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Wyn must wish she’d never let a monster like me into their lives.
Jake’s terror coats my tongue, and he stares at me like I’m a repulsive creature that crawled out from under his bed.
But that’s what a Boggart is—we’re where the legends of the Boogeymen came from.
He should look at me like this. This little boy didn’t deserve to be thrown into my nightmares.
And although my shadows have receded, they’re still a part of me—a reminder of the monster that I am.
I’m spiraling, lost in the horror of my own mind when a little hand lands on my shoulder.
It’s Jake.
Shrinking back, I flinch at the gentle contact, but Jake doesn’t move away. I brace for the worst.
“Bash? Are you ok?”
“Don’t touch me, buddy. I…I’m a monster.”
“I know. You’re a Boggart, remember?”
I choke on a breath and force myself to look at the darling child.
“Trust me, I remember. Only a Boggart can do the awful things I just did.”
“Why did you do them?”
“Because your mom was upset, and I lost control. I should’ve tried harder. I’m sorry.”
“Mommy says it’s okay to make mistakes as long as we learn from them.”
“She’s right, but some things aren’t forgivable, little buddy.”
“Yeah, but it’s not up to you if we forgive you, right? That’s up to Mommy and me—and I forgive you, Bash. I love you.”
His words hit me harder than a freight train, and I swallow back a sob when Jake flings himself into my arms.
I hang onto his hug like it’s a lifeline. I don’t deserve it, but I can’t let go of him, either.
Another set of arms joins Jake’s, and I realize Wyn is crouched down beside us.
“There’s nothing to forgive, Bash. You’re not a monster—you’re just a man who made a mistake. Lord knows I’ve made plenty of those, but you still love me, still see me.”
“For all of eternity, I will see you. I love you Wynona Archer.”
Jake lets out a gurgle of happiness, the taste a burst of heaven on my tongue.
From somewhere in the room, Wyn’s ex clears her throat.
Her eyes are red, rimmed with tears and terror, but she’s looking at my mate—not me.
“I…I’m sorry, Wyn.”
“As am I,” her father croaks.
Both are pale and shaking, clearly traumatized from what I did, and I hang my head in shame.
But Wyn tips it up, placing a soft kiss against my lips that breathes life back into my being.
