Page 28 of Love & Violence

I wipe the tears from my face. “Me, too. But my mate and I survived, and that’s all I care about.”

I study my friend’s face. There is more than worry in her expression.

I clutch her hand in mine. “Let’s go over here and talk.”

Sitting on one of the stone benches in the rose garden, I face Isabel.

“Tell me what’s going on?” I ask her.

Isabel looks down at her hands. “You know I’ve had a crush on your brother for years, right?”

I smile. “Yes.” I always envisioned having Isabel as my sister-in-law.

She sighs, looking up at the sky. “Things are changing.”

“Like what?” I ask.

“His scent is different.”

I tried to remember if anything had changed with my brother. “It might have to do with the fact he’s taking command of the family?”

“No, it was before. I think he’s found his mate,” Isabel says sadly.

I vaguely remember someone saying something about it, but I’m not sure. So much has happened these past few days that not everything has sunk in yet. I studied my friend and guessed that Isabel’s heart was broken because there was no chance for her now.

“I’m sorry. I know you love Domenico, but we both knew the likelihood of you being his mate was slim.”

She nods. “I know. Do you think I’ll ever find my mate?”

I squeeze her hand. “I know you will.”

My heart breaks for her, but it isn’t up to me to find Isabel’s mate. The universe will guide my friend toward her destiny.

“Will you come with me to the kitchen?” I ask, trying to distract her from her sadness.

Isabel nods.

I’m not really hungry, but it’s been a long time since I’ve eaten anything, and I’m still not completely healed from the torture. And the baby inside of me needed nutrients.

I debate whether to tell Isabel about the baby. My heart hurts at not being able to share this news with my friend, but I don’t know if it would make her happy or make her even sadder. I decided to wait a few days.

After eating a bowl of soup, I hug Isabel and go to my bedroom. The day has been long, and I still have some blood on me. I need a long hot shower and some sleep. My mind keeps drifting to my mate and the meeting with his father, and I hope it’s going well. I don’t think I have to worry about violence because Draven hadn’t looked concerned.

The shower felt wonderful, and I scrubbed my hair and body twice. I could feel the exhaustion grow as I dried my hair and knew I needed to get in bed. I put my panties and nightgown on and lay down. I tried to sleep, but my mind wouldn’t shut down and let me rest. I climb out of bed and stand by the window, looking out at the back garden. I knew I wouldn’t be able to rest until Draven came home.

Chapter Nine

Psych

Domenico and I drive in complete silence, both lost to our thoughts. When we reach the Fallen Legion compound, I can easily see my father has put the club in lockdown. When I decided to send Rat and Rylee back, I made sure they knew to tell my father the truth.

He needed to know what was happening so he could prepare for the war I was sure would break out. I couldn’t have the death of anyone I cared for on my conscience.

Dom parks the large black SUV facing the entrance in front of the clubhouse. The door opens, and my sister walks out with a scowl marring her features.

“Do you think she can ever accept me as her mate?” Domenico asks in the silence of his vehicle.

“I’m not sure,” I reply honestly. “But if we can end this war once and for all, then there may be a chance.”

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