Jadi remains silent and dons a pair of gloves prior to attempting to lift a sandbag. I observe with dismay as he attempts to elevate the bag above his head, panting heavily till he ultimately discards it into the wheelbarrow. His face reddens as he propels the barrow towards the sandbox, the endeavour demanding his utmost might and focus. The man admonishes Jadi to expedite, perspiration accumulating on his brow.
Cease!I yell at the man as he pushes Jadi aside, who is battling to maintain his balance. I survey the other guys in desperation, imploring them to assist Jadi, however they remain indifferent, engrossed in their own tasks.
While Jadi puts sand into the sandbox, a group of women walks by, one of which is holding the hand of a young three-year-old child.
“Observe, Jaxton,” the woman remarks, gesturing towards the construction site. “Observe what Father is constructing for you.”
This appears to be Jadi’s younger brother, the forthcoming Alpha, I observe, examining the mother and child. She must be the new Luna.
Jaxton smirks playfully at the playground while Luna extols her husband’s accomplishments and the remarkable projects he is constructing for their son. While she converses, she releases Jaxton’s hand, allowing the young kid to stray towards the construction site alone. As everyone diligently attends to their responsibilities, the little boy approaching the sandbox goes unnoticed.
Jadi empties his wheelbarrow, wiping his soiled face with the back of his hand as he observes the young child approaching him. While surveying his surroundings for Jaxton’s origin, a compact boom lift carrying two individuals grasping the slide tower’s hood enters the construction zone squarely in Jaxton’s path. The driver is entirely concentrated on preventing the hood from colliding with the pre-existing poles and is oblivious to young Jaxton positioned in his trajectory.
Jadi rushes towards the young boy, narrowly reaching Jaxton in time to transport him to safety. The young child yells as Jadi transports him to safety, attracting the notice of the women conversing at the periphery of the work site. Luna hastens towards her son.
“Remove yourself from him, you vile creature!” She abruptly yanks Jaxton from Jadi’s embrace and strikes him across the cheek. “You are prohibited from contacting your future Alpha again.” Do you comprehend? she snarls, her face contorting in revulsion as she departs angrily. “vile mongrel.”
The recollection abruptly dissipates, and upon opening my eyes, tears cascade down my cheeks. I cannot fathom the years of suffering and torment that Jadi experienced, nor the anguish of being repeatedly rejected by those who were supposed to love him.
I am filled with shame as I acknowledge my own rejection of him, prompting me to ponder whether he will ever forgive me.
Point of View
“Therefore, I-”
Ricky momentarily halts to dry her eyes, and a multitude of thoughts inundate my mind.
Is my background an excessive burden to disclose to her? Am I too damaged to experience love?
“I greatly appreciate your willingness to share,” she whispers, causing my entire body to tense as I prepare for her to reject me due to my burdens.
My companion, however, entwines our fingers, elevating my hand to her lips and kissing it.
“You possess remarkable strength, Jadi,” she murmurs between her tears. “So resilient and so courageous,” she remarks, squeezing my hand. “My issues seem trivial in comparison to yours now,” she laughs awkwardly. “My life was significantly easier than yours.” Exemplary parents and, for a fleeting period, a commendable spouse.
She nervously manipulates her hair upon the mention of her ex-husband, prompting me to frown at her. I refrained from revealing my background to juxtapose suffering. Pain is pain, regardless of its magnitude. I embrace her tightly, wishing to protect her from further agony and suffering.
“I suppose it is my turn, is it not?” She murmurs softly, leaning her body on my chest. “What is the method for demonstrating this to you?” Should I merely contemplate it?”
I incline my head and cover her eyes with my hands. I lower my defences and concentrate on her thoughts till the darkness dissipates.
I quickly ascertain that I am in a hospital room, a machine emitting a steady beep in the corner while I survey my surroundings. The room is expansive, featuring a huge window that provides a view of the city. A woman is asleep on the hospital bed, connected to a variety of tubes. Her visage is contused and inflamed, her entire physique enveloped in bandages. Ricky sits beside her, gently stroking the back of the woman’s hand with her thumb.
