Chapter 172 DIVIDED AFFECTIONS
Edeline
Mirabelle’s expression remained steady, her voice casual as she continued, "We’ve been searching for both of you all morning. We even checked your favorite spot—the one on top of the waterfall. We called out for you, but then I heard this guy yelling from below, amid the noise of the water. So, I made my way down the cliff to that rock that sticks out to the side. And there was Percival, flailing his arms in the waterfall and sticking his head out to peek upwards. I couldn’t go any lower, and he couldn’t climb up the slippery rocks. I decided to head back to the pack house and grab a motorboat to reach the waterfall."
She glanced away briefly before continuing. "When I arrived, Percival was holding you, and I couldn’t help but notice the marks on both of you. I got pretty angry, not going to lie," she said, rolling her eyes towards the ceiling. "But I ended up helping him put you in the boat."
Mirabelle sighed, her eyes reflecting a mix of frustration and sympathy. "He gathered his things from the cave, and as we made our way back, he told me about Anita escaping and betraying them. Apparently, she learned the truth about Nixx being the first-born alpha after he confided in her. Then she manipulated the situation, trapping you both together and leaving you stranded. He really seemed to have developed quite a crush on you. He was in full-on panic mode, mentioned you woke up multiple times in pain. He couldn't resist—well, a few times," she added with a smirk. I blushed at the memory of our passionate night together.
"So what’s the big deal?" I shrugged, trying to seem unfazed as I sat up.
Her brows furrowed. "After the whole haze thing, he suddenly realized you didn’t use protection. And let me tell you, he was freaking out! He managed to sedate you while you were catching some Z’s after that last heat wave. He said he’d been yelling for help for an hour before I arrived. He didn’t regret marking you, though." She paused, her gaze softening. "Your mom decided it was best to keep you here, sedated. Your dad’s been away, and it was just your mom dealing with things. But it’s all patched up now," she added with a hint of amusement. She gave me a reassuring look, and I managed a small grin.
"Me too," I replied, though my mind was still reeling from everything.
Mirabelle's tone shifted slightly. "But, Edeline, there’s more. The reason I was searching for you… It’s not just about you and Percival."
I raised my eyebrows, waiting for her to continue. "So, what’s the deal?"
She sighed, her bright green eyes reflecting concern. "Tatiana ended up getting sick. She’s been feeling under the weather with some belly pains. I guess when you and Percival formed that bond, it affected her and the little one. Nixx has been with her since the incident, since Percival wasn’t here," she said, her brows furrowing in concern. It was clear she was feeling a bit down about the situation.
I listened in silence, absorbing the weight of her words. The connection between my actions and Tatiana’s condition was something I hadn’t anticipated, and the reality of it hit me hard.
“He helped her while you two were missing in action,” Mirabelle said softly. “But when Percival found out you were out of danger and went to visit the puppy, he saw him holding her hand at the clinic. It made him furious. Since then, Percival has stayed by her side.”
Her gentle voice made me feel like a hollow shell of my former self. I remembered a time when I was fierce, a person who earned respect. That part of me had emerged because of Percival’s actions, his choice to prioritize Tatiana over me had shattered my heart. It felt like that strong version of me had disappeared overnight.
And now, here I am, mated and marked by Percival, who is once again by her side.
“We are mates,” I reminded myself. “He said he would always be there for me.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, reaching out through the bond we shared. I tried to open my mind to his emotions.
I could feel his wolf’s envy as it noticed another male near his soon-to-be-born pup. There was a sharp sting of anger towards Nixx for trying to take something so precious from him—this time, his own child.
The guilt was palpable. He felt remorse for marking me, for involving me and the pup in this tangled mess. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I let the bond speak to me. I could sense Percival’s own remorse too. Seeing the ultrasound today, the 3D image of his child, had deeply affected him. The image of his pup was etched in his memory, and he had completely fallen for the little one.
He felt guilty about not coming to see me, about leaving me behind. Did he not care to check on me? His attention was now divided between his friend and the child he had developed such strong feelings for.
Tears streamed down my face as I visualized his thoughts unfolding like a movie reel. The love he still held for me was evident, but it seemed to be overshadowed by his newfound affection for the puppy.
Just yesterday, it had been his wolf side that felt a paternal instinct. Now, as a man, having a child felt incredibly significant—like continuing the family legacy. The thought of his son, a potential successor with a strong alpha lineage, was captivating. After seeing his pup’s adorable face, Percival's focus had shifted.
It was clear he adored the pup, though his feelings for Tatiana seemed to be different. The issue was that Tatiana was carrying the child she had grown to love deeply—a love that seemed eternal, not just from a fatherly perspective.
As I shed more tears, Mirabelle quietly joined me, offering her silent support. She reached out, gently holding my hand in a comforting gesture.
“Why did you allow him to mark you, Edeline?” she asked softly.