Chapter 24
Draven.
Silence stretched between us as I studied my mother’s face. Time had barely left a mark on her.
Her skin was still smooth, untouched by wrinkles. Her youthfulness was the only gift her illness had given her. But as I stared into her distant black eyes, I saw how much it had stolen as well.
She had been battling it for two decades, worsening after she gave birth to my younger brother. She had never been the same after that.
“You don’t remember me?” I asked quietly. “I was here six months ago, and you already can’t remember?”
Her delicate brows furrowed at my words. A hand lifted to her temple, rubbing lightly. “I’m sorry,” she murmured, voice gentle, hesitant. “My head… it’s a little messed up sometimes.”
I exhaled softly, keeping my voice steady. “Mother, it’s me. Draven.”
For a moment, she only blinked at me. Then, her smile shifted—warmer, familiar. A flicker of recognition surfaced in her dark gaze. Slowly, she reached out, cupping my face between her hands.
“My child, you have come,” she whispered, her thumbs brushing my jaw, as if memorizing my features. Before I could speak, she stood and wrapped her arms around me.
I let her.
She felt smaller in my embrace—fragile. She tiptoed slightly, pressing a soft kiss to my left cheek before stepping back. Her smile brightened. “You’ve grown so handsome.”
A quiet chuckle escaped me. “Thank you, Mother.”
“I haven’t seen you in ages. Where have you been?” she asked, eyes searching mine.
I didn’t bother to answer. She wouldn’t remember she had asked in the first place. Instead, I guided her back to the bed, helping her sit before pulling a chair in front of her.
Then she turned toward the door. “Cordelia!” she called out. “Bring lunch! My son is here—I want to eat with him.”
I shook my head immediately. “No, Mother. I’m not hungry.”
Her smile faltered. “You won’t eat with your mother?” she asked, just as Cordelia entered the room.
I sighed. “I’m fasting,” I lied carefully, “but for you, I will end it early and have some fruit.”
Cordelia had already told me she’d eaten less than an hour ago. Since she wouldn’t remember, it was better to avoid letting her eat again. Her diet plan had to be followed strictly—she rarely moved, and overeating would only worsen her condition.
“Bring the fruit,” my mother said firmly.
Cordelia, who had just come in, met my gaze. I nodded.
A short while later, she returned with a plate of washed red grapes and sliced apples. She set the plate on a small stool before placing it between us.
I picked up two grapes, holding them out to my mother. She smiled, allowing me to feed her before I took a bite of an apple slice.
Then she tilted her head slightly. “How was school?”
The apple stilled between my teeth. Slowly, I lowered it, meeting her gaze.
“I’m no longer a student, Mother,” I said carefully. “I am now an Alpha.”
She blinked once, then a slow, approving smile spread across her lips. “You dethroned your father?”
She nodded, satisfied. “Good. I always knew you would.”
I didn’t correct her. Explaining would only confuse her more.
She studied me again, her gaze thoughtful. “And? Did you marry that girl?”
My brows furrowed slightly. “Wanda?”
She nodded, her expression unreadable.
I shook my head. “No. I married someone else. Her name is Meredith Carter. She’s from the Moonstone Pack.”
My mother’s lips curled up slightly, satisfied. “Good. As long as it’s not that girl… or anyone your father chose.”
I exhaled softly. There was no use correcting her. She had her own version of reality, one that didn’t always align with the truth.
After a moment, she tilted her head again. “It doesn’t seem like you love this woman you married.”
I stilled slightly. “What makes you say that?”
“I didn’t see any emotion in your eyes when you said her name.”
I shifted the apple to my left hand. “Love isn’t important for people like me in marriage.”
Then I picked up another grape and tried to feed her again. But she leaned away, shaking her head.
“No,” she murmured, pressing a hand lightly against her stomach. “I think my stomach is full.” A small frown crossed her face. “But that’s strange… I haven’t had lunch today.”
I met her gaze evenly. “It’s fine.”
But her expression fell into uncertainty, panic flickering behind her eyes. “I’m sorry about making you eat alone. I didn’t mean to.”
“It’s fine, Mother. Just watch me eat,” I reassured her before the panic could take hold.
She hesitated, then relaxed, nodding with a small, relieved smile.
For a while, silence settled between us, broken only by the sound of me chewing.
Then she spoke again.
“This wife of yours,” she mused, curiosity lighting her gaze. “When will I meet her?”
“The next time I visit,” I said.
Her lips pulled downward. She didn’t like that answer. “Then describe her to me.”
I froze.
Describe Meredith?
For a long moment, I said nothing. But my mother only looked at me expectantly. Waiting.
Left with no choice, I let out a slow breath. “She’s about your height and size,” I started. “She has silver hair and purple eyes.” A pause. “She has a sharp tongue.”
My mother’s lips twitched, as if suppressing a laugh.
I hesitated before adding, “She has a mind of her own.” A beat. “And she’s the only one in her family with silver hair and purple eyes.”
At my words, my mother shut her eyes, a lingering smile on her lips. When she opened them again, her gaze met mine.
“Meredith’s looks are rare. It seems like you just described a goddess.”
I stilled.
Then, my lips twitched slightly, but I said nothing.
A goddess? Meredith?
No.
If anything, she was a thorn I had planted by my side.
I took another bite of the apple, shaking my head slightly. My mother’s sickness was acting up again.