Chapter 49
Adeline West
The next day, I woke up early, knowing it was time to leave. I couldn’t stay here any longer, not after everything that had happened. The memories of the arguments, the pain and the accusations weighed on me like a dark cloud, threatening to suffocate me. I was ready to leave this place, this pack, and all the memories that haunted every corner of it. I shouldn’t have stayed here in the first place. I should have refused Sanniel’s request
My children needed safety, and I needed peace. Far away from the discomfort that Killian’s presence always seemed to stir. I dressed quickly, my hands trembling slightly as I packed the last of our things. I was eager to return to my home where I could finally feel safe and at peace. The past few days had drained me, and all I wanted was to be far away from Killian and this pack.
I went to my children’s room and dressed quickly.
“Mommy, are we really leaving?” Bridget’s small voice pulled me out of my thoughts. She was clutching her stuffed bunny to her chest, her wide eyes filled with confusion.
1 knelt down beside her, smoothing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Yes, sweetheart, We’re going back home.”
She nodded, but I could see the uncertainty in her eyes. Bridget had grown attached to this place, to the people here- especially to Killian. My heart twisted at the thought of taking her away, but I knew it was for the best
I finished packing and gathered my children, leading them downstairs where Sebastian and Mary were waiting for us. Greta, Abigail, and Samuel stood nearby, their expressions a mix of sadness and resignation. Samuel’s face was clouded with a sadness that made my chest tighten. It was clear he didn’t want us to leave, and it tugged at me in an unexpected way.
“I’m going to miss you,” Samuel said sofily, his voice heavy with emotion. “You and the children you’ve brought light into this house. It’s going to be empty without you.”
I offered him a sad smile, trying to keep my own emotions in check. “We’ll miss you too, Samuel. You’ve been so kind to us.
As we exchanged goodbyes, I noticed something odd–a fleeting glance between Samuel and Mary. For a split second, their eyes locked, and I saw a flicker of something in Samuel’s expression–hurt, longing, something unspoken. But then Mary looked away, and the moment was gone, leaving me with more questions than answers.
Bridget, meanwhile, was growing increasingly restless. She kept glancing around, her small hands fidgeting with the hem of her dress. “Mommy, where’s Toy Man?” she asked, her voice tinged with disappointment. “I want to say goodbye to Toy Man.”
My chest tightened at the mention of Killian. He was the last person I wanted to see right now. but I knew how much he meant to Bridget. She had grown close to him in a way that I hadn’t anticipated, and the thought of her leaving without saying goodbye to him tugged at my heart.
“He must be busy, sweetheart,” I said gently, trying to keep the bitterness out of my voice. “But we need to go.” I said.
As I reached for her hand, Bridget suddenly pulled away, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “Toy Man!” she exclaimed, and before I could react, she bolted across the courtyard.
My heart stopped as I turned and saw her running straight into Killian’s arms. He had appeared out of nowhere, his tall figure looming over her as he crouched down, opening his arms as Bridget ran into them, her joy palpable. He scooped her up, and for a moment, the cold exterior he usually wore softened. My breath caught in my throat as I watched them, my emotions a tangled mess of anger, hatred, and something I couldn’t quite place, but I fought to control myself
Killian held Bridget in his arms, holding her close as she babbled excitedly to him. He listened intently, a small smile playing on his lips as he reassured her. Ill miss you too, little one,” he said softly, his voice barely audible over the rush of blood in my ears,
ווו
14:57 Wed, Dec 11 G U
Chapter 49
65%%
I stood frozen, the events of the previous night flooding back into my mind. The argument, the accusations, the way his words had cut into me like a knife. The anger I had felt then surged back with full force, burning in my chest as I watched him with my daughter.
Without thinking, I called out to Bridget, “Bridget, come here, dear. We need to go”
She hesitated, her eyes flicking between me and Killian. But she obeyed, reluctantly leaving his embrace and walking back over to me. I could feel Killian’s eyes on me, but I refused to look at him, my anger too raw, too fresh. I just couldn’t look at him, not after everything that had happened. As much as it hurt, I needed to put distance between us.
“Alpha Killian Sebastian said, his voice all calm and formal, but you could sense the tension there. “Thanks for letting us
stay
Killian’s gaze turned cold as ice, his eyes meeting Sebastian’s with a flash of anger, a silent warning hanging in the air. “Alpha
Sebastian.”
The two men stood face to face, their postures rigid and controlled, but the air between them crackled with unspoken rivalry.
Sebastian turned to me, his expression unreadable. I sighed, knowing I couldn’t leave without at least acknowledging Killian’s presence. I turned to face him, keeping my voice as neutral as possible.
Thank you for letting us stay here,” I said, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. “It was so generous of you My tone made it clear that I hadn’t forgotten what had happened between us last night.
Killian’s gaze was intense, his eyes searching mine for something I wasn’t willing to give. For a moment, it seemed like he wanted to say something, but the words never came. Instead, he simply nodded, his expression unreadable.
I didn’t wait for him to respond. I turned away, guiding Bridget toward the car where Sebastian was already loading our bags. My heart was pounding in my chest, a mix of emotions swirling within me–anger, sadness, and pain. I don’t understand why I was feeling like this,
Just as I was about to climb into the car, a voice called out from behind me. “Adeline.”
I froze, recognizing the voice instantly. It was Laurel, her tone as cold and calculating as ever. I turned slowly, my eyes. narrowing as I met her gaze.
She stood a few feet away, her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes glinting with something that sent a chill down my spine, “Leaving so soon?” she asked, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
I didn’t respond, my silence a clear indication that I wasn’t in the mood for her games. But Laurel was undeterred. She took a step closer, her smile widening as she leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper.
“Don’t think for a second that this is over,” she said, her words laced with malice. “You may be leaving, but you can’t run from the truth. Killian will find out what really happened that night in the meeting hall and when he does…” she trailed off her eyes flashing with triumph. “Let’s just say, you won’t be able to hide behind your lies forever”
Her words hit me like a slap to the face, and I felt my hands clenched into fists at my sides. But before I could respond, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, seething with anger.
I climbed into the car, my mind racing with everything that had just happened. As we pulled away from the mansion, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was far from over. Laurel’s parting words echoed in my mind, filling me with a sense of fear that settled in the pit of my stomach.
And then it hit me–the gnawing realization that Laurel wasn’t just playing her usual games. She knew something. Something that could destroy everything I had fought so hard to protect. And if Killian ever found out…
The car turned a corner, and the mansion disappeared from view, but the sense of foreboding lingered. I knew, deep down. that this was only the beginning. The storm was far from over, and when it hit, it would tear apart everything in its path.
14:57 Wed, Dec 11 GB.
Chapter 49
65
Laurel’s words replayed in my mind, a chilling reminder that the past was never truly buried. And as much as I wanted to leave it all behind, I couldn’t escape the feeling that the worst was yet to come.
Something was coming.
And I wasn’t sure I was ready to face it.