Quinn looked at her father as he walked into her room, crying. âI'm sorry, Quinn.â
He fell to his knees in front of the bed she laid on, and the door closed on its own accord behind
him. âThis is all my fault, I should've known, I should've done something. I-I just...I tried so hard not
to believe it, I wanted it to be a lie...all of it. And during my time of delusion, you got hurt. If I'd
done something sooner, your wolf would've been fine.â
âDad...â Quinn called his name lowly, not looking into his eyes. âAre you drunk?â
âI'm not...but I figured I wouldn't have been able to confront Kathrine while being sober, so I drank
a little. I'm sorry, Quinn.â
âIt's alright dad, it wasn't your fault, and it wasn't mom's either...it was entirely my fault. I knew from
the start too, I was the one who wanted more than I could get, I was the one who laid my life down
for something I shouldn't even have to beg for. She's my mother after all, her love is supposed to
come free...or is that she...she isn't my mother?â
Her eyes finally drifted over towards him, accessing his reaction to her question. As she expected,
his eyes widened in shock, and he nervously readjusted himself on the floor. âI...Quinn, who told you
that? It might not seem that way based on how she treated you, but Kathrine is your mother.â
Taking a deep and frustrated breath, Quinn walked past him, harshly shouldering him as she walked
over to Zayd. She reached behind him, untying the ropes that held him captive. âI know that this
isn't enough to restrain you...quit acting like an idiot in front of so many people.â
She dropped the ropes and turned towards Jeo. âSince we are all here; my family as well as the rest
of the pack, let me reveal the truth. It is indeed this woman who poisoned me, I will not address her
as my mother since she has been everything but a mother to me. You're the alpha Jeo, you're free to
punish her in whatever way you see fit...as for me, I won't be here long enough to decide...I'm
leaving this pack tonight.â
âWhat...? Quinn you~"
âThe pack Jeo...they're dying to hear how you will punish the traitor.â
Jeo's mouth opened and closed, and then with clenched jaws, he turned to stare at the pack. âThe
vi...the victim has spoken...since it is so, I will punish the criminal accordingly.â
As he continued to speak, Quinn grabbed Zayd's hand. âThis doesn't mean I've forgiven you, and it
doesn't mean I ever will. Right now, I need a place of refuge and it is not here. You said you'd take
me back with you. I'll come.â
Zayd looked down at her hand that held his, then nodded slowly...as if he were lost in a trance.
This...This was the courage he'd seen in her eyes when he first met her...this was the strength he
thought she lost. âI'll take you, let's go.â
His hand closed around hers, and he pulled her off the podium with him, not stopping until they
were at the back of the crowd. The pack members were whispering and staring, but neither Zayd
nor Quinn cared. âDonât you want to hear it? Her punishment I mean.â
Quinn looked back up at the podium, nodding once with an anxious gulp. âY-Yes.â
Ji SN]