Page 64 of Hard Shift

Elizabeth tilted her head, unsure what the hell the old man was talking about. “Blessing for what?”

He glanced up from their joined hands to Elizabeth. His face softened. “Now that he’s immortal, you can complete the mating bond without killing him.”

“Hate to break it to you, old man, but I don’t need your blessing. I’ve gone my whole life without it, and I’ll live the rest of my life the same way.”

“Lizzie, give him a chance,” Rhys said softly. “He’s the reason you were born. He’s the reason I found you, and he’s the reason that we can finally be together.”

Her heart skipped a beat, and her belly fluttered as she squeezed Rhys’ hand, but she still couldn’t let go of the anger toward her father, not without him feeling the same pain.

“Rhys, I know you think I need him, but I don’t. I only need you. I”—she swallowed around the lump in her throat—“can’t forgive him.”

“Baby, I know this is hard, but in the end, you’ll thank me.” He glanced up at the king. “Hurt her again, and I’ll kill you myself.”

“How dare you.” The king bristled.

“With all due respect, sir, you did this to yourself. If this is the best she can do, you have to accept that. A wise friend once told me that, with your daughter, trust had to be earned. If you want a relationship with her, then I suggest you start trying, because crown or not, I won’t let you hurt her again. I may not be related by blood, but Iamher family, and I will protect her, even if that means protecting her from you.”

Seconds that seemed like minutes ticked by before her father spoke again. His voice softened. “Glad to hear you say that.” He paused. “Because when you complete the bond, you’ll be her protector. Evan will have fulfilled his duties, and the connection between Evan and Elizabeth will be severed.”

“What?” Lizzie asked, unsure she’d heard him correctly. “I thought there was no way to break the tie. He would have told me.”

Her father pressed his lips together. “Of course he didn’t tell you. He knew you would never be able to complete the mating bond with Rhys or anyone else. He’d never leave you alone and unprotected. Ever.”

Her heart fell into her stomach, and she looked down at her hands. He was always supposed to be in her life. In the short time, she’d known him, he had been the only one besides Rhys who attempted to understand. What was life going to be like without Evan in it? She’d come to care for him, maybe not as a mate, but as a friend. Would he even consider her a friend if it weren’t mandated? She could hear her father’s heavy step as he left without another word, letting her ponder what would be.

Rhys used the crook of his finger to lift her gaze. “Lizzie. I’m sorry, baby. I know you care about him.”

She swallowed, and a tear slid down her cheek.

“I’m thankful he’s been there for you.” He brushed his lips across hers in a heartfelt kiss, making her close her eyes. Another tear slipped free.

“I need to talk to him.” She opened her eyes. “Either way, he’ll be crushed or elated. Whatever his reaction, it’s going to hurt me.”

No need to tell me. You already did,Evan said into her mind.I’m due for a vacation. Lizzie, it’s better this way. You love him, and he’ll make you happy.

Evan…

I just need some time. Goodbye, Lizzie.

Don’t go,she pleaded.Let me help you.

****

Evan didn’t answer back. No matter how many times she called for him in her head, the answer was always the same. He was silent.

Elizabeth took one last look in the bathroom mirror and gave herself a sad smile. Butterflies flitted in her belly at the thought of completing the bond with Rhys. He made her happy, yet she knew the minute she bit him her connection with Evan would be forever gone. One more try. One more final goodbye. She had to try.

This is your last chance, you stubborn ass. I won’t hear you again. I love Rhys with every fiber of my being, Evan, and I can’t change that, but you and I….it wasn’t supposed to end this way. I miss your friendship. I miss you.

Silence greeted her as she gripped the sink tighter and lowered her head. Her shoulders deflated while waiting and hoping that he’d reply.

Go bite your mate already and get out of my head, Abigail.

Her eyes popped open, and a small smile tilted on her lips at him calling her the name meant to aggravate her.

Asshole.

Takes one to know one, princess.

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