Page 149 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

“Of course.”

“Violet said you’ve been avoiding her for a year. Do you really blame her for what happened to Tori?”

The smile slipped off Adrien and I felt bad asking, but the need to protect my little sister was higher than my need to spare my cousin’s feelings.

“No. I was blaming myself, not realizing she thought I blamed her. Kassie told me a few weeks back. That’s why I volunteered to come. We talked it out earlier tonight.”

“Why would you blame yourself?”

“I told Tori it was a good idea to take her to the movies.”

“But—”

“I know, Bells. But, it’s hard not to think those thoughts. I couldn’t look her in the eye and tell her what I did, and see the blame in her eyes, too,” he took in a deep breath and smiled at me. “But like I said, we cried it out last night.”

“Are you staying up until breakfast?” I decided to change the subject. I didn’t want him to dwell on those thoughts.

“No, I’m pooped, but I demand dinner with Adam.”

“You got it. You’re going to love him.”

“If he’s important to you, I already do.”

Adrien left after Charles and Lindsay showed up. Shortly before breakfast, Cade walked down, dressed in his usual jeans, flannel shirt, and cowboy boots, his Stetson in his hands. He looked nervous and worried. When his eyes met mine, he nudged his head toward the alpha offices.

“I need to get some work done, you guys good here?” I asked Charles and Lindsay.

“Yes, Luna.”

I washed my hands and cleaned up my station, dread settling in my bones as I approached my office. This was a no-win situation. One of us was going to be crushed after this conversation. I entered to find Cade pacing. He stopped when he heard me and looked over my way.

“Hey, are you okay?” he asked.

“Yeah. What’s up?”

“You scared me last night. What happened?”

“Just nightmares. Sorry to worry you.”

“You don’t have to apologize, Princess.”

“What happened?” I changed the subject.

“You were shaki—”

“I mean, why did you want to speak right now?” I clarified.

“Oh...”

“Did you hear back from the real estate agent?”

“I did.”

“And?” I asked, trying to sound excited for him.

“They accepted the offer. If everything goes well, we should be spending Christmas in the new pack grounds. In trailers likely, while they build, but it’ll be a start.”

I swallowed the sounds of my breaking heart and put on a smile.

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