Page 109 of Ashes of Saints

She knows.

AURORA

“I know, sweetheart. That’s why I’m here,” Parker says.

Of course it is.

Not because he wants me. I never thought he did. He either returns for more information or to tell me some more shocking news. Diane beat him to it.

The world around me comes back into focus, so I lift my face and start moving out of his arms. I can’t give any more of myself to anyone who doesn’t love me.

My mother stole me.

I was trafficked, and she fucking stole me from my real mother. My real father. My family.

Everything about my life is a fucking lie. My name. My birthday. My...everything.

She stole me and kept me as her little doll inside her house. That’s why I was homeschooled. That’s why I was never allowed to play with other kids.

I suppose by the time I was old enough to go to college Marianne—her real name—figured it was safe and that my false identity wasn’t a threat to her.

Or didn’t care.

She’d had her baby, and now I was an adult that she apparently was irritated by.

Diane’s words float back to me. She couldn’t have children and told me that one day she was in a grocery store then spotted you. She wanted you and phoned a man who helped her to kidnap you.

David Stone.

Parker’s father.

Diane had kept talking while I sat stunned, just staring at her.

I don’t know much more than that. I suppose your mother felt she needed to confess to someone as she got older. I nearly went to the police, but I watched you one day and knew that it would destroy your life.

She loved you. You were happy.

Then Diane had left.

“Stay.” Parker tightens his arms around me. “You’re in shock.”

“I’m fine, you can go.” I push his arm.

I need to go. Get away from him. Run from everyone and everything. This house. My mother’s memories.

I start shaking violently, but feel numb.

“I’m not going anywhere, Aurora.” His voice is thick with emotion. I can’t look away from his beautiful face.

God, I’ve missed him so much.

I want to throw myself into his arms. I want to scream at the unfairness of what has happened to me.

I hate him and...I can’t. I can’t let myself feel the rest.

My life isn’t even mine.

I’m no one.

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