Chapter 25
HAYLEY`S POV
With all the strength I had in me, I ran after Alessa. If anything happens to Aiden, I don’t think I will ever forgive myself. The thought of something happening to him almost made me break down while running. I was so scared. I was ready to make things right.
I watched as Alessa reduced her pace, like she had gotten to her destination, but there was no sign of Aiden anywhere.
Is this a joke? I thought to myself.
“Where is he?” I asked while turning around as Alessa came to a halt. There was no sign of Aiden anywhere. No rogue either. I was hyperventilating, and Alessa’s silence wasn’t helping at all.
“You said you saw him here; where is he?” I asked, but she was silent again.
“Answer me, Alessa.” I yelled. She then rolled her eyes and answered.
“I don’t know. He… he was here, I swear. I saw him lying here… I didn’t know what to do.”
“You saw Aiden lying here unconscious, and you left him? Does that even make any sense to you?” I yelled louder at her. Tears stung in my eyes and threatened to fall, but I wasn’t going to show any sign of weakness in front of Alessa. She wanted Aiden for herself, and I was sure she would do anything to get him.
“Excuse me, you didn’t want to go after him, and I did. What gives you the right to blame me?” She said, wiping the tears that rolled out of her eyes. It made me wonder if she truly cares about him.
“You work with Aunt Jada; how do you expect me to trust you?” I came face-to-face with her. She gave me a malicious glare as I stared right into her eyes, making it clear that I wasn’t frightened by her at all.
“I’ll find him, and he’ll be mine. You just watch and see.” With that, she dashed out of the bush. Feeling lonely and frustrated in the bush, I let my tears flow freely.
Maybe I was too hard on him. I should have given him a chance; I should have trusted him more. I was too harsh with him. I should have given him a listening ear, knowing that Alessa would always want him back.
I fell on my knees and wailed as the thought of Aiden being hurt consumed me.
But what if Alessa was lying? Could she be lying just to see me break down? She would do anything to separate Aiden and me; why do I have to believe anything that comes from her lying mouth?
I tried to shake off the feeling that Aiden was missing, but it was hard, knowing that we were not on good terms when he ran off.
I wiped my tears and walked back home with the hope that Alessa was lying and Aiden was at home waiting for me. But that was the opposite of what I met. By the time I got home, the house was empty and quiet. Mum had obviously gone out, and Dad was nowhere to be found; likewise, Aiden.
“Aiden? Aiden? Aiden, I’m sorry. Let’s fix this, please. Aiden?.” I called as I walked around the house, calling his name. I picked up my phone and dialed his number, but it didn’t go through. I decided to call Mona and Mina; it rang a few times before someone picked up
“Hales? Is Aiden fine?” Mina asked, and I bit my lip as it quivered.
“I… I don’t know. He… He wasn’t there. I can’t find him anywhere. What do I do now?” I asked with a shaky voice.
“You need to calm down, Hayley.” She said that and heaved a sigh.
“I can’t. I mean, I’m trying, but I can’t.”
“Okay, that’s fine. Just try to be calm; Mona and I will be with you in a short while.”
“Okay.” I ended the call, and just then mom came in.
“Hayley? Are you okay?” She asked, dropping her handbag on the couch nearby. I shook my head vehemently as I couldn’t find words.
“Say something, Hayley. Is it Alessa?” She asked, and I shook my head again.
“Hayley?”
“I think Aiden is missing.” I suddenly said that and began to pace back and forth.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
“What are you saying?” She said, taking a step back.
“I can’t find him. Alessa said he was lying in the bush unconscious, but when I got there, I couldn’t find him.”
“Don’t worry, when Alpha comes, we will ask him. He should have an idea.” Just then, there was a knock on the door, interrupting mom from finishing her statement.
The door burst open, revealing Mona and Mina. They both rushed to me and hugged me while Mom stood nearby watching us.
“Any news?” Mona asked with a sad face, and I shook my head.
“We’re waiting for dad to get back.” I replied, and they both nodded.
“Come on, have a seat.” Mom said, gesturing for them to sit down.
“Are you sure Aiden is missing Hayley?” Mom asked, and I was quiet. How do I give an answer to that?
We waited for almost an hour. There was no sign of Aiden or Dad. Mona and Mina called Aiden’s friends to ask if he was in school, but they said they’d not seen him since he left that morning.
I felt pressed, and I decided to excuse myself to the restroom. On my way out, I heard voices.
“Are you sure about that?” Mom asked.
“Of course, Rachel. Did something happen?” Dad asked, looking from mom to my friends.
“Dad?” I called. He turned to me.
“I’ve not seen him, Hayley.” He said, answering the question I had asked with my eyes. “We met in the woods earlier today, but then I left for a meeting, and I haven’t seen him since then.”
“Does Aunt Jada have a hand in this?” I asked no one in particular as it became clear that my mate was missing.