Page 14 of Forgotten Mate

“And have him live a lie? No, Zenia. It’snot your fault. This rests directly on the shoulder of that womanwho took your place.”

She nodded, although she still wasn’tcompletely sure.

“Does he know?”

Her gaze flew to his. She knew what hemeant. “No. I thought I would tell him after the spell was lifted,but it’s not the right time.”

“When is it a good time?”

“I don’t know,” she whispered, wipingGreyden’s forehead. “Maybe not ever.”

****

Greyden blinked, seeing sunlight streakacross the ceiling. Where was he? He turned and saw Zenia asleep inthe chair next to his bed. Her head leaning at an uncomfortableangle. What the fuck happened? It was like he had a hangover buthad no memory of drinking. Slowly the events from … yesterday? …filtered through his mind.

The potion.

The vomit. Lots and lots of vomit.

And pain. Unimaginable pain.

“Greyden?”

His gaze snapped to Zenia. Her eyes weredull from a lack of sleep, her hair limp around her shoulders. Sherubbed the back of her neck, grimacing. It looked like she had beenthe sick one, not him.

“You took care of me?”

“I made sure you were comfortable.”

“Thank you.” He held out his hand and shehesitated. “Zenia?”

Slowly, she slid her trembling hand intohis. He pulled and she ended up on the bed on her side, with himspooning her. It felt right holding her like this. She fit againsthim perfectly, like two puzzle pieces joining.

“I was so scared for you,” she said.

He felt wetness drip onto his hand andrealized she was crying. He turned her on her back and leaned over,wiping the tears from her eyes.

“I’m okay.”

“I know, but I don’t like seeing you inpain.”

“Even after I betrayed our bond?”

“You didn’t betray me. Don’t say thatagain.”

“Is the spell broken?”

“No,” she whispered. “It wasn’t an ordinaryspell. Savannah said it’s ancient dark magic.”

He took a deep breath. “So, what do we donow?”

“Savannah said help is coming. But I don’twant you to go through that again. Maybe I’m not worth—”

He placed a finger on her lips. “Don’tfinish that. We might not know a lot of each other, but there’s nota doubt in my mind you’re worth it. That we’re worthit.”

“Greyden, there’s something else I have totell you.”

“Sounds serious.”