Chapter 161 FORGIVE ME, EDELINE
Edeline
“Edeline, I am truly sorry...” The words spilled from my lips as tears continued to stream down my face. I felt a bit embarrassed, revealing my vulnerable side once again. He really knew how to bring it out of me. “I messed up, and I want you to know that I have always wanted you. I was just really confused and didn’t know how to handle things. I followed my dad’s orders instead of listening to my own heart. I am begging you, please forgive me. When I received that fake letter from you, it completely broke me. I was a mess, crying like a baby. Being in this situation has been incredibly tough, especially now that I realize I was trapped. But I understand now that it wasn’t my fault. Not being man enough, though, that’s on me.” He reached out and took my hand, sending a shiver down my spine.
Rubbing my eyes, I stared at him as I removed my hand from his grasp. “I have to say, your disappearing act actually did me a favor. It opened my eyes and made me wiser. I’ve been through some seriously painful moments, especially watching you with her, looking like a happy family. But you know what? All of that has shaped me into a stronger person.” I said, my voice steady and filled with determination. I could feel the strength within me, undeniable and real.
He lowered his head, his voice barely above a whisper. “I am sorry I couldn’t find the courage to stand up to my dad. I guess I should have realized I was never meant to be the dominant one.”
He reached out and took my hand again, holding it tightly. His grip was firm, making it impossible for me to pull away. I couldn’t deny the pleasure I felt from the warmth of his touch. Our hands fit together perfectly, like they were made to hold each other. His other hand gently cupped my jaw, tilting my tear-streaked face towards his own, which was also stained with tears.
“Edeline,” he said, his voice husky and filled with an alluring depth that sent a shiver of delight through my stomach. “If you’re not feeling this with me, just be honest and let me know. But I hope we can still be friends because I truly value your presence in my life.” His voice was tinged with emotion, raw and sincere. “I would rather endure some pain and see you happy, still being part of your life, rather than cutting off all communication. Our wolves have a special bond that I won’t form with anyone else. I promise. Our wolves will stay connected until the day you choose someone else. But if you can’t forgive me, if you don’t want me anymore, I still want to be friends. We share a strong bond... and now, it feels like we’re even more connected since we share a brother.” A bitter laugh mixed with tears escaped him. “I never lied when I said I love you. I really do. So, please, don’t ever stop being my friend. Please,” he pleaded, his sincerity making my heart tremble.
He was willing to take a chance on his own happiness while keeping tabs on me, ensuring that I was still around, even though we had moved on. He was honest about not making another mark. I could see that he truly believed in what he was saying.
Taking a slow, deep breath through my mouth, I said, “I’m totally up for being your friend. But it seems like we’re kind of stuck with the whole marking situation tonight. Our wolves just can’t resist because we’re mates. So, tomorrow, we’ll probably come out of this cave all marked up, unless, of course, a miracle happens and we don’t.”
His brow furrowed slightly. “Well, you know what they say, a pup wouldn’t last a mate bond. But your brother is living proof that it can happen.”
I gave a small shake of my head. “Mirabelle told me that he survived because my parents marked each other right when she got pregnant. William marked Annabel much later. It wasn’t until after both my mom and your mom had their babies that their wolves marked each other. Our wolves have already marked, and Tatiana can sense it. If our skin sides mark each other, she’ll feel that too.”
He let out a low, rumbling growl, the kind that rumbles deep in a wolf’s throat. I reached out and playfully booped him on the nose. "I get that your wolf is protective, but remember who he is growling at. It is already painful enough for me. And let us not forget that nothing is guaranteed. Even if we manage to come out of this situation with a stronger bond, Percival, you will have to put in some effort. I will not just follow you around like a puppy. You will need to cut Tatiana out of your life and prove yourself to me for however long I decide is necessary. You have really put me through a lot," I said, my voice breaking as I sobbed.
Percival nodded repeatedly, pulling me back onto his lap. His arms wrapped around me in a comforting embrace. I felt a wave of warmth spread through me as his touch enveloped me, while we both sniffled, our tears slowly drying. Without thinking, he leaned in and nuzzled my neck. A shiver ran down my spine, causing my thighs to tighten instinctively.
"Thanks. I am really sorry," he croaked, his voice thick with emotion.
I could not help myself. I embraced him with all my might, feeling a desperate need to hold him close. I thought he had said everything he needed to, but then I felt his body start to shake. He let out a heavy sigh as his lips brushed against the mark on my neck.
"Edeline... I do not know what to do. I feel so powerless. I am losing everything... everything. My father has been deceiving us all for such a long time. Nixx... is my half-brother. Your half-brother. It feels strange even saying it!" He pulled away slightly, his face turning away to prevent his tears from touching my skin.