Page 78 of Little Mate
“Someone once did, but they’re here, and I’m all alone missing her.”
Gabriella’s lips purse. “Is she worth it? Because I’d never leave you.”
“Come along, my child. My son and I need to speak.” He’s here, and although I want to bash his head into the nearest wall, I can’t look away. Who knows when I’ll see her again. “Do you want him to visit you after?”
“I do. Your son is cute.”
“Then he will.” My wife walks away then, her spirit lighter, too bright for this place, as she walks through a wall and out of my sight. “Speak.”
“Bring her back,” I snarl, my chest exploding with a mixture of pain and love too large to contain. “You are the only one who can, Thanatos. Do it. For the first time in your miserable existence, do something that’s not self-serving.”
“I’m sorry, son. This has to happen.”
“So you want me to relive your story? To lose the woman I love like you lost my mother.”
His tall figure cloaked in black looks at me with pity, his own sorrow coming through clear as day. “If there was another way, I’d do it. I’m the giver of death, not life, and asking for this kind of favor comes with a heavy price.”
“Our future children.”
“As of right now, my grandchildren will never be.”
Right now? I’d ponder that later because there’s something more important to ask.
“How could you give her to me and then take her away? Why?”
“Please understand that this is how it must be to save the future of all species. You two are the balance while her sister is the heart, and her mate will remain her compass. Without balance, there is no heart or direction, and all will be lost. Your wife will be back; I promise, my son. Gabriella has always been and will remain yours.”
“When?”
“When the enemy shows his hand once more.” Closing the distance between them, Thanatos grabs my arms and marks the inside of my wrists. I’ve felt this pain before. Years ago, when I received the first ones on my back and chest. Only then does my father meet my eyes. “I’ve never wanted you to experience what it’s like to live without your mate. This is where I’ve failed you the most, but there is one thing I can do to ease the pain. Once a year, on her birthday, you can come and spend the day together until she is reborn. There is no expiration date on this; just never stop fighting for her.”
With that he’s gone, and I look down at my new tattoos.
By blood and pact. You are one.
IF YOU HAVE NOT READ LITTLE LIES…
This is where I tell you to pause if spoilers are not your thing and pick up the first book. There is a reason this story was told backwards, and I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you.
Happy Reading!
Now, if you don’t care and are like me…go for it and breathe.
It will all make sense soon.
Elena XoXo
EPILOGUE #1
VAMPIRE KING
Long live the queen…
“My Lord, it’s time,” Tero hisses, his body stumbling into the room while his hands shake, so unlike his usual composed behavior. There’s a slim file in his grip. His poise is gone while his eyes turn lighter and snake-like as his body vibrates from across my desk. “You’ve patiently been waiting for this day to come.”
He’s nervous. Excited. Half-shifted as his lower body begins to unveil his animal; a large albino constrictor that’s the complete opposite of his stubborn sibling. Slithering a little closer, his trembling hand places the manila folder atop my desk, his smile wide and mischievous.
“What has you in such a good mood, Tero? Are you okay?”