Page 187 of Bride By Initiation

"Tell me," I demand.

He hesitates, then says, "You have to agree to never speak to your mother about this. It would bring her great pain and fear if she knew that you were aware of what happened to your father."

I look at him in silence.

"Promise me," he orders.

"Okay. I promise."

"Your vow is as solid as your father's? I don't have to worry about your word?"

Insulted, I answer, "Of course it's as solid as my father's."

He releases an anxious breath. "Okay. Your mother witnessed your father's death. She was there the night it happened, and they threatened her, just like she told you.

"She did everything for you and your sister. And don't think for one moment that she doesn't carry the nightmare with her. She relives it over and over. So don't you dare go adding to her grief."

A cold chill runs down my spine as horror fills me. The thought of my mother watching my father die is unfathomable. I barely choke out, "Tell me you're lying."

Byrne's sadness is palpable. "I'm sorry, son, but I'm not."

"One more question. Why didn't my dad tell my mom about The Underworld?" I ask.

Byrne sighs. "Your father didn't want her to worry. Until he had everything perfect, he wasn't going to bring her into it. He made that decision to protect her. He loved her and you kids more than anything."

Emotions tighten my chest. All the puzzle pieces now fit together. I ponder everything he's told me.

My thoughts get interrupted when the alarm on his watch rings loudly.

I arch my eyebrows in question.

He announces, "The seventh moon is almost here. Lad, are you sure you want a seat at the table?"

More determined than ever, I lift my chin and reply, "Yes."

He rises and then pats me on the back. "Okay, son. Don't hesitate to do whatever it is they require of you for the last ceremony. Every seat at the table requires a sacrifice. If this is what you want, then the offering you and your wife agree to will be the price you pay."

A shiver racks me at his ominous words.

He opens the door. "Let's get you on the plane."

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30

Zara

When I get to work, I'm still fuming about our fight. Someone from The Underworld put those coins in our bathroom. But it doesn't negate the fact that he had lipstick in his pocket.

They put it there too.

I sigh and close my eyes, leaning against the elevator wall. My heart tells me that Sean wouldn't cheat on me. He's not that type of person, but he does get bored.

So do I, and I haven't cheated on him, nor would I.

I take a deep breath and open my eyes. Everything between us is better than I ever imagined it could be. Yet I'm always worrying about the other shoe dropping like it always did in my other relationships. The fact Sean has the same issues as I do when dating someone doesn't make my anxiety any better.

He wouldn't cheat on me.

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