Page 62 of The Maestro's Mates
“And what about our father?”
Sebastian scoffed. “What about the asshole?”
There was a deep well of rage inside Veronica, that much was obvious. But something else. Grief, as well. It pressed down on them as she spoke.
“She drove him away. She kicked him out and told him he wasn’t welcome in our home, in our lives. She severed our magical ties with him. Over a lovers’ spat. We didn’t have a father because he cheated on her.”
A wave of anger emanated from Sebastian’s chest and radiated out to all parts of his body. The fact she would blame their mother for their deadbeat father’s actions was ridiculous.
“He was a powerful time witch. He is, assuming he’s still alive. If he’d wanted to reach us, he could have. He doesn’t deserve an ounce of your pity. And he doesn’t matter. I’m your brother, and I’m right here in front of you. Please.”
“Sebastian…” For a moment, he thought his sister might crack. The throbbing sadness and isolation in her voice were palpable. “I’m older than you. I remember how she treated him. She tortured him using their bond. I love you but…I can’t let it go…”
“I love you too, Vee.” Sebastian reached out to her from the ground, hoping she might take his hand. “Come back to the city. You can stay with me. We’ll find a place. Linda can keep to herself in Bayonne, and we’ll ignore her.”
At the mention of their mother’s name, Veronica’s gaze went cold. “No. She’s a monster, and she doesn’t deserve what she has.”
“Vee—”
“You can stay here until you decide to stand with me against her. Or until I’ve won in spite of you. But be careful. Family doesn’t mean anything without loyalty.”
Managing to stop himself from pointing out the hypocrisy of that statement, Sebastian stared at her. How could she not see how ridiculous this all was? How she was following in their mother’s footsteps?
Veronica took Sebastian’s silence for continued defiance.
“I’ll check back in a couple of days. Some time in the dark might change your mind.”
Chapter 24
Justin
When Justin arrived at the mansion in Bayonne, he wasn’t surprised to see three vampires—one visible and two hidden—guarding it. What he didn’t expect was Wolf sitting on the stoop, crossbow in hand, with an expression that said, “I haven’t left this spot in days.”
Dressed head to toe in ecru faux-military clothes, Wolf cut an intimidating figure, with his muscular frame and his square jaw. Justin’s chest tightened as he approached the man, but he steeled himself by thinking about Sebastian. He needed information.
“What?” Wolf barked as Justin approached.
Justin sucked in a breath and launched in.
“Where is Sebastian?”
The man looked him up and down, evaluating Justin like he was a piece of meat. Or maybe an army grunt who’d been found wanting.
“Wherever he is, you won’t be able to do anything. Mybrother can take care of himself. He doesn’t like when people try to help.” There was a hint of bitterness in Wolf’s tone, although his face was a frozen mask of indifference.
Taking a moment, Justin searched for a way to connect to the stoic man. He was no master manipulator, but maybe honesty would do the trick.
“He’s my mate. He’s been gone for days,” Justin said, brushing a blonde curl out of his eyes as he spoke. “Something’s wrong.”
Wolf walked to the bottom of the stoop, the old steps creaking under his heavy footfalls.
“Your mate? I thought you weren’t sure…” Wolf’s voice was softer now, but a challenge hummed in it. “Best leave it to those of us who are actually blood. Even if some forget that.”
“He is mymate,” Justin repeated. “I won’t leave him to die. Why won’t you help me?”
“Our family, and this Circle, was built on power. Between Veronica and Sebastian, whoever’s most powerful will prevail. It doesn’t change my life much…” Wolf’s eyes darted back to the house.
“Sebastian doesn’t hate you, even if you hate him. He feels guilty and sad and trapped by the past. He loves you. You’re his brother.”
