72

ARTEMISIA

Brushing past me, Emma jetted out of bed and darted into the bathroom.

I wrinkled my nose as the stench of barf filled the air. The urge to barf as well infiltrated my mind and I shoved the thoughts down as well as took in two huge gulps of air.

I couldn't recall the last time I threw up. I was glad the baby in me was at least treating me in a better way than the father.

Sin had become distant again after the initiation ceremony. He had returned to his beastly self and this time he didn't hesitate to lash out at me.

It seemed my coming out as a witch made him more furious with me.

I could see the hate in his eyes each time he stared at me.

Although he had said he didn't hate me and it wasn't his doing, I couldn't help but think it was.

I was certain if he fought it, he would become victorious.

Rather he let himself be tossed about and used as a pawn.

Most times, like now, I visit Julie so as to stay in their room when Sin was around and leave for mine as soon as I noticed he left.

I didn't want to be the one at the receiving end like before. And I didn't think I would be able to protect myself from any attack of his this time too since he seemed more brutal.

Moreover, he had told me to move out of his way. He didn't want to hurt me like usual, but he couldn't help himself.

It hurt me to see him in pain. It hurt me to see him that way and I could barely do anything.

I thought discovering my power was only what was needed to go search for the moon. But I learnt it was far more than that.

Yes, the moon had been discovered. It was with one of the Goddess Artemis' enemies and a powerful one at that.

I don't think a bunch of werewolves could attack a gigantic hunter, who was the perpetrator of the reason the moon disappeared- so, I was told- without a proper plan.

It would be the most insane thing ever if it happened and a death wish as well.

I was glad no one had made any move yet and we were rational enough not to have.

Even as some of the werewolves got worse, like Sin- they couldn't shift, it was becoming a menace and some were super thirsty for blood- it was better than having a lot of casualties or the whole races of werewolf dead as it didn't affect the Blue Moon pack only.

The door to the bathroom door shut, jarring me out of my thoughts.

I glanced at Emma who groaned, holding her belly.

"What's wrong?" I asked before I could stop myself.

I bit my bottom lips whilst waiting for her nasty retort, but I got none.

She laid down on the bed and her eyes went to the ceiling.

"Emma, what is wr…"

"As if you care!" She snapped and I flinched.

I shook my head and murmured, "You should know I care enough to ask and you are my little sister. I am responsible for whatever happened to you here."

"That is so nice of you, sister dearest." Emma grinned then rolled her eyes. She twisted her lips and snorted.

"You are so nasty, Emma. Artemisia is being nice and wants to know about your wellbeing. If you can't at least tell me that I have been asking you since it began, she is your family for Chrissake!"

Julie glared at Emma who tsked. She scoffed and sat up on the bed but her hand still on her stomach, "You should know I never involved her in anything. She shouldn't ask about my well-being. She never cared about me. She is selfish and cares about herself alone!"

Flushed, Artemisia balled her fists. "That is not true. I have always been on the lookout for you."

"Don't anymore. I don't need a babysitter and you aren't even big enough to take care of yourself, thoughtless of me. Again, don't think because you are a witch now, you can say whatever you desire to me. You can't control me, Artemisia."

Emma was nasty. I hadn't forgotten that. I was expecting everything and even her nastiness. But it hurts each time.

I didn't know why she was being judgemental. I didn't think I had done anything mean to her.

She accused me of taking Sin from her whereas she was the reason I was with him in the first place.

I was saving her stupid ass and my parents' freaking face by being in an unwanted marriage.

I did it all because of her. But she was ungrateful. She had never thanked me or made me feel good about it.

And I believed I have had enough.

Abruptly, I stood from where I sat and stalked towards her.

I yanked her out of the bed, ignoring her shriek and pinned her against the wall.

Fury erupted within me and I felt my body simmering like I was in a boiler room.

I glared at her and gritted my teeth.

"Let me go, witch!" Emma shrieked. Her hands clasped mine which was on the blouse she wore.

"Artemisia," Julie murmured, yanking me. Emma dropped down and I breathed out.

"I don't want to say anything to you. How hard is that to understand?! I have said this before and I am saying it again, ask your stupid husband if you wish to know what is going on with me!"

"What do you mean she should ask her husband?!"

Julie asked, beating me to it. I didn't know what was going on but it seemed Julie did.

The shock on her face was evident and couldn't be ignored. I felt she was about to slap the shit out of Emma as she moved towards her but I gripped her hand.

"It's fine. I shouldn't force her into saying what she doesn't want. And I am sorry for acting that way." I murmured, facing Emma who glared at me.

"Apology not accepted. Were you about to kill me, Artemisia? Tell me!" She yelled into my face. "Is it because of a man? Someone who isn't worth it! You want to kill your only sister. Oh goodness, how did mother freaking raise you?!"

"Enough Emma, one more word from you, and I will do the honour of putting you where you belong," Julie yelled, making me flinch.

"Now tell me, Emma, is he responsible for it? I don't like running around in circles here and I want the truth from you."

"I don't understand what is going on," I mumbled. "What has Sin got to do with her nasty mood?"

"Everything and you might need to brace yourself for this announcement. Well, I don't care if you brace yourself or not, I believe it's high time you knew, rather than running in circles…" Emma grinned.

Artemisia gripped the swivel chair. Although she didn't know what was going on, she felt what Emma was about to say wouldn't be good.

"I am pregnant Artemisia and congratulations to your husband for fathering another baby." Emma flashed a smile at the startled look on Artemisia's face.