Page 87 of Where We Ended

He took advantage of her, during a time of weakness, and instead of letting her cry alone in that bed, the motherfucker held her all night.

After that, I threw myself into finishing this with my father. I flipped on him and burned his shit to the ground as quickly as I could. Even that still took two years, but he was finally gone. He’d left the country and I could finally have some peace…maybe find a place to live with my wife, and actually enjoy a sunset or two with her.

I stopped and parked my bike in front of my mother’s house, seeing her car parked there.

My legs were sore, my back ached and all I wanted was to see Natty.

Right as I climbed the steps and pushed inside, my mother was there with a solemn expression.

I glanced from her, around the room, confused why she was acting like someone had died.

“What’s wrong?”

“I need you to come sit down,” she said calmly, like I was an animal she was trying to pull from the corner.

I dropped my gear, pushed a hand through my hair and sat down at her kitchen table.

“Where’s Natty?”

My mother’s eyes that were darker than mine searched my face. Her hand was on mine, and the affection had my stomach plummeting.

“Tell me.”

“She’s safe.” My mom cradled my hand, but I pulled it away. “I want to tell you everything, Son, but if I do then it could be dangerous for all of us.”

My chest felt like someone had stuffed it with cotton, and my organs were starting to fail.

I stood and kicked the chair backward.

My voice carried, with it cracking on the tail end. “Where is my wife?”

Mom winced at the volume.

I leaned closer, growling my ire. “Where?”

“She was traded to the Stone Riders one week ago. She’s living with them now.”

“What—” My chest heaved…too fast I realized belatedly as I bumped into the counter. “I don’t understand.”

Tears burned the backs of my eyes and my mother…fuck she was lying to me.

“Caelum!” I stormed down the hall, pushing our bedroom door open. The bed was the same, but our dresser was all messed up, half the drawers were open. Her drawers were open…and empty.

A small note on the bed caught my attention.

Silas,

I love you.

I’m yours, I will forever be yours.

-Caelum

“What the fuck is this?!” I roared angrily, storming back toward the kitchen.

Lance, my best friend had arrived and was now leaning against the counter, watching me. My mother had moved as well, glancing at me, then him.

“Just calm down, Silas,” Lance suggested coolly.

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