Fractured by N.O Darling

Chapter 281

**Josie’s POV **

+25 BONUS

My father was there all those years, watching me from the shadows and I had no idea. I’m devastated and extremely confused. I should be overjoyed that my mum was wrong, that she wasn’t taken advantage of, and I was created out of love, not force. I was wanted by my father because he loved me, not because he needed me to join his army. He left me for my own and my mother’s well–being, not because he didn’t care. He is not the evil man I have spent all these years hating

They are all the things I should be focussing on and relived about, but all I have is a deep sadness and a feeling of loss. I missed out on a life with him, and that is what hurts, I’m also sad about what he has missed in order to keep me and my mum safe. If he hadn’t sacrificed everything he had ever wanted for us things could have been so different. I could have been locked in this prison with him, or be dead. I’d have never bonded with my mates, and have never had my children. I might not be ready to have a relationship with him, but I feel I owe him some credit for what he’s done.

A tear rolls down my face and Axel pulls me up from my chair to wrap his arms around me. I bury my face into his chest whilst I compose myself. I hear the clinking of chains and I turn my head to face Robert, who looks at me with sorrow. I know he was attempting to reach me, to offer me comfort, but he can’t, he’s chained to the table. Forced to watch me but unable to hold me, like he had all those years ago. I know I should go to him, give him what he’s always wanted, but I can’t, not yet. I can’t risk letting him hurt me, not until I know everything

“Ask him if he has fathered any more children,” I say to Deacon in the mind link, and he immediately repeats my question to Robert.

“No, I never stopped loving Penny and wasn’t interested in any other woman. Even if I had been, I wouldn’t risk putting anyone through that again,” Robert shakes his head.

“My mum is okay now. Deacon fixed her. She knows what I am, and she visits us and the kids often. She is happy. and runs a bookshop with her husband,” I say, feeling like it’s the only bit of comfort I can offer him right now.

Robert smiles, his eyes filling with tears again as he nods. Thank you. That’s perfect for her. She always loved her books. Does her husband treat her well?”

“Yes,” I nod.

here, will you attempt

accept my punishment. I belong here after everything I have done, I

been silently observing. He pushes himself from the wall he is leaning on and leaves the

silent as I process everything. I have so many questions, but my brain is so frazzled that I can’t put

moments later with a key and a bundle of clothes. He unfastens the metal cuffs around Robert’s wrists and hands him the clothes. Axel positions me

across the hall, go and get changed,” Raff says and Robert nods, picking up

you feel?” Deacon asks me

Chapter 281

and sad

Axe

typical work boots, which look like they have

the fresh air deeply and closing his eyes to turn his face up to the sun, Something he’s not been

too risky. There are wards up to stop anyone porting in or out, and the prisoners are given suppressants to dull their gifts, but that doesn’t mean their friends and family on the

we had arrived in and Robert is quiet, his eyes busy taking in the outside

where is Comelius‘ place where he kept the journal?” Deacon asks, breaking

know, I only know how

sake,” Mason