Page 254 of Master of My Life

“Ethan would die for me,” she said softly.

“Dying is easy.”

44

CHASE STOOD , STARING OUT OVER THE EMPTY GATHERING HALL, WAITING FOR THE RITUAL TO BEGIN .

Ethan had been taken over an hour ago. He still doubted whether he was doing the right thing. Sabrina

knew Ethan’s story but didn’t know the promise Chase had made to him. Learning what he had this

morning made Ethan’s fears more real. He hoped she would remain calm throughout the whole thing,

but if she got upset . . .

He sighed. He didn’t want to use his status as Master on her at all, let alone this soon after the

ceremony. But remembering how upset she got over Ethan earlier . . .

There was no winning in this situation. He clenched his jaw and closed his eyes, wishing he

didn’t have to make this decision.

“You okay?” Alex studied him closely.

Chase shook his head. “I feel like shit.”

“It is not easy making choices like this. But sometimes we must hurt those we love in order to

protect them.”

“I hate hurting people.”

“That is an admirable trait. I hated hiding from Anna for so long, but if I had not, she would have

never been freed from Devin. I had to hurt her to save her.”

“But I’m hurting Ethan. I’m betraying him.”

“For a greater good.” Alex turned to him. “Do you think Ethan would be glad or angry that you

kept your promise to him but left Sabrina unprotected?”

“Normally I’d say he’d be furious, but in this case, I don’t know for sure.”

“I do not know Ethan as well as you, but I do know him well enough to believe he would be more

hurt if you did not give him the opportunity to live out his promise to you. If he fails, he will have to

live with that. But he may find himself stronger in the end by doing what you ask of him.”

Chase hoped Alex was right. For all their sakes.

Sabrina settled onto her knees between Richard and the space Chase would fill. Chase stood at the

edge of the platform, shoulders tense. She stared at his broad back, longing to comfort him.

He spun around and came to kneel in front of her. “I need you to trust me through this process,

---