Page 38 of You're My Person - For Always

His heart pounded. A mix of anticipation and indecision soured his stomach.

Taking a deep breath, he approached the door and knocked softly. The door creaked open, revealing Zora's shadowed face. Her eyes widened in surprise, then softened as she recognized him.

"Do you have a few minutes?" he asked.

The ride had calmed him. He wasn't here to argue or fight. He only wanted answers.

She stepped back. "Come in."

The cabin's interior was much like he remembered when he was younger—simple, yet dried flowers hanging from the ceiling gave it a pleasant aroma.

"I wasn't expecting you." Zora's soft tone stayed neutral, but her eyes searched his face. "Is everyone okay?"

"I need answers." He widened his stance. "I figured you're the only one who will give me the truth."

"Wh-what answers?"

"Why did you leave? And why did Dad keep you here without letting us see you?" he asked.

Zora sighed. The weight of years of secrets was evident in her expression. "It's complicated," she began, but he cut her off.

"No, it's not. You had two young sons who needed a mother, and you left us."

She nodded in resignation. "Sit down. I'll tell you what you want to know."

He settled into the wooden chair opposite her. Whatever she had to say, he was ready to face. The past was no longer behind him. He was staring into his mother's face.

She drew in a deep breath. "Your father is a good man, but he had...the club came first with him, and I'm not blaming him. I knew where he stood when I met him. I was one of the girls who hung around Gem Haven, and I fell madly in love with Ridge. I married him, knowing that he would make something of Gem Haven."

"What does that have to do with you leaving us?"

Her eyes glistened with unspoken pain. "For him to lead the club, he couldn't have any weaknesses."

He looked away from her, knowing his dad. He raised Zane and him never to show emotions and be strong in front of the others. They were groomed to take over the club since they were young. He could guess that his dad viewed Zora's mental health as something his enemies could use against him.

"So, he sent you away," he muttered.

"I was rapid cycling. I needed to go. I believed I could get better and then come back to him, and I did. I came back, but sometimes..." Zora shook her head. "Sometimes, I don't want to feel...less, and I'd stop taking my medicine. During those times, I felt more like myself. But I wasn't a good mother. I was dangerous."

Kingsley blew out his cheeks. It hurt to hear about her struggle. Everyone deserved to feel like life was out there for them to enjoy, and nothing should hold her back.

"I understand when I'm having one of my manic episodes, I cause trouble for those around me—"

"Fuck that." He leaned forward and braced his elbows on his knees. "Who tells you that you have to act a certain way?"

"It's not healthy for me."

"This is Gem Haven. We're all a little fucked up." He shrugged. "I understand how medicine would mask the...the..."

"Highs and lows," she added for him.

He nodded. "But you don't have to hide in the cabin."

"Oh, I'm not hiding." She sat straighter. "I love living here. I grow flowers, and it's peaceful. Besides, Ridge needs to concentrate on running the motorcycle club, and Big John takes good care of me. I have everything I need." She frowned. "But I do worry about your dad."

"You know he's in prison, right?"

She laughed, catching her lower lip between her teeth before she met his gaze. "I'm bipolar, not stupid."

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