My Alpha Mate's Christmas Gift novel Chapter 60

　　Rita smiled as she ventured to help Melissa up from the snow while Roxanne supported Linda. Treating them with her usually warm smile, Rita followed them behind Dax.

　　“It's a pleasure to meet members of Roxanne's family. My name is Rita. I’m Roxanne's….” She stopped halfway unsure of how to describe herself to Roxanne's family.

　　“Friend. She’s my friend!” Roxanne smiled as she looked at Rita in a bright and appreciative manner.

　　Rita was happy to hear Roxanne say so that her smile brightened up even more as she giggled.

　　Linda and Melissa were surprised to see the reaction exhibited by both Rita and Dax. Considering their harsh treatment after infiltrating the pack and Asher's exchange with them, they feared that they had entered an unforgiving and brutal place. But, with both Rita and Dax behaving so cordially with them, their initial disposition began to change.

　　After some minutes, they arrived at Rita and Dax's home. They were welcomed warmly and offered seats. Throughout the entire welcome, Melissa and Linda looked around them in wonder, impressed by the ambiance of the place. This made Rita brighten up even more.

　　“She must really take pride in the state of her house” Roxanne smiled to herself.

　　After they all had their seats, Dax seating opposite them and Rita standing up beside him, they began their meeting.

　　“Once again I welcome you to our pack. My name is Dax, and I am the Beta of the Rockwood pack. Beside me is Rita, my mate and the Beta Female of our pack. I am sure you are already familiar with our Alpha, he had to excuse himself and left me to deal with your business.” Dad started calmly.

　　“Thank you… Dax. I am Linda and this is my daughter Melissa. You already know my granddaughter, Roxanne. As for our business here… I am certain you are already well aware.” Linda replied, treading carefully with her words.

　　Dax smiled as he shook his head.

　　“I understand the situation perfectly. You wish to retrieve your daughter, yes? But, I am sorry to disappoint you… I can’t allow that.”Dax replied.

　　Upon hearing this, Roxanne, who sat beside her parents, rose up with anger.

　　“What the hell are you talking about?! Even my family is here to take me and you still won’t let me go!” Roxanne bellowed.

　　Dax looked at her with his stoic expression, but from his eyes she could tell that he was dead serious. She pursed her lips and forced herself to keep quiet, returning to her seat.

　　She looked at her mother and grandmother, expecting them to protest or refuse, but they both kept quiet and remained in a state of deep thought and reasoning. Suddenly, it struck her… How did her parents manage to find her? They seemed too calm upon encountering such a settlement in the middle of the woods and they also easily flowed in a conversation with Dax… Almost as if they were...

　　“Roxanne has been chosen as the mate for our Alpha, Asher. I have no power to grant her release, only he can. Considering the circumstances, that is less than likely. Besides, you both must be aware of the implications that brings.” Dax said, narrowing his brows as he addressed them.

　　Roxanne watched the two older women and wanted for their answers. She began to grow suspicious of them, realising that they knew the meaning of what Dax was talking about.

　　“We understand… As his mate, she is meant to be bound to him. But, Roxanne doesn’t know anything yet. She is still only a child, she doesn’t know what is expected of her, or her heritage.” Linda said.

　　“Please understand…” Melissa added.

　　Dax sighed.

　　“I apologise if I may come off as presumptuous, but your daughter is hardly a child. Even in the short while she has spent here, it is clear that she was meant for this. You have sheltered her too long from the truth and have caused her ignorance about the things she ought to be aware of” Dax said.

　　Roxanne wasn’t sure where the conversation was leading to, but she had a pretty bad feeling. Heritage? What was expected of her? What were they talking about?

　　“I-I know… It is all my fault. I had hoped to set things right, but this had to happen… Roxanne is not yet ripe for ‘Bonding'… She is yet to ‘Awaken’.” Melissa revealed.

　　“I guessed as much. But that doesn’t matter. She may not look it, but my wife Rita is an excellent Instructor. She will be able to properly guide Roxanne. Our pack is very safe and secure, you can attest to that no doubt, and our Alpha is the most powerful in the Region. I can assure you of your daughter’s safety and wellbeing, if nothing else” Dax started.

　　“Alright! This is bullshit! What the hell are you people talking about! I’ve been sitting right here, and I’ve heard this nonsense long enough! Mom, Grandma, let’s get out of here!” Roxanne rose in anger.

　　Melissa and Linda did not share her energy as they merely looked at her with a sad smile.

　　“Mom… Grandma… What is going on here?” Roxanne asked.

　　“You should tell her now…” Rita said to Roxanne's mom, who looked unsure of what to do.

　　Melissa looked at Linda, and she nodded as well. This made Melissa nod in agreement and stood up. She placed her hands on Roxanne's shoulder and locked eyes with her. She took a deep breath and finally uttered the words she had kept bottled up since Roxanne was born… Words that were bound to shatter Roxanne's world as she knew it.

　　“Roxanne… You are a werewolf…”