Page 5 of Passion & Betrayal

“Go with your father. I’ll be in touch,” Sypher said.

I tightened my grip on his hand. I was afraid I’d never see him again.

He pulled me into his arms. “My sweet Bella. I will never leave you.”

I relaxed and nodded. “It was nice to meet you,” I said.

Sypher smirked. “You, too.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead, stepped back, and turned into his tiger.

I petted him one more time before he turned and ran off into the forest.

I had no idea how long I stood staring until my father put his arm around my shoulders.

“Come on, Honey,” Matteo said.

I reluctantly let him lead me away and into the car. I settled back against the cushions.

My father gripped my hand. “It will work out.”

I turned to look at him. He was gorgeous, and she never understood why he’d never dated. “What if they can’t get along?”

Matteo sighed. “I don’t know.”

“If I lose one of them, I’ll never feel whole.” The thought scared me. I don’t want to live my life not complete. I want the same that Rylee and Aryanna feel for their mates.

We pulled up in front of the place where the reception was being held. I could hear the soft music, talking, and laughter. This was something I’d been looking forward to since Aryanna told me about it, and now I have the urge to run and hide until I can think straight. But I can’t, so I will have to find the strength to pretend to be happy.

“I’ll park the car, sir,” the driver said.

Matteo nodded. “Thank you.”

He pulled me out of the car and kept a tight grip on me as we walked into the building. So many people are standing around me that I can only see the ones directly in front of me.

“Your table is this way,” Matteo said as he moved them through the crowd.

“Where will you be?” I asked. I couldn’t help feeling slightly panicked at the thought of being alone.

“I’ll be right behind you, Honey.”

I nodded and relaxed.

Cian stepped into their path, making me gasp. I could see the fury in his eyes and wanted to run.

“This isn’t the place,” Matteo said as he stepped in front of me.

Cian growled. “There’s no fucking way I’m walking away from my mate knowing another man has touched her and not knowing what the hell is going on.”

I tugged on my father’s shirt to get his attention.

Matteo looked over his shoulder at me. “What, Honey?”

“He won’t hurt me.” Of that, I was certain.

Cian reached around my father, grabbed my arm, and pulled me to his side.

“I don’t want her leaving the reception,” Matteo said.

I could tell that pissed Cian off, but I was glad for the slight reprieve.

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