Torn

Chapter 49/50 Combined ✓

Carter

I rush through my shower and quickly get dressed. The last thing I want was to be late to my own ceremony. When I open the door from the bathroom to the bedroom, both guys are already gone, and I sigh in relief.

I may have had a brave moment before when I walked into the bathroom, but my cheeks flush with heat at the thought of having to face them so quickly afterwards. They always exude such confidence in every manner of their lives, and it honestly is a bit intimidating.

I rush through the house to the dining room where I I'm to meet Serena. As I burst into the room apologies already flowing out of my mouth, Serena is already laughing.

"No need to apologize, my girl. We still have lots of time."

She comes around the dining room table and walks towards me, placing her hand softly on my shoulder. Once again, I'm fighting off the emotions at how motherly she is towards me. I really am grateful for how she's welcomed me with open arms.

"Let's get you fed, and then we will get going. We have a lot to do today!" She is practically bursting with excitement, and I can't help but shake my head as I let out a low chuckle.

As we sit and have our breakfast, my mind keeps running through all the information I have learned since I have become aware of who my childhood best friends really are. I look up from my plate of eggs and bacon to look at Serena as I contemplate everything that has happened over the past few months.

"Can I ask you something, Serena?"

She looks up at her plate and smiles softly. "Of course, my girl. Don't be afraid to talk to me."

"Why did you make the arrangement for Quinn and Xander?" I question her softly.

Her brows furrow and her eyes become distant and unfocused as she loses herself in thought. A sadness fills her eyes and I immediately regret bringing the topic up.

"You must understand, Carter. It was a different time then. Packs were constantly trying to take each other over. Always trying to win dominion of our world. Every day we were on constant alert. It was exhausting and not a life I wanted for my family." She shakes her head, and her eyes snap to mine, a fierceness taking over her features.

"You know about my gift. You have seen the effects it has on me that day in Quinn's room. Well, one afternoon, I was sitting out on the porch with Quinn. He was still just a pup, maybe four or five years old at the time when I was overcome with a vision." Tears flood her eyes and as much as I want to break eye contact, I'm bound.

"Smoke, flames, screaming, death. It was everywhere. That is what filled my mind. That is what was to become of my son and my pack. I saw that one day a wolf pack much stronger and more vicious than my own, would come to my land. They would slaughter my family and my people in the name of power. I couldn't lose him, Carter. I couldn't lose Quinn. I wouldn't allow that future to come forward."

Tears flow down her cheeks and I reach forward and grasp her hands in my own. I don't know what to say to her. I couldn't imagine the weight that she must have felt on her shoulders, bearing the gift that she does. I feel sick to my stomach that my question brought up such hurtful memories.

"My vision shifted, and I saw my son and his best friend Xander, from the neighboring pack become the most powerful pack in North America. The Alpha Ultima. Nothing could take them down and no other pack would be more protected. I knew that myself and Quinn's father needed to take action for this future. We chose our Beta's daughter as the mate of choice. She was of strong blood line and would bring us powerful grand pups. We got together and made the blood oath. I made sure that it was weighted it in my son and Xander's favor. No matter the outcome, they would be together, whether it was fair to the woman or not."