Chapter 84
Adeline West
The morning sun rays fell through the curtains of my room, but the warmth did little to ease the chill of anxiety clinging to my skin. Today, I had to tell Killian and Samuel the decision I had made My heart was steady in the choice I had settled on after a night of restless tossing and turning I was doing this for my children, for Tristan and Bridget, and no matter what anyone said, their well–being was what mattered most.
I took a deep breath, standing in front of the mirror. I had to look composed, strong, and unwavering–even though inside, I felt anything but. My mind raced, replaying every possible outcome of this meeting.
Dressed in a simple yet elegant outht. I left my room, heading down the stairs with a heavy heart. My steps felt sluggish, as if the weight of the world was dragging me down. Yet I pressed on, moving toward the pack house where Killian, Samuel, and their men had been staying. They were guests here, and for now, that meant I had to play the part of a gracious hostess, despite the storm brewing beneath the surface.
I reached the pack house, its familiar walls closing in around me. This place had always been a sanctuary, a home for my children and me. But now, with Killian’s arrival, it felt like everything was slipping through my fingers. I made my way to the meeting hall, my heart pounding louder with each step. When I pushed the door open, the tension in the air was palpable.
Samuel sat at the head of the table, his expression calm yet expectant Killian stood by the window, dressed in a sharp black suit, his back turned to me, but I could sense the restlessness in his posture. And then there was Sebastian, standing near the door, his arms crossed, his face a mask of quiet resolve. His presence always gave me comfort, and today, I needed it more than ever.
“Adeline,” Samuel greeted with a nod, his voice gentle but filled with the weight of expectation. “I trust you’ve had time to
think.”
Killian turned slowly, his eyes locking onto mine. They were cold, guarded, but I could see the tension in his jaw. He wasn’t going to like what I had to say, and that made me even more determined to stand my ground.
I took a deep breath, meeting their gazes with as much strength as I could muster. Tve made my decision,” I began, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “For my children, for Tristan and Bridget. I’ve decided that we will stay here. This is their home. They’ve grown up here, built their lives here, and I won’t move them. I can’t.”
Killian’s eyes darkened instantly, a storm brewing behind them. Before he could speak, I continued, holding my hand up to stop him. “If you want to be a part of their lives, you can. You’re welcome to visit, to be involved in their lives in whatever way is possible. But we won’t move to the Silver Moon pack. It’s not happening”
The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of my words hanging heavily in the air. Killian’s face hardened, his fists clenching at his sides. “That’s not acceptable,” he said, his voice low and dangerous.
My heart skipped a beat, but I forced myself to stay calm. “It’s not about what’s acceptable to you, Killian. This is about what’s best for Tristan and Bridget They’ve already built a life here. moving them just because you suddenly decide to be part of their lives isn’t fair to them”
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I clenched my fists, my own anger simmering beneath the surface. “Don’t twist this, Killian. I didn’t keep them from you You rejected me and banished me from the pack. You didn’t want to be part of my life back then, and now you can’t just waltz back in and demand we rearrange everything for you”
Sebastian, who had been silently watching from the sidelines, stepped forward. “Adeline’s right,” he said, his voice calm but firm. Tristan and Bridget’s lives are here now. If you truly want to be part of their lives, then you need to do it on their terms. Not yours.”
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“It does concern meebestian replied, his voice calm tax deadly. “Adeline and the kids are my family And I’ll protect them from anyone who tries to hurt them. Even you
The tension in the room was suffocating, and I could feel the pressure building as both men squared off. My heart raced panic clawing at me, but before anything could escalate further, Samuel stepped in
“Enough, Samuel’s voice cut through the tension like a knife. This is getting us nowhere”
Killian shot Samuel a look, clearly frustrated, but he didn’t argue Samuel turned to me, his expression softer, but still firs “Adeline, I understand why you’ve made this decision I do. But think about what you’re asking You’re asking Killian to be a father from a distance. You’re asking him to watch his children grow up in a place he doesn’t belong
My chest tightened, but I stood my ground. I’m not asking him to do anything I’m giving him the chance to be a part of their lives. If he truly cares about them, he’ll make the effort”
Samuel sighed, his face etched with frustration. “Killian’s right about one thing–you can’t keep him away from his children. They’re his blood, his legacy. You know how important that is to our kind”
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Samuel stepped closer, his voice softer, more pleading “Adeline, we’ve already lost so much. Killian’s mother. She’s never been the same since losing Claire. Don’t let her lose her grandchildren too. Think about what’s at stake here.”
Guilt tugged at my heart, but I couldn’t waver. Not now. I have thought about it. I’m doing what’s best for my children Killian let out a sharp breath, his anger boiling over. “You’re making this harder than it needs to be, Adeline.”
“No,” I said, meeting his gaze head–on. “I’m making the best choice for them. And if you can’t see that, then maybe you’re the one who needs to rethink things.”
15:45 Tue, 1/ Dec (BAU
Chapter 84
The room fell into silence again, the tension still crackling in the air. Killian stared at me, his eyes filled with anger. frustration, and something else I couldn’t quite place. Finally, he turned away, his voice low and cold. “You’re making mistake.”
And with that, he stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. The sound echoed through the hall, leavin heavy silence in its wake.
I let out a shaky breath, my heart pounding as I stared at the door, feeling the weight of the confrontation settle over me Samuel remained silent, his expression unreadable, while Sebastian moved closer, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.
“You did the right thing,” he said softly, his voice filled with quiet assurance.
Thodded, but my heart still felt heavy. I had made my decision, but the fallout from it had only just begun.
