Fate Or Mates のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 31 - チャプター 40

ANGELA’S POVThe kitchen felt too quiet when it was finally time to say goodbye. My suitcase was already by the door, and the smell of breakfast still lingered in the air, but my chest felt heavy.Uncle George was the first to pull me into a hug, his arms firm and grounding. “You’re always welcome here, Angela. Don’t forget that.”I smiled up at him, my throat tightening. “Thank you, Uncle George. For everything. I mean it.”His wife, Aunt Laila, hugged me next, softer and warmer. “Safe travels, sweetheart. Call me when you get home, alright? And don’t let your mom fuss you too much.”That made me laugh, even though my eyes stung a little. “I promise.”Then came the kids. Drew ruffled my hair like I was ten years old. “Don’t be a stranger, Angie. We expect you back soon.”“Yeah, with snacks this time,” Leo added, grinning. “None of that cheap stuff either. Bring something good.”I rolled my eyes, swatting at him. “Noted. I’ll bring the good snacks.”Rainey was trying not to cry when s

ANGELA’S POVKimberly leaned forward on the couch like she was settling in for gossip, her smile a little too bright. “So,” she said, twirling a lock of hair as if she was not even thinking about it, “your big day is coming up. Eighteen. That’s huge. Have you thought about what you’re gonna do for your birthday?”The words landed with a strange jolt, almost like an echo. I had sat in this exact spot before. Heard that same eager tone. Back then I had been so stupidly excited to turn eighteen that I had not seen the trap hidden behind her sweetness. My parents had thrown a party that felt like something out of a dream, with glittering lights, a live band, and tables piled with food. Half the pack had been there.And for a few hours, I thought it was the best night of my life.Until it wasn’t.I can still picture it, so clearly it makes my throat tighten. The dress, soft silk with every bead sewn by hand, chosen carefully by my mother and me, was gone before I even stepped into it. Burn

ANGELA’S POVAfter a while, my father leaned back in his chair, folding his arms with that look he always got when he thought he was being wise. “Good. You know I only want what’s best for you, Angela. Julius has proven himself loyal and steady. He has always cared for you. Besides, you need to think of your future in this pack.”I swallowed hard. Cared for me? That word twisted in my stomach like poison. I forced a smile that did not quite reach my eyes. “I know, Father. You don’t have to worry.”My mother glanced between us, sensing the tension thickening the air. “Let’s not talk about heavy things now,” she said softly, her voice like a peace offering. “It’s her birthday soon. Let’s just focus on her upcoming celebration.”But the moment was already ruined. My appetite disappeared like smoke. I pushed food around my plate, pretending to eat until dinner was finally over.When the dishes were cleared, I excused myself and went upstairs. The second my door clicked shut, I leaned agai

ANGELA’S POVThe second I stepped out of Kimberly’s house, the air felt different. Cooler. Quieter. I let out a long breath, slow and shaky, and realized I had been holding it the whole time. The smile I had forced for her faded quickly. My cheeks even ached from keeping it up so long. But there was a kind of peace in it too, walking away knowing I had started something. The first seed, buried neatly beneath that polite little visit.I got into my car, tossed my purse onto the seat beside me, and started the engine. The sound filled the small space, soft but steady. When I checked the mirror, I caught a bit of movement through her window. Kimberly, pacing maybe. Or just standing there, confused. Trying to figure out what had just happened. The image almost made me laugh.She really thought I had come to make peace.The weather had turned. A while ago the sky had been all sunlight and blue, but now the wind had picked up, clouds rolling in like they had been waiting for something. I cr

ANGELA’S POVThe moment I stepped inside the pack house, something in the air hit me. A strange mix of memory and ache. The scent was the same as before, lavender oil and polished wood, faint but stubborn.Servants moved quietly through the hall, heads lowered, shoes soft against the marble. I caught myself smiling a little. Everything looked untouched, yet it all felt off. Maybe because I wasn’t the same woman walking through those doors anymore.“Angela, my dear!”Her voice reached me before she did. Luna Mira, moving toward me in a silk gown that shimmered when the light caught it. Arms open wide, face glowing with delight as if I were someone she had truly missed.“Luna Mira,” I said, dipping my head before she took my hands.“You look radiant,” she said with that warm tone she used so easily. “Oh, how I’ve missed that sweet face of yours.”“Thank you, Luna. It’s good to see you too.”She waved off the formality, laughing softly. “None of that. Come, sit with me.”We walked throug