Chapter 207

Grayson’s POV

Shock gave way to a pounding heart and a rush of adrenaline that outpaced the fog in my mind. The factory, engulfed in flames, loomed before me, its jagged silhouette stark against the fiery backdrop. I couldn't think. Every muscle screamed to reach her.

I took a step toward the inferno, but a hand seized my wrist, yanking me back. I spun around, ready to fight, only to see Rickon's face.

"Grayson—no!" Rickon's voice was harsh, his grip unrelenting. I glared at him, burning with the need to move, about to yank free when Isabella's shout cut through the chaos.

"Lilian!"

My eyes locked onto her, confusion churning in my gut. I snapped my gaze back to the factory as Isabella ran toward the scene, but I couldn't wait. I was already moving. The pain in my side and ribs was nothing compared to the burning ache in my chest. I pushed past Rickon, feeling his frustration, but I didn't care.

I reached the clearing just before Isabella. Three twisted, broken bodies lay scattered across the scorched earth. The flames licked at the factory's remains, but my attention was consumed by them.

My eyes found Ava. She lay unconscious, her skin burned, her body battered. Her breathing was shallow, her face pale. The sight of her motionless ignited every instinct.

Isabella reached her first, but I didn't hesitate. I knelt beside Ava, my hands trembling as I brushed singed hair from her forehead. Her eyes fluttered open, weak and unfocused.

"Ava," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

She tried to speak, but her voice was a weak, strained whisper. "Maria…" she gasped, her eyes losing focus. "I need… my father… Maria… he's… dying…"

The world tilted. I wasn't sure if she saw me, but the desperation in her voice sent me into overdrive. Her body sagged in my arms as she passed out, and fear gripped me.

But I acted.

I scooped her up, my movements quick and decisive. Her head fell against my shoulder, her limp body heavy in my arms. The weight of everything crashed down on me.

"Rickon!" I shouted. "We need to get them back to my mansion, now!"

Rickon was there instantly, his expression grim as he looked at the bodies—Luther and Evelyn Pierce, unconscious but alive. I didn't care about them. Ava was all that mattered, but her words echoed in my head. We needed to get Luther to Maria.

Isabella was beside me, her voice desperate. "Lilian, she needs a doctor—she needs more than just a safe place—"

"I know," I cut her off, gritting my teeth as I cradled Ava. "Just help me get them out of here."

Isabella moved quickly, her eyes flicking to Rickon, her face hardening. "Rickon! Get people—now! We need a team to help us."

Rickon didn't waste a moment. With a sharp nod, he barked orders. "Get them back to Grayson's mansion. Secure the perimeter and make sure no one follows us."

The air crackled with urgency. As warriors moved into action, I didn't hesitate. I reached one of the cars, moving faster than ever. Elaine stood pale beside Monica, her face shocked, but she understood. This time, I had to choose Ava.

I carefully helped her into the car, holding her close. The engine roared, and I closed my eyes, gripping her tighter. Her skin was warm, but my heart wasn't settled. It was a whirlwind of confusion and regret.

I had messed up. All the things I had accused her of—none of it was true. She had never deserved it. I had let my fears and insecurities drive a wedge between us. Ava never lied, never betrayed me. It was all in my head, and I knew it now. But realizing my mistake didn't erase the pain, the heartache I had caused.

Elaine had been right. I had changed. I needed to survive being King, to build an untouchable reputation, but I had lost sight of many things. I had become cold and ruthless, and Ava had been the only one to thaw a part of that ice.

But I had to embrace that ruthlessness again to keep my throne, to ensure I'd never be so vulnerable again, and to make Liam pay for his betrayal.

The name Grayson Blackwood carried weight, and I had to reclaim that power, but in this moment, I was just Grayson. And I was terrified of what would happen when she woke up.

What if she couldn't forgive me? What if she shut me out? What if she never forgave me for not trusting her?

My finger traced the mark on her neck, the one that connected us. My heart stuttered; the connection was almost painful. I thought I heard my wolf's growl, raw and desperate, but then the emptiness returned.

I froze, but I couldn't focus on that. I had to focus on Ava. She was everything. I traced her face softly, and as I touched the mark again, her lips parted. Her voice was a whisper, but I heard it clearly: one word.

"M–Mate."

Then she went still.

I sat there, confused, but there was no time to process it. Her words, her breath, everything about her was my focus.

Before I could process it, the car stopped. We were at the mansion. I threw open the door, my body moving on instinct. I reached for Ava, gently but urgently pulling her into my arms.

My men surrounded us, and orders poured from me. "Find Maria," I said, my voice tight. "Get Luther Pierce to her. He's dying. Find her now!"

They moved immediately as more cars arrived. It was both Rickon's and Luther's men, but I didn't focus on anything else. I ignored everyone, carrying her into the mansion and toward my room.

I placed Ava gently on the bed, covering her with a blanket. She looked so fragile. I stepped back, my eyes never leaving her. For a moment, I let myself feel the guilt, fear, and regret, but it was fleeting. I couldn't afford to dwell on it.

If there was a chance she could forgive me, I couldn't protect her by continuing this charade. I needed to regain control, to become the man I once was, the man who could survive anything, the man who could inspire fear. But I also had to keep a part of the coldness thawed for those who mattered.

I took one last look at Ava, my heart heavy, and stepped out of the room. Someone crashed into me, and I instinctively reached out to steady them.

Isabella.

She looked up, her eyes full of concern, but I cut her off. "Let her sleep."

I didn't wait for a response. I had so much to do. I needed to check on Elaine, speak with Rickon, retake my company, cement my power, and make Liam pay.