(fourth trist. It i
Adian reached for his phone in soon as Lydia suggested contacting Garrett. The phone rang bice before a familiar voice neered
“Alpha, is everything alright? It’s bue
Terrell, Adrian said. “We passed the third trial.”
I already knew that I knew yod moke it though.” Garrett a enthusiasm came through clearly. “I’m gathering intelligence. focus on diplomatic relations between packs”
“Actually, that’s not why I’m calling. It’s about your mother,”
Silence. Then Gamett’s voice became cautious. “What about ber?”
Adrian glanced at Daniel. “Shes here with us. She’s been unconscious for a day, trapped in her mind. She keeps calling for you.”
That has nothing to do with me
keeps apologizing to you” Adrian continued gently. “Whatever happened, its consuming her. Her Beta tapt-
“Stop. Getts voice cracked. I don’t want to hear it.”
Im not asking as your Alpha. I’m asking as your friend. See her. You don’t have to forgive her, but I think you need to see her.”
After a long pause: “I think about it.
“Garrett-
I think about it” The line went dead.
Adrian lowered the phone. “Hell come,” he told Daniel confidently,
How can you be sure?”
Because he didn’t refuse outright,” I said. “Garrett never leaves things unfinished.”
Twenty
y mirates later,
Adrian’s p
phone buzzed-
Fight booked Landing at AM
- Adrian showed Daniel the message. Tomorrow maming.
Belief transformed Daniels face. “Thank you. I don’t know how to repay.
that take care of your Alpha.”
As we left, Xavier stopped Lydia. “That incense smells incredible.
- e. Could I have some? These trial… I haven’t been sleeping well.”
Lydia studied him, then nodded. 13
prepare
“You’re brilliant,” Xavier said. The way you handled everything in there pretty amazing
Lydia actually blushed. “It’s just experience.”
At our hotel, Lydia distributed incense bundles to each room. When she reached ours, Adrian stopped her. “I don’t need une. Skye and I share.”
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Chapter 168
Xavier raised rytow Hey, dont forget were in elections, and on a honeyman.
Later, hing in Altaics ems, sighed. Terryone cartes unch diep wind
Adrian tilted my
Tour. But we als hter imise joys. He traced my cheekleta. “Berget happinesses
Like this, he kissed me sofily. “Like
up next to you. Like having a true partner in all this mi
The sharp knock at our
me at exactly 8:47 AM, Alrian was already dressed, having been up for an hour preparing for Garratt’s arrival
Garrett stood in the hallway, and my heart clenched at the sight of him. Dark circles thadowed his eyes, making them look braised. Despite his attempted
old demens when Morgan was mentioned, the mider of his sleepless night told a different story.
“Garrett,” Adrian said warmly, palling him into a log.
Alpha
“Just Adrian today, Adrian said, releasing him. “You’re here as family, nut pack.”
1 stepped forward and hugged Garrett too. “Thank you for coming,” I whispered.
Did I have a choice he smiled.
Even Lydia energed from her room, offering a nod of acknowledgment. “Your mother’s condition has stabilized overnight. The incense is helping keep her
Garrett’s law tightened at the mention of Morgan
“Let’s just get this over with
We made our way to Morgan’s hotel room in tense silence. Daniel must have been watching for us because the door opened before we could knock
“Cartett?” Daniel’s eyes wide with disbelief. “You actually came “
Garrett’s limp was more pronounced than usual as he entered the mom, whether from the long flight or emotional stress, I couldn’t tell. He stopped several feet from the bed, staring down at the woman who’d haunted his absence for three years.
Morgan looked smaller than I remembered from the trials, fragile in a way that seemed wrong for an Alpha. Her face was peaceful now, the calming incense doing its work, but traces of dried tears still marked her cheeks.
“Three years,” Garrett said finally. “Three years since I’ve seen her face.
Caretta hand hovered over Morgan’s face, not quite touching. Then he placed his palm on her forehead.
Nothing happened for a long moment. Then Morgan’s eyelids fluttered. Her eyes opened slowly, focusing with difficulty.
“Garrett?” The wood was barely a breath. Her eyes widened, tears immediately pooling. ‘No… no, I’m dreaming again. You’re not really here.”
“I’m here,” Gamett said, his voice cracking despite his efforts to stay controlled
Morgan’s hand shot out, gripping his wrist with surprising strength. Her fingers traced his face as tears serrated down her cheeks
“My boy. My beautiful boy. You came hack”
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Chapter 168
She tried to sit up, hands reaching for him desperately, “Garrest, al Carrett, I’m so sorry. It in
“You’re awake Good.” Garrett pulled back abruptly, his mask slamming hack into place. How that you’re fine. Ill be going.”
He turned toward the dom in one sharp movement.
“Nol Morgan tried to swing her legs out of bed too quickly for her weakened state. She would have fallen if Daniel adn longed forward to catch
“Garrett, please! Morgan clung to Daniel but her eyes never left her son’s retreating hack. “Are you have you been these three years? Are you eating well? Is your leg—
anny with mati understand. I de But please
Garrett stopped but didn’t turn around. I positioned myself to see his profile and my heart broke at the sight. His eyes were red rimmed, moisture gathering. despite his best efforts.
Morgan continued, her voice breaking with sobs, “I know I failed you. I know I didnt give you the justice you deserved. But you’re both my sonst I couldot bear to see you hurt, but I couldn’t bear to see your brother imprisoned either. You’re all I have left in this world. I was selfish, I was greedy, I wanted to keep you both. Every day for three years, I’ve hated myself for it. Every single day, Garrett. Please…..”
I moved to Garrett’s side, gently touching his arm. “Maybe you should talk to your mother,” I said softly. Really talk, Clear the air once and for all
re’s jaw was clenched so tight. But he didn’t pull away from my touch.
I locked meaningfully at Adrian, then at Xavier and Lydia. Adrian understood immediately
“Let’s give them some privacy,” he said quietly. “Daniel, that includes you.”
Daniel looked like he wanted to protest, but one look at Morgan’s face and he nodded. We filed out of the rood quietly, leaving mother and son to face three years of silence.
As I closed the door behind us, I said softly. “Take all the time you need.”
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