EPISODE 98
I stared at her, not even trying to hide the confusion on my face.
What was Mara doing here?}
It was obvious she didn’t like me. Even without all my memories, her disdain came through loud and clear. The way she looked at me like was something she wanted to scrape off the bottom of her shoe.
It was impossible to miss.
I didn’t know the full story between us, not yet, but I was certain it had something to do with Ronan. Everything always seemed to go back to him.
The last time I saw him, he yanked me by the wrist just to check if we were fated. We didn’t share any mating marks. Nothing. So whatever tension existed between Mara and me, whatever silent war was brewing, it was likely tied to him.”
“I don’t think we have anything to talk about,” I said firmly, not bothering to sugarcoat my tone.”
But Mara just smiled, sweet and fake, like someone who practiced it in front of a mirror.
“I think we do,” she replied, her voice light but tight.”
Valor stepped forward, already sensing something was off. He was ready to stop her, to keep her away, but I shook my head. “It’s fine,” I said quietly. “I’ll talk to her.”
I didn’t want to cause a scene, not in front of the pack. If a few words were enough to make her go away, then I’d give her those words.
We walked a little further from the house, just far enough that no one could hear us clearly, but not so far that Valor couldn’t keep watch. I glanced back once. He stood by the door, arms crossed, eyes fixed on us. The silent support made my chest feel a little lighter.
I turned to face Mara fully.
From a distance, she looked calm, maybe even kind. But up close, the cracks in her mask were obvious. Her lips were pressed too tightly together, her gaze too sharp, and the corners of her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. She was beautiful, yes, but it was the kind of beauty that warned you to keep your guard up.
“What do you want?” I asked, voice flat.}
Mara looked me up and down, and I could see the judgment in her expression.
“You don’t remember anything at all?” she asked, as if testing me.”
I rolled my eyes. “If that’s your question, then no. ! don’t remember anything.“}]
I moved to turn away, done with this conversation before it even started. But she stepped onto my path.}
“Wait,” she said sharply.
I sighed, already regretting agreeing to talk to her. “What now?“>
She stepped closer, peering into my face like she could read the truth in my eyes. “You really don’t remember anything?“}
I crossed my arms. “For the last time, no. I don’t. And I don’t care to either.“}
She didn’t speak for a moment. Her lips curled into a slow smirk.}
“Well,” she said, “it’s probably a good thing that you don’t. But memory has a way of returning when you least expect it.” There was something in her tone that made the hairs on my arms rise.§
“And if it does?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
Mara tilted her head. “Then I can’t let you go back.“}
Before I could ask what she meant by that, she suddenly screamed and collapsed to the ground.
“What–I took a step forward, instinct pushing me to help, but a hand caught mine.
It was Valor. He appeared beside me in a heartbeat, his grip firm but gentle.
“Don’t,” he whispered. “Not yet.”
I looked down at Mara. She lay curled on the ground, her face twisted in pain. Her scream echoed in my ears, but something about it felt… wrong. Too loud. Too sudden.
Then came footsteps, heavy and fast. Ronan was immediately on the scene. He appeared with a frown on his face, eyes landing immediately on Mara, who was now softly crying on the ground.
I stood stiffly beside Valor, not touching him, but close enough that Ronan’s eyes flicked between us with suspicion.
Mara raised her hand toward Ronan, her voice trembling. “I just wanted to talk to her. I didn’t mean anything by it. I… I didn’t think she’d push me!*%
Push her?%
My mouth dropped open. “What?”
But Ronan wasn’t listening to me. His eyes were dark, his brows drawn together. Instead of helping Mara up gently, he grabbed her arm and yanked her to her feet. She gasped in pain, clearly not expecting it.
“What are you doing here?” Ronan barked. “It’s early moming, and you’re supposed to be resting.”
Mara looked stunned. She opened her mouth, then closed it. “I–I just wanted to talk to her
You’re pregnant, Mara,” he snapped. “You shouldn’t even be walking this far Stay home. Don’t cause trouble.
“You should’ve told her that earlier,” he said. “Would’ve saved everyone a lot of trouble.“}
Ronan’s eyes flicked back to me and Valor, and something about the way he looked at us made my stomach twist. It was like he was seeing something that wasn’t there. Or maybe something he didn’t want to admit was there.}
“Are you two leaving now?” he asked.
“Yes,” Valor answered simply.
Ronan hesitated, his jaw working as if he was biting back more words. Then he looked at me again.”
“Is it alright if I visit you in your new pack sometimes?“}
I blinked, surprised by the question. Before I could answer, Valor spoke again.”
“You’re welcome to visit,” he said, “but you’ll need to ask Bella first if she’s willing to see you.“>
The way Ronan looked at me then, it was different. Less guarded. Hopeful, even. But before I could respond, Mara gasped.
We al! turned toward her. Blood stained the front of her dress, trailing down between her legs. Her face had gone pale, her hands shaking.”
“Ronan,” she whimpered.}
He rushed to her side, lifting her into his arms without another word. His focus was entirely on her now. He didn’t even glance back at me.§
I watched them disappear, his figure moving swiftly toward the main house, his arms curled protectively around her. My chest ached, and I couldn’t quite explain why. It wasn’t jealousy. No, it was something else. Something more hollow.
Maybe it was the finality of it.§
Valor placed a hand on my shoulder. “Let’s go.“>
I nodded slowly, my gaze lingering for one last second on the path they had taken. Then I turned away, following Valor toward Dan and Leo. I didn’t look back again, but the image of Mara in Ronan’s arms stayed burned in my mind.”
