Kimi had imagined this reunion with her mother would bring tears of joy. Instead, learning about the deception that brought her back to Thunder Growl Pack left her feeling hollow and betrayed.
"Kimi, wait—"
But Kimi was already backing toward the door, her heart hammering against her ribs. The woman she had rushed back to save was perfectly healthy, manipulating her daughter's love to drag her home.
"Kimi, please listen to me."
The desperation in her mother's voice should have stopped her, but Kimi felt the familiar sting of tears threatening to spill. She had been terrified, imagining her mother wasting away while she lived her new life in the city. All of it had been a carefully orchestrated lie.
"Kimi!"
Her mother's fingers wrapped around her wrist, spinning her back around. When their eyes met, Kimi saw her own pain reflected there.
"You lied to me, Mom!" The words came out sharper than she intended.
"I know, sweetheart. I'm so sorry." Her mother's voice cracked.
