Page 49 of Unmasked Legacy

Saying the words out loud don’t make my revelation any easier.

That revelation being that the only person who can give me answers about my mother ... is my father.

It wasn’t something I came to easily, in fact, it is something I have been trying to avoid since the day I came back here. I hoped that I could find my answers without him, but the truth is, I can’t. He is the only person who can tell me what I need to know, he is also the last person in the world I would ever want to see.

The very thought of going in there makes me sick to my stomach.

“That’s a big decision.”

Jace is the only person I trust enough to tell this truth to, and I hope I’m making the right choice in telling him.

“Tell me about it,” I say, softly, staring down at the untouched cup of coffee. “But I don’t think there is any other way for me to find what I need. Harry can’t reopen the investigation into my mother’s death and I just ... I need to know, Jace.”

“I’m not saying you’re wrong, believe me. I would want to know, too. I’m more concerned about your feelings surrounding it. That is something that could be very confronting. You haven’t seen him since the day he got arrested, and you haven’t spoken to him, either.”

I swallow. “I know.”

Reaching across the table, Jace takes my hand. “If you need someone with you, I’ll come.”

My heart warms at his kindness, and I’m immediately overcome with guilt for not being as good to him as I should have. He’s been so decent to me, and I’ve been tangled up obsessing over someone who doesn’t even want me. Now that’s clear, I’m horrified by it. I don’t know what got into me, or what it is about Wolfe that caught me, but I know now that it’s best if I keep my distance.

I can’t hide forever, I know that.

I stayed in a hotel last night, but I need to go back, to get my things and face the music.

I needed to make a choice first, and now that I’ve made that choice, I have to take the next step.

“Thank you.” I smile at Jace. “You’re a good person. I don’t know why you stick it out with me, but I appreciate you all the same.”

He smiles. “I think you’re worth sticking it out for.”

It’s moments like these I’d kill for a girlfriend in my life. It’s not something I’ve ever had. I’ve made friends, of course, but more casual types. I want the laugh until you cry, sleepover, be with me through my worst kind of girlfriend. Someone I can turn to when times get tough, to talk me out of doing stupid things like I did with Wolfe, and to keep me honest.

Maybe one day, I’ll get that lucky.

“I have to get going.” I exhale, taking a pathetic sip of my coffee but knowing I don’t have it in me to drink it. I’m too wound up with nerves. “I need to get my things and then find somewhere else to stay.”

Jace’s eyes narrow. “I told you, you can stay with me, Mera. You don’t have to stay with that club.”

“I know, but I don’t want to overwhelm you. My drama is deep.”

He chuckles. “I think I can handle it.”

I press my lips together, then smile. “You’re too nice. Let me go get my things, and I’ll call you, okay?”

He nods. “If you run into any trouble, call me straight away. I’ll get you out.”

I appreciate his offer, but I’d never put him in that position. I know what the club is like well enough to know it would only cause him problems.

Pushing to my feet, I offer one more smile. “Thank you.”

Then, I leave.

I know I have to go and face Wolfe, but the thought really isn’t appealing. I still feel a sting in my chest at the thought of him leaving the other day. He chose Esme, and that brings a level of shame I am struggling with. Shaking the thought from my head, I decide I will go in, get my things, and tell him we’re done. Then, I’ll leave.

I’ll find answers on my own.

I have no other choice.

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