8. Psycho Mate

~Lucienne~

“No,” I mumbled, as the nurse's words sank in. I found myself taking a step back due to the shock I was feeling and the constant zapping of the mate mark.

The man Daniel had ambushed, the one I had come to see, was gone. I stood frozen in place, my mind struggling to comprehend the reality of the situation. Guilt gnawed at my insides, knowing that his death was partly my fault. Partly? It was fully my fault. I could have refused to go with him, and maybe he would've lived to see another day but because of my selfishness, another life was taken.

Overwhelming sadness washed over me, mingling with the pain of my own injuries and the burden of my guilt. Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over, but I blinked them back.

I nodded numbly, thanking her for the information before turning away from the door. Ezekiel, who must have heard it all, watched me with concern as I returned to his side, his eyes holding all the words he could ever say. “Stop trying to run!”

Witho