Chapter 148: FRIENDS FOREVER

“Seriously?”

“Or did she kill anyone?”

“Mom. Stop. When she is ready to tell you, just help her without passing judgment. This is all I have to say. And, no, she is not pregnant and has not killed anyone yet.”

“Yet?”

“Do you know what you need right now? Hire a maid to assist with all of this. It’s time to take a break and travel the world. Mom, you need a vacation.” Jade said.

Isabel breathed out a sigh. “Now isn’t the time for that; I need to look after you all and...”

“You tried for us. Mom. You have not had a good time since Hania’s birth. What about regaining your mind after Daddy died? You are also human, and you need these breaks. Selena and I will be fine. I promise. She will not use drugs; all you need is a break.”

Isabel took a deep breath and nervously laughed. Her hands rubbed through her hair. “This had never occurred to me before. I’m leaving you all behind while I go on vacation.”

“I have got an idea. Why don’t you go visit your family? I hear you have not seen them since you and Daddy married. That is a long time.”

“You are correct. I haven’t, and your grandparents and aunts don’t know what you look like. How about we all go there during the holidays? It will be fun.”

Jade shook her head. “You should head there first. Maybe we can meet you there. Mom, you can leave her for two months and return before Christmas to spend it with us. We will call Grandpa if we need anything.”

“I have no idea.” Isabel shrugged. “I don’t want to go there alone.”

“We have school. Selena will be fine, I promise.”

Isabel rose from her chair, hand on her chest. “Do you know what? You are correct.”

“I’m always right.”

“I should go buy my plane ticket. I haven’t visited Mexico in a long time. But I’m not going to be away for two months. It will only be a month, but I will make an effort to stay in touch. If you do not answer my calls, I will return early.”

“We will answer your calls, Mom. Just remember to have fun and not worry. That is why you are going in the first place.”

Isabel chuckled as she went away. Jade shook her head as she watched Isabel joyfully exit the dining room. She immediately reached for her phone. “The team will meet at the mansion in 30 minutes. I have figured out how to get Mom out of the way. We have one month to determine how much we can learn about the organization.

Trisha scoffed on the phone. “Jade, do you know we have school this morning? I mean, who put you in charge?”

“I came up with the plans, Trisha. It will not hurt if you both miss class today.”

“You can not even skip school.”

“Just come over and we will talk. My mother believes I have a cold and has informed the school of my absence. Selena will also be absent from class. They had an argument after she remembered everything.” Jade had called the day before, following her conversation with Selena. Trisha and Dalett were both shocked. They wanted to come over after hearing the news, but Jade stopped them. “Selena is angry.” She had said. “If she sees your faces, she may not be as forgiving. You should give her a break before visiting tomorrow.” She had added.

“She will be furious that we lied to her.” Jade overheard Dalett speak.

“We didn’t have much of a choice.” Trisha said. “We will get there very soon.” She spoke to Jade before hanging up the phone.

Jade drank water from her glass. She looked at the food that remained on the table. She thought about handing some to Selena as she exited. She knocked on Selena’s door. “Can I come inside?” She asked. “I have brought you something to eat.”

“There is no lock on the door.” Selena stated.

Jade opened up and saw Selena sitting on the bed. She closed the door with her leg and approached the table to set the tray on it. She directed her gaze to her sister. “You look awake.”

“I didn’t get any sleep last night.” She had been walking along the beach, feeling the chill on her skin. Every second, she screamed and cursed at the ocean, as if she were an insane old woman who had lost her favorite doll in it. Selena had spent the entire night without food or water, just thinking. When Estry noticed Selena shivering, she told her to return to her car, but Selena refused. Why should she? She and Estry both despise each other. Estry wished her dead, so why would she listen? She had ignored it and watched the morning arrive before returning home. “Why aren’t you in school? It is almost 8 a.m.”

“I am taking a break to look after my sister.”

Selena scoffed and folded her arms. “You can’t even keep an eye on yourself; why should you keep an eye on me?”

“I have some news. You will like it.” Selena focused her attention and waited for Jade’s response. “I have found a way to get Mum out of here so you can take the time you need to decide whether you want to die or not,” Jade said.

“What?”

“Before going to bed last night, I thought about what you said. Yes, I am full of rage. I mean, why would they have kept such secrets from us? They may have thought it was to keep us safe, but it actually did the opposite. I want Grandfather to pay for what he did to you. He is a man who can easily inflict pain on a creature. Why would he spare his granddaughter if she resembles the creature he slaughters?” Jade sighed. “Mom is leaving for Mexico tomorrow to see her family. She will be there for one month. We can use this time to further research our family history.”

Selena was completely perplexed. “You convinced Mum to take a month-long vacation? Out of the house? How did you persuade her?”

“Emotional Blackmail?” Jade laughed. The doorbell rang, and they heard it. “They are definitely Trisha and Dalett. I called them over.”

“I am not mad. I understand that they went to such lengths to keep me safe. If they had been in my position, I would have done the same thing.” Selena exited the bed. “Where is Mom?”

“Probably in her room, packing for tomorrow.” Selena approached the door, but Jade abruptly stopped her before she could open it. Selena turned around and looked at Jade. “I believe you should follow your heart and go see Titus. I understand he lied to get you back, but who wouldn’t when they are deeply in love?”

“He is not in love. He simply wants things he can not have.”

“Tyler stated that he has never fallen in love before. He told me today that Titus hadn’t left his room since yesterday. He is not even doing his job as an alpha because he plans to step down.”

“Step down? He can’t step down. What about the werewolves? If the title gets into the wrong hands, the pack will suffer.”

“Well. You already know what to do.”

“I need to be away from him, Jade. I really do not want to see his... handsome face right now.” She walked out the door and towards the front door. When Selena opened the door, Trisha and Dalett were surprised to see her.

“Selena.” They both said.

“Come in.” Selena allowed them in. She let them into her room and closed the door behind them.

“We deeply apologize. We had no intention of hurting you.” Dalett explained.

“I understand, and I apologize for my actions. Because of Max, I neglected you, Dalett. I’m sorry for treating you like garbage.”

Dalett sniffed. “I’m just relieved you are back. I have missed your annoying ass.” She embraced Selena right away. “Friends forever?”

“Friends forever.” Selena spoke as Trisha joined the hug.

Jade groaned. “Seeing you two hug like that hurts my stomach. You came here for a different reason.”

Selena sat on the bed after releasing her friends. “What are your plans?” she inquired.

“Are you seriously going to let her lead?” Trisha asked.

“She may be young, but I believe we can make use of her intelligence.” Selena joined in.

“First and foremost, we need to figure out if Hania is aware of this.” Jade explained.

“So what if she is?” Dalett asked.

“We will not let her suspect anything.”

“So, what is next?” Trisha asked.