Page 103 of Begrudgingly Yours
It’s wild to see my mother falter. She must see something in Nicole’s eye, or hear something in her tone, that shows how serious she is because she takes a step back like it will save her reputation.
My mother is nothing if not proper. She may be a monster behind closed doors, but she is all about presentation. If only she knew what messing with the Monaghans could do for her reputation. She wouldn’t think twice about walking away and never coming back.
I am both ashamed and astounded. The fear and confusion in my body is making it hard to do anything to help the situation.
“You have some nerve,” my mother responds.
“I may not have a bark, but I can bite,” Nicole snaps. “There’s an emergency signal on this pole. You have less than twenty seconds to leave or Iwillpush it.”
I didn’t even realize she was moving us closer to the streetlight with the emergency alarm meant to make students feel safe walking around at night. My mother’s eye goes straight to it, and she immediately takes a step back.
“I’m leaving,” she announces, not wanting to cause a scene. “We’ll talk later, Veronica.”
And then she walks away, leaving me arm in arm with someone else who hates me. I hope she can’t feel how sweaty I’ve become.
The silence lingers, and I’m almost afraid to speak, thinking it might ruin the moment.
She saves me from having to break the silence. “You don’t have to say thank you. I really don’t deserve it.”
I eye her warily. “Why did you do that? You didn’t have to intervene.”
“Yes, I did,” she says, and then she huffs out a breath. “Look, there’s things you don’t know. Things that…explainwhy I am the way I am. I’m trying really hard to not let it overcome me, but it’s hard.”
I arch a brow, even more confused than before. When she sees that her words didn’t explain anything, she goes on. “I got a tongue lashing from my parents at Thanksgiving. And I was supposed to talk to you sooner, you know, toapologize, but my ego got in the way. It’s always my damn ego.” She hangs her head, ashamed. “I’m really sorry. Not just for acting out at Thanksgiving, but for everything before that. I thought it would be okay to stop taking my meds and to not go to therapy because I wasbetter, but that was the whole point.” She waves a hand at herself, realizing she’s going into a rant. “My issuesare my issues, not yours. I’m sorry for everything I’ve said over the last few months. I honestly can’t even remember all of it. I’m back on my meds now, so I’m thinking more clearly.”
I nod, but still don’t know what to say. She’s clearly been struggling, so I don’t want to add onto it with any more guilt or anger.
But her apology, I’ll gladly accept. Especially if it means we’re one step closer to mending things. Dax is my mate, we’re bonded. She’s going to be in my life forever. I’d like to spend that time without any hostility.
“I forgive you,” I finally say and the look of relief on her face is amazing to see, like the words have literally taken a heavy weight off of her shoulders.
Before she can say anything else, there’s movement nearby. A car pulls up swiftly—but crookedly—into a parking spot before three alpha bodies get out in a rush.
When they see us, my mates rush forward quickly.
“What the hell is going on?!” Dax exclaims, and I can see the anger there immediately. Nicole winces at the alpha tone, looking much more vulnerable than she did facing my alpha mother. “I thought you knew you couldn’t mess with her anymore, Nicole. Why the hell are you so determined to make my mate’s life miserable?”
I find my voice, holding my hands up in surrender. “It wasn’t Nicole,” I say quickly, trying to grab their attention with the frantic movement of my arms. “She’s not the reason why I called you.”
The air between us immediately changes as the hurried motion between them slows to a stop. “It wasn’t Nicole?” Dax asks and the guilt immediately reflects on his face. “Then who was it?”
“Her bitch of a mother,” Nicole responds. “Seriously, that woman was a piece of work.”
All of their eyes widen. “What?” Jett is at my side in an instant, looking me over.
Everett sees the bruise first. He holds my arm gently to inspect it. “Didshedo that to you?!”
I cringe a little but decide to tell the truth. “Yeah, she was angry. She wants me to transfer over the inheritance. I’m pretty sure she’ll keep trying until there’s nothing left.”
Dax lets out a growl. “My parents know the best attorneys. We can get you a restraining order quickly.”
“I’ll call Mom right now and take care of it,” Nicole says and then looks sternly at my mates. “You guys just take care of your omega.”
She pulls her phone out and walks away, leaving me alone with my alphas. They all look in her direction, all clearly confused by the sudden change in heart from Nicole, but quickly turn their attention back to me.
“Are you okay, Rory?” Jett asks me, trying not to hover but keeping a close eye on every muscle in my face in case I try to lie.
But I don’t want to lie. They’re my safe place. I feel comfortable telling them the truth.
