“Not far. I prefer to keep my belongings nearby. I will require a few days to arrange a credible setup for your visit.” Colton directed a smirk at Molly. “I assume you can feign marital status for a while longer.”
Molly observed the men return to their cottages without a single glance in her direction, remaining motionless in the snow. She observed her breath creating foggy clouds before her yet made no attempt to seek warmth.
“It will not be difficult for you to feign.” Stated a voice in her mind. Molly surveyed her surroundings to confirm it had not originated from another individual.
“What?” Molly enquired vocally. Her voice appeared diminutive in the whisper of the wind.
“That is our acquaintance; it will be simple for you to feign being his spouse.”
Molly recognised that she was conversing with her inner wolf. She had previously heard it speak on two occasions, but during both instances, she was in a feverish state, lacking the clarity to comprehend the situation. Having attained greater awareness, she recognised the peculiarity of an internal entity communicating with her in such a manner. It appeared to possess knowledge beyond her aspirations, and perhaps it did. However, not regarding this.
Molly stated quietly, “He is not our companion.” She was certain the voice derided her statements. “Vera is his companion.”
“We are both aware that this is false. She fabricated her mark to usurp your position. It was common knowledge that he was seeking a mark.”
“Molly?” a voice enquired from behind her. Molly glanced to observe Beckham positioned a few feet away, his hands still marked with blood. Alternatively, she may have been envisioning it once more. She blinked, and his hands were once more immaculate. “What’re you doing out here?”
“I was merely contemplating,” Molly said as she tightened her cloak around herself. The wolf within her subsided, and she recognised that their time was concluded for the moment. Will it perpetually remain in this manner? Would the wolf within her consistently express its opinions, even when erroneous?
Beckham thrust his hands deep into his pockets. “It is a peculiar location for such an activity. You risk hypothermia.”
Molly nodded and began to retreat towards her cabin until a thought halted her. “Why was the man unable to heal himself using the blood of other werewolves?”
Beckham elevated his eyebrows in response to her inquiry, as though it were the most absurd remark he had encountered all day. “What is your meaning?”
“Jayce was capable of healing me with his abilities. He did not require a cure; why, then, did he not have someone replicate the process?”
Beckham chuckled slightly, while she scowled. What was humorous about her inquiry? It had occupied her thoughts since she observed his illness. Why did he not simply… have someone give him blood like Jayce did?
“A normal werewolf’s blood can’t heal like Jayce’s does. His blood is rare and not many can do what he does.”
Molly’s lips slightly parted. “Is it due to his royal status?”
“He is regal and dominant, unlike any other wolf you will encounter. No one can remedy the lethal affliction you experienced. He wished it would not have come to you requiring the blood due to the severe coma induced by excessive consumption, yet he had to take the risk.” Beckham shrugged and gazed at the sky. “The remedy does not entirely eliminate the toxin as his blood does, which is why he dismissed it. It could have rendered you ill for months.”
Beckham chuckled once more upon observing the astonished expression on her visage. “The confusion will diminish as you acquire further knowledge. You should rest; it has been a lengthy day.”
He was correct; she required rest. How could she possibly sleep after the revelations she just received?
The following morning, Jayce was absent. She awoke in an unoccupied room as the sun began to rise. He was already asleep when she returned the previous night after conversing with Beckham. She contemplated whether he detested the notion of feigning marriage to her, and perhaps this was his strategy to evade her.
Perhaps he even got another room so he wouldn’t have to share hers anymore.
The idea of it left her feeling…uncomfortably sad. She had no right to feel that way. Indeed, the other half of her experienced relief at the prospect of him finally desiring his own room. That was exactly what she wanted to happen. Right?
Affirmative, certainly. He was among the most unpleasant individuals to engage in conversation with. Everything she said made him mad at her for no reason.
Molly dispelled her thoughts and leisurely dressed for the day. She let her long hair stay down and dressed in warm pants and a sweater before she pulled on a pair of knee high boots.
When she finally stepped out into the snow, she instantly felt as if someone was watching her. Not an individual, but rather all individuals. She hadn’t even fully closed her door before she noticed it. Individuals covertly observed her as she walked by to retrieve a plate of food. They whispered behind their hands and she swore she heard her own name more than once. It was so obvious, she wondered if they thought she was truly dumb enough for her not to notice.
Naomi came up from behind Molly with a small smile on her face. It didn’t read her eyes, which told Molly she knew exactly what everyone was saying about her. “How are you, dear?”
