Page 38 of Ruler

This isn’t right… Abel isn’t a Drákon. He’s… well, I don’t know what his last name is. But to be a Drákon he’d have to either be part of the family, or the consort of either granddad or dad’s. Considering that this is news to me, I can’t even say which option is less likely.

Abel glares openly at Ana, making his dislike for her known but rather than answering Kai or Ana, Abel ignores them and walks up to me. “I’ve been looking all over for you,” he says.

Ignoring the desperate lilt to his tone, I volley, “I could say the same. Where have you been, Abel?”

Shaking his head, he grasps my hands, ignoring Kai’s warning growl. “There’s no time for that right now. Something terrible has happened—”

He doesn’t get the chance to finish talking before I interrupt him. “Are Liam and Gus okay?” I ask.

Abel’s eyes are glassy, not projecting the steadfastness and all-knowing certainty I’m used to from him.

“I need to speak to the two of you,” the Drákon doctor says as he looks between me and Kai. “Alone.”

My brows sit high on my forehead, I’m confused about Abel’s behavior. I can’t even begin to imagine why he’s here, or why he isn’t surprised by seeing Kai and me standing this close. Then there’s the way he and Ana keep eyeing each other like they’re old… either friends or enemies—or maybe something in between. But they know each other, I’m sure of it.

“Of course,” Ana says. Then she swiftly moves to the door, closing it behind her without a goodbye or a backwards glance.

“What’s the meaning of this, Abel?” Kai asks, his tone menacing and his posture rigid. Where my husband is obviously agitated by Abel’s presence, I’m relieved. “Where have you been?” I cry.

Tears well in my eyes for no damn reason. I love Abel dearly, and I’ve always considered him family. Yet I’ve never really missed him before, and I definitely haven’t put as much effort as I could have into finding him. Despite all of that, I feel content now that he’s here.

“I’m sorry, Acacia.” Abel licks his dry lips. “But I had to leave you.” He rolls his lips together, as though he’s physically having to stop himself from talking.

“Leave me?” I sound like the wood nymph Echo, doomed to repeat the last thing someone else said without speaking words of her own.

“Ahh…” Abel pauses and runs his hand through his thinning hair. “It might be better if we could talk alone.”

“The hell I’ll let you be alone with Acacia,” Kai thunders at the same time as I shake my head.

“No. You can say whatever you need to in front of my hu… in front of Kai.” I mentally scold myself for almost outing my marriage to Kai.

This double-life shit is hard, especially when I’m around people I’m used to letting my guard down near. Abel’s always been a trusted member of my family, so I don’t understand why I’m now feeling trepidation near him.

When Abel exhales deeply, Kai takes my hand and squeezes. His touch grounds me, reminding me I’m not alone.

“I’m so sorry, Acacia but…” Abel seems to be struggling with himself, and his eyes are glistening with unshed tears.

My lips part, and I want to ask Abel what he’s sorry for, yet I can’t. No words come to me as I look at the deep worry wrinkles on his forehead. I’ve seen this look on him once, so I already know what he’s trying to tell me. I can feel it in the deepest part of me, and I know that this time it’s for good. It’s no ruse, it’s the sad truth.

“Acacia—”

“No,” I hiss, baring my teeth like an animal. “Don’t you fucking dare say it. I don’t want to hear it.”

The room begins to spin, making me dizzy.

I try to tune Abel out because I don’t want to hear the words. Even though I knew this day was looming, it can’t be now. That’s too cruel.

I…

I…

“Kai,” I gasp, reaching for my husband at the same time as my legs give out and my vision fails me.

Then everything goes black.

Chapter 13

Liam

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