Page 118 of Broken Souls

“News?” I look at Mum.

“Elora,” she starts, biting her lip and looking nervous.

“What?” I frown.

“I ugh...”

“Just tell me.”

What is she hiding? Is it something bad?

“Creed and I are looking for your father,” she lets out with a heavy breath.

“Oh.” I look down. “Why?”

“Elora, I don't want you to know the violent rogue side of me. But I can't let your father get away with what he did.”

“What do you want to do to him?” I ask.

“First, I want to ask him what the hell he was thinking. Then I'm going to beat the shit out of him.” Her eyes are dark as she thinks of him.

“I suppose it's a thin line between justice and revenge,” I murmur.

“Screw justice. I want revenge on the man I trusted with my daughter's life who took that role as a joke,” she growls.

“I guess it's none of my business.”

“Do you think I shouldn't look for him?” she asks.

“I don't know.”

“Elora, every day I think of what you told me about growing up. It haunts me that I was the one who pushed you into your father's arms.” Mum sighs sadly.

“You feel guilty,” I state.

“I always will,” she says solemnly. I grab her hand.

“Do what you need to. If I left Cash with Axe and years later found out he mistreated him, I would raise whatever lies in the depths of hell to hurt the man who hurt my child... that sounds a bit maddening but having Cash...”

“I know, Elora.” She nods.

There really are no lengths I wouldn't go for Cash. My love for Axe is powerful but my love for Cash will always be unconditional. A mother's love for her child is the purest thing in the world.

***

When I wake up, Axe isn't in the bed with me and Cash isn't in the cot. I get out of bed and tiredly walk downstairs. Axe is in the living room reading a book to Cash.

“Werewolf history, really?” I question.

“I don't have any kids' books and yes, it's never too early for him to learn.”

“I'm going to make some breakfast.” I walk to the kitchen.

“Elora.” Axe walks into the kitchen, holding Cash against him. “Dash and Ryleigh are babysitting tonight. I'm taking you out to dinner.”

“Really? Why?” I ask.

“Remember what you said when you told me you were pregnant. You made me promise we'd make time for each other.” Axe smiles.