Page 102 of Petals and Strings
The image started to form, the moment frozen in time showcasing the disheveled, messy apartment and the empty nest.
Black was next, a fissure forming down the middle, as if the building itself was breaking part. Dark hands reached out from the crevice, curling up into the sky as if trying to escape.
In the doorway, was warm light. A promise.
Hope.
I knew on the other side was the future I was building now. When I let all of that go, sending those memories to hell right along with any blame I’d tried to hold onto, I’d be able to embrace it.
Whether it was Ledger or the universe that gave them karma, I knew it would reach them one day.
I, on the other hand, would be thriving.
Just as I put the finishing touches on the art, the world came rushing back in. Audrey was in front of me, holding out her hand.
But it was the look on her face that sent fear slicing through me.
“We’ve been summoned to the clinic for a medicine check. It seems Dr. Malik isn’t happy about our new arrangement.”
No. I couldn't be set back right when I just now found my way.
Where the hell was Ares?!
Chapter Thirty-Four
Audrey
“Dr. Malik is calling you all in,” the art therapist called out to our group. It was just us left now.
We’d come too far, I couldn’t do this. Wouldn’t let him touch my meds.
“Now,” the beta waiting for us barked. I recognized him as one that worked in Malik’s office. Odd that he only had betas in there.
Kane was so lost in his art he didn’t stand with the rest of us. Of course, we collectively moved without him, knowing he needed to be here, but the asshole wouldn’t let it go.
“All of you,” he said, voice cold and firm. Biting back a comment I moved closer to Kane, trying to distract him.
The asshole kept huffing from the doorway like this was some huge inconvenience. He didn’t stop until we were standing with the group. Kane’s hand was in mine, firm and warm, and I didn’t let go even when the beta eyed our connection with a sneer.
Let him see. There was nothing inherently weird about holding hands with someone who needed comfort. It didn’t give us away and they all likely knew that we were a pack by now anyway.
My eyes darted around, looking for Ares anywhere. Nurse Nancy spotted us, her lips tipping to a frown.
“Tell Ares,” I pleaded without sound. She gave a sharp nod before feigning normalcy. Her pen scribbled over paperwork until we were out of sight. I just had to hope she was going to actually help.
This place gave me far more trust issues than I had before. At least in my cell I knew I couldn’t trust a soul. Here, it was a gamble.
Dr. Malik was waiting for us at the clinic. His smile widened as we were ushered in and sat in the waiting area. His eyes landed on each of us for a beat before moving to the next, as if taking inventory of us.
Caspian shifted uncomfortably. “What is this about? I’ve done my weekly check-in and it’s stated in my chart ‘no medication changes without a meeting.’”
Malik’s eyes narrowed before he answered, voice as sharp as his glare. “I’m aware of what your chart says. However, Sarah is not a doctor so her input is irrelevant.”
“Excuse me?” Caspian asked in shock. “You can’t be serious.”
“Oh, I assure you. I am very serious,” Malik said. “I didn’t make it this far by allowing simpering family members to dictate how I treat my patients.”
Ansel pushed himself against me, the touch firm and desperate. I could scent his fear in the air and I swear Malik’s nostrils flared, glee in his eyes.
