“I comprehend,” Jimmy states as he pivots his head to observe Jaxton’s inert form.
The conflict has commenced, I inform Jimmy, and he responds with a grunt of assent. We possess three days for preparation.
“Return that halfbreed’s body to its rightful place,” Jimmy commands, as Korbin hastily rises to his feet. “Inform your Alpha that he will come to regret his decision to distance himself from me.”
Jimmy does not provide Korbin an opportunity to reply, dashing towards the River Moon Pack. The adrenaline coursing through my veins dulls the pain, yet I can still sense my mate’s spirit… and it is fading.
Laura
I see myself fading as blood flows from my neck, and I reconcile with the notion that this might be my conclusion. Jadi hesitantly withdraws his hands from the wound and leans in to kiss my forehead, his lips imparting lingering sensations on my skin, which I attempt to cherish as he departs.
“I shall return,” he whispers.
This may be our final conversation, so I extend my hand and grasp his wrist for a while longer. I wish for him to understand my profound happiness at our meeting.
“Thus…” I rasp, endeavouring to articulate my thoughts. “I love you.”
He remains silent, however I perceive the torment reflected in his eyes, causing me pain. My dear companion is experiencing internal turmoil. I merely wish that when this concludes, his heart remains unscathed.
Jadi exits the car abruptly, prompting Quinn to spring into action by extending her hand across me to unfasten my seat belt.
“Do not be concerned, dear. We will provide you with assistance,” she promises me, taking Melina’s hands and positioning them over my injury. “We simply need to position you in the passenger seat,” she groans, exiting the vehicle and reclining the passenger seat fully.
She touches Melina on the shoulder and conveys orders to her using sign language, as Braylon screams for my attention in the background.
“Mommy! Mommy!” he cries, as Quinn and Melina reposition me into the passenger seat. “Please assist my mother,” he weeps. “Aid her!”
I attempt to speak to soothe him, but only unintelligible murmurs emerge, frustration surging within me. Nevertheless, instinct prevails, and I strive to maintain composure and regulate my breathing. To ensure my survival, I must remain tranquil.
Melina tears her shirt, shredding the fabric into strips and binding it around my shoulder and collarbone to staunch the bleeding. A sharp pain radiates through my chest, my nails leaving crescent imprints on the car seat as I bite my tongue to suppress my screams. I wish to avoid frightening my baby.
Quinn enters the driver’s seat, restarts the vehicle, and redirects it towards River Moon.
“Remain with us, Ricky.” “Remain with us,” she commands as we accelerate down the road. “I contacted John, and he is securing assistance from the Queen. Just hold on. Do not leave. Bray and Jadi still require your presence.”
I sense myself descending into darkness, a chill enveloping my body as blood accumulates around my chest.
Mother!Bray yells, my eyelids fighting to remain open. “Mommy, awaken!”
But the tiredness is just growing stronger, its claws wrapping around my skull and dragging me into darkness. I attempt to struggle to stay conscious but as we drive through what appears to be a portal, I feel myself slip into the cold pitch black, the pain subsiding and the world giving way to the abyss.
I have no fear as I meander aimlessly for what seems like hours into the abyss. The darkness is tranquil, yet in a comforting manner.
I must have perished… I remind myself, my heart aching somewhat at the notion, yet the recollection of Bray and Jadi observing the butterflies alleviates my anxieties. Even in my absence, my son will experience love. His father will ensure that.
Serenity envelops me, and as I advance, the ground beneath me collapses, inducing a flutter in my heart as I descend into the abyss. My limbs instinctively reach for something to grasp as I plummet, when the darkness abruptly transforms into azure skies and fluffy clouds within my grasp. Just as swiftly as the sky emerges, I find myself softly descending into a body of water, gentle waves cascading over me until I am entirely submerged.
I respond immediately and ascend to the water’s surface, inhaling deeply to replenish my deprived lungs. My gaze surveys the environment, revealing that I am situated in the centre of a lake, with a soothing voice beckoning me to the beach.
Laura… Laura… The breeze murmurs, its tone dulcet and harmonious.
I choose to pursue it and swim towards the shore, my gaze fixed on the woods just beyond. Something stirs among the trees, and a large grey wolf emerges, its piercing blue eyes scrutinising me. Its magnificent grey coat exhibits a subtle blue hue in the light, exuding an aura of dominance.
The wolf appears familiar, and when I ascend onto the shore, it hastens to assist me, its tail swinging with youthful exuberance.
I meticulously examine myself, noting that I am adorned in a plain white dress, with my damp hair adhering to my neck and shoulders. The injury that had been profusely bleeding seconds prior has vanished, leaving my collarbone enveloped in unblemished flesh.
“Greetings, wolf,” I whisper as I rise to my feet and brush the sand from my exposed legs.
