Softening my features as best as I can, I look down at him. “Sweetie, I’m not your Mom.”
His face saddens as the hope that one bloomed in his eyes dampens. “But you are my Mom. Dad rescued you from those Alphas. He promised me that he would get you back for me. That I would finally have someone to love me.”
Tears shone in his eyes as the Beta sunk in on himself. My heart breaks as I take in his emotions. They are raw and desperate. A poor young man in need of love and care.
I can see just how much he wants to be loved.
To be accepted.
Deciding to not cause him anymore pain or confusion, I give in. I nod back at him, forcing a smile on my face.
“You are right, sweetie. I am your Mom.”
His bright smile returns, shooting to his feet. Engulfing me in a hug, he squeezes me as sobs begin to wrack his body.
I do my best to comfort him, wishing that I could do more for him. He needs help. Help that requires a professional touch.
But for now, I coo in his ear, giving him as much as I can. He eventually backs away, wiping the tears from his face, leaning back on his knees.
“What’s your name? Your father has never gotten around to telling me your full story.”
I can see a hint of heartbreak at my words, something that rips me up inside, but I need to know the truth. Not only so I can get out of here but so I can also help the Beta.
I refuse to just throw him back to the wolves.
“My name is Makari. My biological mother is named Gwen. My father is named Jason.”
I blanch, hearing the names of his parents.
“G-Gwen?” I murmur, feeling the color drain from my face.
He smiles but I can tell it's forced.
“She died when I was only a few months old. Papa said that she needed to go be with the angels.”
I see the war of emotions on his face. He knows just as well as I do that there was much more to his mother—Gwen’s—death.
In fact, I think it's more than either of us could possibly fathom.
I feel my heartrate pick up in my chest as I mull over the next question. I have no doubt that my fears are true. But I need to confirm it.
“Makari, can you remind me of which of your fathers you call Papa?”
“Scott, of course,” he smiles but it fades, obviously remembering something, “I used to have three other Dads but they had to leave me too.”
Quicker than I can blink, his features change again. “It's okay though! Papa said that now that we have you and my sister back, we can finally be a family.”
A gut wrenching sickness drowns me as the door behind Makari opens. Scott walks into the room, Amity following close behind him.
“Our son is right, Valentina. Now that ourdaughter…” he emphasises the word by putting his hands on Amity’s shoulders and squeezing, “is here, we can finally be a family.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Ihave lost track of the days.
There is no point in knowing where I am at anymore.
Because with each day that passes, any hope that I had at my last chance of happiness is gone.
