ter 38
Adeline West
As I stumbled into my room, the weight of the argument with Killian was pressing heavily on my shoulders. The room was quiet–almost too quiet–and I felt like I was sufforating under the silence, I sank onto the edge of the bed, my mind racing with thoughts of what had happened earlier, Tears welled up in my eyes, a release I had denied myself for so long. For years, I had fought so hard, never letting the pain and sorrow consume ine.
Today, I finally let it go.
Killian’s accusations replayed in my head, a relentless loop of hurtful words. Using Sebastian to get back at Laurel, he had
said
The accusation stung deeply, like a physical wound that refused to heal. I had fought so hard for so long. Since my mother’s death, life has been a series of battles, each more difficult than the last. Yet, through all the difficulties, I had never given up, and the moon goddess gave me my children as a reward. My children, Tristan and Bridget, were my light in the darkness, the joy that made the pain bearable. And now, Laurel had hurt one of them.
I fought back the tears that threatened to spill over.
How can Killian think that I would use Sebastiant
He doesn’t know anything.
My wolf, Runa said.
Don’t bother about his words; if he really thinks like that, let him. She added.
But why?
I asked silently, my heart aching with confusion and hurt. Every day had been a struggle, but my children had given me hope. They were the reason I kept pushing forward, even when the world seemed determined to crush me.
The memories of the past flooded my mind, each one a painful reminder of the life I had lived. Killian’s rejection, the divorce, the accusations of murdering his sister–it all came rushing back. I had begged him to believe me, to see that I was innocent, but he had turned his back on me and banished me from the pack. I couldn’t understand why he hated me so much. I had worked so hard in this mansion for every bit of money they spent on my family. How can he say that I married him for money when I was forced into the marriage and never had anything from him?
I had been his mate, chosen by the Moon Goddess herself, and yet he had rejected me. It was a pain that never truly went away, and now, years later, it seems that nothing has changed. He still stood against me, still supported Laurel, and it felt like the wounds of the past were being reopened with every word he spoke.
My thoughts were filling my head; the confusion and sorrow, the emotions, were filling me up. But despite the pain knew T had to keep fighting. I had to stand up for what was right, no matter how much Killian hated me or how much he supported. Laurel. She will be punished for what she did to us.
The next morning, the mansion was filled with the aroma of breakfast. Greta and Abigail had prepared a feast, with the smell of freshly cooked food wafting through the halls. I joined everyone at the breakfast table, trying to push aside the sadness that clung to me like a shadow. Sebastian noticed my mood and gave me a concerned look, but I shook my head and managed a weak smile.
“It’s nothing,” I said, not wanting to burden him with my troubles
As we are, I watched my children with a sense of both relief and worry. They seemed to be adjusting to this new environment well, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. Bridget, in particular, was her usual bubbly self, and her energy was a stark contrast to my somber mood.
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We were all in the living room–Greta and Mary–talking about something while I sat with my kids, who were playing. Sebastian was in his room, attending some meetings. At one polet, Bridget ran off, her little feet pattering across the floor. I stood up to follow her, my heart racing with a sudden surge of anxiety.
“Bridget.” I called out for her, my voice echoing in the large house. The house seemed to stretch endlessly, and my search for her felt like an eternity.
Then I heard her voice, which was cheerful and familiar. I followed the sound, my heart pounding in my chest, and turned a corner to find Bridget in Killian’s arms. My breath caught in my throat as I took in the scene before me.
Killian was holding Bridget with a gentle, almost affectionate grip. A wide grin spread across his face as he listened to her chatter. The sight was almost surreal–Killian, the man who had shown me nothing but disdain, was now holding my daughter with a tenderness that I had never seen from him before.
Bridget called him “Toy Man,” and her voice was filled with excitement and trust.
He was the toy man she referred to at the hospital. He was the one who bought her toys?
I stood there, stunned, unable to move or speak. My mind was a whirlwind of confusion and shock.
The man who had hurt me so deeply, who had accused me of so many things, was now holding my daughter with such wampth
Killian’s demeanor was completely different from what I had expected. He was smiling, his eyes filled with genuine happiness, as he interacted with Bridget. It was as if a different side of him had been revealed, one that I had never known existed. He was engaged, attentive, and, surprisingly, very affectionate with her.
Bridger’s laughter filled the air as she kept talking to Killian, who listened intently, nodding and asking questions with a level of interest that was almost endearing. I watched from a distance, trying to process the sudden change in my perception of
him
I took a deep breath and approached them, my mind racing with questions. “Bridget,” I said gently. “Come here, sweetheart”
Bridget looked up at me, her face bright with joy. “Mommy! Look, it’s Toy Man!” she said, clinging to Killian’s neck.
Killian looked up at me, his expression a mix of surprise and shock. He slowly set Bridget down and stood up; his smile faded immediately as he met my gaze.
“I didn’t know you were the one she was talking about.” I said, looking at him.
“I saw her at the toy store and thought she could use some cheering up. I didn’t know she was your daughter at the time,” he said, holding Bridget.
“Thank you for… buying the toys that day at the hospital,” I said, glancing at my daughter and trying to keep my voice steady, despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me. “And… Thank you for being kind to her,” I said, genuinely appreciative despite the tension between us. “It means a lot to me.”
“She’s a sweet girl,” he said, his voice softer than I expected, while looking at Bridget
“She is,” I replied, struggling to keep my tone neutral.
“I didn’t know you were so good with children,” I said. “Bridget was excited to meet you that day.”
Killian cleared his throat and nodded. “I didn’t realize how much she admired me.”
The moment was heavy with unspoken words and emotions. I could see the conflict in Killian’s eyes–the turmoil that was clearly hidden beneath his exterior. For a moment, I wondered if he was struggling with his own feelings, just as I was.
Killian handed Bridget back to me, his fingers lingering on her small hand for just a moment longer than necessary. “Take
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care of her.” He said it, his tope soft.
“I always do.” I replied, meeting his gaze,
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I stood there and watched him walk away. I wanted to keep my kids far away from him, but seeing him with Bridget and the way he interacted with her made me pause. I never thought I would say this, but looking at his interaction with Bridget. I thought he would be a good father.
What was it about Bridget that had brought out this different side of him? Was it possible that beneath all his anger and bitterness, there was still a part of him that cared? Or was it just the innocence of a child that had touched something deep within him?
As the day went on, I couldn’t shake the image of Killian with Bridget. It was so different from the man I had come to know -the man who had rejected me so coldly and who hated me so much. I sighed, knowing that I couldn’t afford to dwell on these thoughts. There were more pressing matters at hand–proving Laurel’s guilt, ensuring my children’s safety.
S