A Second Chance

Chapter 51

Blaine De Lombardi's POV

Pain was pounding in my chest like it had never done before. I remembered hazily, fighting the Nightshade and getting cut by its claws, which is what brought me to this condition. But the picture that keeps coming to mind is of Lucia's tears flowing down her cheeks.

Although they seem heavy, I can separate my eyelids. As soon as my vision was obscured by the bright lights in my bedroom, I regretted my choice. After I manage to clear my blurry vision, I try to sit upright. After a few attempts, I managed to lean myself against my headboard. I still feel lethargic, and if I didn't have as much confidence, I would think that my delirium is the cause of what I am seeing.

With a smile on their cheeks, Lucia and Mirabel relax outside on this room's balcony. When I saw Lucia smiling and not crying, I felt more at ease. It stings a little to say this, but I can't remember the last time I saw the Lorenzos sisters looking like this. They were inseparable for a while, and I've always felt bad about their tense connection.

I watch Lucia chuckle at something Mirabel said, tossing her head back, through the floor-to-ceiling windows. I could have used my werewolf hearing to listen in if I hadn't felt like a bus had run over my body twice. I thank Mirabel quietly for diverting Lucia's attention. I am not sure how long I have been gone, but from where I am, I can see that Lucia has puffy eyes from crying and not getting enough sleep. I hope she didn't forget to eat.

I chose to mind link her because I'm too weak to call out to her.

Her head whips to the side so quickly that I nearly believe it's a dream. She got up from her chair, sending the metal fragment to the floor, and moved toward me with superhuman speed. She just stood there for a moment, taking me in, and then she jumped up onto the bed and put her face softly on the little area of my chest so that the nightshade did not tear apart.

"Oh goddess," she lets out a cry.

I try to console her by putting my hand behind her head and stroking it.

I told her, "I don't plan on leaving you, mate." That is the reality.

She whispers, "You don't know that," right up my neck.

It's uttered with disdain, not for the circumstances, but for me.

"If I lose you in this life, then I'll find you in the next."

Mirabel said, "I'll get the healer," from a distance. After making those comments, she swiftly departed from the room.

"I'm glad you two are making amends."

"We still have a long way to go, but I'm confident we can succeed. She said to me, "All I want is my best friend back."

I sincerely apologize to Lucia. I feel sick because of the remorse I feel for severing our link.

"Blaine, I no longer hold you responsible. I used to, but I see now that those were her decisions. She decided to destroy our relationship, to be a bully to my friends, and to say those hurtful things about me. Although I'm glad that we are mending our damaged connection, it will take time."

I sometimes question why on earth, was I so fortunate. I don't deserve this blessing, but having a partner like Lucia is something I will cherish until the day I die. I will always feel bad for forcing her and Mirabel apart, regardless of what she says. Even though that was never my intention, the reality is that it did happen nonetheless.

There's a knock on the door, and Aurora Ajay's diminutive frame comes in.

"Of course, you got yourself attacked the day I'm visiting my family upstate," Aurora said.

I laughed, and to my surprise, there was not much pain.

"It's always a pleasure seeing you, Autora," I replied.

"It would be more of a pleasure for me if you weren't on the brink of death a few hours ago," she said.

"I'm feeling perfect!"

My mother's dearest friend was Aurora. The large feasts we would have at her house when Aurora would prepare amazing Indian food are some of my favorite recollections. She's a snarky woman, and if I were anybody else, I may believe that she's cool with this, but her hands are shaking and her chest's quick descent indicate that she's afraid.

I silently said, "Autora," holding both of her hands.

"I swear to you, I'm fine. I won't have any negative outcomes."

She gives it a sniff.

"Even though you're now an Alpha, you'll always be my best friend's baby. She croaks, "The little boy who just wanted his mom back, and the little kid who was always too mischievous for his good."

"Aurora..."

"I'm sorry I couldn't save her!"

She startles me with her shout, but when she lets out a sob, it crushes my heart because she is, in every meaningful sense, my mother.

"I apologize; I'm sorry; I never stated it before. She said, "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if you died too. No child should have to live without his mother.

"It was never your fault."

With a wince, I spread my arms and let her fall into them. I gave her a firm hug and allowed her some time to compose herself.

"I'm so glad you found her."

"Found who?"

"Lucia Lorenzo. Her face is still buried in my chest as she continues, "You finally look like yourself again."

Grinning, I meet Lucia's gaze.

"Me too."

She releases herself from me and inhales deeply.

Alright, I'm all right now. I swear, I won't cry anymore."

She turns and holds out her hand to Lucia.

"Hello there, child. My name is Aurora, and I swear I'm not this much of a train wreck most of the time."

Lucia smiled and gave her a handshake.

"It's nice to meet you. Blaine always talks about your cooking."

"You should visit and give it a try sometime! Since I intend to return full-time, timing shouldn't be a problem."

"That sounds great!"

They exchange plans back and forth as though they've been friends for a very long time.

"Aurora, don't you need to take a look at my injuries?"

She turned her back on me, but I could see she was rolling her eyes.

She mumbles, "Men, always complaining or needing something."

I deadpanned, "My injury did not impair my hearing."

"I know," she reflects.

She comes over and puts bandages on my injuries. The majority of them have started to mend, although it will take much longer due to the toxicity of the nightshade.

"It appears that Clara's balm was effective. Everything appears to be in order, but you must keep using it until they are completely cured."

She draws me in for a final hug before giving Lucia the same embrace.

I said to her, "Don't be a stranger, Aurora," as she turned to leave the room.

She nods, smiles, and walks away.

I'm sure it's been difficult for her to stay here without my mother, but I worry that with the Nightshades here, it would be best to have our healer available rather than simply Clara.

With Aurora gone, Johnson, my dad, and the Lorenzos start to show up. I'm grateful for their attendance, but I'd like some time to myself with Lucia. She doesn't seem to be herself, and I've seen her trance-stated more than twice now.

"We were so worried!" Claire said.

They finally depart after I reassure them all that I'm alright.

Lucia appears uncomfortable, even though the healer has informed me that my body has nearly returned to normal. She's been very disturbed by the whole thing. She sits next to me and looks out the window as if it contains all the answers.

"Lucia," I said, clasping her hands in mine. She winced, and my concerns kept getting bigger.

"Tell me what's bothering you, little wolf."

Hesitantly, she bites her lip. I brought her onto my lap so she was facing me since I could tell she was unsure if she wanted to share the information. I can give her my full attention because of the situation. I gave her gentle hand strokes to reassure her.

She murmurs, "I thought you were going to die."

With sparkling eyes, she said, "I realized that there's so much we haven't said or done and that I would never get the chance if you died."

Her words, "I should have done something," echoed. There is so much I should have done with Lucia throughout the years, and the gentle words are almost tearing my heart apart. Above all, I should have given her a chance rather than letting my bitterness and fury get in the way of how I should have handled the matter. An actual possibility.

Tears sprinkle down her cheeks, which I quickly dab away with my hands.

Never shed a tear for me. You never really get to live when you're living with regrets. Is it okay if we solve our issues and start over? I don't want to be bound by our history."

She agreed by nodding. I brought her forward until she lay on top of my chest.