The Alpha's Rejected Silent Mate

Chapter 31

Winter POV

It’s my eighteenth birthday next week, which falls neatly into my plan. I doubt Damien even remembers, he’s not celebrated any of my birthdays before and it’s not like Johnathon’s going to know. All I have to do is hold on until then. Because then I can shift, I’ll finally have my wolf and that is the most important aspect of my plan.

I’m leaving this place. I have no ties to my home, except for Damien and I don’t want to be a burden to him. In my condition, unable to talk to him, I’m not much of a sister, or someone he can talk to. I also know that he’s planning

omeon

on getting a job to look after us both and while I would do the same, who would hire

and while I would do the same, who would hire someone who was mute? I’m not

stupid, it was easy enough to see the expression on the doctor and Damien’s face. My vocal chords have been

damaged beyond repair, it was only going to be more painful to have hope.

I can’t bear to go downstairs, see Damien because if I spend too much time with him in the next few days, then!

might change my mind. I’m in so much agony by my decision, that my chest hurts and it feels tight, tears welling up in the corner of my eyes. Would I hurt my brother for doing this? Or would he be relieved to no longer have me, a burden, to contend with? As for Johnathon? He confused me. It’s like he couldn’t bear to be too far from me, or maybe

it was guilt for rejecting me? I’d felt the mate bond sever, even if I hadn’t really made a big deal of it. So he should be moving on with his life, just like I want to move on from mine. I refuse to feel bad about it. He’ll find another mate, hell Jessica desperately wanted him and she always gets what she wants eventually. I’d be surprised if he refused her

advances a second time.

I can’t stay up here forever though, Damien’s already suspicious and so I force myself to come out of my room

and go downstairs where I can hear Damien on the phone, presumably to some friend of his. I’m about to walk forward and let him know I’m there when I hear his conversation and realize he’s talking about me. But to who?

“Yes sir, I really appreciate you taking the time to call. So you’re of the opinion that she won’t ever be able to talk

sounds frustrated but I jolt, realizing he’s talking to the

the day” Damien says exasperated and I flinch. He sounds so defeated, so broken

do? Winter needs to be able to talk, I don’t think you understand. I

if she can’t tell me anything or

tears flowing down my brothers cheeks. I’m absolutely

His concern is touching but he’s so afraid for me.

protect me

it” he whispers and he hangs his

own tears back. I was

though I was prepared for it. Damien hangs up

then make a huge noise as I walk into the kitchen, Damien springing back and hastily

his face.

pretend not to notice “I was

asks and I shrug. I don’t really care, it makes no difference to me. To his credit

| shake my head adamently. I’ve

“Chinese?”

shake of my head.

It’s been forever since we had Indian and I

sits at the dining table, motioning for me to sit

have to tell you something and it’s not

me but I don’t interrupt, waiting for him to speak and watching as

wrestles with his conscience.

looks

you were still upstairs” he whispers

themselves, they were too shredded in

but my body slumps anyway, He reaches over and takes my

and it’s killing me that he’s feeling so wretched over