Page 97 of Hupotasso
A bite that is about to destroy four lives.
Viper’s right. This will destroy Falcon. But it’s not just his life that’s going to be ruined. If I’ve learnt anything about Falcon over the past year, I’ve learned this: He does not forgive, and he does not forget. I have no doubt he’ll kill me. And I fear he’ll cast out or kill Jag. But I also know he’ll be bound to keep my son, even believing it’s not his, in order to appease The Families. My adorable little boy is going to be taken from me, one way or the other, and raised in a cold, stark castle without his mother’s love — without any love.
And this is the cruellest cut of all.
If there was just a way,anyway, to avoid Viper’s plan coming to fruition. But The Free Men had obviously not found a solution yet, and Yin had run out of time.
Her job now is to raise my daughter.
I say nothing as Jag murmurs sweet promises about how we’ll still see each other as friends and companions, how he’ll still be able to spend time with our son, and how everything will work out. I just need to be positive. But his words wash over me as I stare down into the deep, purplish eyes of my baby boy and think of my little girl, and how I’ll never see her again either.
I squeeze my eyes shut as the physical and emotional exhaustion grips me, but when I open them again I wish I hadn’t, because we’ve entered the grounds of the estate.
As the car comes to a halt I look at Jag, wishing for the ten millionth time that I could send telepathic messages and override Viper’s poison.
But it’s impossible.
“What is it?” He urges, staring at my strained expression.
“I wish to god I could say,” I choke.
My legs are shaking in trepidation as he exits the vehicle first, holding the door open for me. I want to shrink back and scream at the driver to speed off, but I meekly step out, holding my baby tight, the power of Viper’s bite overriding all my senses now that I’m once again in his proximity; my rebellion superseded by my subservience.
Looking up at the wide rock stairs I see the great double doors of the castle swing open, and Eleanor and Falcon head down the steps, his eyes on mine, expression pained. Seeing his beautifulface every cell in my body yearns to be in his arms, to explain everything in a babble of truth and emotion. To tell him that I understand everything, all the lies, the heartache, the violence, the terrible words — I understand it all, and I forgive him.
And I love him.
Only him.
But behind him Viper leans against the doorjamb smoking a long thin cigar, his eyes glittering in malevolent anticipation.
Eleanor stops a few steps above Falcon as Jag releases his supporting grip on my elbow and Falcon reaches us, pulling him into a bear hug.
“Brother, thank you.”
“Of course.”
I say nothing as Jag nods to Eleanor and walks past her to head indoors, leaving me standing with the baby, andhim. His eyes are wary as he meets my gaze, but they slip immediately to the infant in my arms and he smiles, his expression soft when he looks back at me.
“Angie. Please, come inside. Mother is itching to hold her first grandchild.”
I nod, my eyes flicking behind him to her, before becoming trapped, mesmerised, by Viper’s dark glare as Jag reaches the doors.
As Falcon turns to lead me up the stairs Viper places a hand against Jag’s chest and shoves him roughly, causing him to stumble backwards, but right himself quickly.
Jag roars in indignation as Viper throws aside his cigar and pushes him again.
“Falcon,” Viper shouts. “I think there’s something you should know before you invite these traitors inside our home.”
I stop mid-step, my face paling.
“Viper,” Falcon growls, “what’s the meaning of this?”
“Another game!” Jag snarls.
“No games,” Viper snorts. “Lord Dragonspur, your best friend and your wife have been playing house under your nose for long enough. Ask her whose child she carries, whosesonshe plans to pass off asyours.”
I gasp as Jag swings, his fist connecting with Viper’s jaw with a loud crack, the force hurling him over the side of the stairs and into the shrubbery.
