Page 80 of The Truth of Our Past

“I’m choosing it. We weren’t in the right relationship, and the ending was atrocious, but we’re not letting it stop us from finding the right person.”

“It might not be Em,” I point out the obvious.

She sighs. “I interfered in your life when I should’ve kept my mouth shut, and I’m sorry. I only wanted to protect you.”

“Did you know how it would end? He’ll eventually figure out that I’m not worth loving.” My voice cracks.

“Alec, no.” When she pulls back from our hug, she has tears in her eyes. “You deserve an epic love. The first time I saw you two together, I sensed both love and heartbreak and I wanted to save you the pain. But I’m learning that I can’t fix everything. He loves you. That I’m sure of.”

I huff, too scared believe her.

“I’ve been hypocritical. I was so angry with you because you didn’t tell me about Von, but I’ve kept Emmett to myself. I guess I’m not ready to tell you and make it real. I’m in this fantasy bubble where everything is good, but if I put it in words, I have to deal with the reality of unanswered questions and feelings. Does that make sense?

“I know you think I hurt Em and I did. But I didn’t do it on purpose and we’re trying to figure things out.” She turns her head so her hazel eyes blink at me, begging for our friendship back.

“You won’t tell me I’m throwing love away and the best thing that ever happened to me?” I squeeze her waist.

She shuts her eyes and a tear leaks out. “Emmett said that.” It’s not a question, she knows, confirming there is more going on with them and it ain’t great.

“What would you do if you found out Jayce kept something important from you? Something that could change your relationship?”

I’m happy Mads isn’t trying to meddle or judge me, but I need some validation that I’m not the bad guy in this scenario.

“Jayce wouldn’t do that.” She’s a hundred percent confident in her answer.

“But what if he did? Would you pretend it was okay or call bullshit?” She opens her mouth, but I cut her off. “You would call bullshit. I know it and you know it. The difference is that you and Jayce have history and time to work it out. Von and I don’t have that. I feel betrayed he didn’t tell me how long he’s staying.” I pop an antacid. “He might not have done it to hurt me, but that doesn’t make it hurt less.”

“I’m not arguing with you.” Mads hugs me tighter. “When someone hurts you, it’s hard to understand their intention. I hurt Emmett without knowing it, and Von unintentionally hurt you. Pain doesn’t care if the person meant to hurt you or not. Please try to forgive us.”

“I looked it up. Von can’t come back to the US for a year. A year.” My voice breaks on the last word and Mads tries to talk again, but I hold my hand up. “So yes, I could go visit him and we couldmeet in Toronto, but do you honestly think a couple of weeks a year will be enough?” The antacids aren’t helping my stomach at all.

“He’s going back to a life where he’s famous and can date whoever he wants. I’m not worth the hassle.” Only a few people in my life have been constant and none have been a romantic partner. Sometimes I wonder if Mads is still friends with me out of a misplaced sense of gratitude.

“Alec Ivy, cut the shit.” Mads grabs me into a tight hug as tears streak down her face. “You are worth everything.”

All evidence points to the contrary.

“Hey, will you take that crate with you? I’m sure it’s art.” It will weigh on me if it sits here staring at me.

“I’ll make you a promise. You open it and if you don’t want it, I’ll take it to my gallery.”

I glare at her.

“I’m not telling you what to do, but you won’t be able to resist. And if I take it away, you’ll stew until you find out what’s in it. I’m cutting out the stewing and pacing and rationalizing. Think of it as a shortcut.” She looks at me from under wet lashes. “I know you as well as you know me.”

“Fine.” The top isn’t nailed shut so I take it out of the Styrofoam. It’s heavy and smooth. I get a grip on it, haul it out and set it on the reinforced portion of the counter.

My breath freezes in my lungs. It’s black metal: two men embracing while lying with their arms and legs entwined. Their hidden faces don’t have any distinguishing characteristics. My hand touches all the curves and angles.

It’s beautiful. Von’s heart screams at me from these men. The tattoos have color adding to the visual interest for a stranger. I recognize my wolf and his tattoos, but he’s changed the placement. My eyes memorize the new shape on his skin. Did someone else ink him? My stomach falls out of my ass.

“Alec,” Mads whispers and her reverence says it all—she’s sobbing now.

As I pull my hand back, my thumb brushes over the bottom where it’s indented with an inscription. It’s not visible unless you’re looking for it. Beneath Von and me there’s an inscription,Evighet. I google the word…it means eternity.

“Take it,” I plead. The roar in my head is threatening to overtake me. I have the sensation of falling through the floor all the way into hell.

The hypocrisy of his art kills me.

---