Chapter 78
rs turning in her he
Leah stared at me, her jaw practically on the floor, as the soon words T’d just spoken left my lips, I could almost see the gears she tried to make sense of what I’d just said
Hell I was trying to make sense of what I just said.
I wasn’t one to make impulsive decisions but this one had just gotten ahead of me, out of spite of my feelings. I had no idea
She finally shook her head. “I’m sorry, could you repeat that? I’m sure I misheard.”
I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. “I said I’m going to see Aragon.”
Her eyebrows shot up so high I thought they might hit the ceiling. “You’re what?”
“For Charlie!” I said quickly, holding up my hands in defense. “It’s for Charlie, not for him.”
head as
Her skepticism was evident as she leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. “Uh huh. Sure.” She tilted her head, a sly grin forming on her lips. “You’re crawling back, aren’t you!”
I rolled my eyes, but the heat rising to my cheeks betrayed me. “It’s not like that,” I said firmly. “Charlie’s been on holiday, and he misses his father even though they’ve barely spent any time together. He deserves to see him. I don’t want to be that mother that denies my little boy the o
one thing
he needs the most.”
Leah raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but she didn’t push the issue. Instead, she leaned forward, her expression softening doing this for Charlie I get it. But She trailed off, and I knew what was coming. “This isn’t just about Charlie, is it?”
Thesitated my gaze dropping to the coffee table between us. “Benita cane to see me,” I admitted quietly.
Her eyes widened, and she nearly spilled her drink as she sat up straighter. “She what? When? What did she say?”
so you’re
“She showed up unannounced ” I said, picking at the edge of my napkin. “She didn’t do much, but she made it clear that she wants me out of the picture so sive can go ahead with whatever twisted plans she’s concocted.”
-Leah’s face darkened, her usually playful demeanor replaced with genuine concem. “And you’re going back.. to rub it in her face, aren’t you?”
I hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Yes. I’m tired of running, Leah. She thinks she can control my life, but I’m not letting her win, Not this time. I mean, you had more than enough years to go on with your plan and you didn’t, that’s curb if you ask me,”
Leah studied me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, to my surprise, she smiled. “Well, if you’re serious about this, then I’m coming with you.”
“What?” I blinked, taken aback
“My work here is done anyway, I only came to see you and then stayed when Aragon begged me to the said with a shrug. “And honestly, you’re going to need backup. Benita isn’t the type to give up easily. She is asleep persistent as a mold.”
I felt a lump form in my throat as I reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “That that means a lot to me, Leah. Thank you
“Don’t mention it,” she said, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Besides, someone has to keep you grounded. You’re way too stubborn to do this alone.”
“Tam not.” I defended.
“Come on, it took him leaving to finally admit that you like him and don’t give me that bullshit about this being for Charlie. I know damn well that the boy never mentioned anything about going to see Aragon. You are just using him as an excuse and I get it, I truly do but you have got to stop lying to yourself,”
I laughed softly, grateful for her unwavering support. It felt good to have someone in my comer, someone who understood the weight of what I was dealing with
“When do we leave?” she asked, leaning back in her cuir.
“As soon as I can arrange everything.” Laid, already running through a mental checklist of what needed to be done. “I don’t want to waste any more
“Good.” Lrah said, nodding, “Because the sooner we get there, the sooner we can show Benita that she doesn’t get to dictate your life.”
Yeah, but I had a few loose ends to tir up
up anyway, in my decision to leave, I was abandoning work and the rest. I had to give them up first before I
We ate to our full before I paid for the meal
“Text me when you are ready to go, yeal”“” Leah said as she gave me a side hug.
As soon as I stepped through the front door, Charlie’s bright face appeared from around the comer. His hair was a mess from all the running around. Je likely been doing, and his eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Moon! You re home!” he exclaimed, rushing toward me and throwing his arms around my waist.
– 1 logged ham tightly, smiling at his enthusiasm. “Hey, sweetie. What’s got you so excited today!”
“Truall packed!” be announeed proudly, puffing out his cheu
Chapter 78
I chuckled softly, brushing a hand over his head. “All packed, huh? You must be really looking forward to seeing your dad.”
He nodded vigorously. “Yep! But also…. there’s a package for you!”
My smile faltered slightly, but I quickly masked it. “A package? Where is it?”
He grabbed my hand and tugged me toward the dining table, where a plain cardboard box sat. It was unremarkable, save for the fact that it had no markings, no return address, no sender’s name, nothing
“I wanted to open it,” Charlie said sheepishly, but the babysitter said I shouldn’t.”
“She was absolutely right.” I said firmly. “You know better than to open packages that aren’t yours, Charlie.”
He nodded, looking slightly guilty. “I know. Sorry, Mom.”
I crouched down to his level, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay, sweetheart. I just need you to remember that it could be dangerous. Promise me you’ll wait for me next time.”
“Promise,” he said earnestly before darting off to play, his earlier excitement returning in an instant.
ads.
I know all that was left in his head was seeing his father, I created a monster but I think this would be good for him so they could bond and Charlie would know all about his roots.
I never mentioned to Aragon that Benita visited me, I didn’t want him dropping everything just for a false alarm besides, that old witch was mine to deal deal with.
Six years and yet, she still wasn’t satisfied. I didn’t buy her crap when she said she didn’t want to hurt Charlie. The second Charlie got to the pack, be would start training just in case his wolf came
1 wouldn’t have my baby running around defenseless while that monster roams free. They thought I would be silenced just because I have a son but they had no idea that I found my voice when gave birth to him
1 straightened up, turning my attention back to the package. My brow furrowed as I examined it. There was no way to tell who had sent it or why. Unease prickled at the back of ing neck, bun I pushed it aside, grabbing a pair of scissors to slice through the tape.
As soon as I opened the box, my stomach turned, and a strangled gasp escaped my lips. Inside was a single wilted flower, nestled atop a small mourning wreath.
My hands trembled as I stared at the grim display, my mind racing. Who would send something like this? What did it mean?
Benita
It wouldn’t pass her. I had no enemies except her and this couldn’t be Aragon’s work. He wouldn’t send me these flowers.
I fought the urge to
to scream or drop the box, glancing over my shoulder to make sure Charlie wasn’t watching. The last thing I wanted was to alarm
him
Taking a deep breath, I carefully dosed the box and carried it to the trash can. I shoved it deep inside, burying it under layers of garbage
Once the lid was shut, I leaned against the counter, willing my racing heart inglow
“What’s wrong. Mom!”
I spun around to see Charlie standing in the doorway, his head ulted in concem.
“Nothing, sweetie,” I said quickly, forcing a smile, “Just some junk mail, that’s all.‘
“Okay,” he said hqitantly, still studying me with those perceptive eyes of his
“Why don’t you go finish picking” I suggested. “I’ll be up to check in a bit.”
“Alright,” he said, his worry fading as he turned and scampered back upstairs.
As soon as he was out of sight, I exhaled shakily and ran a hand through my hair. My thoughts were a chaotic meis, but one thing was clear this
wasn’t random
Someone was sending a message.
I just didn’t know who or why.
