Page 126 of Covenant

I grit my teeth, hating what I’m about to do. Cade, Dalton, and Harley might have no issue throwing around our family name to get their way, but I’ve never done it. Just the thought brings a sour taste into my mouth.

But if it might help Wyatt, I’ll do it. I’ll do whatever it takes.

“If you don’t assist me with this, I’ll be forced to call my father.”

The cop gives a long-suffering sigh. “Okay, I’ll bite. Who’s your father?”

“Buckingham,” I grind out. “Phillip Buckingham.”

If I wasn’t so stressed about Wyatt, it might be comical how fast the cop pales. “You’re a Buckingham?”

The name grates, just as it always does. It means nothing other than tying me to the monster who’s caused all of this. “Yes. Now can I see Wyatt?”

The cop bobs back and forth in his chair a moment before standing. “Just a moment, please.”

It’s the most courteous he’s been since I stepped in here and I hate it. I hate that the fucking sound of my father’s name has people behaving differently.

He returns after a few minutes, face still pale but grimly set.

“Well,” I demand when he doesn’t speak. “Can I see him now?”

“No,” he says curtly. “I called your father. He’s given us explicit instructions to not allow you access to the delinquent.”

Delinquent.That’s Father’s word, not the cop’s.

“You called him?”

“What, you think I was just going to take your word for it?” the cop asks mockingly, before seeming to remember who he’s speaking to. The family I belong to. “Anyway, nothing to worry about. He’s sending a car for you now to take you home. Can I get you a coffee in the meantime?”

I don’t answer him. I’m already striding for the exit, ignoring his shouts behind me. He curses as he struggles to get the gate beside his desk unlocked.

But he’s wasting his time. I’m already gone. My legs carry me into the night before he can catch up to me. I don’t stop moving until my knees force me to, my lungs burning with the effort of tugging in breath after breath.

I collapse, my stomach emptying itself onto the street. I heave until there’s nothing left, falling back on my heels and turning my face to the sky.

What trumped-up charges has Father had Wyatt arrested on? Will he go to prison? That can’t happen. We have plans. We’re going to college…

It hits me then—Wyatt’s dreams of becoming a lawyer.

He can’t do that if he has a criminal record.

No. This can’t be happening.This can’t be happening.We’re on the cusp of our future, of finally breaking free of the constraints that have held us, as different as diamonds and rope, but constraints all the same.

It’s supposed to be our time.

Wyatt is supposed to be safe at home right now. Sleeping in his bed, dreaming of the day in a few months’ time when he’ll finally be free. Free to live the life he’s always dreamed of.

And it’s being taken away.

Because of me.

Because I dared to love him.

This is all my fault.

Wyatt has done nothing to deserve this. Nothing.

It’s. All. My. Fault.

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