The Lycan King’s Second Chance Mate by Sumi

ASHANTI'S POV.

My heart feels like a war drum against my chest as I watch my mother approach me with a half smile that doesn't reach her ears. I suck in a breath at the sensation shooting up my arm. My head is spinning, my mind is working like a running treadmill as I try to search for options of places I can go to from here. I'm sure the entire werewolf world knows my face by now. If I have to leave this pack, I'll have to disguise myself in some way so people won't easily recognize me and send word to Alpha Reagan.

"Ashanti." Mother calls and a strange feeling in my gut comes to life. The weight of her stare presses against my chest like an anvil, making each inhale progressive more difficult.

"Mother..." I choke out, hoping she doesn't get offended that I keep addressing her as such. I cannot bring myself to address her by her name. I've never done that before and I never want to do it. She is my mother and no matter what, I love and cherish her. "Good morning." My voice is almost inaudible. The tight smile on her face relaxes much to my surprise.

"Good morning, Ashanti." She sits by my side, on the bed and I turn to face her. What baffles me the most is the smile on her face that never fades. It's a contrast to the look she had on yesterday when we were talking. Her smile feels warm and looks more genuine and her overall countenance is more welcome than that of yesterday.

what

and concern in her voice melts my heart like it were butter slapped on a hot frying

keep myself calm. My anxiety is hanging by a thread that's about to snap into two. My heart is doing backflips in my chest and my blood is swooshing in my veins like strong waves at a seashore. It's a miracle I'm not trembling

am not ready at all for the bad news she's about to throw at my face. I'm definitely going to burst into tears

agreement. Her face falls and she lets out a sad sigh. "Sheila's having a hard time adjusting

I can leave. I'm sure there

when she gently reaches out for my hands and envelopes them in hers. The warmth in my chest reroutes itself to a different area of my body A fluttering sensation in my stomach makes me anxious. I

seven hells is