Chapter 0239 I turn away, my eyes stinging as I stare out through the open window at the moon above Nothing can fix this…. They enter and Atticus leaves the door open a crack, murmuring something about the children being asleep. He sits on the floor beside the bed, stretching his legs out, but I […]
Chapter 0238 ZAIA. Please say this is a lie… His words through the phone echo in my mind, making everything else fade away. “Zaia!” Annette’s distant shout echoes in my mind as I fall to my knees, broken. Sebastian left me. Tears stream down my cheeks as I clutch my chest. The pain I feel is far worse than anything I have felt in my life. Far more excruciating than when he rejected me years ago. It hurts so much… my heartbeat is ringing in my ear, along with the shrill whistling. sound that makes my head want to explode. I cannot breathe. Sebastian… “Why!” I scream as I stare ahead, unseeing. Flashes of our moments together flood my mind but all I can focus on is him. The signs were there, the way he was behaving… how long had he been planning to do this? I thought we were a team. I told him I needed him. Why? Will I never just be enough to keep him happy? Sobs wrack my body and I feel like I’ve lost everything. The threads of my life had. begun to come undone, yet I still held on… still hoped for something more. Mom… Dad… Sebastian… In the end, I failed. Just the way I am failing Sia and my people… Why is the goddess doing this to us? “You chose the wrong one! Why?!” I scream. “If you really cared… if you’re really out there… why would you do this?” My voice breaks as I hug myself. I feel so alone… I am alone… I was the wrong person for this. I’ve tried… tried to do my best, but I’m not doing enough… Why did you make us for one another if your only aim was to rip us apart and crush my strength? Despite everything, he gave me the strength to continue. Why did I allow myself to fall for him again? Why did I unwrap my damaged heart for him? He was my strength… he was the one who I had learned to forgive and not only did I fall for him again; I fell for him all over again. I don’t want to feel this pain… I clamp my hands over my mouth, rocking myself as I try to pull myself together, but I can’t. He’s destroyed me… Destroyed the trust I had in him. Sobbing, I clutch at my aching heart, hurting so badly. “Red…” Strong arms wrap around me, pulling me against a firm chest. “He left me… again,” I whisper, a fresh wave of tears running down my cheeks. “I can’t cope anymore. I’m tired, I’m so tired…” “It’s going to be ok. We’re going to figure this out…” How? So many times I felt like he was saying goodbye… Last night… he was saying goodbye, wasn’t he? Mom… she’s gone too. Dad… +13 BONUS
Chapter 0237 “What number?” I ask, now frowning. “He never… Oh Goddess, I told him to pass you the number in person! He wanted to see the children before the business trip! Who knows if the number will still work and I worked so hard to get it! So he never stopped at your pack…” Realisation dawns upon her, and she looks unnerved. Everything is going wrong! “What number?” I ask, “I’ll go get it,” she says hurrying to her bedroom. I follow her, not trusting her as she rummages in her vanity table drawer before taking out a card. “Here. It’s one of theirs.” She whispers as if someone might hear her. I dial the number and it rings. I wonder if it really is. Did she manage to find something? The phone is answered after a few rings, but no one speaks.. “I’m sure you can hear me.” I begin. “Zaia, lovely to hear your beautiful voice again. My stomach twists as my eyes blaze, recognising that voice. “Gerard….” ‘Track the call. Now.‘ I mouth to one of the guards. He nods as he hurries away, and Annette stands there observing me. He chuckles. “Ah, yes. Glad that you recognised my voice.” “Shame you aren’t dead.” I hiss. “You had your chance to end it, but you didn’t. So luckily I’m alive and well.. Now…. I’m doing the courtesy, to give you a warning. Stand down, admit defeat, and give up your packs before I take everything from you.” How dare he…… +15 BONUS “Did you hear me?” He asks dangerously. “You may have been the one to take my mother, but you will not take anything else from me. I will never stand down.” I snarl, trembling with rage. He chuckles. “We shall see, aren’t you missing daddy dearest?” he taunts. Father… Unease ripples through me, but I also know what Dad would expect from me… no matter how hard it is… “Are you a coward? That you are using my father against me?” I ask, my voice full of hatred. “Hmm, all is fair… I have to do what I have to do…. The choice is yours Zaia, keep refusing and I will take everyone from you one by one.” “No. You will pay for this.” He laughs again as if what I said is amusing. “Will I? Don’t challenge me, Zaia, when you are already losing everyone one by one… You couldn’t protect your daughter… you couldn’t protect your mother…” His words are hitting hard, and my eyes prickle with tears. I’m trying… “Oh, and now your father. I’ll make sure you get his body.” “Don’t you dare touch him! If you want to fight, come, let’s do this.” He laughs again, making my blood boil, but the panic I’m feeling for Dad is rising. “You’ve already lost a fourth person…” He whispers and my heart sinks. Who? Are the children- Sebastian. 16 BONUS He hasn’t been in touch with me all morning… “Sebastian…” I whisper, unable to hide the tremble from my voice. Goddess, please no… help me. Fear consumes me as Gerard’s laugh rings through the phone. “Only this time, he came willingly. Sebastian is finally where he belongs.” “Lie!” I snarl. “Is it? How else did I get out of there, if it wasn’t for his help? He played you, you
Chapter 0235 ZAIA. I look down at my gun on the bed and trying to keep my heart steady, I grab the gun and spin around, swinging it at the person creeping up on me. It’s a man. He’s tall and clearly well–built, wearing black sweatpants and a hoodie. It’s all I see as a low snarl escapes him and he shoves me back with immense force. Blindly, I pull the trigger on the gun. The sound is loud as the bullet hits the ceiling. The man is on top of me fast, his knee to my stomach as he throws me onto the bed, grabbing my hair as he hits me across the face. I kick out blindly, trying to get up, only for the man to throw a punch at me. I can. taste blood in my mouth as I struggle to free myself and roll off the bed, hitting the carpeted floor. This man is strong. Everything is happening so fast and the way he’s moving, I can tell he is not new to this. He’s wearing a baseball cap that covers his eyes and although I’m trying to get a look at him, I’m unable to. He grabs hold of my ankle when I try to kick him and yanks my legs out from under me, but this time I’m ready and I don’t plan to go down that easily this time. I’m unable to pull the trigger on the gun that I’m still holding, but twisting, I slam the end of it into his crotch with all the strength I can muster, a low growl ripping from my throat. He grunts and lets go of me, yanking the gun from my hold and swinging it at me. despite clutching his crotch. I jump to my feet, breathing hard.. “You hurt her… didn’t you?” I ask, my voice shaking. He doesn’t reply, and he’s recovered fast, rushing at me once again, but this time I’m ready. 1/5 Mom might still wake up.. “I really don’t know what is so special about you… but you picked the wrong side!” He snarls, before he swings his fist at me. I duck, kicking out at his feet from beneath him. he staggers, falling to one knee, but he’s up fast. “What’s going on?!” The shout from a guard comes. I see him glance towards the window. I can’t let him get away! He’s about to run to the window and I throw myself at him, trying to stop him. We struggle for a few moments, the running footsteps getting closer. Just a bit longer! Suddenly he slams his elbow into my chest, throwing me off with such power I go. flying across the room and hit the far wall. I groan as I slide down the wall. Pain rushes through my head, as the door is thrown open just as Zade jumps through the window smashing right through the glass. “What’s going on?!” One of the guards shouts as three men burst through the door. I scramble to my feet. “Out the window! Secure the area! Capture him! We have a killer out there!” I shout as the guards rush to do my bidding. “What is…” the guard trails off as he stares at the bed. “Take the staff into custody, I want to know how this happened!” I say, feeling dizzy. “Yes, Alpha!” Two more men rush from the room, and I touch the back of my head. I can feel the wetness and look down at my fingers. Blood. My head is pounding incessantly, and I can barely see straight. I walk over to the bed, as I watch one of the guards check Mom’s pulse. Deep down I pray that maybe I’m mistaken and that there’ll be a heartbeat. Even if it’s quiet… Please let me be wrong. He turns to look at me and from the look in his eyes, I know what he’s going to say. I know it but I don’t want to hear it. “Ma’am, she…” “I know,” I say as I look at Mom’s lifeless body on the bed. Her battered body is a painful reminder that when she needed me, I wasn’t here… She’s gone. She’s really gone…
Chapter 0234 Standing up, I’strip out of several layers of clothes and ready the gun I’ve brought. Just in case. I need to get Mom out of here, but I don’t trust using my phone not knowing who I can call. Who is close enough to come to my help? Dad’s strange message is now making me worry about him, too. What if they got him, too? “Mom, calm down. Tell me, my brother- Zade, he is part of the Sable… What does he look like?” I ask, brushing her hair back gently. She flinches and I feel the matted. blood. How could they do this?! “Auburn hair, grey eyes, but one- one eye changes.” She says, her eyes widening with horror. I nod. “And who else, do you know anyone else that you can tell me about? Who did this?” I ask gently, knowing she couldn’t tell me those who attacked us back when we were newborns. She tenses. “It was Zade… he did this…” She closes her eyes as another wave of tears. seeps from her eyes. How could he… “You need to know. I have to tell you where the dust is,” she whispers, suddenly looking at me with sharp eyes. Moon Dust. “You mean Moon Dust, right?” I whisper. She nods, her heart thundering violently. “The Dust… it will lead you. Look Zaia, you need to leave, they are out blood. The Dust my old home, under the stairs. In the closet, at the back, there is a floorboard. +16 BONUS Under there.” Her words become incoherent, and her eyes become glassy. I’m listening to everything carefully. Making sure I don’t miss anything she is saying. The Moon Dust, mom has some? “Are you- listen to me. Tell no one. We have to keep it secret.” Her eyes sharpen as she stares at me imploringly. “I will, I promise,” I say gently. She nods, and suddenly she seems to still. She looks at me seriously and smiles softly. “I’m glad I got to see you one more time… you know… I didn’t tell them, no matter what they did.” that Mom “Don’t say this is not the last time,” I say. She’s scaring me. “I did my best.” Tears stream down her cheeks, and I tilt my head, caressing her face. “You did well Mom, I’m so proud of you. “I want to fix things between us… I… I did your father wrong. I was an awful mate, an awful wife… but I have always loved him and you… I… I want you safe, don’t trust them. There’s more of them…. That boy who used to play in the woods… he is one of them… M–My father too… He… He was the one who took him.” She flinches and I frown. What boy? “Grandfather?” As far as I knew, my grandfather was not in touch with Mom… “He is one of them and that pathetic woman who thinks she-” she coughs “Don’t trust A-” She coughs again, and I see a trickle of blood run down her cheek. “Who Mom?” “She was… she is on their side. A- A.” She’s struggling, and I can tell she’s trying her best. She opens her mouth, but no sound comes out as her eyes roll shut. “Ah…” +15 BONUS “Mom!” I say, my heart thumping as I hear hers beginning to fade. “No… no!” I’m losing her… Her mouth moves but no sound comes out and over my thundering heart, I’m unable to make out what she’s saying.
Chapter 0233 I keep my pace steady as I slowly make my way to the doors to unlock them with my key, placing the bags down first, with my hand on my hip, just as I have seen our housekeeper do for years. If someone is watching us or has cameras, I can’t let anyone suspect us.. Almost inside… This place is heavily guarded outside, but inside I will be fine. It’s extremely quiet, and I place the bags into the coat closet before I begin searching around the house for Mom. I know the staff has been in and out, but as far as I know, Mom has refused to leave the house since our falling out. If she thought that would make me come back, she was wrong. I can’t forgive her for all her lies. Yes, I love her. She is my mom, after all. There’s complete silence, which means not even the staff is here… I was told I’d be notified if Mom left the house. I have heard nothing, so where is she? I hurry up the stairs when I find she is not anywhere downstairs and head towards her bedroom. I knock on the door lightly, waiting for an answer, but there is nothing. I frown, trying the door handle. It’s locked. Is she asleep? I knock again. “Mom?” I whisper, glancing towards the stairs, hoping no one showed up like the actual housekeeper. The guards would be on alert then. “Mom?” I call a little louder. The door is locked. She must be inside. Closing my eyes, I press my ear to the door, trying to focus on any sound. My eyes blaze as I hone in on my surroundings. I can hear my own heart… the sound of the wind outside… and another heartbeat! “Mom!” I call a little louder, my voice ringing in the silent hallway. +15 BONUS I think I hear a muffled sound. “Mom?” Something isn’t right, and my senses are screaming at me.. Stepping back, I focus on the door as I slowly put distance between myself and the door. My back hits the wall opposite and I inhale slowly. Ok, Zaia… you got this. Encouraging myself, I take a deep breath as I run at the door and slam my shoulder into it. A surge of orange aura surrounds me, and the door is ripped off its hinges. I flinch as it falls onto the carpeted floor and hope no one heard the thud. Even if there is carpet, it is still loud. I look up and my heart almost stops when I see Mom lying on her bed, but that’s not what gets to me. Her hair is a mess, her arms and legs are tied behind her back, and she’s gagged. She’s lost a lot of weight and bruises fresh and old cover her body. She’s injured. I can see bloodstains on the bed and worry envelops me. “Mom!” My heart is pounding as I rush to her side, unable to stop my hands from shaking as I untie her quickly. There are tears in her swollen bruised eyes, old make–up streaks cover her face, and I can tell from the odour she has not bathed in a while. “Who did this!” I ask, my voice shaking as I remove the cloth from around her mouth. She hisses as I try to help her sit and I realise one of her arms is broken and the goddess knows what else. “Zaia, leave. Leave my child!” She croaks. I look around. She needs water! I’m about to rush to the bathroom when she calls me. “There’s no time, Zaia, please go,” she whispers, her voice full of fear and urgency. 2/3 +15 BONUS
Chapter 0232 ZAIA. I pull on my jacket, glancing at the unmade bed. Sebastian had left early and I’m. about to leave for Dad’s pack. Since I’ve awoken I feel uneasy. I know something isn’t right at Dad’s pack and although I have taken every precaution possible, I still feel on edge. Am I missing something vital? I rush through a meeting with Mr Harrison. With everything going on, it’s been exhausting but I can’t afford to lose the deal. I text Dad telling him I’ll be there by noon, although I planned to get there sooner. I’ve also left Sebastian a message telling him I’m leaving since his phone is switched off. “Alright guys, I’m off,” I say, poking my head through the door of Jai’s room. The kids are playing on the carpet and Valerie is sitting on the bed beside Jai and they were clearly mid–conversation. Something’s changed between them, I can tell from the way Jai has his leg propped up and Valerie is leaning ever so slightly against it. I hope they have made some amendments. I truly hope so, they both deserve happiness, and I can tell they love one another. “Take care of yourself, Sebastian going with you?” Jai asks from where he’s leaning against the headboard. I shake my head. “No, I’ll have my guards and some of Atticus’s men,” I say as I enter the room and kneel beside the kids, giving them both a kiss. This time I didn’t even expect Sebastian to go with me… I guess I need to be more independent, and he doesn’t seem to want to accompany me. I wonder why, but I’m not brave enough to ask him… I just wish I had seen him once before I left. He doesn’t realise just how much his presence gives me strength, how his simple words of encouragement make me feel like I can take on the world. Jai frowns but says nothing.. “Atticus isn’t either?” Valerie asks. “No, he needs to handle security around both packs and make sure we are fully equipped. I’m hoping Sebastian managed to get some stuff sorted, although I’m not sure exactly what he’s working on.” I reply. Hugging the children goodbye, I take my leave. Wondering exactly what Dad wanted to talk about. He sounded…strange. I am on alert, but what if someone has gotten to him? up I’ll be careful… I have a plan and one I hope gives me the upper hand if this ends being some kind of trap. I will just need some help. Help from someone I really don’t want to ask for help from, but I have no other option right now. I now pull up on the corner of our previous home and look in the mirror. I’m wearing a blond wig and have put on several additional layers of clothes. A cap and glasses, just like our housekeeper. Halfway here I had switched places with one of the female warriors of Atticus’s pack. She is now travelling in my place towards this pack, and I came alone. I’m sure all eyes will be on the cars and my guards whilst I find Dad unseen. I had taken a shortcut in the small red car, passing through security with ease. I had called Sebastian twice, but his phone was still switched off… I just wish he at least called once… With one final glance, I slowly get out of the car. Mom doesn’t know I’m coming, as I couldn’t risk anyone knowing. I plan to go inside and ask Mom to call Dad and from there, we’ll see what is going on. I’ve dressed up similarly to the housekeeper and I’m praying the guards think I am her. Getting out, I grab the large bags of groceries and bend over as if the bags weigh a lot; I pretend to struggle as I walk towards the gate. Just how I have seen her do for years.
Chapter 0231 “Baby, what is it?” she asks softly. “Nothing, relax. Why are you so worried?” I ask, reaching up and brushing the wet locks of her hair back. She’s wearing the shirt I had discarded not long ago. Her eyes flutter shut as I run my fingers down her neck. Her face is make–up–free, and she looks breathtaking. She’s a beauty… I caress her cheeks, admiring her dusting of freckles. She opens her eyes, and they are glistening with tears. “I don’t know… I’m scared.” She whispers, her voice shaky. “You’re scaring me.” She looks into my eyes, and I wonder if deep down she knows… “I don’t mean to,” I reply quietly, clenching my jaw as I try to push away my emotions that are threatening to drown me. “We’re going to get through this, all of this. Together. We are going to find Gerard, and we are going to defeat the Sable. Together,” she reassures me, but I wonder if she’s reassuring herself as well. Together… “Promise me,” she whispers, an underlying urgency in her tone. I cup her face, unable to reply to her. How many more lies will I tell her? How many promises will I break? Our hearts are thumping violently before I claim her lips in a deep, passionate kiss, sending rivets of pleasure through us.” One fuelled by a thousand emotions that are stronger than the most powerful of storms. She whimpers softly against my lips, kissing me back with equal intensity as her eyes flutter shut. I’m sorry. I cup the back of her neck as I kiss her harder, never wanting to let her go. You deserved better. I nibble on her soft plush lip, cherishing the taste of her lips, the sweetness of her mouth. I love you and I always will. My love for you will never change… I tighten my arms around her, and she grips onto me equally hard. Our bodies are moulded together as if made for one another. We were… but destiny has its own plans… You are the fucking rhythm that my heart beats to… I caress her back, gripping the back of her neck and hair as I kiss her like it’s for the last time and I know it is… This is it… our final goodbye…. We break apart when she gasps for air and I’m breathing heavily, too. “Get some rest… it’s going to be a long day tomorrow.” I say quietly, brushing my thumb over her plump lips. She nods. “I need to go to Dad’s Pack, too.” I nod, “And I plan to leave extremely early. There are a few things that I want to check with the security around the grounds.” She smiles slightly, my words somehow comforting her. “Great, sounds like a plan.” “Yeah. Make sure you’re careful when you get to your dad’s pack. Trust nothing and no one.” “Got it… So, are you leaving really early? I’m going to head out early, too.” She asks as +16 BONUS we settle down beside one another. I slip my arm under her head, and she snuggles against me.
Chapter 0230 SEBASTIAN. The sound of the shower running fills the room and I sit on the bed, running my fingers through my hair for the hundredth time. How do I do this? There’s no time left… I have to leave her… Standing up, I leave the room silently and walk down the hall to the children’s room. The light to Jai’s room is on and I can hear quiet talking. I hope for what it’s worth that his injury at least helped Valerie forgive him a little. To this day, I don’t think Jai was in his right mind when he ended up sleeping with Cara back then. He had been so distraught I don’t think he even knew who it was in that bed, simply rambling about how he needed to find Valerie. I make sure I’m not making any sound as I slip into the children’s room and look at the two little angels in bed. They’re fast asleep and I realise I’m leaving them again. I’m always leaving them. I sit down on the bed and look down at Zion, running my fingers through his dark hair. Take care of your mom and this pack, son. Be the Alpha I never could be. Why did she have to love me? Why did she have to be fated to a fool like me? All I do is hurt her even when I don’t want to… I look over at Sia, her pale cheeks are flushed with a pink hue, and her breathing is shallow. He poisoned her… my little princess… I brush a few strands of her hair off her face. It’s so similar to Zaia’s… She’s going to grow up and look just like her mother and she will grow up. She will live a healthy and happy life. I will get that antidote. Even if it’s the last thing I do, she will survive this and she will heal. My heart clenches, the pain in my chest is almost crippling. Leaning down, I kiss +25 BONOS her forehead softly, inhaling her scent. I’m sorry I won’t get to see you grow. I kiss her hand gently before I kiss Zion, knowing he’ll grow up strong. Take care of your sister for me, son. I close my eyes, trying to calm the storm that is bubbling inside of me. Casting a final glance at the children, I stand up, not wanting Zaia to realise I’m missing from the bedroom. I get up, turning away and then stop. Turning back, I look down at them once more, questioning myself. What kind of father is never there? One you don’t need. I gaze at their faces, knowing I’ll never forget this moment. I love you both so fucking much and I don’t deserve you. My eyes are stinging, but I take a deep breath, turning away for the final time and striding to the door. If I look back, I don’t know if I’ll be able to walk away with the strength I need. Returning to the bedroom, I can still hear the sound of water. The shower is still running, and I silently lock the door. Pulling my top off, I get into bed, place my arms behind my head and close my eyes. I hear the shower switch off and after a few moments I hear her enter the bedroom, her scent mixed with the smell of her bath products…. I’m going to miss this… I keep my breathing steady as I sense her watching me before there’s a rustle as she gets dressed. There are a few moments of silence before I feel the bed dip and she slowly gets in between the sheets, trying not to disturb me. “Hm,” she murmurs, and I feel her fingers gently comb through my hair. ” Goodnight, handsome.” My heart clenches as she leans in and gently kisses my forehead. The thudding of her heart already making my resolve break. I can’t do this. Fuck, I can’t leave her. My eyes snap open, and she’s watching me with concern. “Hey, are you okay?” +25 BONOS she asks, caressing my jaw. She must have picked up on the change in my heart rate. “Yeah,” I say, unable to look directly into those amethyst orbs. Instead, I tug