Page 85 of Capturing Their Omega

“I forgive you…”

My words are as much to her as they are to Mr. Kaye, although I cannot tell if she knows it. I hope she does.

Mr. Kaye’s eyes close and when he opens them again, they are filled with relief and happiness. The strain in his face is gone.

“Thank you,” he whispers softly. His words carry to my ears and I can feel the emotions contained in that short whisper.

I smile and lean against Ares, seeking solace and comfort in his arms. Until two months ago, I could never have predicted even half of what is happening to me now. I would have laughed in the face of whoever suggested something so silly.

“I know this is all so sudden, but if you will allow it, I would love to form a relationship with you… my daughter,” Mr. Kaye adds, standing from his seat to squat in front of me until we are at eye level.

“There is so much we do not know about each other, and you are to be married soon. I would love to catch up on the time that we have missed and make sure that I never miss another moment in your life again… if you will allow me such an honor.”

I turn to Leila who is watching the two of us with teary eyes and tighten my fingers that are still intertwined with hers before facing our… father.

“Looking at Leila and how much she has done to be a part of my life and play the role of sister, the goodness in her must have come from somewhere, and I can tell that it is from you. So, I am willing to give you a chance.”

A choked sound escapes my father as Leila wraps her other hand around me in a hug. He hugs the two of us for a short moment and places a hand on both our cheeks before pulling away to compose himself.

“Thank you,” he says once again. “You cannot know how happy you have made me.”

Movement from the corner of my eyes catches my attention, and I look at my Mom, who takes a step toward us.

“I… I made your favorite chicken soup,” she says in a tone strained with so much emotion.

I get up from the chair, pulling away from my mates and take a step towards her. She does the same, looking so small and frail. It’s sad to see the strain the past two months have put on her and I ache to care for her like she’s done for me over the years.

“I’m so sorry, Cassie,” she chokes out. “I should have told you everything about yourself and should never have allowed my fear to keep you from knowing who you truly are.”

She looks me over, closing the gap between us but is careful not to touch me. “You look so beautiful with your white hair. It’s been so long since I saw it, but I never forgot how lovely you looked as a baby. Even now, you still are perfect.”

The tears I’ve been fighting come out in waves and I sniffle as I fall into her arms. “Mom.”

My voice is like that of a child returning to their mother after a tiring day away, with only strangers for company.

“My baby…” she consoles me, running her hands through my hair soothingly before pulling away to look at me once more.

She sniffles and keeps her emotions in check before speaking again. “Hold on and I will bring you the soup.”

She walks away before I can say anything and returns with the soup, smiling at me.

I return her smile, suddenly feeling nostalgic. Memories of the times when I felt sick, and my Mom would make this soup flood my mind, filling me with happiness. I’m glad that everything is beginning to return to the way it should be.

I take a big sniff of the food to perceive the familiar aroma but regret it the next moment as my insides tie in knots and bile rises up my throat. I try to swallow back the queasy feeling, hoping it will pass soon, but it doesn’t. Instead, bile travels faster to my mouth.

I turn away just in time to eject the acidic liquid from my mouth. I groan as my chest hurts from the force of my vomit, and my eyes burn from the sting of tears.

The sound of footsteps reaches my ears just as my mates, along with my father and sister, surround me, looking at me with concern.

Ares takes me into his arms protectively, as do Eric and Jeremiah. They stand around me and fawn over me, feeling my temperature with the backs of their hands and pulling my hair from face.

“Are you okay?” Leila asks.

I look up in horror at my Mom and am not shocked to see the hurt look on her face. She must think that I found her food disgusting, which is why I threw up. Her face morphs into concern just as quickly.

“I have called for the doctor. He should be here shortly,” Mr. Kaye says.

It still feels weird to call him dad although I’m sure we will get there someday. His face, much like everyone else’s, shows concern and I’m suddenly glad to be surrounded by a large and caring family.

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