Page 128 of Scars and Burns

I look up at Dinalia. Our eyes lock. Understanding of pain and suffering between us.

Fuck, I did this. I manipulated Saphrina a little too well. But the events of last night were not supposed to happen.

Dinalia is questioning us.

Questioning me.

I cannot let those malicious thoughts creep into her mind.

“Dinalia, how could you do this to me? You knew Prince Aeron was my mate and yet I find you here with him. In an embrace, kissing!”Saphrina says.

“Have you confirmed the bond?” Dinalia canters. She never truly believed I was mated to Saphrina. She’s too smart and well informed of what having a mate is and means. And Saphrina and myself just do not make sense.

My eyes don’t leave Dinalia’s. She is the only one I care about here.

“Well, no. I couldn’t find him last night. He disappeared. Most everyone did, including you. That’s what I was coming to see you about this morning. But then I found this! You in the arms of my mate!”

“He is not your mate, Saphrina!” Dinalia is shouting at this point. I’ve never seen her so flamboyant. She’s defending herself. Defending us.

I slide my arm out from Saphrina’s grasp. Walking over to Dinalia. Placing my arm around her waist. Gripping her hip and pulling her closer to my side.

I don’t care if it hurts Saphrina. She needs to realize I am not hers. I never was.

Dinalia has my heart.

Saphrina stands there. Gawking at us. Frozen in place. Her mouth is gaping open.

“I don’t understand,” she begins, “I thought… Aeron, I thought you felt something for me. I thought you were my mate.”

I clear my throat, saying flatly, “I do apologize if I gave you the wrong impression but my heart has and always will be Dinalia’s.”

“I tried to deny it,” I continue, “ Knowing there are great odds and obstacles in our way. But I couldn’t.”

Dinalia starts, “Saphrina, I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

“So what? All this time you’ve been lying to me. Hiding this from me? Was this going on when I confided in you about him? Did you have a connection with him when I told you I thought he was mymate?”

I hide the smirk risking exposure on my face. Little does she know there has always been a connection between the two of us. Her thinking I was her mate was simply an open, bleeding heart wanting to be loved. And I knew exactly what to say.

“I- I’m…” Dinalia begins but Saphrina quickly cuts her off. “I don’t even want to hear it! I hate you! I hate you both! And I never want to see either of you again!”

“Saphrina!” Dinalia shouts, taking a step towards her.

“No! Don’t come near me! You betrayed me! I’ve defended you. Been there for you all these years and this is how you repay me? With treachery! By stabbing me in the back! And you!” Saphrina shouts, pointing a finger at me. “You stabbed me in the heart! You made me feel like no one ever has! You made me feel seen. Like I was more than just someone with a blessed Goddess mark.”

I snicker at that. A mark she doesn’t even have. “And what blessed mark would that be?” I say.

Saphrina freezes.

Shock and fear on her face. I can see she is stunned at the realization of what I know. She looks to Dinalia for comfort but there will be none.

Saphrina doesn’t say another word. She storms off. Exiting the room as quickly as she came.

Dinalia leans into me even more. I hardened the hold I have on her. Turning her towards me so our bodies are flushed once more.

She is my heart and soul.

And I would find her in every lifetime.

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