Chapter 336
VALERIE.
Life has changed a lot and with time, the pain becomes bearable. I lost the man I loved, yet I am still bound to the man who killed him.
A man who somehow always makes me curious about what goes on within his mind. It’s been five years, yet he has not once spoken a word, almost as if he’s taken a vow of silence.
Cara was exiled from the pack when her sentence was over, like Annalise, but Zade? He still remains in prison… his sentence will be completed when I deem it fulfilled. A decision Sebastian had decided to leave to me when he himself wanted to tear him apart.
It’s been on my mind, yet despite no pressure from anyone, I’m not sure what to
do…
I had told Zaia to make the decision, or even Sebastian, but both said it was my
call and stuck by it.
No one knows that, but… knowing that it’s in my hands, I feel conflicted. Deep down I feel he’s served his sentence but at the same time, I’m not sure… Not sure if one can ever serve enough time for taking someone’s life, but he has behaved in the last five years.
He won’t eat or let anyone administer the vitamin serum. Yet, when I go down there, he remains still allowing me to do what I need to… Simply watching me… everyone knew it… knew that he would only
behave for me even if they didn’t
know that we are mates…
For the last few months, I’ve wondered about it more so… but now, seeing Zaia happy with Sebastian, I’m taking it as a sign that it’s time to move on from the past too.
“Are you ok, Val?” Zaia asks as she tugs free from Sebastian, who is clearly ready to fuck her right here if he could. I’m happy they’re together again because they have always loved only one another.
“I’m fine,” I say, smiling at her, but she tilts her head, knowing me better than
that.
“Talk to me, if you like.” She says gently, I love how she always respects my
boundaries.
“It’s about Zade,” I admit, turning the heat beneath the grilled chicken strips to low.
“What is it?” she asks with concern, a wave of sadness clouding her eyes.
I stare at the blue flame, frowning slightly.
“I think we should let him out, let him leave the pack… even if that means under curfew or whatever,” I say quietly. “I don’t want to have to watch him any longer. I want him gone.”
Sebastian pauses, and I know he’s listening as he turns back to face us.
“Despite what he’s done, he did stand down and has remained in prison for the last five years. I want to move on too. I don’t want to have to visit him every few days to make sure he lives.” I say quietly, there were times I never visited him, and when he fell unconscious, someone would give him the nutrition he needed but I hated seeing him in that state, although he is a killer, I’m nothing like him and I have compassion even for those who don’t deserve it.
“I think it’s a good decision. He’s behaved, and maybe he can go somewhere where he can try to find a purpose in life,” Zaia says with a small smile.
I’m glad she’s reassuring me and not just because I said it, this makes me feel better…
I nod, and she hugs me tightly. I close my eyes, hugging her back. I’m grateful for both her and Atticus. They’ve both always been there for me.
Jai… if you were here, I know you’d be in agreement with me, because you were always forgiving, no matter what someone did, you always gave them chances… always saw the best in people, even when I didn’t think some people had any good in them, you did…
I’m doing the right thing, right Jai? Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
A sudden sharp wind blows, swirling around me, and I freeze, pulling away from Zaia as I look up at the sky. The glowing moon shines down on me and I stand there frozen as the wind stills.
I suddenly smile and nod.
Yes. I am doing the right thing….
C +15 BONUS