Chapter 26
Adeline West.
When I finally heard her small, sweet voice calling for me, relief washed over me. I rushed toward her and scooped her into. my arms, hugging her tightly. My heart had been in my throat ever since she had gone missing. Sebastian and I had searched the hospital, leaving Mary with Tristan. We kept calling out Bridget’s name and questioning everyone we saw. The fear that had gripped me was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. I felt like I couldn’t breathe.
She was with a tall man dressed in a black suit; his back turned to me as he talked on his phone. There was something about his presence–an intoxicating smell and a terrifying aura–that felt familiar, like a distant memory trying to resurface. But my focus was solely on my daughter, Bridget.
“Mommy!” Bridget squealed, wrapping her tiny arms around my neck.
“I was so scared, sweetheart,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You must never wander off like that again, okay I said, my voice filled with worry and fear.
She nodded, her eyes wide and innocent. “I’m sorry, Mommy. I wanted to get a toy for Tristan,” she said in her sweet voice.
“That’s
‘s very sweet of you, but you need to stay close to me.” I said glancing at the man who had been with her. That’s when I heard the man speak, and the voice sent a chill down my spine. it was hauntingly familiar–a voice I hadn’t heard in years but could never forget.
I picked Bridget up, holding her close as I turned to face him, but my heart pounded so fiercely that I just wanted to get Bridget and walk away.
“Thank you for helping my daughter,” I said quickly, trying to keep my voice steady
He was still on his phone, and I didn’t wait for a response. With Bridget in my arms, I hurried away, my mind racing. His voice echoed in my ears, tugging at memories I had long buried. I didn’t understand why I was running away from that stranger, but the voice and smell made me want to run away, kicking my survival instincts, It was strange, I just don’t understand why.
Once we were back in Tristan’s ward, I set Bridget down on a chair next to her brother’s bed. Tristan was still resting, his little face looking peaceful despite the bandages.
“Who was that man, Bridget?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm. I could feel my heart still pounding in my chest.
“He’s the Toy Man,” she said with a bright smile. “He helped me buy toys for Tristan. He was very kind, Mommy. He even helped me choose the best ones.” She said, showing the toys.
Sebastian and Mary joined us, relief evident on their faces. Sebastian kneeled down beside Bridget, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Are you okay, sweetheart! You scared us.”
Bridget nodded, her eyes wide with excitement. “I’m okay, Uncle Sebastian. The toy man helped me.” She said,
“The toy man?” Mary looked puzzled
Bridget nodded eagerly. “Yes! He was so nice. He bought me toys for Tristan. He said it would help him get better faster.” She said it happily.
ne, concerned in his eyes. “Who was this man, Adeline?” He asked.
Sebastian glanced at me, co
1 shook my head, still trying to process everything. “I don’t know He was tall and dressed in black. He was on the phone when I found Bridget”
“Did he say anything to you?” Mary asked.
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Chapter 26
I hesitated, remembering the voice that had sent shivers down my spine. “No, but his voice… it was familiar.” I said.
“Familiar how?” Sebastian’s brow furrowed.
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I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “It reminded me of someone. Someone I hoped I’d never see again.” I said.
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Bridget looked up at me, her eyes wide with innocence. “He was really nice, Mommy. He said he hopes Tristan gets better soon. Can we thank him?” She said it sweetly
I forced a smile, trying to hide my unease. “We’ll see, sweetie,” I said.
“Do you think it could be someone from your past?” Mary’s eyes widened slightly.
I shook my head, trying to dismiss the uneasy feeling creeping over me. “I don’t know. Maybe. But right now, I’m just glad Bridget is safe.” I answered, focusing on my children.
Bridget continued to talk excitedly about the Toy Man, her innocent joy almost making me forget my fear. I forced a smile. not wanting to alarm her. “That’s very kind of him, darling. But next time, you must stay with us. Promise?” I said.
“Promise.” Bridget said, erossing her heart with her little finger.
I sat down beside Tristan’s bed, taking his small hand in mine. The scare had rattled me more than I wanted to admit.
After Tristan was dismissed from the hospital, we headed back home. Sebastian drove us to our home, and as he dropped us off, he gave me a reassuring smile. Try to get some rest, Adeline. Call me if you need anything” He said, looking at me.
I nodded, grateful for his support. Thank you, Sebastian. Goodnight,” I said.
“Goodnight,” he replied before driving off to his home.
Once inside, I put the kids to bed. The day’s events had shaken me to my core. I just wanted to stay close to my children, so 1 lay down with them, holding them tightly in my arms. Tristan and Bridget were fast asleep, their breaths coming in soft. rhythmic puffs, but I couldn’t find any peace.
That voice, that scent, that aura–it was all so familiar.
Who might that be?
Kuna, my wolf asked.
I don’t know. I just.. I feel like… I don’t know… I just can’t explain I replied, confused.
My wolf had been restless since the moment we encountered that man. I couldn’t pinpoint exactly why, but the feeling gnawed at me, keeping sleep at bay.
As I lay there, the memories of that night in the meeting hall flooded back. The stranger, his strong hold on me, the way he had fucked me in different positions throughout the night–it all kept flashing before my eyes. I tried to shake it off, but the more I tried, the more clear the memories became
The scent, the voice, the body–it all triggered something deep within me. It wasn’t just familiarity; it was something more primal, something that stirred my very soul. I remembered the way his touch had ignited a fire in me–a fire I had tried so hard to forget.
The night dragged on, and sleep remained clusive, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of unease. What if it really was him? That stranger from the night? What would that mean for me and my children?
The thought sent shivers down my spine.
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Chapter 26
1 glanced at Tristan and Bridget, their innocent faces peaceful in slumber. They were my world, and I would do anything to protect them. But the reappearance of that man, whoever he was threatened the fragile peace we had built.
As the night wore on, I found myself dealing with a flood of cinations–fear, confusion, and a strange longing I closed my eyes, hoping for a moment of relaxation, but the memories continued to assault me.
I could still feel the stranger’s touch–his breath hot against my skin, his grunts, his voice murmuring words of passion. It was haunting and overwhelming. I hugged my children tighter. Jecking comfort in their presence, but my mind refused to quiet.
The hours passed slowly, and as dawn approached, 1 knew I wouldn’t find any rest. I pushed all the thoughts about the stranger to the back of my mind and focused on the attack that had happened to us. I need answers, but more than that, I need to protect my family. Whatever the cost, I had to uncover the truth. I need to find out who attacked us and tried to hurt my family.
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