Chapter 26 #4
“That’s not what I’m doing,” I defend. “I thought you could share your experience to help prevent others from going through what you went through. It’s not just about me. It’s about all women having a choice in the matter of who they spend their life with.”
“I’m not letting you weaponize what happened to me against my brother, Bailey, and you’re a fucking idiot for even thinking to suggest it.”
“Sherry, that’s it. You continue to talk like that to her and you and me are gonna have big problems.” Jase warns.
“That’s not what I’m doing, Sherry,” I defend.
But the whole Creed family is staring at me. Val looks alarmed. Robert’s eyes are moving from me to Jase with questions in his eyes. And Jase looks angry.
“You wanna explain this, Bay?” Jase asks.
Sherry answers for me. “Bailey wants me signing a petition. She also wants a victim impact statement so she can keep you from fucking her despite the fact that she’s been gagging for it for years.”
Jase folds his arms over his chest and frowns.
Shit, my heart is beating way too fast.
“That’s not what this is. Females should have basic rights regardless of whether an alpha wants them or not.
I want all of us to have rights, including me.
I know you went through hell and I thought your story could be an example of why females should have rights regardless of the fact that an alpha has biological urges.
You were afraid. You didn’t want to leave with Wyatt and they were forcing it because Dr. Blakely was here and you got talked into it.
I want the laws changed so that if a female wants to question something about her own fate, she can. ”
“You’re a piece of work,” Sherry spits at me. “You have no idea what I went through, what I’ll go through the rest of my life, and…” She chokes up.
Stacy speaks up. “It was my idea for Bailey to talk to you, Sherry. She’s not using your story for her own benefit. We know you’re grieving and thought maybe being part of an effort to help others might be therapeutic in a way for you.”
“Nothing will undo what I’m dealing with,” Sherry spits. “And even looking at you reminds me of him.”
Stacy’s shoulders slump a little.
“Part of the petition could include a request for bereaved mates to be released from the bond,” I say. “When you want to forget–”
“Oh stop,” Sherry gives me her hand. “You don’t give a shit about me. I give even less of a shit about you.”
“Sherry!” Val reprimands. “Bailey is family. That’s enough.”
“Listen to your mother,” Robert says, looking pissed off, too.
“Bailey was never going to be family to me, and she’s now acting like she doesn’t even want Jase, so…”
“Shut up, Sher,” Jase snaps. “You don’t know what the fuck you’re talkin’ about.”
“Everyone’s been goin’ real easy on you, daughter,” Robert adds. “Too easy.”
“Well, everyone will need to go even easier,” Sherry declares, “because now in addition to being a grieving widow, I’m probably a pregnant, grieving widow who wants to go back and kill my already dead mate for doing this to me, so get ready for hormonal mood swings on top of everything else.”
The entire room goes quiet except that Stacy gasps.
“You sure?” Val asks.
“My boobs hurt, everything smells strange, and I’m having crazy dreams about babies, but they’re mean babies with his eyes and no arms or legs.
I called the healer to make an appointment, but she’s been busy with Cicely’s bullshit so she told me I should get a test and she’ll see me in a couple days.
When she does, if I am, I want it terminated. ”
Val gasps.
Stacy winces.
Robert takes a seat.
Jase stares at his sister, his expression unreadable.
“And then I plan to leave. Go stay with Aunt Casey and her pack in Northern California.”
“For how long?” Val asks.
“A little while, at least.” Sherry shrugs, then looks at me.
“So, no, Bailey. You’re not getting a victim impact statement from me.
And no, Stacy, I’m not looking to be besties because I got stuck with your brother for a few days and got my life ruined.
But Jase, if you can talk any of those witches into deleting my grief for that dead asshole who ruined my life, I’d appreciate it.
Even though I probably deserve it. Excuse me.
” She takes her phone and earbuds and walks up the stairs.
This is fucked up. It’s like Sherry has guilt about karma but is still unable to stop herself from showing she continues to be a raging cunt.
The coffee maker beeps and Val is about to rush up behind her to go make coffee, so I put my hand on her arm.
“It’s okay. We should go.”
“You don’t have to. We could have coffee and cake. Chat.”
“I’m sorry to be rude, but I really think we should go.
Sorry if my visit was upsetting. And thank you very much for trying to welcome me, for what you did at Jase’s house, even if it’s not…
even if we don’t…” I give my head a shake.
“I appreciate all of your effort and kindness, Val.” I turn to my sister-in-law so I don’t accidentally burst into tears, but Stacy’s expression doesn’t help.
“Oh,” Val says. “Okay. But if you want to talk, Bailey, my door is open.”
I’m at a loss for words. She looks kind of crushed.
“I’d like a word, Jason,” Robert says.
“Wait for me out there,” Jase commands, eyes on me, before he follows his dad out of the room, thrusting his hand through his hair with frustration.
Stacy follows me out and opens the back passenger door.
“Up front, sister,” I say.
“I figure Jase’ll want to drive and-”
“Jase has two feet, four paws.” I shrug and get into the driver’s side and start the car.
She gets into the passenger seat and asks, “You’re not waiting for him?”
“Nope. You want to come to the library or you want me to drop you at home?”
“You’re opening the library?”
“No. I’m going to work on that petition. And check my emails and group chats for the things I set in motion. I only have until tomorrow to get this stuff organized.”
“Then I’ll let you do that on your own,” she says, “but if you need anything, let me know.”
“Don’t take on her bitchiness,” I say. “You were sweet to visit, to check on her, and it’s her loss.”
“Yeah, well, she wasn’t fair to you, either.”
“She never is,” I mutter.
But I’m feeling guilty about seeing Jase’s parents’ reaction to my plan to contest the claiming. I’ve always liked them; they’ve always been nice to me. And here they are dealing with this turmoil with Sherry as well as having their bubble burst thinking I’m simply making Jase “work for it”.