AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Someone cleared their throat behind us but I pointedly ignored them, choosing instead to focus on Cedra’s solid form under me. All the worries and scattered thoughts seemed to melt away and I cuddled close, needing to feel her around me.
“I was so worried,” I breathed against her hair. “There was so much blood.”
“I’m okay. Really,” she assured me. “Did the hunters hurt you?”
She tilted my head back to look into my eyes. Her fingers moved over my forehead, my cheeks, my lips, my chin until they went back to the side of my cheek that still throbbed.
It’s not so bad.
She nodded, catching my thought. But her fingers still lingered over my skin. I wondered briefly if there was a visible bruise.
I want to go home.
“In a minute,” she said out loud, trying to set me down. But I resisted, clinging to her with all the strength I had left.
She chuckled lightly, moving forward, one hand clasped tightly around my back.
“Dr. and Mrs. Oboid, I’m Cedra Holloway, Twyla’s Mate.”
I wondered if she had extended her hand in greeting while still holding me with the other. But I didn’t really care. I was at peace.
My parents didn’t respond, but Irah finally spoke up, setting her glass down with a clink.
“Well, I think it’s past time we left. This was rather...unpleasant.”
“Irah, I—” my Mother began, but didn’t finish her sentence as the pair left the house without a backwards glance.
I untethered myself from Cedra, landing on my feet on the hardwood floor. But I didn’t leave her side, pressing close.
“I’m sorry.” I wished my parents knew exactly how much I meant every word. “I know you wanted me to marry Tion, but he wouldn’t have made me happy. Not like Cedra.”
Mother pinched her temples as though she was nursing a headache. “I don’t understand. He was a perfect choice.”
“No,” I confirmed, looking up at my Mate. “He wasn’t.”
“I believe you already know where I live,” Cedra said to my father. “You’re welcome to visit Twyla whenever you want. Our community is particularly active during Solstice, and I will put both your names down on our approved visitors list.”
Father’s only acknowledgment of Cedra’s words was a hefty sigh. With a shake of his head, he turned and walked down the hallway, muttering to himself.
I turned to my mother, offering a small smile. Her lips wobbled at the corners, as though she was trying to return it, but she too turned and walked away a second later.
I really should’ve guessed that they’d react this way. Perhaps I’d known, in my heart of hearts, that they’d never be all right with me taking Cedra as a Mate. Their checklist for a good partner was vastly different from my own, with no common denominators.
I shouldn’t be hurt. I shouldn’t feel left behind as I watched them walk down the long hallway. Yet I did.
Before I could sink into that feeling, my eyes filling with tears, Cedra folded me into her arms, murmuring against my temple.
I didn’t even hear the words over the rush in my ears, but I clung to her, trying to draw strength from the sound of her voice.
