Page 75 of Forsaken Desire
He’d always treated me like a son because of it.
Once, I’d chosen this world over my mate—a stupid choice—it had cost me years without Josephine. It had cost her more than she could ever understand, and that was because of me, too.
The sickness balled in my stomach since she’d shown up had only thickened with each passing moment.
Guilt.
If I hadn’t rejected her. She would have been protected.
I failed her.
It was my cross to bear.
“I just ask that you allow us to leave unscathed,” Erik finally spat out.
I raised an eyebrow.
“As long as Cierra leaves my mate be, there will be nothing I’ll have to do.”
“Son,” Henry mumbled, tipping the glass and chugging the whiskey. “Duty.” His head dropped forward.
I met Erik’s gaze, which hadn’t moved from me. His friendship with my parents was what had caused all this; they needed to be gone from my presence.
“Fine. I want you gone by tomorrow.” He stood and lowered his head submissively. “But know.” I paused. “If I ever see her again, I’ll snap her neck.” He turned, stiff, and strode out.
I laced my hands on my desk. The land had been sold out from under me, but I no longer cared. Drake could do what he pleased; I had my fated.
I’d once endangered the wholeness she made me feel. Never again.
“You’re the only good thing that came from this mating, Lucian,” Henry slurred. He swiped the back of his hand across his mouth. His eyes opened, and the glazed look had a smidgen of clarity. “I’m leaving your mother.”
I raised an eyebrow.
I’d always known they were unhappy . . .
“Why now?”
“Imagine mating yourself to Cierra, when you always wanted your Josephine,” he croaked. “I’m the product of that.” The waft of alcohol on his breath made his point clear. That was why he hadn’t seemed bothered about Alex not being his. Hedidn’tcare. He mumbled more nonsensical shit.
Wealth. Status. Linage. That was what he had chosen. It was whatI’dmistakenly chosen. A mistake that almost cost me my life, my chance at happiness. I rubbed the middle of my chest like I could soothe the bond. Like I could apologize to it for how I treated the gift.
I would have been with Cierra. Each day would have been a drudge.
Happiness didn’t touch me until Josephine had returned. Even before her, being with Cierra had been purely duty and pride.
I didn’t get the chance to ask my father anything, because his next breath was him slumping in his chair.
I scratched my temple. None of it mattered to me. I just wanted to be back with my mate. Once I was striding out of my office, I navigated to the message she sent me.
She’d sent the message five minutes ago. Fear skittered up my spine and I quickened my stride, clicking on her name. The call went directly to voicemail.
Dread thickened in my throat. No one should be there other than Sorin posted outside my house. I called him and it continued ringing.
Fuck.
I dialed Bruno.
“Get to your Luna,” I snarled.
