Page 17 of Omission: Part 2

“I know.”

“Why didn’t they know about your powers, Anaya?” Since meeting my little fae, I’ve kept heavy talks to a minimum to not overwhelm her. I’ve loved her and shown her she can trust me without asking for anything in return, but no more. Now we’re going to confront everything together, fight for her people together because she is the rightful queen.

We’ll rule both kingdoms as one. I’ll never ask her to give up her birthright, just as I’m not going to control her; my female only kneels for her king in the bedroom, as I will for her. As leaders, we’re equals, and her ideas and opinions are just as important as mine.

“Because all I had was my mother, Leo.”

“I know that, but what does it have to do?—”

“She begged me to never show them my ability. No matter what, I wasn’t to interfere and heal her, but I was stubborn and didn’t listen. The last time I did, he’d…”

“What did that bastard do, Anaya?”

“He had bled her for black practices after apunishment.” She takes in a deep inhale, giving herself a moment to gather her thoughts. “At the time, I didn’t know Father used her magic—the very ties that flow through her veins—to control those who opposed him. You see, the fae are connected through blood to their monarchy, and my mother’s essence was the key to his rise. Because of her, they felt the sacred bond within him. That’s why each member of our kingdom answered the call. Why they kneeled for the man wearing a golden crown—their very being demanded it—and I’d grown up thinking it was normal. That he was our rightful leader.”

“But it changed? How did you figure it out?”

“Because walls are thin, and I listened. I made it my job to care for Maman when he’d taken so much she couldn’t walk right after. I also visited the library quite a bit behind the guise of polishing my lessons on royal etiquette. All lies, but I began to put things together, and later, having her confirm things further cemented my perception.” She’s pensive again, as if remembering. Reliving. “Father was someone untrustworthy.Hewas wrong for our people.”

“Why didn’t your mother reclaim her throne? Leave with you?” That earns me a displeased tug through our bond; a literal yank of the symbolic chain that binds our souls, making me grunt and then chuckle. Our connection is a wondrous thing. From the very beginning, it’s demolished everything I knew about mates—defies rationality—and I find myself living for each little discovery we make along the way. “Be nice, precious one. I’m just asking a question while trying to jog your memory. No malice intent.”

“Why?”

“Because of something Ruben said. Need to verify it.”

“I’m going to need more than that.” Once more, she doesn’t play nice. Instead, Anaya gives me another sharp pull, and it’s not so much that she’s annoyed this time, but more so because she can. My earlier reaction amused her, even though the subject matter at hand was difficult.

“Anaya.” Voice a near growl. Playful, yet hungry.

“Or what?”The little tease.

She’s bratty. A bit sassy.

And I motherfucking love her all the more for trying to lighten the heavy discussion. Not for herself, but because she feels what I do—my worry and trepidation—and is trying to ease me. Selfless, even if it hurts her.The same way she took care of Amelia all those years.

Exhaling roughly, I press my lips to the crown of her head and simply breathe her in. Stay that way as I tighten my hold on her. “Right now, we’re going to finish this conversation, and then I’m going to meet with Tero and Theodore. But make no mistake, Anaya. I’m going to tally each offense, starting with the way you reacted earlier in bed, and make you repent on your knees and then on your back later. Not today, though. Today, I’ll baby you.”

A shiver runs through her at the same time her natural scent spikes—that strawberries-and-cream decadence—just enough to let me know I affect her. Unlike shifters who feel the pull through scent, Wiccans see the physical manifestation like plumes of smoke. Not large, but rather a mist that rises from her skin, more so after mates vow themselves to each other.

Father explained this would happen during one of our many talks.

You’ll see her colors, my son. They’ll call out and surround you like an early morning mist, providing cover while guiding your way to her. The Gods will never hide your female from you.

“Today, I’ll soothe you and give your heart the refuge it needs, but come daylight, I’m going to fuck you. I’ll reassure the little fae who marked my cock, whose fangs left behind the most beautiful mating imprint, that I am hers. That she will always own me.”

6

ANAYA

His promise settles my being.

Maybe it’s the emotion behind each syllable or the way he stares at me, sees me, that mends together the shattered pieces left behind by my family. Even now, knowing that my father and brother are dead—that they’ll never physically hurt me again—I’m reminded of every snide word or sting of their hands. That they’d rather me be dead than happy with my true mate.

I could’ve missed out on this had they forced me to accept Brice.

But then, there’s Leonardo’s touch.

How one single caress from a fingertip or the way he cages me in brings me to life. My back is currently to his front while his exhales give way to small kisses between each whispered vow ofI’m here. He’s warm and open and hisworryfor me is touching. Because I’ve gone through life yearning—to know I’m the center of someone’s universe—and it’s something I could never live without again.

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