Chapter 44

Roman’s gaze is fixed on me, as if he’s just seen a ghost.

The memory of our first meeting with my other mother—or rather, my aunt—must have left a lasting impression.

A wave of guilt washes over me. My mother looks awful.

Her usually shiny, long black hair is a tangled mess.

The dark circles under her eyes are almost as black as her hair. Her skin is pale, too pale to be healthy.

Sweat beads on her forehead, catching the light as it trickles down her face. She looks terrible.

“Where is he?” Her voice isn’t loud this time; it’s broken and sad. If loneliness had a voice, this would be it.

I approach her slowly. She watches my feet with each step I take.

When I’m close, I pause for a moment. She slowly lifts her head to meet my gaze.

I wrap my arms around her.

She smells awful too, but beneath the sweat and the stench of sickness, her familiar scent still lingers.

Her body trembles against mine, and silent tears escape my eyes.

“I let him escape.” My voice cracks with my sobs. My mom’s body instantly relaxes. She hugs me back, gripping my face and forcing me to look at her.

“He is still here, firebird. I can feel him.” I frown. I was so focused on Roman, I didn’t notice the absence of the alarm that usually sounds when someone escapes the cells.

Mom closes her eyes; her eyelashes flutter lightly.

“I can feel him, let’s go.” She grabs my hand and pulls me along.

Footsteps behind me tell me Roman is following us too.

We walk through hallways I’ve never seen before, down stairs I didn’t even know existed.

I glance back at Roman, feeling his surprise through our bond.

“How did he know?” Roman asks. Even though he’s looking at me, I know his question isn’t meant for me.

Mom shrugs and quickens her pace.

For a woman who looks so terrible, she sure can walk fast. We stop in front of a wall.

I watch mom as she studies the wall. There isn’t much to see.

Two old bronze torches are the only things hanging from the wall.

The candles in them aren’t lit.

Roman reaches for one and lifts the candle. The wall starts to move.

The sound is too loud for my wolf-sensitive hearing.

A dark tunnel appears and my mom walks in. I raise my hand, a soft glow of fire illuminating the space.

The tunnel is old; the stones look like they could crumble at any moment.

Footsteps echo around us. To be honest, the place gives me the creeps.

After only a minute of walking, we enter a room. My mom runs towards my dad.

He catches her easily as she jumps into his arms. Her head disappears into his neck, and I can’t help but stare.

I glance at Roman from the corner of my eye. He’s doing his best to look anywhere but at me or my parents.

This is how our bond is supposed to be too. My dad gives me a warm smile.

“Couldn’t leave my girl here alone. And your mom was coming anyway. So I traded one cell for the other.” I nod at him, returning his smile. His gaze shifts to Roman.

“You’re back?” Roman nods. His memories are indeed back.

Dad gives mom a kiss before setting her down on the floor next to him. He clenches his fists. I’m confused. Roman is standing completely still next to me.

“You hurt my baby girl. Even though she isn’t really a baby anymore, I have some catching up to do.” I step in front of Roman, my dad’s intentions now clear to me.

Why do wolves always have to be so overly protective?

“Katelynn, it’s alright. He’s right, I did hurt you.” I turn my head to look at Roman, but his eyes are already on my dad’s. “But I did it to protect her. She couldn’t be here.”

My dad’s fists relax, but I can see he’s still tense.

I look at mom with pleading eyes.

She just shrugs and smiles, looking back at her mate.

The sweat has already disappeared from her face, instantly feeling better for being close to her mate again.

“You protect her by nearly killing her from being away from you?” I take a step closer to dad.

I don’t want to hurt him, but if he tries to attack Roman, I will tackle him.

“Indeed. Reminds me of a time when a father kidnapped his daughter and took her magic to protect her.” The room is eerily quiet. Tension hangs heavy in the air.

I watch my dad. He looks at Roman with a blank expression.

Then, out of nowhere, he starts laughing. He throws his head back and laughs.

Wait, what’s happening?

Dad steps around me and extends his hand to Roman. Roman shakes his head while smiling.

Does anyone have a manual for how to handle weird wolf men because I could really use one right now.

“Now that you boys have made up, we have a few things to discuss.” My mom’s voice sounds stronger already. The three of us look at her. A flash of sadness is visible in her eyes before she straightens up.

“I think it’s time I’m reunited with my sister.” I open my mouth to protest, but mom silences me by raising her hand.

“A lot has happened between us. There have been a lot of misunderstandings and undoubtedly hard feelings. No matter how much it pains me, she has been a mother to you all these years.

“She has protected you as if you were her own. I see so much of her in you. She has always been the stronger one out of us two. We used to be close, very close.

“She was my best friend. I hold no grudge against her for the decisions she has made.”

Dad shoots her a glare, but doesn’t say anything. “She has done exactly the same as I would have. She didn’t know. Yet I don’t know if she feels the same. No matter what, we are family and it’s time we act like one.”

I hug mom, breathing in her scent. I’m happy she’s here. Even though a lot has happened, this is the woman who gave me life and I’m grateful for her. I let go of her and step back.

“I agree. But mom, you’re pretty strong yourself,” I say with a smile. She returns my smile. I feel Roman’s hand on my back.

“I’m going to arrange a meeting, but first, it’s time for a chat between me and my mate,” I say, and instantly, my heart leaps into my throat.

My palms start to sweat, nerves coursing through me.

I can’t find the words, so I just nod.

My mom gives me a feeble smile, and my dad is eyeing Roman again, like he’s itching to kick his ass. I make a quick exit, heading back up the tunnel.

Roman trails behind me, his steps slow and measured.

~Oh Goddess,~ I think to myself, ~this is going to be... interesting.~