Cherry
With Dylan and Chelsea back in the pack house, I had to move to my father's. Bert told me that my father wouldn't be back from the mission on the borders in quite a few days.
I settled Fern into bed after getting home, telling her we'd spend a few days at Pops Mike' house because that was what I would do when I missed my dad.
“Good night, mommy,” my sweet daughter whispered.
“Have a sweet dream, Fern. I love you." The soft glow from the nightlight cast a warm ambiance in the room.
As exhaustion tugged at my eyelids, a persistent knock on the door disrupted the peace.
“Bert, what are you doing here? It's already late,” I said after opening the door.
“You met Dylan, huh?” He looked concerned, his brow furrowing slightly.
“Come on in.” I stepped aside, inviting him in.
“Cherry, Dylan seemed to have forgotten about you. I want to know what happened on earth over the past couple of days.” Bert spoke with apprehension.
“I honestly don't have an idea how it all happened. He fainted the other day, but when he woke up, he had forgotten me.” I paused. “Worse, he saw me as an enemy, a threat to him.”
“But why? Why did that happen? I am sorry, but I really can't understand.” Bert's eyebrows furrowed in concern.
I took a deep breath. “According to the doctor, Dylan had been exposed to a wolfsbane for too long during the war with Lucy's Pack. And it has poisoned his mind.”
Bert's eyes widened, his surprise evident.
“So that's why he behaves…strangely? Cherry, I'm sorry about this. If only I knew it, I'd be back earlier.” Bert's expression softened.
“I know it's difficult for all of us. But he's not the same Dylan from before.” I said with bitterness coursing through me.
“I know." Bert leaned back, his thoughts clearly processing this new information.
“Fern doesn't know yet. I don't want her to know. We really need to help Dylan get his memory back before Fern starts asking questions…which I wouldn't know how to answer.”
“Cherry, I just had a conversation with Dylan.” Bert's voice was serious.
“What did he say?" I watched him carefully, a growing unease knotting in my stomach.
“He was strongly against my proposal that you participate in the designing competition. And he said you want to kill him.” Bert searched for the right words.
The words hung in the air, a heavy accusation that I struggled to comprehend.
“He thought I wanted to… kill him? Why would I kill him? He is my mate…we have a family!” Dylan's charge was like a dagger to my heart.
“Yes. He said he fled from the hospital because you tried to hurt him.” Bert's nod was solemn, his gaze unwavering.
I chuckled bitterly as Dylan's accusations settled on my head.
“I know you wouldn't do that. Clearly, Dylan's memories got distorted.” Bert's voice was soft.
“I feel so helpless, Bert. What am I going to do about Dylan?” Tears welled up in my eyes.
“Don't worry, Cherry. We'll help Dylan get back his memory together.” Bert's hand reached out, resting gently on my shoulder.
“But I just don't know what I can do now.”
“I think we need to start with Chelsea. Dylan trusts her the most for now.” His gaze held a thoughtful gleam.
Suddenly, Bert's phone rang. It was a message, and he showed it to me.
“He wants you to participate in the competition.”
“Why would Dylan suddenly change his mind and want me in the competition?”
“That's a good question. We need to find out why he changed his mind.” Bert's voice was steady, his eyes fixed on mine.
“You think Chelsea might have something to do with this?” I asked him.
“It's a possibility. Let's talk to her and see what we can get.” Bert was always the level-headed one.
A sense of unease lingered within me as Bert and I discussed our plan.
“I know this won't be easy, Cherry,” Bert said, which snapped me out of my worries. “We need to be cautious with every move. If Chelsea is the one behind all of this, we have to collect solid evidence before confronting her.”
“You're right, Bert. We can't rush into this.”
“Exactly. For now, we'll focus on getting you into the competition. Chelsea will show her hand when she finds the right time.” Bert's gaze held mine, a reassuring glint in his eyes.
“I'll do whatever it takes, Bert. I need to find out what had happened to Dylan during his absence.” I nodded.
“I want you to keep in mind that whatever is happening, this Dylan is not the one we knew in the past.”
“I know that, Bert. I know that this Dylan isn't my mate, and I can't wait for the Dylan that I know to be back.”