Chapter 465

Talia’s POV

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

I couldn’t tell a five-year-old the truth. I don’t know your father. I just met him this morning. He’s a stranger who’s been kind to me, but I can’t be alone in a room with him at night.

Nolan got there first.

“Your mum’s been asleep for a long time,” he said. “She needs peace and quiet to get better. It’s easier to rest when she’s alone.”

“Oh,” Nyla said.

I nodded like it was obvious.

Elian wasn’t having it.

“But that’s not fair,” he said. “When I can’t sleep, you lie down with me, and then I fall asleep.”

“That’s different,” Nolan said.

“How is it different?” Elian asked. “She can’t remember anything. If she’s with you, maybe she’ll remember sooner. You’re her mate. That’s how it works.”

He stood there looking up at me, waiting for me to agree with him, because he had worked it out and it was obvious and all I had to do was say yes.

“I still get bad headaches,” I told him. “I need some time to get used to everything, and then we’ll see. Okay?”

Elian considered this for a long moment. “All right,” he said, clearly not satisfied. “But I still think I’m right.”

“Bedtime,” Nolan said to both of them. “Now. You’ve been up five hours longer than you should.”

“But we’re not sleepy!” Elian whined as Nyla tugged him out of the room. “Come on before he grounds you again,” Nyla said. Nolan walked them out to make sure they went to their rooms.

I tried to follow you, but I almost fell. Nolan caught me and said, “I think you’ve done too much tonight.”

“You’re probably right.”

“Let me help you.”

A moment ago, I had pushed him away. Now, I was so tired I couldn’t feel my feet, so when he picked me up, I just let him. Desire still coiled in my stomach, but I was too exhausted to act on it. If Nolan noticed, he didn’t say anything.

The bedroom he brought me to was big and warm and smelled faintly of roses. I could tell almost immediately that this was our room, as it was very rose-themed but still gender-neutral. Nolan set me on the edge of the bed.

“This was our room,” he said. “I’ve moved my things out, so there’s nothing of mine in here to make it strange for you.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” I said. “This is your room too.”

Nolan smiled faintly. “You’re not comfortable with me.”

“I’m sorry. I just…”

“I’ll be in the guest room at the end of the hall,” Nolan continued, not letting me finish. “If you need anything at all during the night, just knock.”

“Thank you,” I said. I twisted the blanket in my hands, unable to look at him. “I hope I remember soon. I really do.”

Nolan paused at the door. “I’ve waited five years. I can wait a little longer for you.” He came back across the room, bent down, and kissed my forehead.

“Goodnight, Talia.”

Nolan didn’t wait for me to answer and left.

I lasted about four seconds after the door closed.

got angry

Then I finally broke down, the way I couldn’t all day with everyone watching, cried until my face hurt and screamed into a pillow saying things I’m glad nobody heard, before launching it across the room with enough force to knock over a chair.

Why was this happening? Why did I always keep having bad luck? What did I do to deserve this?

My father was dead. My kids were strangers. I had a mate that was so deeply in love with me, and couldn’t even remember him. All I could remember was that bastard Jason.

Eventually I ran out of energy, and all I could do was lie down on top of the blankets.

‘You could have let him sleep with us,’ my wolf said.

‘Don’t start.’

‘I am only saying what you are already thinking.’

‘Sleeping with a stranger is not an option.’

‘He is NOT a stranger.’

‘We can’t remember him.’

‘Just because we can’t remember him doesn’t mean he’s a stranger,’ my wolf snapped. ‘Five years, Talia He waited for us for five years. He never left our side and raised our pups on his own. Then we woke up and didn’t even know his name. Imagine how he felt being rejected by his mate.’

‘I am not rejecting him,’ I muttered. ‘I just need time.’

‘He must be heartbroken,’ she said.

‘I know. And what about me, us? Life moved on without us,’ I argued.

‘That’s true. We can’t get the time back, but we can make the most of it now,’ my wolf said.

I lay there for a long time. The house grew quiet around me except for my sobs. I didn’t know when I fell asleep, but Solon’s voice woke me in my mind.

‘I hope I didn’t wake you,’ Solon said.

‘No, I’ve slept long enough. What’s going on?’ I said.

‘I wanted to tell you we’re heading home in the morning,’ Solon said.

‘I’ll see you off,’ I said, getting up.

Solon was going back to Silverfang, which was the last place I remembered.

If anything could help me recover my memories, it would be going back to Silverfang.

I decided to go with him before sunrise.