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I head down the stairs, my heart in my throat as I can feel her presence growing ever closer. Already, I hear Dominic talking to her from the entrance of our home as I make my way down.
As I reach the bottom, my mother, and Dominic step into the foyer. Her eyes go straight to me in shock—she never changes, always appearing younger than me, stuck how she was forever since becoming a moon goddess. Everything fades away: there stands Mom with Dominic at her side—eyes wide in shock and staring right at me like time has suddenly stopped all around us. Her beauty is still mesmerizing despite all these years that have passed; trapped in time, refusing change or age. Her dark black hair falls perfectly around her face, and her golden eyes, identical to mine, peer back at me.
My mother holds my gaze, hers full of secrets never spoken but felt deeper perhaps than any words could express within one lifetime alone…
“Hello, son,” my mother finally speaks, breaking through our trance-like connection while simultaneously evoking another emotion altogether—relief? Perhaps welled up inside somewhere deep below where I have been holding back memories strained by my mistakes and words I never thought I could take back…
I nod slowly, feeling feelings stir inside again—warm happiness filling every cavity nearly forgotten. “Mom”
“What? Is that it? No hug? You're just going to stand there and stare at me?” she asks, her lips tugging in the corners slightly while my face splits into a grin. For so long, I've tried to picture what it would feel like to see her again. I take a deep breath and walk towards her, then throw my arms tightly around her, and I don't want to let go. I feel comforted by her familiar embrace. The warmth that Mom always had before. I breathe in the comforting scent of vanilla that lingers on my Mother's clothes, feeling each second pass—our reunion more welcoming than I could have ever imagined it being. It was as if… my mother had been waiting for this moment all along just as much as me…
Seeing her again always excited and scared me; my thoughts always made me doubt this moment, shadowed by how much I hurt her. Worried she wouldn't forgive me after what I did to my father. But now I realize she never hated me for what I did, that it was all in my head, and I am still her son. Despite everything.
She holds me for a few moments longer, long enough to make sure I know it's ok, before pulling away slightly. Her eyes search mine as if she is looking for answers in every crevice of my soul.
Yet, I have so many questions too.
“I guess I have some explaining to do,” she admits, and I glance at Marabella when Jonah comes out of the kitchen, a phone clutched tightly in his hand. “Yeah, you do. I just got off the phone with my father!” Jonah growls angrily. Dominic steps in his way, blocking his path, and my brows furrow when my phone suddenly starts ringing in my hand. Glancing down, I see it is Casen.
“Settle down, Jonah; Kat is here to help, isn't she,” Dominic says, trying to be the voice of reason.
“Help?” Jonah scoffs just as Kyan wanders out. He casually leans against the kitchen door frame, arms folded across his chest, seemingly just as angry as Jonah.
“Jonah?” Marabella exclaims, looking at her mate's alarmed. “What's got into you?” she worries while I glance between them all, trying to figure out what is happening. Did I miss something?
“You have every right to be angry, Jonah, but all this was for the best,” my mother says calmly.
Jonah scoffs. “Vince killing Malik was for the best? Or do you mean bringing back that psychopath so that he can abuse Rose?”
“Wait, what happened to Malik?” I blurt in panic, my eyes darting back to the phone in my hand.
“Malik's dead! Vince killed him, and I just learned all these years Vince has been abusing Rose,” Jonah snarls, furious; his eyes flash and flicker, and fur grows along his arms as he fights the urge to shift.
My heart races in my chest at his words,Malik is dead? Vince killed Malik?Staring at my mother, she purses her lips and then presses them in a line.
“Firstly, I never brought Vince back! Secondly! The alternative was a lot worse. You should know by now, Jonah, I don't like playing god, and Malik’s death was unavoidable.”
“Of course it was! You brought that bastard back into our lives. He should have stayed dead!” Jonah bellows.
Kyan pushes off the door frame, and I see Kaif come forward just as his hand falls on Jonah's chest. “Let her explain; she must have her reasons,” Kaif's voice growls out in warning, telling his mate to calm down when Marabella steps forward-looking shaken.
“If you didn't bring Vince back then, who did?” she asks, and my mother's eyes go to me. My brows furrow in confusion when suddenly everyone's attention is drawn to me; I stagger back and shake my head.
“It was you?” Jonah growls accusingly, but I shake my head, having no idea what he's talking about, when my mother's voice pierces the air.
“He didn't mean to, nor does he remember! Now stand down, Jonah; if you want answers, I will give them, but first, you need to get yourself under control,” my mother growls, her eyes lighting up dangerously. While all I can think is,what the hell just happened?
ChapterForty-Five
Eziah
A suffocating tension fills the room. Jonah's words carry an insidious sting, burrowing into everyone’s hearts. It's a silent accusation, a challenge, thrown into the air, waiting for someone to address it.
“Jonah!” Marabella interjects, her tone stern and biting. “Mind your manners.”
But Jonah doesn't listen. I look over at him; a ticking time bomb, about to explode. I can't shake off the guilt I feel, even with my memory betraying me.
“I…” my voice trembles, “I can't remember…”
