Page 30 of Little Mate
“They took you from us.” My tears soak his robe, and I’m shaking as grief slams into me with a vengeance, ripping open the wounds I’ve fought to close. “I can’t forgive him. Any of them.”
“Punish those responsible, Daughter. Show them who you are.”
“Then I must reject him.”
Dad gently pushes me back, his hands gripping my arms while my mother steps into my line of sight beside him. “No. You can’t.”
“But—”
“He is not at fault for our death, Gabby,” Mom says, her tone just as gentle and sweet as always. But behind her soft demeanor, there’s a warrior. A just and fair Wiccan queen with unfathomable knowledge who’s angry at me for some reason. “You’re stuck in the past while evading a prosperous future. Open your eyes, love. Open them and see the truth, and not what your pain dictates.”
“He attacked the Rossi, Mariano, and Sali—”
Dad scoffs, his hands dropping from my arms and up to my face, caging it in his warm palms. “He did as I asked and killed those who conspired against me.”
“What are you talking about?” My brows furrow and I take a step back, then another. I need space. I’m confused. “What did you do?”
“He honored the request of a dying man. The three families rose against us for greed, and King Astor saved you and your siblings.”
“Dad, you have to be mistaken—”
“Hush, child. Listen, and open those beautiful green eyes.” Mom steps in beside me, hugging me from the side, something she’s done a million times in the past. “We knew what the fates had in store for us and accepted, but not without backup plans. He is your other half. Your soul.”
“You approve.” And I also can’t stop the small grin that forms at the realization. Have I truly been wrong all along? “Why not tell us? Why the secrets?”
“Because I’d never forfeit my child’s life to save my own.”
“But I could’ve—”
“Wake up, Gabriella.” Mom nudges my side, and I turn my face to hers. She’s glowing. Her smile is blinding. “No more doubts or recriminations. It’s time to stop living in the past and embrace him.”
“And our people?”
“They will rise once again because of our children. You have always been our biggest blessing.”
“Wake up, pretty girl.” A pair of soft lips whisper next to my ear, kissing the shell between each word. My eyes open without fuss or complaint, my usual morning crankiness forgotten as the conversation with my parents flows through me.
It’s a soothing balm. The weariness—the heartache I’ve carried for months is calmer and I once again have peace. And while a part of me will always mourn the lives lost, I no longer blame him.
If anything, I’m ashamed of how quickly I put the fault on him. Owe him an apology.
“I’m up.” Voice hoarse, I snuggle back into his embrace while gripping the hand around my waist and bringing it to my lips. I kiss each knuckle. “Thank you for letting me rest.”
“Never thank me for taking care of what is mine. Your need always come first.”
A small smile forms on my lips, a sassy response on the tip of my tongue. “That’s a big statement.”
“It’s my truth.”
Looking back at him from over my shoulder, I arch a brow. Everyone has a limit, even kings. “What if I asked you to harm—”
“I’d kill every member of my kingdom if it made you smile.”
“You didn’t even pause.”
“No. I didn’t.” Even though I’m not a violent person by nature, I’m touched by his willingness to keep me happy no matter the cost. It’s sweet in a macabre way. And I’d also like to think he knows I’ll never ask for such a thing. I’m just, not cruel. “You’ll learn that about me, love. I’m a beast of his convictions.”
I don’t say anything after that, but the bond between us vibrates with the feeling of contentment; a low vibration that mimics his purr and to which I get lost. There’s comfort in it. In us.