Page 3 of Night with a Gamma (Golden Strings of Fate #2)

MOTHER KNOWS BEST…

Wren

The sun dips low in the sky, casting a warm hue over the glimmering leaves that line the path ahead.

I take a deep breath, inhaling the earthy scent of moss and wildflowers that blanket the forest floor.

Each step I take down the magically hidden path feels like a step into my own destiny, yet there’s a heavy weight on my shoulders, the kind that comes from knowing my mother’s expectations, her dreams for me that I don’t quite share.

As I walk, the whispers of the trees seem to echo my thoughts.

I can’t shake the feeling of dread that clings to me like a shadow.

My name is Wren Archer, and I’m a witch, the daughter of Agatha, the High Priestess of our coven.

The air hums with magic, and I can feel it thrumming through my veins — a sweet, intoxicating power that pulses in time with my heart.

But today, my heart is filled with something else entirely: hope.

Harrison Grey, my fated mate, waits for me back at the Waterton Pack.

I can’t help but smile at the thought of him.

Harrison is strong, fiercely loyal, and the Gamma of his pack.

There’s an undeniable connection between us, something that pulls at my very essence.

I long to know him better, to explore the bond that fate has woven between us.

I want to dive into the depths of our connection, to discover what it means to be with him, to truly be together.

The cottage, where my mother and I have lived for as long as I can remember, comes into view.

Its wooden beams are intertwined with ivy, and the smoke curling from the chimney beckons me home.

But as I approach, the warmth of the place is overshadowed by my mother’s stern gaze.

She stands at the door, arms crossed, a storm brewing in her deep sapphire eyes.

“Wren,” she says, her voice thick with concern. “We need to talk.”

I swallow hard, my heart sinking. I know exactly where this is going. “Mom, I?—”

“Not now,” she interrupts, stepping aside to let me in.

The familiar scent of lavender and sage envelops me as I cross the threshold, but the comfort of home feels distant.

“You’re not just a girl who can run off with her mate.

You have responsibilities, Wren. The coven is counting on you. I’m counting on you.”

“I’ll still be here,” I protest, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’m just going to stay with Harrison for a couple of weeks. I’ll come back and help out in the coven. I promise.”

Mom shakes her head, her expression hardening. “You don’t understand the weight of this. Your sister was supposed to take over, but she’s lost to darkness now. I can’t lose another daughter to a mate .” Her voice cracks slightly, revealing the fragility beneath her fierce exterior.

My heart aches at her words. Lenore, my older sister, was once the shining star of our coven.

But after her mate rejected her, she fell into despair, and with that despair came dark magic.

I can’t imagine the pain my mother felt watching her first daughter slip away, but I won’t be like Lenore. I refuse to be defined by heartbreak.

“Mom,” I say softly, stepping closer to her. “I’m not Lenore. I’m not going to let this break me. I want to live my life — I want to be happy. And Harrison… he makes me happy so far.”

My mother’s eyes soften for a moment, but then the steel returns. “You think this is easy for me? That I want to see you run off to some ‘smelly dog’ because you think you’ve found love? You have a duty to your coven, Wren. You need to prepare to lead.”

“I didn’t ask for this!” The words burst from my lips before I can stop them, a rush of frustration and fear. “I didn’t ask to take over the coven. That was supposed to be Lenore’s path, not mine! I just want a chance to be free — to love and to explore who I am outside of this place.”

She stares at me, and for a moment, I see the flicker of a deep sadness in her eyes, a pain that transcends the argument. I take a step closer, wrapping my arms around her in a tight hug.

“I’m not going anywhere forever, Mom,” I whisper, my voice muffled against her shoulder. “I’ll come back every few days. I promise. Just give me this time with Harrison.”

Mom sighs, her body relaxing against mine. “I just don’t want to lose you too, my little hatchling. You’re all I have left.”

As I pull back to look into her eyes, I see a mixture of love and fear. “You won’t lose me. I’ll always be your daughter, and I’ll always be here to support the coven. I just… I need to figure out who I am first and explore the bond I share with Harrison.”

Her expression softens, and I can see her resolve wavering. “You’ll come back and help out, won’t you?”

I nod, my heart swelling with a mix of relief and determination. “Of course, Mom. I promise.”

With a resigned sigh, my mother finally nods, a small smile creeping onto her lips. “Alright, but you must keep your promise. I want to see you back here every few days. No excuses. Also, you need to take Shadow with you because he won’t want to be away from you for long.”

“Deal,” I say, my spirits lifting as the tension between us eases. I can feel the weight of her expectations still lingering, but for now, I’ve carved out a small piece of freedom for myself.

As I head up the creaky stairs to pack my things, my excitement surges.

I can’t wait to spend time with Harrison, to learn more about him, and to explore what this bond truly means.

I toss clothes into my bag, the soft fabric brushing against my fingers like a gentle reminder of the life that awaits me.

Each item I pack feels like a step closer to a new adventure, a new chapter in my life. I can already picture Harrison’s smile when he sees me, the way his eyes light up in recognition. There’s a world waiting to be discovered, and I’m ready to embrace it.

The thought of the Waterton Pack and the wildness of their territory fills me with anticipation.

I can almost hear the distant howl of wolves echoing through the trees, a song that calls to my very soul.

I can’t wait to run with Harrison’s wolf, to feel the wind in my hair and the thrill of the hunt.

Once my bag is packed, I make my way back downstairs, where my mother waits in the living room, her expression a mix of apprehension and acceptance.

“Be careful, Wren,” she says softly as I reach for the door. “These are dangerous times, and your bond with Harrison… it’s powerful. Just remember who you are.”

“I will, Mom,” I assure her, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety. “I promise.”

As I step outside, the cool evening air wraps around me like a comforting embrace. I take one last look at the cottage, feeling a bittersweet tug at my heart. It’s my home, but it’s also a place filled with expectations that I’m not sure I can meet.

With one last breath, I turn away and stride down the path, the promise of adventure awaiting me. I can’t wait to see my mate, to discover the magic between us, and to finally carve my own path in a world that seems filled with obstacles.

As the trees whisper their secrets around me, I can feel the magic of fate pulling me closer to the life I’ve always dreamed of — a life filled with true love, freedom to be me , and a sense of belonging that I’ve longed for.

And as I venture deeper into the woods, the anticipation of what lies ahead fills my heart with hope.

The moon rises high in the sky, casting silver beams that dance across the forest floor, guiding me toward my fate.

I can feel it in my bones; this is just the beginning of a story that will unfold in ways I cannot yet imagine.

With every step, I embrace the unknown, ready to face whatever challenges await me with the fierce determination of a witch who is ready to claim her destiny.