Page 65 of Talk About… Dramay
He let out a shaky breath and as much as I hated to say this out loud, I knew I could never forgive him until I did.
“I can take it, Ori,” he promised. His voice was firm and his eyes were pained, so I locked mine on those hazel depths and gave him everything. The depressive spells, the hard nights, the ones where I nearly gave up.
A tear tracked down his cheek but he never tore his gaze from mine. He stood strong, absorbing every fact until my voice was hoarse and I was ready to collapse.
“I’m so fucking sorry I made you leave. It was never what I truly wanted. I was just so broken,” he said.
“I know,” I said softly.
We fell silent then, our eyes still locked, just absorbing the impact of the last thirteen years and how they changed us.
Movement from the fire broke the spell. I turned to see Lane approaching, a question in his eyes as he tossed his empty beer bottle in the trash.
“You alright, Princess?”
I opened my mouth to answer but a breeze hit, ruffling my hair and dousing me in a scent that stole my breath.
Lemon, apples, and sweet vanilla. My jaw dropped and I stared at Lane, accusation in my expression.
I watched this man deflate, guilt in his eyes.
“You’re my scent match?” I demanded.
“Wait, what?” Cameron asked.
“You know what, I’m fucking done with secrets. I hired them to make you jealous. Well, not Roman, he’s my mate. These two though and their mysterious third pack member were just to make you jealous. It seems stupid now. But you,” I turned to Lane, my finger poking his chest. I knew I was being unfair, maybe unreasonable, but I was hurt. “You didn’t tell me. Why?”
“Tate wasn’t here yet,” he said, desperation filling his words. “We wanted you to scent us so you knew we weren’t lying.”
“Why would I think you’d lie about something like that?” I growled.
“What the fuck?” Cameron growled. Hudson was by Lane’s side this time and both turned his way.
“Who the fuck are you to say anything?” Hudson bit back. “You broke her heart and hid like a little bitch for thirteen damn years!”
“You know nothing about us. What are you, escorts?!” Cameron thundered. “If you took advantage of her I’ll kill you right here and now.”
Roman pulled me away gently before trying to get in the middle. Insults and accusations were flying and I didn’t have the energy for it. My voice was going unheard, so I did the only thing I could.
I snagged the bottle of whiskey and walked toward the water, plopping down on the weathered wood. My body was angled so I could see out at the water, or glance over at them having their little fit.
The fight went on as I took long pulls of the whiskey. Warmth washed over me as I drank, the fight turning to background noise.
Honestly, despite the drama around the campfire, I felt light and free. I’d held on to so much pain, longing, and need for so many years. Having it off my shoulders was refreshing.
They were being idiots. I didn’t need them to fight each other but Roman had it well in hand. He shot me exasperated looks every so often and I smiled back, shaking my head.
I couldn’t find it in me to be mad about them holding back. They had their reasons and if I had found out any other moment, I’d have been ecstatic.
Right now, at that moment, I simply had no more emotions to give.
A figure walked in, the shadows covering him. He stood off to the side, glancing around at the arguing group before landing on me. The world seemed to slow down as he froze.
Finally, after what felt like minutes had passed, he was moving. The others didn’t notice him as he skirted around the pavilion and moved toward me on the docks.
He sat down with a groan, his scent washing over me. Fresh linen, fallen snow, and warm spice. It was so fresh and cozy that I found myself closing my eyes so I could savor the scent.
“I’m Tate. Did they even tell you about me?” he questioned. His voice was deep and smooth, the kind of voice you wanted to read you bedtime stories.