a lecture. I cried as he walked me into his office, telling him I hadn't meant to. He didn't say a word as he sat in his chair and surprised me when he pulled me into his arms, giving me a hug. "Sometimes, accidents happen, and some may even haunt you. But as long as you do your best and try to do what's right, it helps define and mold you into a better, more sympathetic person. Know that some things may go awry and that others could be hurt unintentionally. He told me that no matter what, as long as your heart was good, hold on to the fact that you're part human and can make mistakes. Don't let those mishaps alter your strength, instead use them to move forward, doing the best you can. He told me to honor the memories of innocent lives that were stolen all too soon.”
"I'm starting to realize how good of a man he was. He tried so many times to come back here, but we wouldn't bring down the barrier. And to be honest, I've always known it, but you being here seems like fate had a way of making things come full circle." Agnes took in a deep breath and leveled her shoulders. "You need to watch out for Rose. She wants you dead. You're now the closest representation of your father that she can hurt and destroy. She won't be merciful."
The one person I thought had been helping me for over the past three and a half years was the very one who was hunting me now. The problem was I didn't have anything I could leverage her with, so I wasn't sure how this could play out in our favor.
Chapter Eighteen
The car ride back to James's was quiet. I laid my head on Mason's chest in the backseat, just listening to the vibrations of the engine on our way home.
I'd hoped that we'd feel better after meeting with the witch. Though the situation was so much worse than I'd ever known. Not only was the witch I’d relied on the past three and a half years using me, but she wanted me dead. It doesn't make sense. Why didn't she kill me before now? None of it made sense.
That's a question I think we may not want to know the answer to. Mason's fingertips brushed along my upper arm. But we need to get to the bottom of it.
It feels as if everything possible has worked against my family. I hated playing the victim, but at the moment, I felt so stupid. Kassie was right. I should've never trusted her.
Honey, you were barely ready to take this on when we met. He kissed my forehead and sighed. Imagine if you had tried at sixteen, without the support system you have now.
He was right. Over three years ago, it'd been Mona, Kassie, and me. Now, I had so many more people by my side with the most important one being him. Still, I was so stupid and naive.
No, you weren't. He placed his pointer finger under my chin, lifting it so I had to look up into his eyes. You were doing what you could to survive. And I'm damn glad that you did. He lowered his lips to mine as he pushed his love for me through our bond.
I love you. The words were simple but didn't even describe what I felt for him. It was more than love. What I felt for him was so all-encompassing that sometimes, it felt hard to breathe and like I might combust. And to think I had tried to keep him at a distance for so long when we’d first met.
And I love you. He pulled back slightly to stare into my eyes. Do not blame yourself for what's going on. This is not your fault.
I turned and wrapped my arms around his waist, holding onto him tightly. I never would've thought I could be this happy, which was odd with all of the bad shit that was going on around us. However, a part of me had finally found peace. Now, I was afraid it might be taken from me. Rose had always been the hunter, and I, the gullible, naive prey.
We pulled onto the familiar road that led to James's subdivision. There appeared to be twice as many wolves running in the trees as there were before we left.
"Have you talked to Mom?" Mason's body tensed.
Something was wrong. I sat