Tomorrow morning, a story announcing William Sterling’sheart attack would run in the paper.
Patrick eyed me, unbothered by the blood streaking my beard and skin.
“Take care of that,” I ordered, jutting my head towards Sterling’s body. “I need my omega.”
Forty-Four
WILLOW
Despite the calm façade I showed Kaelen, an anxious feeling made my heart tumble into my stomach. I knew what “work” he had to do today.
And while I was certain it was what I wanted, I was still human. I still felt remorse. I wondered, did my choice make me as bad as him? Was I as dark and twisted as my father?
In response to my wandering thoughts, our bond glowed with pure adoration, quieting my worries. No. I wasn’t anything like him. If we allowed him to live, I’d never be safe. My mom would never be happy.
Forever trapped in a bond with an alpha who drugged her and stole a decade of her life.
It needed to be done.
Liam leaned against the French doors leading to the gardens, his thick forearms crossed. He rocked forward, his normally close-cropped hair getting long.
“Hey, baby sis.”
“I’m older than you, Liam,” I said, rolling my eyes.
“Semantics. You’re technically shorter,” he said, waving his hand dismissively. “That bite looks good on you.”
“Thanks,” I said, blushing and touching the mark. “I don’t need a bodyguard out in the gardens.”
“Who said I was coming along because of you? It’s time for my daily visit with Momma Bella.”
I snorted, knowing how much my mom detested anyone calling her that.Twilighthad ruined that nickname for her. Shrugging, I opened the door. Cobblestones clicked under my feet as we moved down the winding path flanked with an array of flowers.
Just then, a figure appeared in the doorway of the guest house. My breath hitched, and I covered my mouth, not believing what I saw.
She was beautiful. Glossy black hair cascaded down her back in thick waves, glittering in the sunlight. Gone was the sallow tinge in her skin. Instead, a pale pink blush colored her tanned cheeks.
Her hips didn’t jut out, and her face was full and brimming with life. In front of me stood the woman I grew up with. The one I remembered.
Despite the vast improvements, a hint of fatigue still lingered, the thin skin under her eyes darker and rimmed. A pang stung behind my sternum, and I wondered if her body still recovered or if the bags under her eyes were more from the emotional toll of the last few weeks.
Pushing the heavy weight aside for now, I smiled.
“Momma,” I whispered.
I ran the last few feet, slowing myself before twining my arms around her waist. A twinkling laugh that sounded like wind chimes greeted me. When her fingers stroked through my hair, I felt like I was a child again, being soothed by my mom.
The scent of fresh baked bread and peaches encircled us, and I beamed. Her omega was vibrant. Strong. I leaned back, putting enough distance between us so I could see her face.
“How are you feeling?” I asked.
“Wonderful. Kaelen and Liam have taken very good care of me.Hello, Liam,” she added, still hugging me close.
“Lovely to see you, Bella,” he said, an amused smirk tugging on his lips.
I didn’t have to look up to know the glare my mom gave him. I remembered it well. He gulped, and I giggled.
“Sorry, ma’am,” he mumbled, sounding like a thoroughly scolded child. “I’ll give you two some time alone. I’ll be inside if either of you need anything.”
