Free Web NovelChapter 75: Chapter 75 Kiss Reveals Mate
Bella’s POV
"You don’t need to go down there," Hugo declared, his voice carrying an edge of authority after spending what felt like forever trying to gently persuade me otherwise.
Several things had unfolded since I’d regained consciousness.
Parker had managed to locate clothing for me from somewhere in the house - a simple shirt and pants that would suffice. They’d also arranged for food to be brought up, apparently under the assumption that I’d have an appetite after learning about the old man’s death.
All I craved was to witness the destruction I’d wrought, because the memories had returned to me.
For once, I actually retained every detail of what had transpired.
Yet they formed a protective barrier, refusing to allow me access to the basement. My only desire was to have a conversation with my wolf about alternative approaches to conflict resolution.
We could have restrained him, left marks with our claws, delivered a warning bite, rendered him unconscious. The situation hadn’t demanded such extreme measures.
"Absolutely not," Astra responded to my internal dialogue, her voice unwavering in its conviction.
Having never possessed a wolf consciousness before, and based on conversations I’d overheard from others, most people rarely discussed their wolves in great detail.
Now that she’d awakened within me, I was fairly certain this level of assertiveness wasn’t typical wolf behavior toward their human counterparts.
"I simply want to assess the extent of what I’ve done," I stated again.
This time, Derek’s facial muscles tensed visibly.
"You have two choices - either traumatize yourself by viewing that scene, or return to your family. Your children are expecting you," Hugo explained, clearly exercising restraint in his tone, likely because he recognized my mounting frustration.
His logic was sound, though. There was nothing productive I could accomplish by remaining here.
"Furthermore, why would you want to look at that man again? He certainly didn’t earn your compassion. Your wolf executed what was necessary. Don’t waste mental energy on him - he was a worthless individual who met his end," Parker stated bluntly, prompting a weary exhale from me.
His assessment wasn’t incorrect either.
"Understanding a situation should enhance your humanity, not diminish it. Knowledge should cultivate civilization," Derek contributed, his hands forming fists as thoughts of the deceased man consumed him.
I had to admit, none of their perspectives were flawed.
"So how do we explain today’s events to the outside world?" I inquired, recognizing that the nurse would arrive shortly.
If she encountered the carnage in the basement, the trauma would haunt her permanently.
The three men immediately shared meaningful glances before Hugo adjusted his position.
"We’ve already discussed our approach," he revealed. "We’ll inform everyone that we arrived to have a discussion with the man regarding certain matters, and that he initiated an attack instead. That he’d completely lost his mental faculties. I believe that explanation will suffice."
I nodded my agreement. I suspected they preferred to keep me distanced from this situation, which made me question whether it was due to my wolf’s behavior.
Exactly how unstable was she?
Unstable enough to brutally end someone’s life and then turn on her own mates. At least two of them had been targeted.
"Are you certain it was only those two?" Astra’s voice suddenly pierced through my thoughts.
Each time she emerged in my consciousness, it startled me - not from terror, but from the sheer unfamiliarity of the experience.
I remained unaccustomed to hosting an internal voice.
"In any case, we should depart. We’ll escort you home, then return to handle the remaining cleanup," Hugo proposed.
I observed the others exchanging glances, conducting silent conversations through their expressions.
"What’s the matter?" I pressed.
"Not all of us need to accompany you," Parker pointed out. "If we all abandon this location and the nurse or household staff arrives, we’ll face additional complications. One person should transport you while the others remain to manage the aftermath."
He looked between his companions, awaiting someone’s agreement.
"Very well. I’ll handle her transportation," Hugo declared decisively.
"Actually, I should take care of that," Derek interjected, offering his services.
"Have you forgotten about the person waiting at your residence?" Parker countered, raising an eyebrow. "If she witnesses you returning with Bella, she’ll create another dramatic situation. It’s preferable if I escort her while you two complete the work here."
The moment Parker referenced Serena, memories of Camilla flooded back, and I genuinely wanted to avoid encountering those two women again.
Camilla, in particular, represented a confrontation I wasn’t prepared to handle.
"Yes, I’ll accompany Parker," I announced before further debate could ensue.
That appeared to settle the matter, though neither of the remaining men seemed satisfied with the arrangement.
"Excellent, let’s proceed," Parker said with unusual haste.
His eagerness seemed peculiar, almost desperate in his desire to separate me from the others.
Perhaps he intended to discuss something privately.
There had been a subtle connection we’d both experienced, but since I’d been in wolf form during that time, nothing had been entirely comprehensible.
Was that the reason behind his insistence on taking me alone?
I had no interest in addressing that topic. But I could always silence him if necessary.
We exited the house and entered Parker’s vehicle.
While they’d been managing various tasks on my behalf, they’d also strategically positioned their cars to obstruct the entrance, creating a temporary delay before anyone could enter uninvited. frёewebnoѵēl.com
The front entrance had been completely destroyed, leaving the house accessible to anyone.
"Don’t dwell on it excessively, Bella. That man was attempting something disturbing with you," Parker began, trying to provide reassurance.
"I’m not thinking about him," I responded softly, settling back against the seat.
Then he brought the vehicle to an unexpected stop in the middle of the road near the forest.
"Why are we stopping here, Parker?" I questioned, uncertainty coloring my voice.
I’d assumed he wanted to discuss the strange attraction between us, but I hadn’t anticipated him halting the car to ensure I couldn’t escape until he received his answers.
He exited the vehicle, walked around to my side, and opened the door.
"I’m not getting out," I informed him firmly.
"I just need to understand something. Please," he pleaded.
I shook my head and folded my arms defensively across my chest.
Without warning, he leaned forward and pressed his mouth to mine.
The unexpected tenderness paralyzed me momentarily.
I grasped his shirt, preparing to push him away until something fundamental changed within me.
It was a sensation I’d encountered twice before.
Everything surrounding us became motionless.
We remained locked in the kiss until I heard my wolf’s gentle whimper.
"Mate," she whispered.
