Chapter 192

[Arthur’s POV]

“I’m staying,” Ella said, insistently.

I knew better than to try and pull her away from Liam’s side at a time like that. What I wanted, and knew that she needed, was for her to get some proper rest.

The second we heard the news that Liam wasn’t completely out of the woods yet because of the severe amount of blood loss he sustained, Aaron stepped forward and offered to be a donor.

“Use me,” he said pointedly. “He’s my son. Take my blood.”

One of the nurses came out from the backroom and brought Aaron through as they continued to operate on Liam. For a brief moment, I actually felt a spark of gratitude toward the man...followed by a small ounce of jealousy.

I wonder if he would ever give himself over so willingly if it had been who was targeted and needed a blood transfusion.

I willed myself to not dwell on the topic for long though.

Thankfully, the doctors had finished giving Liam the necessary stitches, they had him immediately moved to the recovery ward. Ella and I have been sitting beside him ever since.

When I stole a glance at the time from my watch, it was well into the late hours—more like the early hours of the following morning. All I could think about, aside from my brother, was Cecilia.

My mind hadn’t known a moment of peace since Ella had told us about my mother’s involvement. I was almost quick to deny it. Then again, it made perfect sense.

She was still clearly hung up on the idea of me bonding with Ella so that I could enhance my status...Something needed to be done.

I had come to an awful and ugly realization. And it was that I had never hated myself more in my life for the mere association of my family. How could my mother stoop so low as to go after Liam?

“There’s something I need to take care of,” I said softly.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

I got up from my seat and went over to press a gentle kiss to Ella’s head.

“I just need to run a quick errand, I’ll be back as soon as possible,” I told her. “Would you mind reaching out to Bonnie and Olivia? Tell them that Liam is going to be alright.”

I gave her a supportive smile before heading out to my car with the sole intention of heading directly to the manor.

Before I even placed the car in park, I could tell that the place was more guarded than usual. Obviously, word from the hunter must have gotten back to Cecilia which inspired her to bring on extra protection.

Once I made it past the two rather large men that were stationed at the door, I set my movements toward the lounge. I heard her moving about before I saw her. She seemed far too at ease for my liking.

As soon as I entered the room I slammed the doors behind shut in a fierce bout of anger. The noise caused my mother to flinch and snap her head around to glare at me. The tension in her muscles instantly eased when she realized who it was.

Another mistake she’s about to make.

She parted her lips and spoke as though I hadn’t just gone through the most traumatic experience of my life.

“So, have you changed your mind about my previous idea?” she asked nonchalantly.

Jesus Christ. I nearly saw red.

This woman had not a single shred of shame or remorse for the damage and the pain she purposely inflicted on Ella and me.

Had this woman lost her fucking mind?

I nearly lost my brother and all that she was concerned about was whether or not I was going to forcibly bond with Ella.

The anger that coursed through me was so unbearably strong, caused the tips of my fingers to go numb. I clenched my jaw so tightly I was shocked I hadn’t heard it crack.

I wanted nothing more than to let my wolf out and let it tear everything in the room apart—including Cecilia. I wanted to surrender my control and let it take over.

My eyes landed on the first piece of stupid antique furniture and I hurled it across the room. Next were the ridiculous, useless portraits of our ancestors. I tore each frame off the wall and shattered them all with biting fury. There wasn’t a single doubt in my mind that each of them was as crooked and pathetic as the Winslows were now.

“Goddamnit, Arthur! Stop it!” she shouted.

I could see the frightened look in her eyes. My anger was far from satiated, though.

I turned to face her directly. “My own BROTHER?!” I watched her grow pale. “How could you try and have him killed? What would possess you to go so far as to put a hit on his life?”

She pursed her lips. “I don’t know what you’re talking about—”

“Yes, you do. I know about the hunter you hired.”

She paled even further before taking a deep breath.

“That hunter has been working with the Winslow family for generations. He’s been making sure that no threats come to this family.”

“That’s why he’s been constantly coming after Ella. He being a Moon Wolf, essentially made her a threat.”

Cecilia shook her head. “For the longest time, I really thought all that stuff your grandfather talked about was a myth. I never knew that it was Ella the hunter was trying to kill in the beginning.”

My brows drew together in disbelief. “How is that possible?”

The woman merely shrugged her shoulders as if she couldn't even be bothered to have this conversation.

“I never cared to ask the identities of the people that have met the end of his blade.”

“Why? Afraid you would never sleep, knowing that you’re basically a murderer yourself?” I sneered.

She scoffed. “The moment I found out about Ella’s identity, I immediately called off the hit that was placed on her.”

“And then you proceeded to place it on Liam.”

“He is the only thing standing in our family’s way for achieving the future we deserve.”

I let out a growl of disdain. “The only future you deserve is one behind bars or, better yet, six feet under the ground!”

My mother’s jaw practically hit the floor. Her voice came out sounding tremulous. “Y-You don’t mean that.”

“I’ve never been more ashamed of being a Winslow in my life,” I admitted. I turned my back on her and headed toward the door. “I want no part of this anymore. I’m done with the trials. I’m forfeiting my position—”

I could hear the panic rising in her voice. “You can’t do this!”

A humorless laugh slipped from my chest. “Yes, I can. I refuse to be a part of this family any longer. By law and blood, Liam is the new heir of the Winslow family. I’m done.”

“Arthur! Arthur, you get back here!” she shouted after me.

My mother continued to call after me but my stride back to my car never faltered. As horribly and inhuman as I may have sounded, I meant every word.

My focus was no longer on the Winslow Family’s future. The only future that mattered to me was the one that concerned Ella and Liam.