Chapter 257 HEART OF SHADOWS
Tatiana
I heard the front door of the clinic swing open, followed by a few familiar voices chatting away. A delicious scent wafted through the air, and my wolf perked up, stirring within me.
“Hey there,” I thought to myself, feeling a flicker of hope.
Maybe he was just stopping by to check on me. Perhaps someone had mentioned I was here.
Then I caught another scent—Mirabelle.
My heart did a flip in my chest, and the familiar knots in my stomach twisted again, making me feel anxious, almost nauseous.
I heard Doc chatting with them, guiding them toward a room further down the hall. The sounds of laughter echoed, and I felt a pull of curiosity, an urge to see what was happening. The scratching in my head from my wolf’s unease was growing louder, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to check it out.
As Doc said he’d be back in a few moments, I quietly slipped out of my room, my heart racing as I slid down the hallway, trying to be as stealthy as possible. When I peeked into their room, my heart sank at the sight before me.
Mirabelle was sprawled on the bed, her pants unbuttoned and her shirt hiked up, exposing her bare stomach. A little bump was visible, and Nixx was right there with her, grinning like he’d just won some prize, his hand resting lightly on her belly.
A rush of emotions washed over me, and my heart raced as I watched their tender moment together, an unexpected splash of red on his cheek from a kiss she’d given him. Jealousy coiled around me like a vine, squeezing tight. My wolf was howling, craving something—blood, maybe, or just the raw intensity of feeling. I tried to push her back down, to quell the storm inside, but she was restless, fueled by days of isolation, trapped with only my thoughts to keep her company.
Tears threatened to spill from my eyes as I stood there, watching them. My heart ached for the connection I once had with him—the bond that felt so strong, yet had never been fully realized. Nixx was whispering sweet nothings to the oracle girl who was carrying his pup, and I felt as if I were disappearing into the shadows, lost and forgotten.
Was this what he was feeling?
Nah, it didn’t seem fair. He had left his mark on me, a constant reminder of what we could have been, yet he’d never carried mine. I felt trapped in a cage of my own making, yearning for something I was too afraid to reach for. The weight of it all pressed down on me, and the realization stung more than I expected.
Nixx suddenly whipped his head toward the doorway, as if he had just noticed me standing there. His eyes were wide with surprise, and Mirabelle was peering over his shoulder, looking concerned.
Tears streamed down my face as I stood there, trembling. My heart raced in my chest, and I fought desperately to keep my wolf from breaking through the last barrier that separated us.
“Tatiana,” he called, his worried gaze fixed on me. He jumped up from his chair and hurried over, his hands gently cradling my face. The warmth of his touch made my heart ache even more. I did not want to be stuck with him right now, but here I was. I liked him, even though I barely knew him. It was strange to feel that connection, that sense of love, especially for someone who had a mark. His soft hands brushed my tear-streaked skin, and I cried harder, overwhelmed by memories of her scent.
“Hey, are you okay? What brings you here?” he asked, a frown forming between his brows as he studied me.
He just did not get it.
I started to breathe heavily, the tears still streaming down my cheeks. My heart shattered in front of him, and I shook uncontrollably, struggling to find the right words. His gaze traveled over me, down my body, and the crease on his forehead deepened. “Tatiana, you have not been eating much lately.”
I brushed his concern aside, swiping my finger across his face to wipe off the smudged red lipstick. I glanced at the streak on my finger, not really wanting to feel this way, but it was impossible to ignore. Suddenly, understanding flashed in his eyes as my expression tightened. A rush of jealousy, betrayal, and heartache overwhelmed me.
If it were not for him, I would be long gone, off somewhere far away, enjoying my own company.
At that moment, my wolf finally broke free from the mental restraints I had placed on her. My eyes shifted, teeth elongated, and claws emerged. I shot a quick glance at Mirabelle, and a low growl slipped from my lips.
The wolf was focused on her. She had a strength that came from being with her partner, and all I wanted was to push her out of my life. I pushed off the wall and zoomed toward her, sprawled across the bed. My wolf only wanted one thing: to get rid of her.
I could not hold myself back; I dove toward Mirabelle. She gasped, her eyes widening, and screamed while wrapping her arms around her stomach. I was right there, my claws almost grazing her skin when my wolf let out a wild roar. Strong hands suddenly grabbed my waist, pulling me back against the wall with a crash. Nixx’s eyes shone with a mix of concern and determination, his wolf surging forth, torn between protecting his pup and supporting his mate.
Rabid, my wolf growled, challenging Nixx’s wolf as I struggled against his grip. My claws dug into his arms as he held me tighter against the bare white wall, drywall crumbling around my feet as Nixx pushed me back even harder.
“Tatiana! Stop!” he shouted, but I could not help it. My wolf was in full control now, her bright eyes locked on Mirabelle’s stomach. I could practically taste the fear in the air, and it terrified me. I tucked myself away in a corner of my mind, unable to confront her anger.