Chapter 286
Chapter 286:
I don’t know how long we stayed like that. Time seemed to fade. All I knew was that she was here, in my arms, breathing and free. Eventually, her sobs slowed, the storm quieting. But just when I thought maybe—maybe—we could breathe, I felt someone else step closer.
I tensed, my hand instinctively tightening around Jasmine.
A delicate hand touched her shoulder. Her mother. My teeth clenched, every instinct screaming to push her away. But Jasmine stiffened, and I knew she was caught between fury and something else—a deep, aching hope she wouldn’t admit to.
“Jasmine,” her mother whispered, voice shaking, “please p>
Jasmine turned, her face streaked with tears, her eyes raw and vulnerable in a way that made my chest ache. Her mother’s face crumbled with regret.
“I’m so sorry,” she choked out. “For everything. For leaving you. For letting you suffer p>
I watched the walls Jasmine had built around herself tremble, crack. She looked ready to shatter all over again. And when her mother hugged her, hesitant and trembling, I held my breath.
Jasmine’s shoulders shook, the dam breaking. She clung to her mother like she was desperately trying to hold onto something she thought she’d lost forever. Her sobs were sharp, jagged, and they sliced through me.
Her father stepped in too, his presence quiet but solid. And for the first time, Jasmine didn’t pull away. They wrapped around her, a fragile knot of broken people trying to piece themselves back together. I stayed close, my jaw tight, watching them, ready to step in if they hurt her again. They wouldn’t get another chance.
When the tears finally stopped, she pulled back, taking a shaky breath. Her mother’s hand brushed a damp strand of hair from her face.
“Better?” her mother asked softly.
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Jasmine gave her a small, wobbly smile. “Yeah,” she whispered. “Better p>
She turned to me then, and for a second, it was just the two of us. Her eyes found mine, filled with something fierce, raw, and so damn strong. I reached for her hand, my fingers lacing through hers, grounding us both.
“You did it,” I said, my voice thick with awe. “You’re free p>
Her smile widened, shaky but real.
And for the first time in forever, the weight of the past lifted. She was free. And I knew, no matter how long it took, we’d start healing—together. It’s us against the world.
Jasmine’s POV
It’s been a week. Seven long, excruciating days since my life went up in flames and Ryder decided I needed “space” to recover. Like I’m some delicate flower that needs time to bloom again. As if time can heal the wreckage inside me. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. Space isn’t helping either. In fact, the more distance he gives me, the more attention I crave.
My biological parents, the Vipers, have been hovering like shadows, their guilt dripping off them like sweat. They respected my decision to stay with Ryder, and honestly, they didn’t have a choice. I chose him. I’ll always choose him. Two weeks since the witch snapped the blood tie, and for the first time in forever, I can breathe. I’m free.
To hell with Silverclaw. Jason’s death was enough. I told Ryder not to go on a warpath. Luna Anna learned her lesson—let’s just say Veilroot isn’t on the menu anymore. The Vipers weren’t so forgiving, though. They swore that if Silverclaw so much as breathes in my direction, they’ll burn the whole pack to the ground. Good. Let them.
“Look at him, Jasmine,” Layla purrs, her voice thick with lust. “He’s right there, all brooding and dangerous. One bite. One bite and we’re done for p>