“He is deceased,” I state, averting my eyes to escape her scrutiny. “I killed him… I killed my…”
I can’t bring myself to say the word for Jaxton never truly was my brother. We had grown up in different worlds and I was forced to watch him receive all the love and attention from the pack that I never got for being the Alpha’s son. Jaxton could do no wrong in the eyes of the pack whereas I was beaten for the slightest mistake. It was a bitter pill to swallow knowing I would never feel an ounce of affection from the pack nor my father but I held no resentment in my heart for Jaxton. It was not his fault our father hated me. It was not his fault he was made Alpha heir instead of me. It was not his fault he did not know who I was.
Our opportunity for a shared lifetime was forfeited due to my father’s disgrace, leaving Jaxton unaware of my existence as his brother. I frequently contemplate what it would have entailed to fulfil the role of his sibling, to engage in play and participate in his life. Numerous times, I envisioned assisting him in preparing for his inaugural shift or accompanying him to his initial training session to become a warrior for his community.
What now? We shall remain oblivious to the bond between two brothers, and his blood will eternally tarnish my hands.
“Hello,” Ricky murmurs, softly resting her hand over mine, eliciting a delicate surge of electricity within me.
I gaze at our hands momentarily, but Ricky lifts my chin to meet his gaze.
“You safeguarded your family,” she whispers. “You ensured Bray remained unharmed amidst the gunfire and afforded Quinn and Melina sufficient time to facilitate our escape. You were our hero, do you comprehend? You were my hero,” she murmurs, resting her forehead against mine. “Mine. You acted as necessary, and Jaxton alone is accountable for his own destiny, not you,” she asserts firmly. “So relinquish any further guilt regarding Jaxton. He received precisely what he warranted.” She gazes down at the slumbering pup. “You should have witnessed Bray’s expression,” she continues, shaking her head in disbelief. “He believed I was perishing. It was dreadful. It pained me more than the gunshot because I couldn’t assure him it would be alright. I couldn’t grasp his hand. I couldn’t alleviate his distress.”
She momentarily halts to dry her tears before resuming her position on the hospital bed, gently cradling Bray in her arms without rousing him. She gestures to the vacant space beside her, and I curl up behind her, conforming my body to hers.
“I closed my eyes, believing I would never embrace my puppy or my partner again,” she murmurs, glancing back at me with composed fury. “But I can. I can embrace Bray again because of you. I can embrace you again. I can find happiness by your side.”
She is correct, Jimmy exhales in concurrence. Jaxton exhibited no hesitation when he aimed the firearm at you. He displayed no trepidation when he discharged it at the vehicle containing your entire family, thus he deserves to suffer alongside the rest of Scarlett Haven. None of them merit our compassion. Not your father, not Nellie, not even Rocco. We have ceased to concern ourselves with them. You are aware of your true family, and half of them are presently in your embrace. No one else holds significance.
Ricky directs my hand to Bray, positioning it on his head for me to embrace him as well. It is profoundly gratifying to hold them both, and I recognise that my mate and my wolf are correct. My family is the sole priority at this moment.
As I shut my eyes to slumber, Ricky firmly grasps my hand.
“Therefore, I believe I possess a wolf.”
Laura
“Thus… I believe I possess a wolf,” I say, prompting Jadi to sit up instantly.
“W-what?” he enquires, regarding me with a blend of enthusiasm and intrigue. “H-how?”
“I encountered the Moon Goddess, and she bestowed upon me one,” I whisper, as a childlike enthusiasm spreads across Jadi’s visage.
“Did you encounter the Moon Goddess?” he enquires. “But how?”
“I am uncertain,” I reply with a shrug, the wolf within me howling with equal enthusiasm at the notion that her mate appreciated her presence. “She simply appeared and presented the wolf to me.”
“What is her name?” Jadi enquires, his eyes radiating pure excitement. “May I meet her?”
“I believe her name is Devina,” I respond, attempting to recall the wolf’s name. “I am uncertain how to extricate her. This situation is entirely unfamiliar to me. I am not even sure if she truly exists or if I am merely losing my sanity.”
He lacks the opportunity to pose additional enquiries, his brown eyes transforming to yellow as Jimmy advances.
“Not insane,” Jimmy retorts, pressing his lips against mine. “Ideal. Belongs to me!” Jimmy beams, the sound of purring resonating in my mind.
I withdraw when I become acutely conscious of his tongue sliding down my throat, realising that Bray is asleep right next to me.
“Bray has arrived!” I whisper, while Jimmy grins at me.
“And?” He shrugs, mischief sparkling in his eyes.
“We can discuss this in the morning,” I murmur, turning away from the wolf and embracing Bray. “Goodnight.”
Jimmy growls in irritation but positions himself behind me, encircling my waist with his arm to keep me close as we slumber.
