Chapter 513
0513
(FLASHBACK)
I look up when she appears, her eyes hard. “What is it?”
“I had a request,” I say quietly. It’s the following day after Mom’s wedding and last night her remark about wishing she could see my children made me come up with a sudden idea.
Sure, it’s not perfect, but it would bring Mom great joy.
“Get a move on with it.” Adriana crosses her arms.
I look across at Adriana and sigh heavily. “I know that we aren’t a couple and that you have rejected me, and that we are not together, and I’m not asking for a commitment. But I want to ask if you have it in you, could I introduce you to Mom? She always dreamed of me settling down and having kids and although her time is near… I think it would bring het some joy to know I have a fated mate. If that is something you are ok with?” I ask hesitantly.
She looks at me in disbelief before she scoffs scornfully. “You are pathetic Payne. But because she’s a lovely woman, sure. But remember, this is not for you.”
“Thanks, so is it alright to do that now before you leave? I just don’t know how, uh, how long-”
“Yeah, we can.” She cuts in. I look up at her gratefully, even though she owes me nothing I’m truly grateful she’s agreed. I watch her about to say something when she leaves the room, signalling the end of our conversation.
“I know you hate me, but can you at least downplay that in front of her?” I ask.
She only scoffs in reply. “Fuck you, Payne.”
I raise my eyebrows. She really does have a mouth on her.
We reach Mom’s room, and she steps back, crossing her arms. I try not to check her out as she leans against the wall, allowing me to knock on the door before I open it and step inside. 1 motion Adriana to follow, watching as she takes a deep breath, adjusting her top.
Seeing Mom in bed in that condition hurts. I approach the bed and smile at her, where she’s propped up against her pillows. “Hey, how did you sleep?” I ask gently, taking her hand tenderly as I kiss her forehead
“I slept well.” She smiles. Hugh has been a great support for her. Even though I know this is extremely hard for him too, I’m just glad she has someone she is in love with by her side. “Adriana, isn’t it?”
I turn as Mom smiles at Adriana, before her gaze flicks back to me, almost as if she’s piecing the puzzle together, which isn’t possible.
“Yes, Mom, this is Adriana. She- she’s my fated mate.” I say quietly, but even as the words leave me, I feel ashamed of
myself for acting like I did nothing wrong
Mom’s eyes sparkle. “Mate! Oh my! I did think there was something going on. I saw the looks between the two of you.” “Mom, that’s not true.” I smile at her.
Adriana laughs. “He’s so coy.” She says, and I raise an eyebrow.
“I’m not.”
“You are.” She smiles sweetly as Mom laughs and stretches her other hand out to her. “My daughter-in-law to be…”
Adriana’s smile falters as she places her hand in Mom’s hand and gives it a small squeeze. She smiles warmly at Adriana, her eyes filling with tears.
“She is beautiful. Look at her Atticus, she suits you perfectly,” she says softly, looking between us. I look across at Adriana, gazing into her soft green eyes that are staring back at me. I can’t tell what she’s thinking, but the way her hair falls over her face makes my fingers itch to reach out and brush it back.
“I am truly happy to know that you will not be alone, Atticus. This is the Luna of this pack. My son’s Luna.” Mon murmurs as she weakly tugs our hands closer, placing mine upwards.
Adriana’s heart thunders as Mom places her hand on mine and I slowly wrap my fingers around it, enjoying the sparks that dance up my arm. Her hand is soft, but I can feel parts of it are slightly hardened. She’s handled weapons, her hands are proof of that.
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