“I believed they had killed you,” she gestures as she withdraws. “I thought you abandoned me.”
Gamma Rocco removes the guards and directs Melina and me to enter the pickup vehicle. I observe two bags in the truck and gesture towards them.
“They permitted me to pack a few items prior to our departure,” Melina shrugs.
She commences assessing my injuries when we go to the periphery of the region, substantial tears cascading down her cheeks.
“It is acceptable,” I gesture, grimacing as she applies a towel to my lacerated back. “I-it is not as severe as it appears.”
She scowls but remains silent as she proceeds to cleanse the injuries with her small cloth.
At the periphery of the forest, Gamma Rocco instructs us to exit the vehicle and distributes the bags prepared by Melina. Subsequently, he presents me with a little Manila envelope. Perplexed, I open it to discover a bundle of cash therein.
“A gift,” he states softly. “Your mother was my closest friend… not a day passes without my regret for not discovering her earlier.”
I gaze at the money, uncertain of how to respond. Gamma Rocco had never mistreated me, yet he had also never offered assistance. Why extend support now?
Upon examining the package, I see a little photograph therein and extract it, tears poised to cascade down my cheeks as I recognise it as an image of my mother and me captured only days before to the assault.
“Your father concealed this photograph in a drawer,” Gamma Rocco elucidates. “I surmised you might find it more beneficial.”
Prior to my response, he produces a map adorned with several red dots distributed around the state.
“This is a map of all recognised territories in Washington,” he elucidates. “Maintain distance from them to evade fatal consequences.” He indicates the few small towns devoid of nearby dots. “These represent your safest options. They are ideal for two rogues seeking a fresh start. Consider Liberty Bay initially. It is approximately 100 miles south of Maple Falls and sufficiently small to avoid being targeted by any packs.”
He rolls the map and thrusts it into my palm. “You should expedite your actions before nightfall. A deaf wolf and a mute one present ideal targets for a desperate rogue in search of sustenance.”
I acknowledge and place the map inside my backpack.
“May the Moon Goddess accompany you, Jadi,” Gamma Rocco intones, pivoting on his heel and re-entering his truck.
Melina and I observe as he departs towards the pack, a sense of foreboding setting in my stomach. I feel a warm hand intertwine with mine, and I reciprocate the grip for reassurance. Melina tugs at my hand, prompting me to glance down at her smiling face.
“We will be fine,” she gestures, retrieving her purse and draping it over her shoulder.
“I will transport you,” I signal, mentally readying myself to transition.
“I am capable of walking,” she exhales, directing her gaze towards the forest.
I attempt to assist her with her suitcase, however she persistently declines, resolute in her desire not to impose upon me. Naturally, I have never perceived her as a burden in the first place.
———
Reaching the outskirts of town takes longer than anticipated due to my injuries, but we arrive as the sun sets. Concerned that others might enquire about my gruesome condition, I give Melina some money to reserve a modest motel room for us.
The room is compact and unkempt, although sufficient for the night. There is a single bed, and following a brief dispute, we consent to share it.
Concerned about my injuries, Melina visits a nearby pharmacy to procure supplies for me. I enter the shower to cleanse the blood from the numerous lacerations on my back. Typically, the wounds would have healed by now, but the silver chain has considerably impeded my healing process. My cuts and burn will leave permanent scars due to the silver, serving as a perpetual reminder of Jaxton and Nellie’s actions against me.
I exert all my effort to refrain from expressing my emotions on the room’s furnishings. Upon her return from the trip, Melina discovers me in a condition of near panic and wrath, and attempts to soothe me.
“Please take a seat,” she implores. “Let us converse.”
I shake my head at her. “I am utterly fatigued by this situation! Why can’t I simply communicate? Why am I so flawed?”
She shakes her head at me and compels a grin. “You are not broken.”
“Then why are we present?” I nearly snarl at her, withdrawing from her embrace. “Accept it! My own father repudiated me because I am insignificant!”
She chews her lips, her eyes brimming with anguish. “Am I also devoid of value?”
My blood runs cold as I comprehend that I have just offended the sole individual who has ever loved me since my mother’s passing.
