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TP :AD 6

Anthony’s POV

Flashback

I found myself thrown into the chaos of my emotions that night when Brianna delivered that heart-wrenching news. Daisy, my second chance mate, had accepted another university's offer, leaving me shattered and sleepless in the dark of my lonely room.

The heaviness of that revelation settled in my chest, and I couldn't help but question the choices I had made. I had never intended to rush into things with Daisy. She was only seventeen, and more importantly, she was Brianna's best friend. This whole situation had disaster written all over it, and I had a sinking feeling in my gut.

Throughout the restless night, I replayed the events that had led me to this tangled web of emotions. The memory of that regrettable kiss haunted me. Why had I allowed myself to cross a line with Mia just to prevent Daisy from confessing her love for me? It was a reckless, thoughtless act, and I could feel the weight of my own foolishness pressing down on me.

"You are just a big fool, Anthony. Why in the world would you kiss someone who isn't our mate?" Ryder, my wolf, erupted with fury inside my head. His sharp words were like a knife through my already aching heart, and I clutched my head, feeling the beginnings of a splitting headache.

The pain, both physical and emotional, seemed unbearable. I had let my own insecurities and fears drive me to make decisions I would come to regret deeply. I wasn't proud of my actions, but the reality of the situation was undeniable. Daisy, the girl I had once thought was a minor and I shouldn’t be having any sexual activity with, has now slipped away from my hands due to my stupidity. Although the major reason why I did all this was because my wolf was always chanting in my head for me to mark and mate our mate but me, the human, I knew that was a barbaric thought to have over a minor. I was the adult here and I tried my best to do the right thing, although I actually messed everything up at the end.

As the night stretched into early morning, I couldn't escape the suffocating sense of guilt that weighed me down. I realized that I had been unfair to both Daisy and Brianna, and I had let my own confusion and misplaced emotions get the better of me, because of my misplaced priorities my daughter has lost her best friend and I have lost my mate.

At that moment, I vowed to rectify the situation. I had to be honest with Daisy about my feelings but the problem I’m facing now is where do I start searching for Daisy from?

It was time to untangle the web I had woven, even if it meant facing the consequences of my own reckless actions.

I had spent a restless night, my thoughts a tumultuous storm of emotions. The morning sun streamed through the windows, and I found myself wandering to the kitchen, my mind still clouded by the events of the previous day.

As I entered the kitchen, a familiar aroma filled the air. Bacon sizzled in the pan, and a generous stack of toasts lay waiting on the counter. I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the feast that Brianna was preparing. We werewolves were known for our hearty appetites, but this was a breakfast that could have easily fed a small army.

"Hmmm, Bri, are we having company?" I inquired, genuinely puzzled. I scratched my head out of habit, trying to clear the sleep from my mind.

Brianna turned from the stove, her expression a mix of surprise and amusement. "Dad, good morning. Firstly, can you put on a shirt?" Her eyes twinkled with affectionate exasperation.

I chuckled at her response. My daughter had always been a no-nonsense type, and she didn't hesitate to remind me of the simplest things, like wearing a shirt in the morning. "You haven't answered my question. Are we having company?"

She rolled her eyes, a gesture she had likely inherited from me. "Duh, Dad, Daisy is coming over as usual," she replied as if it should have been obvious.

"Oh," was the only word that escaped my lips. At least she was willing to come over, giving me a glimmer of hope that I might be able to explain myself and make amends. But just as I was beginning to feel a sense of relief, I saw Brianna's eyes welling up with tears.

"Baby, what's wrong?" I asked, my concern deepening as I reached out to touch her shoulder.

"Dad, I literally forgot that..." She paused, clearing her throat and taking a deep breath before continuing. "I forgot she has left town."

My heart sank as I watched her struggle with the realization. Daisy, the girl I had been longing to see, had left town without a word. My joy deflated, but in that moment, I knew my priority had to be comforting Brianna, my beloved daughter.

I pulled her into a tight hug, my heart aching for her. "Sorry, baby. Maybe you can call her once she calms down after a week. I don't think Daisy can go more than a week without talking to you," I offered, my voice soothing as I rubbed her back.

"You think so, Dad?" Brianna asked, her teary eyes searching my face for reassurance.

I met her gaze and nodded, my love for her overflowing. "Yes, and if that doesn't work, we can ask Mia about her whereabouts," I said giving her a tight hug.

She smiled weakly, grateful for the support. "Thanks, Dad."

I planted a kiss on her forehead, a silent promise that I would always be there for her. "Dad, put on a shirt, please, and go to the dining room. I'll dish your food," she said, trying to steer the conversation away from the emotional turmoil.

She pushed me playfully. "Dad, I'm a big girl now. You don't have to hug me like I have cancer or something."

I laughed, her humor providing a brief respite from the weight of our emotions. "You'll always be my little girl, no matter how old you get," I replied.

With that, I left Brianna in the kitchen and made my way to the dining room, aware that my shirtless state would undoubtedly irk her. But I'd rather she fuss over my wardrobe choices than be consumed by thoughts of Daisy and the heartache her sudden absence had brought.

As I expected, Brianna couldn't help but roll her eyes when she saw me shirtless. She launched into a playful lecture on the importance of proper eating habits and house rules. Her strong sense of responsibility had emerged after her mother's passing, and she now played a vital role in maintaining order in our home.

"Daddddd, I don't think I have to stress about it. I don't want to see my dad's bare chest just because he has a six-pack. Go get dressed," she scolded, affection lacing her tone as she dished up my breakfast.

In good humor, I couldn't resist playfully challenging her perspective. "I don't see why you have a problem with me, but I'm too hungry to stand. I need my strength," I retorted as I eagerly dug into my meal, savoring the flavors.

Brianna, with her ever-present spirit and a twinkle in her eye, never shied away from a spirited exchange. "I would definitely prefer a big-bellied dad, Moon Goddess. At least then he would cover up," she quipped, delivering her remark with a mix of humor and affection. It was times like these when she spoke as if she were the adult, and I, the child.

I could only laugh in response to her playful banter, fully aware that she was right, and that I had been caught shirtless in the act.

"Bri, I promise I'll do better next time. I know you haven't taught me to have bad table manners," I replied, a touch of jest in my tone as I tried to contain my laughter. Our interactions like this were a source of comfort, even in the midst of life's complexities.

"Arghhhhh, you are more composed when Daisy is around!" Brianna deadpanned. Her words came out of nowhere, and they hit me like a bolt of lightning. The mention of Daisy, my missing mate, was a constant reminder of the absence that weighed heavily on our lives. It was as if she had stirred the sleeping beast of emotions within me.

"Thanks, darling, for the food," I called out as I left the dining room a few minutes later, my meal finished. These moments of shared laughter and teasing with Brianna were precious, and they offered a welcome break from the worries that plagued my mind.

However, as I headed back to my room, my thoughts were inevitably drawn back to Daisy. Her departure had left a void that nothing could truly fill, and it was a pain I couldn't escape. Despite my best efforts to focus on the present, the allure of answers, the need to protect my family, and the complications of life continued to pull me in different directions.

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