Chapter 57 14K GOLD
Edeline
As tears filled my eyes again, the pain was raw and intense. The wolf inside me was searching for her mate, and though I didn’t blame Z, I couldn’t ignore the anger towards Tatiana. I was determined to see her gone.
My feelings were a tangled mess. I watched him transform into his wolf form, a bittersweet longing swelling in my chest. The absence of his touch was a painful void. I made my way back to the mattress and lay down on his side, burying my face in his pillow, which only made me cry harder.
That’s it. I’m done.
Alpha had mentioned that he’d come up with an alternative plan if the baby was born, but the idea of being in a relationship with him now felt tainted. If the pup were to pass away, it might be the only way to make this work. Or perhaps Tatiana would be the key.
My heart was still aching, with the pieces that once tried to mend themselves now scattered and broken. I felt like a collection of shattered fragments, barely holding together.
Yeah, but he really loves me.
I felt completely lost...
My mind drifted back to the box he had given me. The wooden box he made for me years ago was something truly special. With its intricate carvings and the care evident in every detail, it was a testament to his affection. I wiped away my tears and carefully lifted the lid. What I found inside took my breath away.
There, nestled in the box, was a gold necklace. It looked like a locket, and it was my absolute favorite. I had always talked about wanting a gold locket when I was younger. My fingers trembled as I gently pulled the delicate chain out of the box. The locket was stunning—its shine was dazzling! It wasn’t the dark gold I didn’t like but a beautiful, lighter 14k gold that I adored. The length was perfect, and hanging at the bottom was a small gold locket charm, about the size of a quarter. The charm featured a beautiful design with a detailed pattern and a charming anchor at its heart. A small, vibrant green stone added a touch of color. It was a piece meant for my eyes alone.
I was speechless. Why would he say he loved me and give me such a personal gift when we hadn't even explored where our relationship could go? I liked him so much, but... love? I wasn't sure I was ready to say that just yet.
My heart raced as I clumsily opened the locket. One side had a space for a photo, and a small, white folded paper was tucked inside. The inner lid had an inscription:
"You'll be the one who keeps me grounded, and I'll be the one who lifts your heart to the sky. - Percival"
Beneath the quote was a small, shimmering sky-blue gem.
His eyes...
Reading the inscription felt like something inside me had burst open.
"When did you get this?" I wondered aloud, tracing my thumb along the smooth surface, overwhelmed by a rush of emotions that seemed as powerful as the sea.
The anchor on the front... it felt symbolic. I carefully removed the paper from the locket and unfolded it. The writing was done in beautiful calligraphy. I had no idea he was so talented in the arts!
The note read...
"I'll be here for you, no matter what. You'll always have my heart, no matter how long we've known each other or the connection we share. I've had feelings for you for as long as I can remember. When you feel like I'm too far away... just a quick reminder... I wanted to remind you that you have my complete love and affection. It’s just you. And, hey, remember that hiding spot we talked about."
I couldn’t hold back a deep sob, my face scrunching up as fat tears slid down my cheeks. I carefully folded the note and placed it back inside the locket, closing it with a soft click.
Frustration and sadness overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t stop myself from pounding my fists into the mattress. I buried my face in the pillow and let out a raw, anguished scream.
I just wanted to blame someone for taking this happiness from me. Alpha? No, I couldn’t blame him. Z? Not really. And to be honest, I couldn’t even blame Tatiana, despite my deep-seated irritation. She happened to be my brother’s partner, and while that stung, it wasn’t her fault. I’d keep searching for something concrete, something that confirmed my suspicions. The fact that she was my brother’s mate made things suspicious, but it wasn’t a crime.
Gently, I placed the necklace back into the box and closed the lid. Holding the box close to my chest, I let the tears dry as I lay on Percival’s pillow, feeling numb and detached. My emotions were all over the place, a mix of sadness and confusion.
I thought about where we were hiding. I’d asked him a few questions earlier and considered writing him letters like teenagers do, stashing them behind a loose piece of wood in the wall. It was the closest I’d get to communication for now.
Then, I heard it. A woof. Percival’s bark, faint but unmistakable.
A wave of relief washed over me, but the unease didn’t completely fade. I quickly took off my t-shirt, folding it neatly and putting it back in the trunk. I wanted to keep it as a keepsake, a small reminder of him. The box and the locket were enough for now.
I left the treehouse, unclothed, and transformed into my wolf form. Carefully, I held the box in my mouth, avoiding any teeth marks, and we hurriedly made our escape.
I never saw Percival again, and we didn’t feel safe until we had run all the way through the forest to my parents’ house. Along the way, I rubbed my fur into the earth, trying to erase Percival’s scent just in case. My wolf and I were on the same page—we knew the risks of being discovered. Sometimes, she just acted on her own instincts.