Chapter 198 UNRESOLVED PAIN
Edeline
"Hey, Ede, just do what makes you happy. Honestly, if you decide to let go of being an Oracle for a mate bond, no one will blame you. Take all the time you need. Believe me, a mate bond is not as perfect as people make it out to be. I would gladly trade places with you any day." I managed a chuckle, but my words were heartfelt.
It was truly painful, feeling this way.
That’s why I am running... Going for a long run, to a new place, a new home where I can start fresh.
Mirabelle laughed softly, meeting my gaze again. "Thanks for talking to him. I know you were the one who got him to open up to me..."
Yeah, he would have figured it out eventually. I just nudged him in the right direction. "Mirabelle, there’s something I need to do, and I hope you won’t hold it against me."
She tilted her head slightly, her eyes softening with a casual curiosity. "I was wondering when you’d let me in on it. I had a vision, you know?"
I sighed. Of course, she knew...
I reached into my purse and pulled out an envelope, handing it to her. Her name was elegantly written in calligraphy on the front. "Make sure to read this later tonight," I said. "I want you to know that I will always stay in touch, okay?"
Tears started to well up in her eyes as she took the letter from me. We embraced tightly, both of us feeling the weight of parting. I felt a deep pang of sadness at the thought of not seeing her again.
"I need to go now. Love you, Mirabelle," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.
"I love you too, Edeline," she replied, her voice trembling. She sniffled and wiped her tears with her well-groomed hands. I took a step back, a small, bittersweet smile on my lips.
I turned and made my way toward my parents' place. As I approached, I noticed William pacing restlessly on the porch, his agitation palpable. Annabel stood nearby, her piercing blue eyes fixed on him with a mix of disdain and weariness.
She looked lonely, her expression reflecting a quiet sadness.
"Mom. Dad." A strange, heavy sensation filled my chest as a wave of emotions overwhelmed me. The realization that I would not be seeing them for a while was sinking in.
I pulled them into a warm embrace, trying to absorb some of their worries from the recent Nixx and Percival incident. I pressed my cheek against theirs, holding them tightly, trying to offer comfort.
"Hey, Edeline, are you okay?" Mom’s voice carried a blend of confusion and concern as she gently ran her fingers through my hair. Both of them pulled me into a comforting hug, their concern evident.
"Hey, pumpkin," Dad said softly, his voice soothing. "I know things are tough right now, but let’s stay positive and keep moving forward, okay?"
Little did he know how accurate his words would become.
"I just wanted to tell you that I love you both so much," I managed to say, fighting back tears. "No matter what happens, I am really lucky to have you as my parents." I took a step back, looking up at them with a heavy heart. They gazed down at me, their eyes filled with sadness.
"We love you too, sweetheart," Mom said, her voice filled with affection as she gently caressed my cheek.
Suddenly, a commotion behind us drew everyone’s attention. Percival and Nixx burst out of the clinic, both looking a bit worse for wear. There was a palpable sense of aggression in the air.
The two wolves were locked in a fierce confrontation, growling at each other with bared teeth. Punches were being thrown, and Percival landed a solid hit right to Nixx’s face.
“Hold up!” Alpha William’s voice boomed across the yard as my dad hurried over to where the two were fighting, like wild creatures caught in a frenzied struggle.
“You marked her, you jerk!” Percival’s voice was thunderous as his fist connected with Nixx’s jaw, producing a loud crack.
Nixx turned sharply to face him, his eyes blazing. “She’s my friend!” he shouted, before headbutting Percival with a forceful thud. Percival’s head snapped back, blood spraying into the air. He stood no chance against Nixx’s raw power.
“Could you please stop?” William’s voice was thunderous, his veins visibly pulsing with rage. The Alpha wolf inside him was struggling to break through as he realized the chaos unfolding before him.
We watched in shock as William managed to separate the two brawling males. Percival’s nose was bleeding heavily, and Nixx’s lip was cut and slowly dripping with blood. Both were breathing heavily, their anger still simmering.
“He marked her! Without her consent! Do you know what that means?” Percival’s voice was filled with accusation as he pointed at Nixx, his tone sharp.
William, Dad, Mom, Annabel, and Mirabelle all stared at Nixx in stunned silence, their mouths agape. I already knew what was coming next, but it didn’t affect me much. The potential harm to the pup and Tatiana was exactly what Nixx seemed to desire. I could see the glint of satisfaction in his eyes. If he was okay with living with that wolf, so be it.
"It will not kill her. She wants me as a mate!" Nixx growled, defending himself.
"Okay, let's calm down—" William tried to interject, but was cut off.
"No!" Percival shouted. "She is hurting right now! I am going to lose my pup because of this." He dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "I just wanted my son... that is all. None of you understand. I just wanted my son..." His voice cracked with emotion. Overwhelmed by the sadness, tears spilled uncontrollably from his eyes.
William glanced down at him, his expression unreadable, before he and Dad headed inside. They took Nixx along to ensure there would be no further conflicts, wanting to make sure the pregnant female was okay.
Mom and Mirabelle arrived shortly after. Seeing Percival fall apart right in front of us was incredibly tough. It felt so uncomfortable and awkward. Annabel hesitated, clearly wanting to console her son, but his piercing gaze locked onto mine. She closed her eyes and gave me a nod before disappearing inside the clinic.