84 Confessions 2
84 Confessions 2
I swallowed hard, my anger giving way to a profound sadness. The woman I had cared for, the woman I had once trusted with my life, had been a pawn in a game that had cost us everything.
“What was the catch?” I asked coldly, trying to stay in character, to keep my emotions in check.
She blinked, her expression softening. “Do you know why I’m always ill, Theo?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
I shook my head, my chest tightening as I braced myself for her answer. This wasn’t over. Not yet.
Karolyn’s voice was fragile but steady as she began to explain her condition. “During the war in Somberg, they discovered a way to weaponize silver and radiation,” she said, her words carrying the weight of old wounds. “I was exposed to a significant amount of that poison. It damaged my wolf healing abilities and compromised my body. I don’t have cancer, Theo. But I’m not whole anymore.” Her words hung in the air, heavy with the tragedy of what had been done to her.
“My father couldn’t bear to lose me,” she continued, her voice tinged with both bitterness and gratitude. “So he found the best pharmacists to manage my condition. We’re not a poor family, Theo, despite what I’ve made you believe. The silver remains in my system like a virus—dormant but always there. The medications I take suppress it, keeping it from taking over completely. They’re my anti-silver meds, but they’re expensive to produce. That’s where all the money you’ve given me has gone—to keep me alive while they research something more permanent.”
She paused, her breathing labored, and met my gaze with a mix of vulnerability and determination. “Recently, I went to my uncle to plead for help paying for my meds, but he refused. He found out I had misled them about you and Luca. He cut me off completely.”
Her confession brought a sharp pang to my chest. As much as I wanted to feel anger, I couldn’t muster it. Her life had been dictated by forces beyond her control, and now, finally, she was choosing to fight back.
“I know you’re here to take him down, Theo,” she said, her voice breaking. “And I’ll help you. You don’t need to pretend anymore. This week has been… incredible. It made me realize how distorted and destructive my uncle’s vision of peace has become. I want to die knowing I did something to correct the wrongs caused by his twisted fantasy. But please, promise me this—tell Luca to spare my babies. My uncle has poisoned their minds, but they’re still my children. Please.” Tears fell from her eyes, streaks of red mixing with the pallor of her cheeks.
“Where can we get your medication?” I asked, my voice firmer now, trying to find some control in the chaos of the moment.
She began to weep again, shaking her head. “You shouldn’t help me, Theo. Not after everything I’ve confessed.”
“You’re right,” I replied, my tone softening, “but I believe you’re on a path to redemption. I can’t hate you for the choices you were forced to make. Telling me all of this was your first real choice, and I’m not going to punish you for it.”
Her lips quivered as she tried to smile.
“Tell me how to get your meds, Karolyn,” I pressed. “If I dismantle the cult and spare my sons, I’ll need you alive to guide them toward something better.”
She nodded weakly and requested my phone. Dialing a number, she spoke briefly to someone, asking for the drugs to be delivered. After hanging up, she handed me a piece of paper with account details for the pharmaceutical company that produced her medication. I wired the payment immediately, and a confirmation came through within moments.
Three agonizing hours passed as we waited for the delivery. Karolyn grew weaker, her breathing shallower, and my impatience turned into panic. I picked up my phone, ready to call the company, when the doorbell rang. Rushing to the door, I found a delivery man holding a small package.
I signed the receipt and carried the parcel to Karolyn’s room. “Here,” I said, handing her the box.
Her face lit up with relief, and she shook the package gently before opening it. Inside was her medication—and a letter.
She read the letter aloud, her voice shaking.
“I see you managed to come up with the money. This is to let you know that I still determine everything that happens, little one. I let them deliver this to you this time. Never go over my head again. Your uncle, Johannes Wallace.”
Her hands trembled as she popped a pill into her mouth. The tension in the room eased slightly as the medication began to take effect. She looked at me, her strength slowly returning.
“So, how will you help me bring him down?” I asked.
Her gaze sharpened, and a faint smile played on her lips.
“You’ll join us, Theo. Join our cause. Swear undying loyalty and promise to champion our values. As an Alpha, your vows will mean nothing—it’s only for show. Once they believe you’re on their side, my uncle will personally welcome you. That’s when you strike. But be prepared. You’ll only get one chance, and your firepower needs to be overwhelming. My uncle has moles in your circle. Two of them, to be precise: Mario Russo and Marco Diaz. Mario betrayed his own brother, Luciano. They brought Marco on board recently and helped him eliminate his brother. If you include them in your plans, you’ll fail.”
Her words burned into my mind. The betrayal of Mario and Marco cut deep, but I buried my anger for now. I would deal with them later.
“Set the meeting for the day after tomorrow,” I said. “Tell him I want the family business back and that I’m willing to help him take Luca out.”
She nodded, a weak smile on her lips, and picked up her phone to make the arrangements. The game was in motion, and for the first time, I felt we might actually win.