Mated - Chapter 174: Chapter 174

She wasn’t looking like the sweet June I was used to.
Was she actually acting strange?
Or was I overthinking things?
Kester returned to his room early this morning and hasn’t been out since then. I didn’t want to bother him right now. He mentioned handling something work-related. Perhaps that’s what he was doing right now.
My mum kept calling me nonstop. I had to answer it.
I’ve been angry at her. This would be the first time she’s ever tried calling since I arrived in Maldives. I called twice, but she never answered, and neither did she return my calls.
I let it go to voicemail twice before finally rolling my eyes and answering.
I flopped onto the bed, pressing the phone to my ear.
“You finally remembered you have a daughter, huh?” I said, making no effort to hide my disinterest.
“Darling!” she gasped dramatically, her voice dripping with warmth. “Don’t say that, baby. Mum has been so busy with pack matters.”
She sounded happier than I wanted her to be right now. Didn’t she feel the slightest ounce of guilt? Jeez.
I clenched my jaw, staring at the ceiling. “Why are you calling?” I asked, wishing she’d go straight to the point. I already knew this wasn’t just a ‘checking in’ call. Mom didn’t do those.
And judging by the bubbly lilt in her voice, she was too fake for this to be anything casual. There was certainly something more.
“Come on, darling,” she chided, brushing right past my coldness like it didn’t exist. “I called to see how you’re doing. Tell me, baby. Are you fine? How’s your vacation going? Made any new friends yet?”
There it was. That forced, syrupy sweetness.
My fingers tightened around the phone. I couldn’t help but notice how fake this was.
Mum was never interested in my personal life. Heck, she’s never even given me the usual lectures mothers give to their girl child to stay away from boys, else you’ll get pregnant.
I don’t think she even knew who my closest friends were.
Sometimes, I am thankful for Kester’s persistence in keeping me away from boys. He played the role of a father, a mother, a savior, and a protector to me while growing up.
Alpina Kadie had been doing a great job at parenting, too. And he’s been a good husband to my mother.
But Kester?
Kester wore the crown.
Mrs. Jorja Kade, I drawled, my voice thick with sarcasm. Since when have you become interested in my life? Well, if you must know, I’m doing perfectly fine. Thanks for caring to ask… this once.”
I knew my words landed because, for a moment, she went silent.
Then, like flipping a switch, she bounced back.
“I’m sorry, baby. One day, you’ll understand why things have been this way. It isn’t easy leading a pack,” she sighed dramatically, then added, “I am still Luna, at least… until Kester finally marries June.”
The statement slammed into me like a blow to the ribs, even though it was a truth I knew.
I think I’d feel better just knowing that someone was talking about it.
No, Kasmine. You have no right to be jealous… I kept repeating the mantra in my head. Kester wasn’t my mate. He was just a thrill.
I forced a scoff. “Tell me about it,” I muttered, rolling my eyes as if she could see me, my fingers tightening around the necklace on my neck. A gift from Kester I had grown fond of.
“Anyway, I called to share some news with you,” she brushed off the topic as if it wasn’t important. And yes, it’s never been important to her.
“It’s Korwilt. Shunt. Athia Latten is back in the country!” She sounded thrilled. Giddy, even.
I looked at the ceiling.
Okay… and?
I had heard her and Alpha Kade mention him a few times in passing.