Melinda

A hand on my face wakes me from my dreamless sleep. I crack my eyes open, realise someone put me to bed, and smile.

“Mum,”

Goddess, she looks so healthy, so beautiful. She’s wearing a dark green dress with a white jacket, her hair is loose and curled, and her makeup is light. I’ve never seen my mother look so stunning.

“How did you know I was here?”

Mum smiles. “There is nowhere you can go where I won’t find you. You’re in here, you see.” She points to her heart.

I smile at that.

“Baby girl, I just came to say goodbye.”

My heart sinks, and I scramble to sit up.

“Goodbye? Why? Where are you going?”

Mum takes my hand in her own. “Jessie, Adam and I are leaving for my father’s Pride.”

My jaw drops.

Why didn’t I see this coming?

I knew Mum and Jessie would be going to Adam’s pack, but I didn’t realise she’d want to go home – the place she was raised.

I’m not surprised I wasn’t invited to join then; Adonis would never allow that.

“I don’t want to leave you here, Melinda, but your mate is h