Ruby
“Ruby…. I” he uttered, his jaw dropping and his hands covering his mouth. Liam’s eyes widened at my unexpected words, as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
I couldn’t blame him; my sudden forgiveness seemed unreal. Despite knowing I was manipulating the situation, thoughts of forgiving him felt conflicting.
Forgiving him wasn’t in my dictionary because he had hurt me, made my life miserable, and killed someone I cared about. Forgiving him just to save some children from his pack wasn’t a decision I took lightly, and he knew better.
I would make him assume I was forgiving him, gain his trust, and find a way to kick him and Lilith out of the pack just like they did to me. That would be perfect revenge. Why didn’t I think of that before? Making friends with the enemy.
“You’re… forgiving me?” He stammered, a mixture of shock and disbelief on his face. I nodded, my expression serious.
I subtly lower my guard, trying to look more open and sincere, allowing a hint of vulnerability to soften my features. A forced but sincere smile played on my lips as I met Liam’s eyes, aiming to convey a sense of reluctant forgiveness.
“If you agree to help me, I might. But don’t expect me to forget everything over night. I am just trying to keep my hatred aside for the sake of those sick children and make this work.” I muttered, hoping he was going to buy into my plan.
The struggle to maintain this facade was evident in my eyes, where a mixture of pain and hatred resided. The act was challenging, but I wanted him to think that, even if it was difficult, I could forgive him temporarily for the sake of those children.
“Ruby… I-”
“Just this once, help me, Liam, for the sake of those children. But don’t mistake forgiveness for forgetting,” I replied with pleading eyes, my voice firm with a hint of vulnerability.
“You don’t have to forgive me, Ruby. I’ve done terrible things, and I carry that burden every day. But I want to help you now, not for absolution, but because it’s the right thing to do for those kids,” he earnestly expressed, his sincerity evident in his eyes, but I could see something else, like fear, clouding his mind.
He was having second thoughts. Why?
“So does that mean you are ready to help me by giving me your blood?” I asked with my heart racing, knowing time was running out of my side.
“I wish I could… I’m sorry, Ruby… I would love to help you in another way, for instance, by giving you a job here if you want, but giving you my blood is out of the picture and wouldn’t be possible,” he said in a quiet voice, gazing around like someone unknown was watching him.
I gritted my teeth, not believing my ears. Shouldn’t he be thankful that I was giving him an opportunity to correct some of his mistakes after he begged me pathetically some days ago when I was locked up? What was so special about his damn dirty blood?
Doesn’t he care that those children might die? Doesn’t he have a sense of empathy in his soul? I can’t believe he was the father of my son…. What happened to Liam? My once-sweet mate. Why was he behaving this way? His lack of empathy would never make him a good father to Alex, and I would make sure he didn’t find out.
“Why is that? I’m also doing you a favour, Liam. Those children are under your care, and it would be to your advantage if they became healthy,” I spat.
“I know that, but giving you my blood in front of everyone would mean I am turning against Lilith and joining forces with you. If rumors go around with everyone seeing me give my blood to an omega woman, they might end up remembering that you are my ex-mate and Luna. What do you think Lilith would do after finding this out?”
My anger flared up as Liam’s excuse reached my ears. Frustration surged within me at his fear of Lilith’s perception, as if it overshadowed the urgency of the situation. I couldn’t believe he was making this about Lilith instead of thinking about the children’s well-being first, because I had also pushed my hatred and dignity aside to ask him for this favour.
Taking a deep breath, I composed myself, realising that anger wouldn’t solve anything.
“Listen, Liam,” I said, my voice laced with frustration. “I understand your concerns, but this isn’t about Lilith or any other personal motives. It’s about saving lives. These children are fighting for every breath, and we have a chance to make a difference. I need you to see that.” Liam hesitated, his eyes meeting my intense gaze.
I could sense his disappointment and the gravity of the situation sinking in. I continued, my voice softer but determined.
“Come with me. I want you to see what we’re up against. Perhaps then you’ll understand why I’m so insistent.”
Without waiting for a response, I grabbed Liam by the shirt and led him towards the sick bay. As we entered the solemn room filled with pale faces and the faint sounds of struggling breaths, Liam’s expression shifted from defensiveness to one of shock and sorrow.
The sight of the frail children clinging to life seemed to tug at his heartstrings, or at least I could only hope. He could see the suffering etched on their faces, their small bodies ravaged by illness. It was a stark reminder of the stakes involved.
My voice quivered with emotion as I gestured towards the children. “This is their reality, Liam. Each day, they fight for survival, hoping for a chance and for someone to step up and help. We have that opportunity, and yet we hesitate. We can’t let fear or personal concerns stand in the way of their lives.” Liam’s eyes welled up with tears as he took in the heartbreaking scene before him. I could tell he was having a change of heart; the initial excuses he had given me seemed insignificant compared to the suffering right before his eyes.
Why should he care about Lilith’s feelings when innocent children are on the edge of their deaths? That bitch should go fuck herself.
“You’re right, Ruby,” he whispered, his voice filled with remorse, and a smile graced my lips. Finally.
“I’ve been so blinded by my own worries that I failed to see the bigger picture. These children deserve a chance, and if I can make a difference, then I won’t hold back.” He said, and I nodded happily, my anger subsiding, replaced by a glimmer of hope.
“I’m glad you understand, Liam. Together, we can give these children the fighting chance they deserve.”
“Yes…”
“Good now, let’s-”
“But that won’t make you give me my blood, and trust me, I am doing this for your sake. I am going to be selfish right now because the thought of Lilith hurting you just because of me would make me hate myself more than I already do. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. Giving you my blood might be misunderstood as an oath to recreate our damaged bond, and that would endanger you again. Besides, even if I take that risk, would my blood be of no use without another Luna’s blood? Or are you planning on asking Lilith for hers? I’m not trying to add to your pain or anything, but if you can remember, you are no longer a Luna.”