Chapter 7. Small World I

I struggled to calm the tumultuous emotions swirling within me, feeling like a storm was about to engulf me. Yet, I couldn't help but steal a glance at my son, who was blissfully playing with building blocks. My heart suddenly brimmed with love and tenderness at the sight of him.

After losing everything, Austin had become my reason to keep going. Nothing in this world was more precious to me than him. I was aware that my thoughts could be irrational at times, but I couldn't help being frightened for him. The fear of Zander discovering Austin's existence and the potential consequences consumed me.

Suddenly, my breaths became shallow, and panic threatened to overtake me. I struggled to keep it together and reached for a glass of cold water, attempting to regain control. Sitting down, I closed my eyes, trying to focus on the good memories to calm myself.

Gradually, my breathing steadied, and my heart resumed its normal rhythm. I glanced at the time and realized I was running late for my appointment with the bank manager. Panic resurfaced momentarily before I forced myself to take a deep breath and gather my belongings. I needed to head out quickly.

"Uncle, would you mind looking after Austin for a while? I have an appointment with the bank manager regarding my education loan," I pleaded with my uncle, hoping he'd agree.

"Selena, don't worry about Austin. I'm not too old to take care of my only grandchild. He enjoys spending time with me. Right, Austin?!" Uncle assured me, turning to my diligent son.

"Yes, Grandpa!" Austin replied with a bright smile.

I walked up to Austin and gently kissed his forehead.

“Be good to Grandpa, alright? I'll be back before you know it,” I whispered softly.

"Okay, Mom!" Austin nodded, his innocent eyes meeting mine, giving me the strength to face the challenges that lay ahead..

My uncle had been an unwavering pillar of support throughout this challenging journey. Without him, raising Austin alone would have been an insurmountable task. I could always count on him to take care of Austin when I had to be at work, which eased my worries.

Due to financial constraints, I relied on public transport and took the bus to the bank. As I arrived, I waited patiently until the bank manager was available to see me. His apologetic expression triggered a sense of foreboding in me as if something unpleasant was about to unfold.

He carefully examined my loan application and documents, and then he delivered the crushing blow. "Miss Selena, we regret to inform you that we cannot grant you an education loan at this time," he said gently, his eyes conveying empathy.

"Please, sir, you have to help me. I desperately need this loan and promise to repay it on time," I pleaded, my voice quivering with anxiety.

"I'm sorry, but this isn't within my control. You don't have a stable job or any collateral to offer as security. I'm afraid I can’t help you," he replied, turning back to his computer and immersing himself in work.

That was exactly what I had feared. My heart sank as the harsh reality set in.

“Thank you for your valuable time,” I murmured before rising and leaving his office. At least he had been polite and considerate in our conversation.

Determined not to give up, I applied to other banks, but faced rejection at every turn. No one was willing to grant me an educational loan. My future now seemed uncertain and bleak.

____________________

I returned home with weary feet and a heart heavy with disappointment. Countless thoughts and considerations swirled in my mind, the pros and cons of my next steps consuming my every waking moment.

As I stepped into the calm and soothing atmosphere of the house, I took a deep breath to steady myself before gently closing the door behind me. Austin and Uncle were engrossed in watching TV, and I managed to muster a smile as I passed them. Making my way to the window, my favorite spot, I found solace in its comforting presence. Dragging my beloved bean bag near the window, I slumped down onto it, seeking a moment of respite. Closing my eyes, I focused on the peaceful chirping of birds returning to their nests, allowing the sounds to bring me relief and calm amidst the chaos in my mind.

"Selena!"

Uncle's voice snapped me out of my moment of tranquility, and I opened my eyes to find him standing before me. His gaze bore into me, seemingly reading the emotions etched on my face. Feeling self-conscious, I looked away.

"So you didn't get the loan, right?!" he deduced.

With a heavy sigh, I rubbed my forehead, confirming his observation.

I nodded, relaying the details of my loan application rejection. Uncle's agitation was palpable as he pressed me for my decision.

"What are you going to do now?" he asked frantically. "I still believe accepting that deal is the best option, Selena," he suggested.

Shaking my head, I took a deep breath.

"No, Uncle. I have another option in mind. I've worked hard for the Moonglow pack for a year and didn't even take my Luna fund. Perhaps the Moon Goddess herself has shown me this path, and I need to go there to claim what is rightfully mine," I said through gritted teeth, the pain and anger from the past still burning within me whenever I thought about that pack and its cruel ruler.

"What?! Have you lost your mind? You didn’t want to go there to take revenge before, and now you’re risking our lives by showing up? You know that monster Zander Blake won’t show any mercy if he finds out what you’ve taken from him," Uncle warned.

I turned to face him and frowned. “Trust me, I won’t let anything happen to you or Austin. But I have to do this. It’s the only option I have now,” I said, having thought it over carefully. Honestly, I had no other choice.

"I have a better idea," Uncle smirked darkly, and his smile unsettled me this time.

Curiosity and suspicion tinged my voice as I asked, "What is it, Uncle?"

“If you truly want to make that cruel Alpha King suffer,” he proposed confidently, “you have his blood, his heir—Austin. You know how desperately he wanted a son. I’m telling you, we could make him fall to his knees,” he sneered, a vengeful glint in his eyes. I scowled at the suggestion.

"No! Don't ever think about doing it, Uncle. I am warning you," I roared furiously, my protective instincts kicking in. "Zander should never know about Austin. He is my son, and I am never going to use him in this dirty war between him and me. This is my battle and my revenge. So I will do it my way. I don't need anyone's help," I snapped, glaring at him with determination.