Chapter 45 Chapter 45
ISLA
The air outside was cool, and I could feel it brushing against my skin as I stepped out of the house. Ares padded ahead, sniffing at the grass, his tail swishing lazily, but I knew he was watching me more than anything else. He had a way of knowing when I was tense, and today, I was tighter than a drum.
Wesley walked beside me, calm as ever, carrying the bags, the stuff I had bought for Jacob, his eyes scanning everything like the grass itself might try to jump out at us.
I had to admit, having him around made leaving the house feel less stressful, though it didn’t erase the weight of everything that had just happened.
The drive was quiet; Wesley drove like he always did, smooth and steady. I rested my hands on my lap, letting my fingers trace the edge of the leather seat while Ares leaned against the door, head resting near the window. His warm fur brushed my leg, a small comfort I didn’t realize I needed until it was there. The sun was starting to dip; I watched it go by, my mind wandering over the current issues with the Ferro family and everything that had come out in the conversation.
I still couldn’t believe that idiot tricked me into signing a marriage license. My chest tightened when I thought about it; I wasn’t scared, not really. I felt… aware. Powerful, in a strange way, but it had also been a reminder of where I stood now. Somewhere between shadow and sunlight, part of the family yet still on my own.
“Madam?” Wesley’s voice broke the silence. “Traffic will be heavy near Riverside; if you want, we can take the side streets.”
I shook my head. “No, it’s fine."
He nodded, hands steady on the wheel. Ares gave a low, contented huff, his tail swishing again as the car moved smoothly into the street. I glanced at Ares, and he tilted his head at me, ears perked, like he understood exactly what I was thinking. I trusted him in a way I hadn’t trusted anyone for years.
Jacob’s place was quiet, tucked away behind a row of trees and hedges that made it feel like it had nothing to do with the rest of the city. He was the only one I had, and
I was the only one he had. He never asked for anything in return except perhaps a little respect. That respect had been repaid in full, and more, by now.
Ares jumped down first when the door opened and ran ahead to the small gate. I followed slowly, taking a deep breath. The quiet of the place always surprised me when I arrived. No guards, no cameras, no noise of a city that never slept. Just Jacob, usually moving about the garden or fixing some small thing around the house, and now, me.
Jacob looked up the moment the gate opened. His face broke into that easy, warm smile that had never changed. “ Isla,” he said, his voice quiet but strong. “It’s good to see you.”
I smiled back, a real smile that reached my eyes. “Jacob,” I said softly, “I needed to check in also. I bought some stuff for you." He chuckled, a sound that seemed to carry a weight of relief. “I don't need anything. I made some tea. You look like you could use it.” he said,
I stepped inside, Ares immediately padding to the corner where he usually sat, and settled down with a low, contented groan. Wesley stood just inside the doorway, hands folded, scanning as always, though his gaze softened when he caught my eyes. “I’ll be outside if you need me,” he said, voice steady and calm as ever.
I nodded, brushing past him into the small kitchen area. Jacob had puttered about, preparing tea and simple biscuits on the side. Nothing fancy, no pretense. It was comfortable, grounding. I sank into one of the chairs, letting my shoulders relax, feeling the tension of the day start to ease.
“How is Nikolai?” Jacob asked carefully, placing the tray down. He poured the tea without looking up at me.
I sipped slowly, the warmth spreading through me. “He’s fine,” I said finally, letting the word hang. “But… I know a lot more than I ever did."
Jacob nodded slowly, setting down the teapot. “What do you mean?” he asked carefully. I began explaining what I had found out since returning from Zurich and the bank. After i finished he just stared at me.
We sat like that for a while, just the two of us, tea cooling in our cups. Ares had curled up by my feet, occasionally glancing up at me, as if checking to make sure I was really okay. Wesley remained outside, patient and silent, a calm shield just beyond the walls. I let myself relax more than I had in days, letting the tension bleed out through my fingers and toes.
Finally, Jacob leaned back in his chair, sighing lightly. “That is a lot Isla, they took your entire life from you. They need to pay for it.” he said
I laughed softly, shaking my head. “It’s hard; I have to stop myself from barging into that house and possibly killing them. But I'll restore everything that rightfully belongs to the Valerius family, my mother's and father's legacy. Alistair will pay for it.”
He smiled, a small, knowing grin. “Good, just be careful," he said. I reached across the table, giving his hand a quick squeeze. “Thank you,” I said simply. “For everything.”
He nodded, but didn’t speak, letting the moment linger. Outside, the wind rustled through the trees, carrying the faint scent of the city mixed with the quiet of the garden. I could hear the distant hum of traffic, but it felt far away, almost unreal.
After a while, I leaned back in my chair, letting my eyes close for just a moment. Ares shifted at my feet, nudging me gently with his nose, and I opened my eyes, smiling. “You’re always too aware, aren’t you, boy?” I said softly.
He gave a low growl in response, tail wagging slowly
The city blurred past the window as Wesley drove, Ares curled up at my feet, his nose twitching at every passing car. I let myself sink back into the seat, closing my eyes for a moment, thinking about Jacob and that little house I’d built for him. Quiet, safe. No one breathing down my neck, no shadows of threats lingering. I could almost feel it, the calm.
Then a figure shot out in front of the car. Everything happened at once. Wesley slammed the brakes, tires screaming against the asphalt. The car jerked violently, skidding sideways. Ares barked, leaping up, claws scraping against the leather. I held onto the seat, my stomach twisting and heart hammering. Glass shattered somewhere to my right. Metal groaned. My head slammed against the window.