“I will apply it later,” I state, presenting a courteous grin while disregarding the intense sensations coursing up my arm.
He is despondent when I withdraw from his grasp, yet Bray seems keen to assist him.
“Mother! Mother!” he exclaims, tugging at my arm to retrieve the box from my grasp. “I wish to see! I wish to see your gift!” he chuckles, grasping the bracelet with his pudgy fingers for inspection. “Oh, lovely!” he beams at Jadi. “Wear it, Mother! Wear it!”
He exuberantly jumps up and down, simultaneously presenting the bracelet to Jadi.
You deceitful traitor! I cast a fierce stare at my son.
If I could, I would strangle my own kid. Jadi gazes at me with eager eyes, presenting the bracelet. With no escape available, I hesitantly extend my arm towards him.
Jadi gradually approaches, delicately placing his fingertips on my flesh while he adorns my wrist with the chain. Subtle sparks tickle over my skin as he secures the clasp. His fingers remain on my hand for a moment longer, eliciting a pleasurable shudder within me.
I momentarily close my eyes, recalling a period when those tingles imparted tranquilly. Nevertheless, the sound of Melina’s diminutive footfall disrupts the reverie, and my reality abruptly reasserts itself.
I remind myself that mates are not real, recoiling from Jadi’s contact.
“I shall commence preparing dinner,” I declare, distancing myself from him, anguish evident in his gaze.
Allowing you access will just exacerbate my pain; I wish to express this to him, yet I opt to remain silent.
Point of View
Subsequent to dinner, Ricky provides a tour of the kitchen to acquaint me with the tasks she anticipates I will undertake while her absence at work.
“The plates and cups are located in the upper cabinet,” she directs, indicating the top cabinet. “Bray’s plate and cups are situated below.” Consistently utilise his designated plates and cups for his meals. He will shatter the glass objects and injure himself. Additionally, he will attempt to assist you with the dishes. It is merely a pretext to engage with the water. She softly chuckles, “You may allow him to wash his own dishes, but ensure you give them a thorough rinse when he is unaware,” causing my heart to flutter at the lovely tone.
I desire for her to laugh more… I aim to elicit her laughter…
All cleaning supplies for the kitchen are located beneath the sink. Additionally, there is a supply closet in the hallway containing items such as bleach and floor cleaning. The wardrobe is secured, preventing Bray from accessing it. “Ensure it remains secured at all times,” she states, unlocking a small kitchen drawer to disclose the key to the wardrobe.
She contemplates briefly, attempting to ascertain what additional information I require.
“Here is a list of contacts.”She exclaims, hurrying to the refrigerator to present the list. “This is the nursery phone number for Bray, which reminds me, I must authorise you to collect him tomorrow.” She inscribes a note on the sheet. “This is the extension for the clinic where I am employed, so you can contact me; this is my phone number, and this,” she indicates the final number with hesitation, as if deliberating whether to disclose its owner. “You must promise me that you will not reveal what I am about to share with :
I arch an eyebrow at her, prompting her to giggle at her own expense.
Indeed. “You remain silent,” she mutters timidly. “You comprehend my meaning, so I insist on your promise,” she asserts.
Unable to genuinely assure her that I would never disclose her secret, I cross my heart, and she nods in affirmation.
This is the contact number for the bookshop where Tiana is employed. “She is a witch,” she murmurs. “If Bray is ever injured, you must take him to her.” Disregard the hospital. They will be uncertain about how to handle him. He is not human.
Blood pours from my cheeks. Ricky is allied with a witch, the arch-nemeses of all werewolves? I glance at the young child playing with his wolf. He is not human?
“He is a wolf,” Ricky remarks with disdain. “However, he will never assimilate into your ranks.” I will ensure that.
Her remarks are painful, yet I disregard her criticism as Jimmy’s voice resonates in my mind.
She has already had a mate, Jimmy reflects, recalling her expressions of rejection. It is unsurprising that she is familiar with our realm. The circumstances must have concluded poorly for her to harbour such animosity towards mates.
The notion of her being harmed by another wolf incites my fury. Who could be so foolish as to forfeit a lifetime with her and Bray?
“Tiana is presently travelling but should return shortly,” Ricky interjects, disrupting my contemplation. “I understand that witches and wolves are often at odds, yet she is family.” You shall treat her with the highest regard. Am I understood?
