Page 121 of Kiss of Light

Lemar looked at his father, astonished. This was new territory for them; talking about matters of the heart.

“Why do you say that?” he asked cautiously.

“I spoke to her earlier. She loves you so much that she would rather break her own heart than make you live in a childless future.”

“What?What the fuck are you talking about? Why would she even be thinking like that?”

“Because I made her.”

Vassago was entirely unruffled as Lemar’s eyes darkened in anger.

“What did you say to her?”

“I told her if she really loved you, she would let you go so you can be with a compatible partner. I told her our lineage depended on it.”

“You bastard.” Lemar was barely controlling his fury. “Where is she? Did you send her away?”

“I did not. She left of her own accord. My guess is she’s gone through the Gate back to the human world.”

Lemar stormed away and his father blurred in front of him.

“Where are you going?”

“To find her. You can forget about me staying in Palissandra. My place is by her side.”

“Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Get out of my way.”

He made to go round his father and Vassago gripped his arm. He was stronger than his son and he held on as Lemar turned angrily, eyes blazing.

“Son, wait. I’m not going to stop you. But I need to tell you one more thing.”

“Why the fuck would I listen to you? Ever since mother died you’ve been cold and emotionless. I was an idiot to think you’d changed.”

“Yes. You are right.” Lemar was startled into silence by his father’s admission. “When I lost your mother, I lost the capacity to love. To feel empathy. And she would be ashamed of me.”

“If you know what it’s like to lose your mate then why…?”

“Because I thought I was doing what was best for you. But I should have realised that asking your shaitun to leave was like asking you to live without a limb. I was wrong.”

Lemar could hardly believe his ears. His father had never, not once, admitted he was wrong.

“So what are you saying?”

“Go to her. Tell her I will support Lord Shadeed no matter what. Tell her I’m a foolish old man and she is welcome to stay in Palissandra for as long as she wants.”

“You’ll accept her even though she isn’t Vetali?”

“I will.” Lemar was already on his way out of the Grand Hall when he caught his father’s next words. “After all, it wouldn’t be the first time.”

He turned back slowly.

“Whatdid you say?”

Fifty One

“Yes, D, I’m fine. Honestly. I’ll tell you all about it when I see you. Oh, and check the account. My boss should have paid me by now. Double rates. Take what you need to cover your costs.”

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