My Torment

Chapter 20 – Where is my father?

“Any luck?” Caleb’s voice tired and dreary, he and Ardon were nearly halfway down the list of packs on their continent, and still nothing. No young wolf named Darius. At least not one with Green eyes, black hair and correct age bracket. Growing more sceptical that they could find this alleged wolf, the packs were getting further and further out, so far that they doubted their sister would even have gone so far.

“A few that said they would call back, but nothing. We need to pass this to admin for a while. Atkin’s will be calling shortly with an update of their final itinerary for tomorrow, and we are yet to finish our preparations for their arrival.” Ardon’s eyes moving to Caleb’s, he pushed the document on his desk further forward reaching into his draw to grab the remainder of the paperwork for the warehouse children. “What do you think about Lasher Pack? We have hardly communicated with them previously, and I find it odd that Alpha Ark has not bothered to ring once in the interest of collaboration. Atkin’s is fine, but it is odd. I don’t remember him being this… detached from the system when we met a few years back.”

“Ardon I think you are reading too much into this. They are coordinating many packs and resources to take down the establishments and rehouse the individuals temporarily. He would be speaking with the council, the other packs and wider supernatural community. There is no way there were only wolves in those places.” Ardon’s lips still pressed into a thin line, a sick feeling turned his stomach as the phone rang.

Recovering quickly with Byron’s support, Madison moved back into the flow of the water. Byron’s face turning red, he realized in that moment that Madison had not care in the world at him seeing her partially or even fully naked. Covering his eyes with his hand, he turned away before speaking. “Are you sure you are okay Mads? I’ll just go get your clothes from your mum and a new towel.” Turning immediately for the door, Byron forced himself not to give into temptation and have another look.

“Byron… where is my father?”

Byron pausing with his hand on the door handle, he fought himself internally deciding whether this was the right time to tell her after what had just happened. Unable to keep it from her with such a direct question, Byron swallowed the saliva in his mouth taking a deep breath. “He died Madi… I’m sorry.” With no response Byron closing the bathroom door behind himself.

The warm water cascading down Madison as she washed. Why she asked the question, she still was not sure. Having already assumed the answer Madison let memories wash over her, as her mates face grew clearer and clearer in her mind.

Walking to the clothing laid out for her, Madison picked up the activewear she used to live in before she left. Rubbing the material between her fingers, she could not remember the last time she was allowed to wear pants. A renewed sense of security flowing, she watched herself dress in the mirror inspecting every inch of her dirtied flesh. Walking back into the hospital room where Byron and a meal was waiting. Byron’s eyes flared taking her in, “well that’s the Madi I know! Just need to gain a little weight and you will be fit as a fiddle.”

Unable to hold back a small smile, Madison was frankly astonished how things could change so quickly, how fast things could feel almost normal. Eating being something that Madison had not enjoyed in a long time, it was hard for her to stomach as she forced in mouthful after mouthful. Looking around, she felt like something was missing as her stomach churned while being filled. “I want to go to the training grounds.”

“Mads you have not been released yet, you need to stay here till you’re a bit healthier.” Madison’s heart thudding in her chest, the thought of being controlled already frightened her to no end. Trying not to let any emotions slip past her cool facade, she had many years of practise. The same, just to different ends.

“I’m leaving Byron, are you coming or staying here?” Abruptly standing, Byron indicated his wanting to go with her instantly. Unable to help but think and want to ask why Madison did not ask him that before she left the first time. Byron pushed the question from his mind. It was just that he would have gone, he would have left the pack if she asked. He would have done anything just to have stayed by her side. Reaching behind himself, Byron grabbed hold of a black jacket from a bag, insisting Madison at least wear that before they leave.

Every step forward into the pack and out of her room was full of familiar memories. Each one flying to the forefront of Madison’s mind, she attempted to distract herself. “What happened to Gemma? It is odd that I have not seen her yet.”

A little bark of laughter surfacing Byron chest, Madison’s heart warmed at the sound as they continued to walk out of the medical centre. “Well soon enough, most people became aware just how two faced she was. Your mother hates her if you ask my opinion, and that is probably what started the dislike of her from the pack. Even your brothers do not seem all that taken with her these days. I never hear them defend her anymore if she is not around, but she is just like she always was. Your mother has kept her away from the Medical Centre.”

“You have not changed at all either Byron.” Madison’s eyes moving to Byron, he looked down smiling at her as if a single day had not passed. Little did he know they had, at least for Madison, her past life was like another lifetime entirely. “Have you found your mate yet?” Madison’s question catching Byron off guard, his steps slightly slowed as the light burn starting in her thighs eased off. Exercise no longer being her strong suit, Madison welcomed the change in pace.

“Madison…” Pausing for a while, Byron’s throat grew dry before finally opting for the truth. “I thought you were my mate. When we were told you died… well I never looked before you were it for me.” Madison heart palpitating, she had assumed as much of Byron. Though the real question irking her since an earlier conversation she had heard.

“Byron… who told you I was dead?”

Hey guys I hope you enjoy the chapter. Just letting you know if you wish to read ahead and support me further, My Torment is over 10 chapters ahead on my Patreon

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Recognition to my Support Me Harder  Tier

-Vanessa Larson

-Making memories in Angela’s Kitchen

-Kaylee Rutledge