Page 19 of Shattered Mates

“And?” she presses. “Does he have his memory back?”

I nod. “Jules was the key.”

“Damn wolf mate bonds.” Her gaze flicks toward the night sky. “That goddess is too powerful for her own good.”

She might be, but I have no ill-will toward the Moon Goddess. Not when she brought my mate to me and gave me a wolf spirit that’s not only helped me stay connected with the pack over the years but has deepened my relationship with Foster by allowing his wolf to also have a partner in this mateship.

“I’m just here to use the training room and then I’ll be gone,” I say, hoping that will be the end of our conversation.

“I’ll join you.” She gives me her back and heads toward the building.

“Beatrix, it’s the middle of the night,” I point out. “Go get some sleep.”

She turns around and levels me with her stare that shimmers under the moonlight. “Do you think for one second that I’ve had peace knowing how you suffer or that River’s absence hasn’t affected me just as it has you? You are my family, Andie, as is that boy. I will help you through this.”

My throat burns and tears threaten to spill from my eyes. Beatrix has been the matriarch of our mismatched family for so long now. Not only has she given us a connection to one another that we didn’t know we needed, but we’ve also given her a purpose.

As she gets older, I sometimes forget that she isn’t the snarky, all-powerful witch I first met. She’s a mate, a friend, a leader, a GiGi, an…everything to some of us.

I hate that she’s hurt because of my mess-up, but maybe after tonight that will change for the both of us.

My hand reaches out for her. “Let’s do this together, then.”

“Good answer.” Her fingers wrap around my palm, and I go to step forward, but I’m frozen in place.

“Bea—” I can’t get more than those three letters out. Magic spreads from her hold on my hand, trickling up my arm as she reaches for my other hand.

“I love you, Andie,” Beatrix starts. “I have since the day you were born and even more when your Aunt Junie made me promise to look after you when she no longer could. To so many people, I’ve never been more than a heartless bitch who does what she wants, but you know better than that. You know me, which is why I need you to not fight me right now.”

That’s harder to do than just her asking. My muscles are coiled, and my magic is doing its best to break free and push her away. Yet, I’m frozen in place, locked inside my own agony.

She continues, “I have wanted to do this for so long now, but you weren’t ready. You had unfinished business in the form of River. Now that he’s home safe and sound, you have no choice but to accept this.”

I wouldn’t say safe and sound just yet. He hasn’t been checked over to make sure the potion is fully out of his system.

“My time for ruling is over,” she adds, her bright eyes staying locked on mine. “I’m tired and old and I want to spend the rest of my days with my soulmate. Not controlling every little aspect of this place. It’s time for me to move on and the same for you. You have to move on from your mistake. Shit happens. You’ve seen me screw up too many times to count. Nobody is perfect and you need to get rid of this notion that you need to be.”

Oh, Gods. She isn’t really doing this right now, is she? The heat absorbing into my skin says yes, but on our own? Without the help of our most powerful witches? Beatrix really is crazy.

We’ve talked about me taking over as leader of this community, especially as I’ve pulled back from the pack. They haven’t needed me, and my best friend Charlie has been great at stepping in at Mack’s side as the beta female. Yet, I never took Beatrix seriously. I knew why I was backing away, and it wasn’t to take over another horde of supernaturals.

“You can do this, Andie,” she says as a silver glow grows around the two of us. “You are smart and capable and stronger than you know. You have accomplished so much over the years. I won’t allow for one misstep to define what you do moving forward. I need to know that I’ve left you on the right path and this is it. You taking charge, showing the world that we are not to be fucked with, and continuing to bring everyone together.

“Don’t fight your destiny. Own who you are, body and soul. Admit that mistakes happen, but that they don’t have to define who we are. Learn from what’s been done, grow from it. You are more than magic. You are light and heart and power. I have known that since the moment you returned. Now, it’s time for you not only to know as well, but to believe in yourself.”

Beatrix steps forward until our foreheads are touching. As she closes her eyes, mine flutter shut as well. My mind is bright with her light, and three shadowy figures start to come closer.

Mom, Aunt Junie, and my grandmother. A woman I’ve never met, but I recognize her energy and know without a doubt that she is family.

They’re standing there, pillars of strength and love. I can’t make out the details of their faces, but I feel them in my heart. I can’t see their mouths moving, but I hear their whispers of encouragement.

I was born for greatness. I’m capable of more than I’ve yet to realize. Our world needs the kindness I can offer.

The restraints I’ve held around myself begin to rattle, my magic pulses inside me, and my shoulders rise. I can do this. Not because of who I am, but because of the power I have standing with me.

I don’t need to be perfect, because I’m never going to be on my own.

For too long, I’ve told myself I wasn’t good enough after what I did to River. I pushed everyone away for fear of hurting them too. Even Foster has felt my distance, but he’s been steadfast with his patience.

---