjust to the darkness around me, my head swirled, and it felt like I was in a whirlpool. Turning on my side, I could sense that it was almost morning. As soon as the memories of what had happened the other day swept me over, the tears fell like an opened dam.

It felt like a part of me had died. I shivered as the tears kept dropping on my pillow. All of a sudden, a pair of strong hands wrapped itself around me.

“Stop crying, Edwina. You would hurt yourself and the baby,” Xander cooed behind me.

I shifted in his arms, trying to figure out his sleeping stance. Looking back, his eyes were shut tightly. His talking about a baby surprised me. But then I remembered who he was talking about, Star.

Wiggling my way out of his grip, I dropped down from the bed, and I felt dizzy. Getting a grip on myself, I walked out of the room. My throat was so dry I almost thought my voice had seized. I decided to go to the kitchen first. The packhouse was still isolated, and everyone was still asleep.

And also, judging by yesterday’s occurrence, I doubted if anyone would want to do much this morning. I was beyond surprised when I got into the kitchen and saw Becca standing by one corner, muttering what sounded like a lullaby to Star with a feeding bottle in hand.

“Have we gotten ourselves a hungry baby?” I mused with tears lingering in my eyes.

Becca looked up at me; her eyes were carrying bags underneath them. She must have had a hard time sleeping. I know for certain I was induced to sleep because there was no way I would have found sleep under a natural circumstance.

“Good morning, Luna. How do you feel today?” She asked, sounding a bit on edge.

I tried to look like my usual self, but pretending to be happy didn’t seem to work this time around. It still seems like a movie to me. I am trying really hard to refrain from indulging in something crazy. My mistake was not pushing Xander to take extra measures to find my father when Sonia had claimed her life was being threatened by him.

But things had been a bit complicated then, and every one of us had thought Sonia was only doing those things to get our attention. Now, I regret not taking action when it was most needed.

“I will try to be okay,” I responded, taking Star from her hands.

My legs felt weak. I was glad when Becca quickly noticed and got me one of the kitchen chairs to sit.

“Did she let you sleep at all?”

Becca tried to smile a bit, “it was nice having someone to look after, but she didn’t disturb much with the bottle in place. I was more worried about you, knowing how much of a big blow this would be to you.”

I exhaled loudly, rocking Star gently when she stirred at my nose. “Truth be told, now that I am more rational-minded thinking about it, I feel guilty for not paying more attention to Sonia.”

She rolled her eyes at me, “I knew you would do this. How is any of this your fault? There was no way you would have known Sonia and your father had something against each other. This was bound to happen even if it is extremely painful.” Becca sniffed.

I tried to hold the tears threatening to fall back. Sonia had suffered just as much as I did. Hers was more of a silent type of suffering. She had endured the abuse from our father for as long as she could, and even when she became a full adult, Sonia was still not entirely free of our father’s torment.

I balled my hands in a fist as I thought more of it; there was no way I would let John Sinclair go scot-free. I don’t mind going to the deepest part of the world to fish him out. I cursed the day he conceived my sister and me into our mother. He isn’t and was never worthy of being called a father.

I didn’t stop the tears from falling this time around. Sometimes I wonder what we did to the moon goddess to deserve such a cruel fate.

Becca stood up, enveloping me in a hug alongside Star. I didn’t stop myself from wailing now. There was no way I would get over the fact that my sister got murdered by our own father. Especially at that moment, Sonia was trying her best to become a better person, not just for Star but for our little family.

“I am going to kill John myself, Becca,” I murmured to her.

She caressed my hair, “you have every right to do as you want. He doesn’t deserve to be spared.”

Star’s little cry made us go apart, “it’s okay, my baby. Mama is here.” I cooed, rocking her.

“Give her to me, Luna. You look like you would pass out any moment from now. I would make you a quick coffee.”

I didn’t get to protest, as Becca had turned around to make me a coffee. Placing the coffee on the kitchen island, she took Star from me.

I lifted the coffee to my mouth. She was right about me looking pale. I was also feeling some sort of weakness inside of me.

The coffee made me feel relaxed and revived. I wish I had some supernatural power and, most importantly, had a wolf. I would have shifted and tracked John’s wolf down.

“What would happen to star now?” Becca asked.

“I would have to take responsibility for her from now on,” I responded, shrugging. It wouldn’t be easy, but I had no choice.

Becca snapped her fingers as she looked down at it. “Do you mind if I adopt Star instead? Not necessarily adopt. You would, of course, have access to her. But then I would like to be her sole caretaker.”

I stared wide-eyed at her. There was no way I would have thought Becca would come up with such a suggestion.

“That’s such a relief, Becca. Thank you so much for your considerate thought. I really don’t mind. Thanks so much.”

Becca’s eyes shone with happy tears, “thanks so much for this opportunity, Luna. I promise to not take it for granted. I can’t wait to tell Caleb about this!” She clapped excitedly.

I tried to laugh, but it didn’t seem right. Feeling tired again, I stood up. “I would go find some rest again, Becca. See you soon.”

Kissing Star, I headed towards the stairs wondering why my legs felt so heavy and uncomfortable to walk.