Shattered Pack (Alpha Girl 6)

“Ciara’s going to be so glad I met you.”

“How is she? I know she wasn’t well when she left, but I’ve hoped…” Maureen leaned forward, pleading for information.

I wanted to defend Ciara, but it wouldn’t do any good. Vivian’s had done her damage years ago and it was probably ingrained, even in her mother. But Maureen clearly missed her daughter. “She’s actually doing great. She was supposed to help run our household, but somehow got stuck being my nanny. She’s not just pack to me. She’s family.”

Maureen’s eyes grew glossy with tears. She blinked a few times, and they slipped free. “But she was mad? How is that possible?” She rubbed her face dry. “I don’t understand.”

I fought the urge to shake the woman. How could she think that? “She’s not mad. Never was. If you want, I’d be happy to put you in contact with her. I think she misses you more than she says.”

“Oh.” Maureen opened and closed her mouth a few times before getting any words out. “I’m not sure. I… You’re sure she’s not mad?”

“Absolutely. If she were mad, she would’ve been taken care of a long time ago.” I touched her hand. “You’re aging? Wouldn’t you like to see your daughter? I guarantee she’s not mad.”

She shook her head. “I can’t. After burying my son, daughter, and mate… It’s time to let this life go. I’ve held onto the fonder memories.”

I was about to cut in to try and prove to her that Ciara wasn’t mad, but Saoirse grasped Maureen’s hands. “It’s dreadful what happened. We’ll remember Ciara as she was when her mind was about her. And I truly believe that our loved ones are in a better place watching over us. You’ll be reunited with them one day soon.”

I sat frozen. What a bunch of bullshit.

Weren’t they listening to me? Ciara

wasn’t mad. Not at all. And sure, I agreed that our loved ones were in a better place and all that, but Saoirse was basically giving Maureen permission to give up.

Before I could argue, Maureen got up and left.

I couldn’t believe it. Didn’t she want to hear more about her daughter? Didn’t she care? Didn’t she have any questions?

I was heartbroken for Ciara. No wonder we got along so well. Both of our mothers had abandoned us.

Saoirse gave me a smile. “Do you need a new plate? Or I could get you something else if you’d like?”

I shook my head. “This is fine.” I wasn’t even hungry anymore.

All I could feel was exhaustion. And I suddenly wasn’t so sure about this Saoirse girl. She was the first person to be friendly to me, and I was hesitant to write her all the way off, but why would she say that to Maureen?

Maybe Saoirse just believed Vivian’s line? Ciara had said she left because no one believed her. So, I shouldn’t expect Saoirse to know the truth. I wasn’t here when everything happened. Maybe Ciara had come off as crazy.

Ripping Saoirse a new one wasn’t going to win me any points in the pack. It’d only make me look even more off my rocker than when I punched Vivian in the face. So, I kept my mouth shut. It was just too hard for me to be objective when it came to Ciara.

The pack is going to go for a run in a couple hours, Donovan said through our bond.

God. I had no desire to go. I didn’t have the energy, but it wasn’t an ordinary run. It was the memorial for two of Donovan’s Weres, and that meant I couldn’t skip it. I was so going to need a nap. I’m going back to your rooms to sleep for a bit. Come get me when it’s time?

Of course, but have some food first. You’ll need the energy.

I looked down at the cold food. My gravy had congealed. Gross. “Actually, do you think I could get another plate? I’m going to eat and then head to bed.”

“You’re not going for the run?”

“I am. Just going to nap before.”

“Aye. I hear you. You’d have to be exhausted.” She gave me a tender smile.

God. I was such a crank when I was tired. I was glad I hadn’t snapped at her about the Ciara stuff. I needed a friend. I’d clear Ciara’s name eventually, but not today. “Totally. It’s been a little crazy.”

She nodded. “Don’t worry. It’ll get easier.”

“I hope so.” It honestly couldn’t get much worse.