~Three Weeks Later~

NALINA ROMIREZ

There was a chorus of applause as we all threw our hats in the air, the symbols of years of hard work now drifting freely. Graduation was finally over, and the air buzzed with excitement, laughter, and relief.

"We did it Lina", Avan said proudly.

A huge smile graced my lips. "Yes, we did."

I was proud of us. After everything we've been through, we finally completed our course at the academy. It was an awesome feeling.

"No more late night studying and difficult assignments," I said, throwing an arm around Avan's shoulder.

"And no more exams, that's the best part," he replied, and I nodded in agreement.

It's been three weeks- three weeks of everyone trying to piece their lives and minds back together. It took a while, but everything was somewhat back to normal.

"Do we have to go to the after party?"Avan asked as we made our way inside the academy. It was time to change so we could go home.

My brother was not the same anymore. The loss of his powers messed up his head. He was now shy and really emotional. The fact that the loss took all his dignity and courage was devastating. If I was there, then maybe it wouldn't have happened. But everything happens for a reason, even if we don't know what that reason is.

"We don't have to go, but it would be nice. I means it's the last time we get to see our peers and professors, "I replied calmly.

"I don't think I'm coming," he spoke softly while glancing at the floor.

I stopped him." If you're not going, then I'm not going either. We can just spend the night at the pack house."

"Thank you," he replied before pulling me in for a hug. He didn't want to join in on the excitement, and I knew why. But I wasn't going to have fun without him.

"Can I ask you something?"he asked as we stopped at our lockers.

"Of course, what is it?"I replied, my eyes never leaving his.

"Am I unlovable? I mean...Daija didn't want me. She didn't choose me. She chose her Alpha over me, her mate."

I stared at my brother for the longest, a stray tear escaping my eye. If I ever see Daija again, I will personally strangle her to death. She had broken Avan to the point where he had become so insecure. He was a totally different person.

"Daija did not deserve you. You were more than good enough for her, and she didn't see it. Instead, she was blinded by love for her stupid alpha. You'll find someone, Avan, someone who will love you unconditionally. You'll get your happiness one day, and I can guarantee that."

A huge smile sprung to his face. I knew my words made him feel much better.

"Thank you, sis. I don't know what I'd do without you," he said next and I smiled.

"You're welcome. Forget her. She's in the past. It's now time to focus on the present and the future."

"You're right. Let's get changed so we can go home", he said before opening his locker.

I just hope that one day he'll go back to his normal self. It will take some time, but I'll be by side every step of the way. I will always support and uplift him. He was my brother, after all, the only one I had.

We were in this together, straight to the end.

>

It was after seven in the night, and everyone was getting comfortable beside the bonfire. Since we chose not to attend the after party, Mykel decided to host a bonfire party at the pack house. It was just a casual night with music, food, and mini games for the kids.

I was currently sitting between Mykel's legs on the ground, his hands slowly massaging my baby bump. Jay was cuddled up on Dezin's lap as they stole kisses at each other. Avan was sitting by himself, munching down a plate of kebabs. Clyde was flat on his back, his eyes staring at the stars above. Jace, Flint, and Nyles were laughing and chatting while sipping their beers. Javai and Catherine were trying to outsmart each other with rock, paper, and scissors.

It was a wonderful and peaceful night.

I looked up at Mykel, his eyes met mine and a smile appeared on his lips.

"I love you," he said but before I could respond, he pecked my lips.

I pouted after he pulled away. He only laughed, his hands still massaging my baby bump. It's hard to believe that there are two babies inside. Two babies that may be hybrids. Two babies that had no idea of the world that awaits them.

"It's such a wonderful night," Dezin said as he glanced at the sky.

We all nod in agreement. For once in a long time we could relax. We could clear our minds and focus on the present. This won't last forever, so we had to make it count.

"Avan, are you okay?"Jay asked, his eyes wandering to Avan, who had suddenly stopped chewing. In the blink of an eye, he was bent over, throwing up on the ground.

"Avan!"

I rushed to his side and so did everyone else. My concern skyrocketed when I noticed that it wasn't food he was throwing up. It was blood. But not just any normal blood. It was black.

"We have to get him to the infirmary," Javai stepped in before picking up Avan.

"Oh god, what the hell is happening?"I cried out.

"Baby, relax, don't overthink it," Mykel tried to soothe me as well rushed alongside Javai.

We couldn't even get one night of peace!. Something bad always happens. When it's not one thing, it's the other. We were more than cursed.

"Hannah!"Mykel shouted as we entered the ER.

Hannah rushed to her feet, her hands adjusting the glasses on her face.

"What happened to him?"she asked as Javai laid Avan on the bed. His eyes were bloodshot, and his breathing was shallow.

"He just started throwing up," Mykel spoke up, his hands rubbing circular motions on my sides.

"From the looks of it, it's nothing too severe. He'll be fine. For now, I need to give him a sedative to calm his breathing."

I sighed in relief at Hannah's words. Avan will be alright. I turned and buried my face in Mykel's chest.

"It's ok baby, he'll be fine," he said before planting his lips on my forehead.

"L-Lina"

My head snapped to Avan, whose eyes were slowly closing down. I made my way over to him, taking his hand in mine.

"You'll be alright, "I told him, giving him a small smile.

I watched as his eyes shut down completely, his chest heaving up and down.

"Have you ever seen anything like this?", Dezin asked, his eyes focused on Hannah.

"Yes, I have actually. I'm just not sure if Avan's ready to hear it yet, "she replied, leaving everyone in confusion.

"What do you mean?"I asked, stepping forward.

I glanced around the room, noting how Clyde and Javai were slightly distant.

"Do you guys know what's wrong with him?", I asked looking at the both of them.

They both nodded and I threw my hands up in frustration.

"Are you guys gonna say it or not?", I asked, my voice rising slightly.

"When he wakes up tomorrow he'll be back to normal," Hannah said before taking a seat at her desk.

"You still haven't told me what happened to him," I stated, my eyes narrowing down on her. It wasn't meant to be threatening, just to show that I was serious.

She sighed. "Is he mated?."

The question caught me off-guard. I swallowed harshly, my hands falling at my sides.

"He was...or still is...it's complicated," I told her truthfully.

She took off her glasses. "The bond with his mate is breaking."

My mind went blank. I glanced around the room, everyone wearing different facial expressions.

"Keep in mind, that can mean two things. Either his mate is breaking the bond themself by the help of a witch, or they are no longer alive."

I opened my mouth to say something, but no words came out. I honestly didn't know how to feel. If Avan's bond with Daija is now broken, he can finally move on and heal. I have no idea how he will take the news when he wakes up.

"When he wakes up, he's going to need alot of emotional support. Always be there for him and make sure he doesn't go far on his own. Losing a mate bond isn't a nice feeling. It can lead to severe depression and even suicidal thoughts."

I was listening to every word Hannah said. She was more than right. I had to be ready when I break the news to Avan. But I know for sure that he will heal.

And I'll be at his side every step of the way.

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