Catherine’s POV
“Kate!” My mother’s voice filled the air around me, and my gaze moved to where she stood at the door.
“Mother?” I said tiredly, and she took a few steps toward my bed. Her swollen belly was now back to her fit and firm stomach, and she
looked just as beautiful as I remembered.
“How are you feeling?” My mother asked, freaking out and taking my temperature. She moved her gaze over my body, searching for
anything out of place.
“Under the circumstances,” I answered, feeling new tears burning behind my eyelids, “I am fine.”
I forced the tears back and swallowed hard.
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I have decided not to show any emotion concerning my disability. I will pretend that everything is still okay, and I will find a way to walk
again. I will never give up.
“The doctor called and told me you are awake,” she said, searching my gaze. “Oh Kate, we were so worried!”
My mother took a seat next to the bed, and my gaze moved to her face.
A small smile followed my lips. I knew my mother was one person who visited me regularly; her scent was the
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Chapter 8
most dominant one in the room. Yet, there was a second scent that smelled familiar, yet it smelled like the scent had changed in some
way and was still lingering in the room. I was interested to know who it belonged to.
I took a whiff of the other scents, and, to my surprise, Brian’s was almost non–existent.
Did something happen to him?
I shook the thought off and focused on my mother.
“Where is Dad?” I asked, wondering why he didn’t come with my mother.
“In urgent Alpha meetings,” she answered, worried, “we have had regular rogue attacks after…”
My mother became quiet, and agony reflected in her
Moyes.”
“My accident?” I asked, and she nodded her head.
“I am sorry, Kate,” she said and stared into nothing, “the warriors tried their best… but…”
“They were too late…” I finished her thoughts.
She slowly nodded her head and wiped a stray tear from her eyes.
h
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Chapter 8
Did she see it happening?
“We thought we had lost you! You looked so broken.”
They never caught me on time when I toppled out of the window.
Then why did I survive?
I should be dead!
Did Kia fix me?
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Did she mend my broken bones and put me back together?
Images of that night flashed before my eyes, and I shivered, remembering how close I came to dying. The heat of the fire was unbearable,
and the smoke was burning my eyes and making it hard to breathe.
I remember losing control when Kia couldn’t delay the shift anymore and the excruciating pain that rippled through my body as I started
to shift. My body gave in, and…
Did someone look at what my wolf looked like?
I focused on Kia for a few seconds, but she was hiding in the depths of my mind. I could feel her emotions; she felt depressed, angry, and
hurt.
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Chapter 8
Why was she hiding?
Why was she depressed and angry?
Why did she feel hurt?
“Kia?” I called, hoping she would respond, yet she ignored my call, and the feeling of being betrayed enveloped my mind.
“Kia!” I called again.
No answer…
I sighed.
I guess Kia wasn’t ready to talk to me yet.
I shook the thoughts and feelings off and turned my attention back to my mother.
“It’s okay,” I said, trying to cheer her up, and I squeezed her hand. “I am here now, and things will go back to normal.”
“Yes,” she said, nodding her head, yet concern was still written in her eyes.
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Chapter 8
A
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“So, tell me,” I tried to change the subject, “how is everyone? Did I have another brother or a little sister?” I asked, trying to sound
excited.
A soft smile followed my mother’s lips.
“Jimmy is fine,” she said, smiling… “You wouldn’t recognize him when he comes to see you, and… Ellie is beautiful! She has this chubby
little face, golden hair, and a smile that will light your gloomy day. She is something special, and you will love her to bits…”
“Ellie,” the name rolled over my tongue, and I lay back on the bed.
I have a little sister I haven’t met, and she is around eight months old.
My heart ached in my chest.
I have missed so much of my family’s life!
I have missed the birth of my little sister and seeing her grow.
I remember how excited I was and how I couldn’t wait for my sister’s arrival. I wanted to play the big sister part and be there for the
actual birth.
Tears burned behind my eyes again. I felt like a total failure.
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“Why do I have a feeling that Mom forbade Jimmy to visit me?” I asked.
My mom shifted nervously and got up.
‘Jimmy didn’t take your accident very well, and…” she paused.
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“Oh heavens, Kate!” My father’s voice startled me as I walked to my mother’s side. “I am so relieved you are awake!”
My father bent down and gave me a bone–crushing hug.
“Hi, Dad,” I said as soon as he let me go.
“So, how are you feeling?” He asked and gave my mother a look.
“Fine!” I said, moving my gaze between the two.
3
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My mother had become uncomfortable and was nervously fiddling with the hem of her blouse. My father, even though looking glad that I
was awake and well, both of them were keeping a secret…
I gave them both a questionable look, lifting one of my eyebrows.
“Mom?” I asked, and she slowly lifted her gaze. “What happened?”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
