12: We need to talk

"I thought at the time that I couldn't be horrified anymore, or wounded. I suppose that's a common conceit, that you've already been so damaged that damage itself, in its totality, makes you safe.

-Lionel Shriver, We Need To Talk About Kevin

***

"I'm surprised you managed to work out for that long," Nova remarks, her tone laced with amusement.

I watched her train, feeling the monotony of observing another person's routine. But somehow, a surge of energy pulsed through my body, compelling me to join her in her rigorous regimen.

"I'm offended," I reply, trying to keep the banter light. "Half an hour is a substantial amount of time for a workout."

Nova raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Only you, Skye."

Confused by her statement, I quickened my pace to catch up with her. "What do you mean by 'only me'?"

Ignoring my question, she abruptly announces, "I'm going to take a shower!" before dashing up the stairs to her room.

That sly girl, I think to myself, realising she deftly avoided my question. With a sigh, I head to my own room, keenly aware of my own post-workout odor. A refreshing shower is definitely in order.

In my modest sanctuary, I peel off my workout attire, feeling the damp fabric stick to my body. The cool rush of water against my skin beckons, promising to wash away the fatigue and invigorate my senses, refreshing both body and spirit.

Once under the cascading water, I quickly freshen up, letting the warm droplets wash away the sweat and fatigue. Time ceases to exist within the embrace of the shower's solace. Thoughts drift and dance in the vaporous mist, blending with the rhythmic pattern of water against tile. Here, in this tranquil interlude, my mind finds respite, allowing contemplation to weave its tapestry of musings.

Wrapping a towel around my body, I step out of the bathroom and into the walk-in closet. Feeling inclined towards comfort, I opt for a pair of black sweatpants and a matching hoodie. After all, what's more satisfying than donning cozy attire and indulging in some Netflix?

Leaving my damp hair to air dry, I make my way out of the closet, ready to sink into my bed and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. But before I can even reach the comfort of the mattress, a knock resonates through my door. With an exasperated sigh, I approach the door, opening it to reveal my father.

He greets me with a small smile, and I reciprocate, widening the door to allow him inside. As I close the door behind him, I lean my forehead against the cool surface, anticipating the gravity of the impending conversation. Taking a deep breath, I turn around to face my father, knowing that the time has come to confront my fears.

"We need to talk," he states, his voice filled with a mix of solemnity and resolve.

I nod in acknowledgment and gesture towards the seating area in my room. "Have a seat," I offer, providing him with a space to settle.

His next words catch me off guard, "I'm sorry."

My confusion rises to the surface, and I can't help but question him, my voice laced with a tinge of frustration. "Why didn't you tell me they're alive? And how can you possibly know they're alive?"

"I can feel it," my dad replies simply, though his response fails to satisfy me.

"You expect me to believe that? You can feel it? That's a flimsy excuse," I retort, my disappointment evident.

Unfazed by my reaction, my father continues, "Your mother is my mate. When she dies, I can feel it. If she had passed away, I would have sensed it. But I haven't."

Confusion intertwines with disbelief within me. "Mate? What does that mean? And does this bond also indicate whether the other person is alive or dead?"

My father proceeds to explain, his words tinged with sincerity. "A mate is a gift from the moon goddess to werewolves. They are the missing puzzle piece that completes your life. When mates meet, they experience a strong attraction, feeling sparks whenever they touch. It's a bond that goes beyond mere physical attraction."

He continues, delving deeper into the intricacies of this bond. "Werewolves can only find their mates when they look into each other's eyes. The moment that connection is made, their wolves go wild, screaming 'mate.' Once mated and marked, the bond strengthens, allowing them to feel each other's emotions and communicate telepathically through mind linking."

As I absorb this information, my mind whirls with questions. "But if you're bonded to mom, how can Alex also be your mate? Can one have more than one mate?"

"Werewolves have only one mate," my father clarifies. "However, I know Alex is alive because he is part of my pack. I can sense the bond shared by pack members, although it differs from a mate bond. Pack bonds are more like family bonds than romantic connections."

Though the explanation seems plausible, I still grapple with the enormity of it all. "If their bonds haven't broken, why haven't you tried to mind link with them? Why can't you reach out to them, find out where they are, and bring them back?"

My impatience seeps into my words, yet my father remains composed. "I've attempted to mind link them countless times, but they seem to be blocked. I suspect they have silver or wolfsbane in their blood, substances that weaken both werewolves and vampires. These elements could hinder their ability to mind link and potentially weaken their bodies."

Curiosity fuels my next question. "Do silver and wolfsbane only weaken or can they also kill vampires and werewolves?"

"Sustained exposure to silver can weaken and eventually kill werewolves," my father explains. "A mere touch can cause burns, while a silver weapon or silver in their bloodstream weakens them further. Silver can be fatal if it enters the heart or if there's an excessive amount in their bloodstream. As for vampires, silver has little effect on them, but decapitation, a wooden stake through the heart, or fire can bring about their demise."

Overwhelmed by the influx of new knowledge, I feel a slight headache brewing. Despite this, my curiosity remains unquenched, and I continue to probe. "As a hybrid, do I have two mates? Or do hybrids not have mates at all?"

Admitting his uncertainty, my father responds, "I can't say for certain, but given that hybrids possess two supernatural lineages, it wouldn't be unreasonable to assume they may have two mates. However, this is uncharted territory, and there isn't much information available."

Satisfied, I nod in acknowledgment, realising the limited understanding surrounding hybrids. But a pressing matter remains. "Why can't I shift into a wolf or vampire? Can I also mind link?"

Chuckling softly, my father acknowledges my barrage of questions. "You have an inquisitive mind, Skye. You will shift in due time and experience the transformative awakening of both your wolf and vampire selves. The first shift can be painful, but subsequent shifts become as easy as a gentle breeze. As for mind linking, it becomes accessible either upon shifting or when you find your mate and mark each other."

Silence blankets the room as I contemplate the weighty information I've received. Amidst my introspection, one particular statement lingers in my mind, compelling me to seek further clarity.

"You mentioned earlier that my memories left... How did I lose my memories?" I inquire, a trace of fear tainting my voice.

My father hesitates, his expression betraying a hint of complexity. Rising from his seat with a sigh, he meets my gaze, his green eyes holding a multitude of emotions that elude my grasp.

"I think that's enough for today," he says, evading my question. "I'll address the rest of your inquiries in due time. Right now, I believe you should get some rest."

His response leaves me blinking in confusion, my mind racing to understand his motives. Why is he avoiding the question? Something deeper seems to lie beneath the surface, a web of secrets and concealed truths that I have yet to unravel.

With a forced smile, I nod in acquiescence, acknowledging his suggestion. As I bid him farewell, I close the door behind him, a whirlwind of thoughts crashing within me.

How much more can I bear? How deep does this rabbit hole go? What other secrets and lies await me on this journey?

Overwhelmed yet resolute, I find solace in the strength that lies within me. Whatever challenges lie ahead, I will face them head-on. My resolve remains unyielding as I brace myself for the unknown, determined to discover the truth and emerge stronger from the crucible that awaits.