The Alpha's Broken Mate (REWRITTEN AND UPDATED)

Chapter 23

I was even more perplexed by my dad's words.

"I should place my hand on top of the book?" I asked him.

"Yes. We need to unlock the book"

That was when realization dawned on me. It seems like they can't open the book.

"You can't open the book" I said "Can you?"

Ann and my dad glanced at each other briefly. They shared a look I didn't quite understand.

What's going on?

"No, I can't" my dad answered "The book can only be opened by you and your mother"

I was surprised to hear that. How come?

What kind of book is it?

"How come?" I asked him.

"Because you both come from an Ancient tribe with powers. You're the only ones who can unlock this book. I can't explain it too well either"

"We need you to place your full palm in top of it, sweetie" Ann said "It'll help us all to unlock something special"

I have never been this confused in my life. What they're saying doesn't make any sense to me.

"Something special?" I spoke "Like what?"

"Like a hidden treasure" my dad said "If you open it with your full palm, we'll be able to unlock a hidden treasure that your mom saved for you. We think it's high time you had it. It's your birth right"

"Yes" Ann added "We know we haven't been the best parents ever since your mom died. That's just our own way of grieving. We've been. So caught up in our problems that we forgot to acknowledge you. We're ready to give you what belongs to you now. You clearly deserve it"

"Yes" my dad said "Your mom has been keeping it for you all this time. She'd want you to have it. We have to do right by her"

"So all I have to do is place my hand on the book?" I asked.

"That would be a start" my dad said "There's a whole ritual that has to be done to help us unlock the treasure"

"A ritual? What is this? How come mom never told me about this?"

"She didn't want you to freak out about everything. She wanted to wait till you become of age before she explains everything to you. That's why she kept it hidden for a long time. She always kept the book out of your reach remember? She was just waiting for the right time. She was about to tell you everything but she died. It's my responsibility to continue where she stopped. You're a part of something very special. You should know that"

"We know how scary and complicated this all must seem" Ann said "We're trying to do what's best for you. By the time we're done with the ritual, everything will make sense, we promise. We just need you to cooperate with us"

I looked at the book. There are so many questions I have about it that I wish I could ask my mom.

It's certainly not an ordinary book since not everyone can open it. It looks pretty normal on the outside.

Could there really be a treasure waiting for me trapped inside these pages?

Could I really be a part of something special?

All my life, I've been told how worthless I am and how I'll never amount to anything.

I've been ignored. I've been insulted. I've been bullied.

It feels good to know I'm not as lame as everyone thinks I am. Maybe I really am unique.

Something deep in me told me to sleep on it. I didn't want to make any decision in a haste. I want to be careful about this.

"Why now?" I asked my dad "Why are you just telling me about this book now?"

"Like I said, i was waiting for the right time. Ann told me she caught you reading the book in our room. I knew it was only a matter of time before you start asking questions so when she told me how curious you were, I decided it was time to tell you. You're not a kid anymore. You deserve to have access to your birthright"

"What kind of treasure is it?"

"We're not sure yet but we do know it's a kind of inheritance for you. We need to unlock the book with the ritual to be able to find it"

I thought about it. What my dad said does make sense.

My mom always told me I was too young to know the true contents of the book. She always told me how special I was and that one day, I would find out.

Any time I ask questions about the book, she would always tell me that I'd understand better when I'm older.

It matches with everything my dad is saying now. It means my mom truly had everything planned for me.

"I'll sleep on it" I said "We'll talk about it more tomorrow"

Ann grinned at me "What's there to think about? Aren't you excited to find out what's in store for you? I don't think we should waste any more time on this"

"Let her sleep" my dad said "It's probably a lot to take in"

My dad is right about that. My head is starting to spin. Everything was happening too much all at once. I haven't had the time to process things.

I just want to go to my room, lie down and process every single thought of mine.

I have so many questions. The worst part is that I have nobody to ask. My mom is gone. This means I'll have to figure everything out myself.

When I unlock the book, maybe I could borrow it for a while.

Since my mom isn't around anymore, I guess I should be the one in possession of the book since I'm the only person who can open it right now.

Ann sighed "Okay. I understand"

"Take your time, Cathy" my dad said.

He hadn't called me that name more than three times ever since I was born. He always called my name in full.

It's only my mom that calls me by that nickname.

"Thanks for the meal. It was delicious" I said.

I took the dishes to the kitchen. After I finished washing them, I made my way to my room.

As soon as I flopped on my bed, I closed my eyes.

What the hell just happened downstairs?