Ch
Ryan’s loud shout snapped Tessa back to reality. She didn’t want to stay and take care of Audrey.
For the first time, she made the decision to call Liam.
“It’s me, Tessa.”
“Mom collapsed. Could you come to Naples?”
As soon as Liam heard, he immediately canceled all his pack meetings and Alpha duties.
He booked the fastest flight to Naples, anxious that something might happen to Audrey.
In his heart, nothing mattered more than her, his mate.
The moment he landed, Liam rushed straight to the hospital. When he saw Tessa, he froze for a moment.
His face was filled with concern as he looked at Audrey, still unconscious.
After a long while, he stepped outside and sat beside Tessa in the hallway.
“This is the third time your mother’s collapsed, and every time, it’s been because of news about you.”
“She carries so much guilt, always thinking she owes you everything. And she really regrets it.”
Even Liam, a seasoned warrior who had survived countless pack wars, choked up as he spoke.
“I’m sorry too.”
“I’ve neglected you all these years. I’m sorry.”
Tessa stayed silent.
“I know your mother probably told you a lot, but I still want to say this: If you can, please come back to the pack. We all miss you.”
Miss her?
When Tessa was eighteen, she left for Alpha training at another pack, staying away for three or four months.
Even then, she hadn’t received a single call or message.
It seemed that caring for her had always been too difficult for them to express.
Tessa had always thought it was her fault–she must have done something to make her parents stop loving her.
But the truth was, they never had her in their hearts at all.
During those days, the only joy she had came from drawing.
Would they ever understand?
No one could truly empathize unless they’d lived the same pain.
How could they understand?
She didn’t know when it happened, but as she thought about it, a tear slid down her cheek.
Tessa quickly wiped it away and composed herself before replying, “I’ll think about it.”
Liam didn’t press her further.
As she walked outside alone, Aaron appeared by her side, silently keeping her company.
He understood her sensitivity, her fragility, and her kindness.
Tessa stared into space, lost in thought.
“Aaron, do you think I should go back? To them, to the pack?”
She began to question her decision.
Her mother was still in the hospital, and here she was, acting like a spoiled child.
She wasn’t even sure of her own feelings anymore.
Chapter 25
Aron gently took her hand, his voice soft and reassuring.
“How could it be your fault? You’ve always been the one who was hurt.”
“Follow your heart. I’ll be here with you, no matter what.”
Tessa’s eyes filled with tears again. She couldn’t help herself when she heard him speak like that.
“I’m so conflicted. I hate what they’ve done to me, but when I see her lying in that hospital bed, I want to forgive them.”
Aaron rested her head on his shoulder.
“That’s because you love clearly, but your heart is kind.”
There were people who saw her flaws as strengths.
People who told her that everything she did was right.
She faced her own heart and found an answer.
She didn’t need to hide from the past. All the good and bad were behind her now.
Perhaps it was time to look forward. And she, more than anyone, needed to do so.
Her anger and resentment would eventually fade, healing the wounds in her heart.
When she would see Alpha Liam and Luna Audrey again, she knew her heart would have found its way.
