Getting away with the Alpha's Pup

Chapter 69

Cherry

I sat on the cozy sofa at my father's after coming back fom hospital, feeling strange emotions as Bert and Karson settled in beside me.

“You are probably sick of hearing this question over and over again, but I must ask. How are you feeling, Cherry?” Karson looked much concerned

“I am not okay, obviously, but thank you and sorry that you were dragged into this mess.”

“It's okay. None of what had happened was your fault. I told you already. I am right here, whenever you need me.” Karson offered a warm smile.

“I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't shown up,” I stuttered, tears welling up in my eyes.

“We care about you, Cherry.” Bert patted my shoulder gently.

“You have us.” Bert's words hanged heavy in the air.

“Cherry, I think we need to reconsider our plans,” he continued, his voice filled with worry, “it's not safe for you to stay in the Starsmoon Pack, especially with what happened tonight. Maybe it's best you quit the design competition and leave as soon as possible.”

“What? But I can't just leave. I have a responsibility here. And Fern needs to go to school here. It would be a major change if we transfer her once again.”

“No. I mean you. You need to leave all by yourself.”

“But Bert...” I replied, my voice trembling, “I can't just leave Fern. I can't bear the thought of being away from her. She's my world.”

“I understand that, Cherry, I really do. But I'm just worried about your safety, and Fern's, too. We can find a safe place for you, and Maisy and I will make sure Fern is well looked after. It's just until things settle down here.” Bert sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

“I appreciate that a lot, Bert,” I said, my voice shaky, “but I can't leave Fern. I won't. We'll find a way to make things work here. I'll take extra precautions, be more careful.”

Bert's expression softened, and he reached out to hold my hand.

“Cherry, I just want the best for you and Fern. But if you're determined to stay, I'll do everything I can to support you. We'll figure this out together.”

With Bert and Karson both being around, I decided to change the topic and talk about the competition.

“Bert,” I began, my voice quivering slightly, “I think I've already got the inspiration for my design entry. I wish to awaken Dylan's memories with this design.”

“Cherry, are you sure about this? It could be dangerous. We don't know how he'll react.”

“I know it's risky, but it's a risk I'm willing to take. I can't let fear control my life forever. Besides, this might be the only key to waking him up.”

Bert sighed, his worry evident, but he didn't argue further.

“Cherry, just promise me you'll be vigilant and cautious. Don't take any unnecessary risks.”

I smiled gratefully at Bert, feeling a rush of relief that he was supporting me and my decision.

“I promise, Bert. I'll be careful. I won't let anything happen to myself or Fern,” I promised.

“Cherry, I sent someone to look into Chelsea and did dig something out.” Bert hesitated before telling me this news.

“What did you find out about her?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

“It's confirmed that Chelsea is the daughter of the Alpha of White Moon pack.” Bert leaned forward.

"I then inquired further,” Bert continued, “and found out that she wasn't born into the pack. She was adopted because the Alpha and Luna couldn't have children of their own.”

“So, she's not a biological member of the White Moon Pack?”

Bert shook his head.

“No, she's not. It appears that Chelsea had a much more complicated background than we first thought. I'll speak with White Moon pack's Gamma to dig deeper.”

“What do we do now?” I asked, my voice filled with uncertainty.

“I'm not sure, Cherry. We need to be extra cautious before figuring out her real intentions.”

As we contemplated the new information, I couldn't help but wonder how Chelsea's past might be connected to Dylan.

I knew that we were getting closer to the truth, even if it remained shrouded in uncertainty.

“Bert,” I said, my voice trembling, “Could Chelsea really be Lucy, the one who was expelled from our pack?”

“Don't worry, Cherry. We'll figure it out soon. Now, go to have a good sleep. We'll go and pick Chris and Heather up at the airport early tomorrow morning.”

***********

“Hi, did you have a good vacation?” I reached out and hugged Heather.

“We certainly did! Thank you, Cherry, for arranging this for Chris and me. Is everything going on well with the pack? Why isn't Dylan coming with you?”

Exchanging a glance with Bert, I mustered the courage and spoke up.

“I'm afraid I have bad news for you. Dylan…lost his memory. He doesn't remember anything about us being together.”

The eyes of Chris and Heather widened in surprise.

“Lost his memory? How did that happen?”

“It's the wolfsbane from last war. Dylan got it as well. I-It…poisoned him, his mind suffered the most. He ran away from the hospital, and then he returned not long ago, with a she-wolf named Chelsea." I couldn't help but sob.

“Oh, dear. You must have a difficult time. I'm sorry that you have to handle all this by yourself.” Heather sighed, her hand trembling slightly as she reached for Chris' hand.

Taking Heather's hand, Chris came over and patted on my shoulders, his expression softening.

“Cherry my kid, this must be tough for you. Nuu-Chah set you and Dylan as fated mates, she will surely help you through this. Don't worry, we'll talk to Dylan after getting home.”

Heather nodded in agreement.