Rejected, Abused, I Fall for the Forbidden Alpha (by Riley Scott) novel Chapter 176

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Chapter 176

Raven POV

A woman stands behind me, long dark black hair cascading over her shoulders, bright green eyes twinkling, her complexion like pale porcelain, a simple white dress gathering tight around her bodice and then flowing down to her ankles, her feet bare. She’s stunning. Ethereal. A mature-aged woman who resembles me. I know instantly who she is and my eyes widen in disbelief. For so long I’ve dreamed of this moment, and now that it’s here, it confirms my worst thoughts. I’m dead. I have to be. Grace Sinclair can’t be here otherwise.

“Mother?” I whispered longingly, unable to tear my eyes off of her.

She’s so beautiful. Her smile is sweet like sugar, and her eyes are so bright that it almost hurts to stare into them. I feel myself smiling, my heart skipping a beat. I want to move, but my body feels paralyzed, my feet cemented to the ground.

She nods, making no move to approach me. I step forward, my legs quivering. One step, two steps and then I lunge at her, wrapping my arms around her as I give in to loud sobs. She pats me on the back and then rubs soothing circles as I hiccup. I feel her hand as she touches me. She’s real, not some ghost or apparition.

“There, there, Raven, it’s okay. I’m here now,” she whispered lovingly.

Her voice is soft and musical with a little lilt to it. She sounds like an angel. I can’t believe it and pinch myself to see if I’m dreaming. It hurts. I wince and then pull my hand away.

“But why are you here? Is it to take me with you?” I whisper, pulling back to look her in the face, my arms refusing to let go.

I breathe in her scent, an intoxicating mixture of roses and vanilla. She smells heavenly.

“Oh darling,” she breathed, cupping my cheek, “no, it’s not. I wanted to see you and the moon goddess was kind enough to grant me my wish. I’m sorry Raven,” her voice becomes choked up, “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to find you. I’m sorry I missed you growing up and all your milestones. If I could have …” she trailed off, tears welling in her own eyes. “My biggest regret is that I never got the chance to love you as you deserved.”