Going Alone–2
I feigned confusion, though her words sent a chill through me. “Mother, maybe we’ve judged him wrong all these years. The moon goddess wouldn’t-
She gripped my shoulders, eyes wild with fear. “No, daughter, listen to me. I know his father, but Kaius, he is worse than his father; he is a killer, and I…” Her voice broke. “…I don’t know what he would do to you, my baby. The stories I’ve heard… the things I’ve
seen…”
I had to maintain the lie, even though her words disturbed me deeply. How did my mother
know Kaius’s father? What had she seen?
“He won’t do a thing,” I said, trying
me.”
Lo sound confident. “I am his mate. The bond protects
She shook her head violently. “A mate bond means nothing to men like him. Nothing. They take what they want and discard what they don’t.”
I decided to be more realistic. “Mama, you know what he would do to me if I did not go with him. He claimed me publicly. No one refuses Alpha Kaius.”
Her voice dropped lower, desperate. “Then… then we can create a plan. I would help you escape, tonight even. We could reach the border territories by dawn. I know people who might help us. And I do not mind if I have to give my life in the process, but you can’t be with him.”
My heart ached at her willingness to sacrifice herself. I grasped her hands tightly. “Mama, I won’t let you give your life for me; I want to see you free, and if I agree to this, he will set you free, mama. Don’t you see? This could be our chance.”
She pulled away as if my touch burned her. “You do not understand; I do not want
anything from him, not freedom, not money, nothing. Not if it costs you.”
“I know you love me,” I pleaded, “but please, I want you to trust me in this. I want you to give me this one chance to make my own decision. I had already given a lot… to Dorian and to this pack.” My voice hardened. “I want to leave here. I never want to see Dorian’s face again.”
Her eyes flashed with an intensity I rarely saw. “You would be better off here than you.
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Going Alone–2
would be with him. At least here, I can protect you in small ways.”
A bitter laugh escaped me. “Is that what you think, mama? Do you know what Dorian wants to do with you? He told me exactly how he would punish you if I tried to leave.”
She lifted her chin, defiant despite everything. “I do not care; I am a slave here; not amount of pain he makes me suffer would be too much to bear, and if I die, I would do so knowing that you are out of danger, Elowen.”
Tears welled in my eyes. “But my purpose is to protect you too. Can’t you see that?”
“I’ve made up my mind,” I said, resigned. “I would go to him; it is not like I can ever escape this, and, you know that, he would find me if I run, and I would suffer more. If I am willing, he promises to give you freedom, a new job, and to keep you protected. I’m so sorry, mama, but I have to make this decision.”
She was silent for a long time. When she finally spoke, her voice carried terrible finality.
“Then I cannot go with you; I prefer a life of bondage here to a life of freedom with the
Alpha of Ravenhollow pack. If you go to him… you go alone.”
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