Chapter 286: Chapter 286 Eyes Meet Fear
Jude’s POV
Hours passed, yet Timothy remained unconscious. My nerves frayed with each passing minute as I found myself constantly hovering over him, checking for any sign of awakening.
Ysabel had arrived earlier with her healing brew, offering words of comfort that Timothy would recover and that my worries were needless.
But her reassurance couldn’t quiet the anxiety gnawing at me. Once more, I leaned over to verify he was still breathing. He lay there motionless, completely unaware of the world around him.
With him so vulnerable, I grew bold enough to take his hand in mine, bringing it to my mouth. His skin felt coarse against my lips as I pressed a gentle kiss to his palm.
These were the same hands that had ended countless lives. He was the man who had commanded thousands of soldiers to crush the Valerium kingdom and tear apart our pack.
Yet I harbored no resentment toward the Mya warriors. This sentiment wasn’t mine alone—most omegas shared these feelings. We felt no rage or hatred for the invading forces.
Fear, certainly, because who wouldn’t? They had demonstrated their ruthless nature throughout the conflict, but none had violated the omegas or inflicted the torture we’d endured under Valerium rule.
"Please get better. Please wake up. Wake up," I whispered repeatedly like a desperate prayer. I kissed his hand again and gave it a soft squeeze.
Across the room, Harlow was curled up on the sofa, soft snores escaping her lips. She’d stubbornly refused to leave, determined to stay with her "kind man."
Just hours ago, I’d discovered Timothy had been secretly meeting with Harlow, bringing her food and small gifts.
Why had he shown such kindness to my daughter? The question burned in my mind, though I doubted I’d ever find the courage to ask him directly.
Even now, fear consumed me. I didn’t know how to navigate this situation. The mate bond pulled at me relentlessly, but I couldn’t bear the thought of Timothy rejecting Harlow.
I would never abandon my daughter for my own happiness. Harlow was mine, and regardless of the horrific circumstances of her conception, nothing would make me give her up.
"Oh, gods..." I clutched Timothy’s hand tighter, my breathing becoming ragged as tears spilled down my face. "Why did you show her such care?" The question escaped my lips, meant more for myself than the unconscious man before me. "Don’t offer me hope just to crush it later."
Terror gripped me. Learning that Timothy had treated Harlow with such gentleness and shown genuine interest in her left me afraid to hope he might accept us both.
I refused to let my expectations rise, knowing they would destroy me completely if rejection awaited us in the end.
So I fought against those dangerous thoughts, though they kept creeping back into my heart and mind. I couldn’t help imagining how perfect life could be if Timothy truly accepted Harlow.
Maybe I could finally... be happy...
I shook my head violently, forcing those hopes away. I needed to concentrate on caring for Timothy—that’s what he needed most right now.
"Please get well..." I murmured my prayer before exhaustion overtook me. I slumped forward, resting my head on the edge of his bed while maintaining my grip on the royal gamma’s hand.
——
Timothy’s POV
I had regained consciousness moments earlier, just as she’d questioned why I treated Harlow so kindly.
Only after feeling no more movement from Jude and confirming she’d fallen asleep did I dare open my eyes. The woman beside my bed looked completely drained.
On the sofa, Harlow slept peacefully. She had insisted on remaining there to keep her kind man company.
This scene stirred something deep in my chest. I could envision sharing a life with both of them, and surprisingly, the idea didn’t intimidate me. I could sense a tranquility I’d never experienced before.
My gaze settled on Harlow as I questioned myself internally. Could I ever despise this innocent child? The answer emerged crystal clear—absolutely not.
I knew I could never harbor hatred for Harlow, regardless of how she came into being. In my mind, those were separate matters entirely, and she was just a child.
I wouldn’t have risked my life protecting her if I felt otherwise. It hadn’t even occurred to me to let those rebel warriors near her.
If Harlow had perished during the attack, no one would have blamed me. It would have been labeled an unfortunate casualty, but I couldn’t have lived with that outcome.
My affection for the little girl was authentic and profound.
Slowly, I lifted my hand to stroke Jude’s hair, moving with extreme care to avoid disturbing her sleep.
The moment my fingers touched her silken strands, I drew a sharp breath. This sensation was entirely foreign to me.
Tenderness bloomed in my heart. I felt unworthy of touching her with hands that had claimed so many lives. Despite everything, this woman was flawless—the most pure soul I’d ever encountered. She appeared so serene in her slumber.
Carefully, I leaned forward to place a kiss on Jude’s head. Her scent was absolutely divine...
However, just before my lips could make contact, she stirred and opened her eyes. Our gazes locked for an extended moment before she jolted upright.
——
Jude’s POV
Panic flooded my vision as my first instinct screamed at me to run...
