177

177
Scarlett
“He wanted my life, I am sure of that, but Nina killed my most trusted maid and pinned it on Jack.”
“What a scary child. That child must have inherited Alaric’s rogue blood,” my mother muttered before turning to the speechless Diana. “How could your son do that?”
“I don’t know,” she whispered softly. “But he is a changed person. Trust me, Lucy.” She grabbed Mother’s hand with desperate intensity. “He must have been manipulated because she is his mate. The Moon Goddess paired them together. I knew nothing about this, Lucy.”
A humorless laugh escaped me. “You’re right, because Nina never loved him. She wanted to get rid of him and snatch my mate away from me.” The memory of Nina’s scheming eyes on Finn made bile rise in my throat.
Mother gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “Where is she?” she asked, rising to her feet. “Where is Alaric’s daughter?”
“She will be here soon, Mother. You don’t have to worry yourself.”
My mother’s face suddenly crumpled, guilt etching itself into every line. “If she’s like this in your pack, I wonder what she was like in your father’s pack.”
The question brought back painful memories I thought I had moved past. I saw vivid images in my mind; taunts, sabotage, hurtful whispers, and my father turning a blind eye to it all.
“Words alone can’t express the hell I passed through in her hands,” I spoke. “But it’s all in the past. I’m fine.”
I didn’t want Mother to feel guilty or sad. Her suffering had been greater than mine; years stolen, a love betrayed, a child lost.
“Oh, my baby,” she said as she pulled me into a hug. I melted into her embrace, breathing in her scent of wildflowers and something uniquely her.
I felt the motherly love I had been starved of for so long wash over me. Tears burned behind my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.
“Jack is a better person,” Diana spoke again. “He is a changed person. Can you give him a second chance?”
I hesitated, stepping away from my mother’s hug, torn between the memory of Jack’s betrayal and the anguish in Diana’s eyes as she fought for her son.
“Of course,” I muttered softly, earning a warning growl from my mate. I turned around, my gaze met his.
“Finn, you heard that. Everyone deserves a second chance,” I added as I reached for his hand. My thumb smoothed over the rigid tendons, feeling them gradually relax under my touch.
“Not everyone,” he stated. “You know.”
“But his mother...” I paused, gazing at Diana’s pleading expression, which reminded me of my own mother’s sorrow.
“I swear on the holy name of the goddess. Jack is a better person,” Diana responded. “I am sure he regrets everything. Please forgive him and give him a chance.”
After a long silence, Finn finally spoke.
“Okay. Maybe he deserves a second chance,” he conceded, though his eyes remained wary.
“Thank you, Alpha,” she said with a tremulous smile. “He will be of help in fighting Alaric. He is now our Alpha.”
“Congratulations to him on becoming the new Alpha,” he began. “I will have to turn down your offer. My pack can fight without involving others.”
She nodded, disappointment briefly flashing in her eyes before understanding took its place. “As you wish.”
After our conversation, we all went to the dining hall where the heavy atmosphere slowly lifted as we enjoyed a meal together and engaged in a conversation.
Once we finished eating, we walked Diana to the waiting car. We bid our goodbyes before returning to the guest quarters.
“Mother, this is where you’ll be staying,” I said, guiding her to the guest quarters.
The rooms were tastefully decorated and meticulously prepared for her arrival, a long-awaited homecoming.
My mother insisted on staying close, her eyes fixed on my face as if trying to memorize every feature.
She expressed her desire to take care of me and reclaim the lost years. “Do you like it?” I asked, feeling a sudden wave of anxiety for her approval.
“Yes, I do. I love anything you give me,” she replied with a smile that made her look years younger. The beauty that had once captivated my father was shining through the hardship etched on her face. “Thank you, darling.”
We talked late into the night, not about revenge or plans, but about simple things. I shared everything about my mate and me, the beautiful moments we had, and the love that had rescued me when I felt lost.
As I recounted our stories, we laughed and shed tears together, and I saw a burden lift from her.
I knew it wouldn’t be easy to heal years of pain, but I would make sure to build good and better memories with her.
Memories worthy of the warriors we had become.