Page 15 of Omission: Part 2

“What about Silla and Brice? Will they be a problem?”

“Yes, but not in the way you think. Those who oppose you will die, but it’s the journey that will cost you. The universe never forgets, and the price owed will be claimed.” Fear settles into the pit of my stomach at Isabella’s warning, churning and reminding me of everything I’ve lived through, and yet the moment my mate places his hand on the small of my back, I’m settled.I’m no longer alone. Never again.“Are you ready for it? To confront the truth?”

Letting out a shaky breath, I nod. “I am.”

“Then it’s time you two sit down and talk, my sister of the heart. Share your dreams, while I discuss a few things with Gabriella and Theodore before we arrive.”

5

LEONARDO

Isabella speaks to Anaya, but the message is meant for me.

There’s a hint of warning in her words, a bit of reproach, and it’s confirmed a few seconds later when my sister flicks her eyes in my direction, a sad expression on her face. She’s seen something—maybe my precious one’s reaction to my news—and while every part of me wants to protect Anaya from the potential pain, this time I can’t.

She deserves to know:

About her father.

About the man she grew up believing to be her brother.

And lastly, her mother.

“Please excuse us. We’ll be retiring to our room, and I ask that we’re not disturbed.”

“Of course, Leo. Take all the time you need.” Theodore’s deep voice startles Anaya and she jumps a bit, her hands trembling lightly. “I’ll be at the training grounds when you meet with Tero. No rush on that either.”

“I appreciate that.”

“A few matters do need our immediate attention before Tero leaves, though.Theywill not pass this evening without judgment.” The sinister inflection of his voice belies a hidden message.Passing judgmentis meant to soften the hidden decree for blood and his brand of justice, Theo’s ruby red stare displaying his hunger for vengeance, and while my girl doesn’t take full notice of the change—I do.

Theodore Astor has always been a ruthless king, make no mistake about that, and yet his softened expression is on my mate. Not an ounce of anger or the need to defend himself is found in him. Instead, the vampire king gives me an understanding look while mouthinggo.

Anaya’s not afraid of him but lost in her thoughts.

Yet there’s protectiveness there. A sense of worry. A reaction that reminds me of how his entire being transformed when he took a bullet meant to kill Isabella. It bounced off him leaving no mark behind, but the gesture spoke loudly to every being present.

She is—we are all—family. There’s a brotherly bond that links us.

And fuck me if that—the way they all watch out for Aya—doesn’t bring me peace. Because if anything, Goddess forbid, were to ever happen to me, they’d watch out for her. My little mate would never be alone ever again.

“Come, Anaya.” Nothing. She doesn’t move. My female’s lost in her head and I step closer, the hand at her back clutching her soft dress as I turn my head to fully watch my female.

An open book, Aya’s open emotions fly across her face. They switch from fear to hope and then to a bit of trepidation, while through the bond, I get her urge to withdraw into herself and that’s unacceptable to me.

What’s wrong, my love?I speak through our mental link, but she shakes her head instead of responding. Her posture is a little tense, and the more I take her in, I notice the same behaviors she exuded the day we met.

Timid.

Lost.

Needy.

The last one hits me square in the gut, and I tuck Anaya’s small body against my own. The palpable response is instantaneous. That lithe little body sags against me as the arm at her back wraps around her waist, her chest exhaling roughly.

“What do you need, precious one?”

“A moment,” she says, her voice so low no one else can hear.

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