Page 23 of Regressive

It’s tempting to see what it says about me, but a flash of the appointment with Anex’s healer rushes to my mind, and I don’t want to know. I’m barely able to make it through one day at a time now. To see it written on paper? I can’t.

So I focus on the thinnest file of the three. Camille Sanders Montgomery. My heart sinks before I flip back the cover. It’s too thin. Sure enough, there’s a single sheet and a photo of my mother—young—right after college. The paperwork is succinct. Name, age, history, and a big red stamp across the page: Regressive.

The elephants in my belly vanish and are replaced with something else. Something I didn’t know I was carrying until I saw the file.

Curiosity.

Real, genuine, curiosity.

Who is Camille Montgomery? Where is she? And why has Anex scrubbed her history?

I realize laterthere is one person I can ask.

During my lunch break, I take the gravel road to the cluster of single person residences near the gym. Anex was an early adopter of small, environmentally sustaining homes. His theory is that people don’t need to spend so much time isolated, not if they live in a strong community. Bathrooms and kitchens are part of a shared space in the center. My father has lived in one of these homes since my mother left, and I moved into the Domum.

I knock on the door knowing he should be home. I checked his work schedule before I left the office. I have access to everyone’s daily schedule, and his said he was off today. As expected, it only takes him a moment to open the door. “Imogene,” he says, his voice conveying his surprise. He recovers quickly, spreading his arms wide and giving me a hug. “How are you?”

“Good,” I reply, allowing the gentle hug. My relationship with my father is superficial. The people of Serendee are my family. Anex my leader. Rex my mate. We both understand this. “How are you?”

“Wonderful.” He gestures to the small front porch and we both take a seat on the ledge. “It’s been a long time since you’ve visited,” he says. “But I know you’ve been busy with your Order and the excitement of joining Anex’s family.”

He beams. It’s a rare honor to become part of the inner circle. It reflects on him as well—just like it reflected on us when my mother was forced to leave. My current status elevates us both, which is why my coming here—and the reason behind it—is such a risk.

“It’s definitely been a change,” I say, smoothing out my dress. “Getting used to living with Rex has been eye opening.” I give him a smile. “I’m sure you and mom went through your own challenges when you got married.”

His grin slightly wavers. “That was a long time ago. It’s hard to remember.”

“I’m sure.” I take a deep breath. “I need to ask you something.”

“Anything, sweetheart. I owe you a betrothal gift.”

“That isn’t necessary.” I look around, checking to make sure we’re truly alone. All I hear is the birds chirping and the sounds of a tractor off in the distance. “Do you have a way to contact her?”

His head tilts. “Her?”

I hold his eye and a deep line forms on his forehead. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yes, you do, and I know it’s an inappropriate topic, but I need to know.”

He shakes his head, and I don’t miss how his hands tremble. “Imogene, you’ve come farther than I ever expected with the mark of your mother’s betrayal following you around. Why would you dig this up now?”

“It’s important,” I say, feeling the lump build in the pit of my stomach. “To me.”

“No. Someone else is behind this.” His voice is barely a whisper. I say nothing, just give him a hard look and he replies. “Anex? He wants this information? Is this a test? Is he questioning my loyalty?”

“No!” I say, too forcefully. A crow takes flight off the top of the community building. “No, daddy,” I say, using the name from my childhood. “It isn’t a test. Anex will never know. This is just between the two of us. I…” I swallow. “I’m about to mate with a powerful man and honestly, there are times in a woman’s life where only one person can help her. I need my mother.”

He takes my hand and squeezes it. The skin rougher than what I remember. “I can’t help you, Imogene. And if you’re smart you won’t ask anyone else. If,” he looks around, “if anyone hears of this, the consequences will be swift. Not even Rex will be able to help you.”

It was a long shot, a stupid idea to come here. My mother wouldn’t contact him anyway. My father is too weak. He doesn’t carry the streak of defiance that runs through my blood—that clearly came from her.

“I understand,” I say, rising. “I’m sorry if I upset you.”

His blue eyes hold mine. “I’m sorry I couldn’t give you what you wanted, but it’s for your own good, sweetheart, I promise you.”

I nod, taking a step away from the man I used to call my father. I realize now that whatever bond we shared back then is truly dissolved. Anex probably knew that the day he sent my mother away.

It’s probably safer for both of us this way.

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