Chapter 288: Chapter 288 Taking His Hand
Jude stared at Timothy’s outstretched hand, frozen in place. Moving felt impossible when doubt clouded every thought.
"Come here," Timothy repeated, his tone soft as silk. No hint of the pain he’d endured showed on his face—if anything, he looked completely relaxed.
Jude chewed her bottom lip, torn between desire and fear. God, she craved his embrace. That single taste had left her addicted, but was surrendering to it the smart move?
Would Timothy truly accept both her and Harlow? Would he cherish them, or would the day come when he’d demand she abandon her daughter?
Honestly, the unknown terrified her. She refused to open her heart only to have him shatter it beyond repair.
Fear paralyzed her. That extended hand promised everything and threatened to become a noose around her neck.
Once the mate bond locked into place, stopping it would be impossible. Too powerful to break, too overwhelming to resist—she’d be completely at his mercy.
Walking away now made the most sense.
Yet the words wouldn’t come. Her tongue went dead when she looked at Timothy. She wanted him. Deep in her soul, she craved him.
"Mama?" Harlow cocked her head, puzzled by her mother’s hesitation. The gamma waited with endless patience, never rushing her decision.
This wasn’t just about holding hands—they both understood the deeper meaning. Acceptance. Commitment.
This moment would either begin something beautiful or end what never had the chance to start.
But Harlow saw only simplicity in the situation. "You should take his hand. His arm’s getting tired," she announced, wriggling from Timothy’s grip to grab her mother’s hand. "Take his hand, Mama."
With Harlow’s small fingers wrapped around hers, Jude’s mind still spun in chaos. Before she could decide, contact sparked between them. Timothy seized the opportunity, pulling her against him immediately.
The gamma’s arms encircled both of them. "I’m going to protect you both. No more worrying."
Tears poured down Jude’s cheeks. She had no clue why emotions hit her so hard, but relief crashed over her like a tidal wave.
Protected. Safe. No longer fighting alone.
The crushing weight of survival lifted from her shoulders, and the tears wouldn’t stop. Solitude was over.
Someone to depend on. Someone who wouldn’t hurt her or put her life at risk.
Her body shook violently as sobs tore from her throat, terrifying Harlow.
"Mama? Mama, what’s wrong? Are you hurt?" Harlow shook her mother’s trembling form. "Mama, tell me what happened!" Getting no response sent Harlow into her own crying fit, leaving Timothy with two sobbing girls in his arms.
He held them tighter, offering the warmth they desperately needed. His own pain faded—nothing mattered except them.
They were his everything, now and forever.
——
**Phoebe’s POV**
I scrunch my nose at the disappointment written all over Timothy’s face. "Could you at least try to hide how let down you are? I came here because I was worried about you too."
Timothy’s still stuck in the infirmary after yesterday’s emotional breakdown. Jude’s been playing nurse, and Perry stopped by last night.
But no sign of Harlow or Jude this morning. Jude mentioned making some concoction for Harlow before visiting, so she’ll show up later.
When I walked in, Timothy clearly expected his new little family instead of me.
"If you don’t want me here, I can leave," I give him my best judgmental stare.
"No, no, no, please stay!" Timothy scrambles to recover, grinning like an idiot. "I’m thrilled to see you, Phoebe! So thrilled! I’ve got so much to tell you. Come here—you’re going to love this."
I narrow my eyes. "Doubt it."
Despite my skepticism, I settle into the chair and brace myself for Timothy’s enthusiastic recap of his romantic victory.
He’s practically glowing with happiness and pride—part excited kid with candy, part lovesick fool.
"You know what? I think Harlow’s the one who finally brought us together." His eyes light up like fireworks. "I adore that girl... she’s incredible."
I laugh at his word choice. I knew this story was coming, and I’ll probably hear it several more times, but I don’t mind. Seeing him this happy makes my heart sing.
Timothy deserves this joy.
"So what’s the plan? We’re leaving in a few days—will she come with us?" I cut straight to the real issue he needs to face.
"Haven’t discussed it with her yet..." His excitement dims slightly.
