Page 100 of Bliss & Her Idols

I assumed that my dads were caught up in their company’s business. Guilt tugs at my guts that I resented that.

Resented when they were late to my birthday parties or missed school events.

But now, I know that they were risking their lives running the rebellion in the shadows.

I’m doing the same thing.

Yet they were juggling a business and family at the same time. I’ve always thought it must be impossible to manage that. Perhaps, that was why they ended up caught by the authorities.

Executed.

A tiny, guilty voice, right in the back of my mind, whispers that if my parents hadn’t had us three kids to worry about and love back at home, then maybe…just maybe…they wouldn’t have died.

Have I run from joining a pack because of that?

The fear that combining resisting and bonding with a pack will lead to my own death?

The death of my entire pack?

“What’s wrong?” Torin looks startled.

He pumps calming pheromones into the room. I hadn’t realized how fast my heart was hammering, until it begins to slow.

I take gulping breaths of Torin’s scent, desperately needing to steady myself.

“I was just thinking about my parents.” I let go of Cricket’s hand to wring the blanket in my lap. “They died too.”

I didn’t plan to talk about my family yet.

Especially not immediately after a heat.

The happy buzz that I woke up with is chased away.

If Jin doesn’t have access to electronic devices, then there is a chance that he won’t know my infamous past.

What about Torin?

“I’m sorry.” Torin’s piercing gaze meets mine.

“Are you?” I steel myself. “They were criminals.”

Jin looks surprised.

“Were they good to you?” Torin asks. “Did they love you?”

I nod.

My throat is tight.

I wish that I could shout my parents’ achievements and bravery to the rooftops.

They were heroes.

It kills me that I can’t.

“Then I don’t care about anything else,” Torin replies.

Shit, I can’t get a handle on this man.

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