“You’ve got a nice setup here,” Devyn noted. I was glad he was conversing because I didn’t know what to say.
“I’m lucky Father was kind enough to provide me with my own home.”
“What do you do with yourself all day?” my mate asked.
Roy tapped the computer. “I have a job.”
His father got him a house and a job? Wow, some people landed on their feet. Inside I was fuming but that wasn’t good for the baby.
“And before you say it was all Father’s doing, it wasn’t. I changed my name and got a job selling real estate, you know the job I did before going into management in Father’s organization.”
Roy nodded at the house. “And I’m paying off this place.”
Devyn and I shared a glance. He hadn’t mentioned the big issue, the one that must have turned Roy’s life upside down.
“I know what you’re thinking.” Roy closed the laptop. “You want to ask about my wolf and my identity as a shifter.”
“Yes. I can’t lie because I am curious,” my mate admitted.
“The early days were dark. I hid away from the world and comforted my wolf.”
I almost felt sorry for his beast but couldn’t bring myself to pity Roy. I had when I first heard about his situation but seeing him face to face brought up terrible memories.
“My wolf has gone into hibernation, saying if there is a possibility he can shift in the future, I’m to wake him up.”
“So you’re living as a human?”
Roy nodded. “I thought it would be like when I was younger and hadn’t yet met my beast. But then I had something to look forward to. Now part of me has been taken away and that’s hard.”
Neither Devyn nor I reacted, at least not outwardly, to what Roy had said. We’d come here for closure not to say how sorry we were he’d treated us like crap.
“I’m not looking for forgiveness. It is what it is and I’m adjusting to my life. Father’s wolf could have killed me so I’m grateful.”
I finally decided to speak up. “You treated Devyn badly, you worked with Sebastian to fuck over your father and us and I don’t see you making amends.” I held up my hand as Roy went to speak. “And no I’m not talking about money.”
“Do you want an apology?” Roy raised his voice, signaling the old Roy was still there. Devyn growled and his wolf’s claws extended until his brother muttered, “Sorry, sorry.”
“We’re fine, especially with the baby on the way, and Heston’s dad is doing well, so we need nothing from you. But are you doing anything to atone? You must have earned a lot of bad karma.”
“I volunteer at a homeless shelter on the weekends.”
That was better than nothing but even though he no longer “had” his wolf, I couldn’t help feeling Roy got off easily.
Devyn gave me a “Shall we go?” look and I nodded.
“While you are my brother…half brother… we won’t be in touch again. I can only speak for myself when I say you caused me so much pain and that will always come between us.”
“Same here.” I wasn’t in the mood for a long speech. I’d said my bit.
“Fair enough. Enjoy your life. I expect you’ll be a better dad than Father ever was to us.”
We said our goodbyes and didn’t speak until we were in the car and driving away. I couldn’t imagine losing part of yourself and while I wasn’t sure if the punishment fit the crime, I was glad Roy was out of our lives.
“That was interesting.” Devyn pulled up at a red light.
“I guess you could call it that.”
“Are we done with all the goodbyes now?”
