Chapter 293 MEMORIES OF LOSS
Percival
I hoped I didn’t annoy her. I understood she was strong, but my Alpha side just wanted to look out for my mate. I was trying to communicate my feelings through the mate bond, to reassure her I was here for her.
The corner of her mouth lifted in a quick smile. "It's all good."
Shaking my head, I did what I felt compelled to do. I walked over, scooping her up in my arms. She gasped in surprise as I carried her across the room to the salvaged bed. Her eyes widened, taking in the effort I had made to clean up for her.
"I’ll grab you something to wear. Your clothes are wrecked." I stifled a laugh as I laid her down on the bed. I missed the feel of her skin against mine, even from that brief moment before I had to let her go to find her a t-shirt and some clean boxers.
I had both boxers and boxer briefs, but lately, I definitely preferred the briefs. Guess it was just part of growing up!
As I returned to her, Edeline’s gaze was fixed on my bare torso. She looked up at me with that curious expression, still wrapped in her towel, her hair damp and framing her face.
Without saying a word, I plopped down on the bed in front of her and gently pulled the towel away. Her cheeks flushed, and I could see the embarrassment creeping in as my eyes took in her stunning figure. Her breasts were so perky and round, tiny scars dotting her body—a testament to her strength. I could admire her forever. But then I frowned again, noticing the bruises blooming on her hips and waist, marks that matched my hands. The claw marks on those curvy hips, the angry red impressions my teeth had left on her breast and neck... love bites scattered across her neck and chest. I might have gone a bit overboard.
"I'm really sorry," I said quietly, my eyes wide as I pulled the shirt over her head.
She gave me a small smile as she took the boxers from my hands. "I'm fine. I’ve got you covered. Thanks a bunch!" She cleared her throat, hoping I didn’t misinterpret her gratitude.
We just weren’t as chill with each other as we used to be.
We had a good vibe going, but she still seemed to think I might do something to break her heart. I was determined to clear that up.
After leaving her on my bed, I picked up a brush from the bathroom and headed back. She was just settling down again, looking a bit uncomfortable. It struck me then that I had been too rough with her.
But it had felt so perfect... exhilarating.
Without thinking, I plopped down behind her. She turned to glance back at me, those curious eyes reflecting surprise as I gently tugged her hair free from the collar of her shirt. I began to brush through her damp, deep chestnut locks, starting at the ends and working my way up.
I had always been a fan of her long hair, and it was even longer now.
I worked quietly, noticing her eyes drifting shut as she surrendered to the moment. She was soaking it all in while I groomed her, and I could only imagine how the pack would react if they saw this side of me. To them, I was tough, an imposing figure—but with my mate, I could be soft.
Once I finished brushing, I leaned in, letting my breath flutter against her skin as I moved her hair to one side. I watched as her skin reacted, warmth spreading in response to my closeness. A sweet kiss landed on my mark, the one I had bitten into twice tonight to claim her. The skin around it was red and swollen, a vivid reminder of my possession. A sigh slipped from her lips as she licked them, and I felt a rush of affection.
Taking my time, I started braiding her hair. She was completely absorbed in the moment, and I knew this was step one in my plan to win her back. Once I tied it off with her hair tie, I let my hand rest on her thigh for a brief moment before lifting her by the waist and settling her onto the pillows, tucking her in with the blankets.
Sitting back down in front of her, I took her hand in mine. Our eyes locked, and I could feel the emotions swirling in hers, a connection forged through our mate bond.
She still had feelings for me. Maybe I had a shot after all.
"Edeline." My voice was deeper, resonating with sincerity. "I know you're not ready to chat yet. But... I want you to know how truly happy I am that you're here." I looked at her with all the love I could muster as she shivered under my touch. Her bright green eyes remained locked on mine. "I love you. More than anything else. I've done everything with you in my thoughts. This empire... it’s for you! Please don’t feel like you have to be Luna. You’ll always be my buddy, and I love you more than anything else. I love you more than the Mariana Trench is deep. I love you more than the moon is high in the sky. I love you more than any challenge out there. Each day, I replay our good times in my mind. You're so strong, Edeline." I squeezed her hand tighter as I spoke. "I get it now; you’re so much more than anything I've ever known. I just hope you still think I'm worth it. Maybe someday, but not today. I just wanted to let you know... I still cherish the good times we had together. I long to feel your touch, your vibe. I’ve held this in for too long, and I’m really sorry for hurting you tonight. It was something I’ve never experienced before, and I lost control." I shook my head and closed my eyes, trying to suppress the turmoil inside.
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, her bottom lip quivering as she held my hand tighter, absorbing my unwavering love for her.
A chuckle escaped me as I remembered an old memory. "Do you remember... back when we were just young pups? I was nine, and you were five. I’ve never told you this before, but I always felt a pull towards you, Edeline. Even with the age difference... I think I’ve always loved you. I remember just hanging out, watching you and my brother play. I always kept my eyes on you, checking in to make sure you were alright. You were always more beautiful than any girl in my grade. I know that might not sound great, but... I think I somehow always knew you were mine." I smiled softly as she took a shaky breath, the quietest I had ever seen her.
I lifted my hand and gently cupped her cheek, and to my surprise, she leaned into it. Our eyes locked, and I could feel tears welling up. “I will always want you.” I need you around. I’ll always keep my heart open just for you... You’re my everything. My vibe. “Nothing makes sense without you, babe.”
Leaning in, I kissed her, feeling that familiar spark between us. To my delight, she kissed me back—her lips full, soft, and gentle.
As we kissed, I felt the tears I had been holding back begin to fall, and I realized hers were falling too, landing on my cheeks and blending with mine.
I pulled back, worried I might overwhelm her, giving her a soft smile while my thumb wiped away a tear from her cheek. She seemed surprised that I had tears for her, but honestly, she was the only one who could ever bring them out. She was so amazing, so pure and gentle, capable of making a tough Alpha male tear up in no time.
“Thanks, Edeline, for not taking any other guy. Thanks for coming back to me,” I said, my voice a bit rough. She nodded.
“Thanks, you too.” Those were the first words I had heard from her in a while.
With a sigh, I stood up and wiped my eyes with the back of my hand, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. “I’m going to shower. Feel free to kick back and relax. The remote's right there on the table if you want to catch some TV. I’ll be out in a sec... I’d love to pull you close and just drift off with you resting against me. Is that cool?”
She smiled to herself, nodding shyly, never looking back at me.
I couldn't help but smile as I left her to her thoughts and headed to the bathroom to get cleaned up.
After washing off the day’s worries, I dried off and headed back into the bedroom, the steam from my hot shower filling the space. I spotted Edeline snoozing in my bed, and a smile broke across my face—something I had done a lot tonight. I tossed the towel around my waist into the hamper, threw on some black boxer briefs, and slid into bed next to her.
The bedside lamp glowed softly, casting a warm light around the room. I turned it off, letting the darkness wrap around us like a comforting blanket. Rolling her so her hips were against mine, I slipped my hand gently under her shirt, resting it on her stomach, pulling her snug against my chest. Her head fit perfectly under my chin. I was careful with her, not wanting to add to her pain. My delicate flower might be tough, but she was still so precious to me.
Letting out a happy sigh, I realized this was everything I had ever wanted. My wish had finally come true. I silently thanked the moon while holding this incredible she-wolf close to me. She instinctively wriggled to get even closer. I lifted her shirt just a bit, wanting to feel her lower back against my abs. My hand slid up between her breasts to rest there, feeling her heart beat steadily.
I could totally sleep like this with her forever.
I just hoped she wouldn’t wake up feeling shocked or appalled.
I wasn’t trying to be inappropriate; my hand had just kind of found its place there, you know? It felt like the right spot for me.
“Sweet dreams, my angel.” I whispered into her neck, kissing her shoulder before pulling her closer and drifting off, a smile on my lips as the darkness enveloped me.
I had never felt this much peace before. It was the first time I had smiled in ages.
I just wanted to be like this with her forever.
…
Edeline
Dark clouds hovered in the gray sky, and a cool breeze kept tossing my hair all over the place. It was one of those mornings—gloomy, with not a trace of sunshine in sight. The trees swayed lightly, their branches rustling as the wind picked up just enough to send a chill through me.
I hunched deeper into my jacket, trying to stay warm. Kneeling under the old weeping willow, I squinted, trying to get a clear look at the thing in front of me.
A tombstone. A big one. Dark granite, polished smooth, with deep cuts where the letters were chiseled.
Darius James Stone
Third-born with Alpha blood
Awesome son and buddy
b. 2/22/98
d. 2016
The date wasn’t even solid. The pack just sort of guessed because William was all over the place, mentally. I mean, he wasn’t in the right headspace back then—not really tracking the when or how. Everything was just off. Wolves can be... complicated like that.
A knot tightened in my chest as I sniffled. The breeze cut through my clothes, and I curled up a bit against the cold. The weather out here is always so unpredictable. Darius was only seventeen. Seventeen, with his whole life ahead of him... and now here we are.
My mind wandered, and before I could stop it, the memories flooded back. That night... the night he died. God, Darius.
Annabel and I thought we were so clever sneaking him out of the cellar. He had been locked up for weeks, and getting him free felt like lifting a thousand pounds off my shoulders. We were laughing, high on adrenaline—until Percival found him.
The look in Percival’s eyes... the way he just snapped Darius’s neck, like it was nothing. My stomach turns even now, thinking about it.