Page 83 of Fighting Her Wolves

“Why wouldn’t you call me?” he asks, angry.

“Hold up. We haven’t been exactly friends lately. Why would I think you would care?” I asked, pissed off.

“But you’re still my sister. I love you.”

I step back as if he slapped me. He has never told me that. “What?” I ask weakly.

“Fuck, Ava. I know I’ve been a dick, but I would never want anything bad to happen to you.”

“Excuse me? How about the surgery I had? You know, the one that resulted in not being able to have kids,” I say, astonished.

“Ava, that was never my intention. There were too many complications. The doctor said it was the only way to save your life.”

I stare at him, wanting to believe him.

“That doesn't make sense. It was a simple surgery.”

“I was so scared you wouldn’t make it. You can ask Jason. He had to help me fill out the paperwork. My hands were shaking too much to do it.”

I lean into River, who stands behind me, lending his support. Kerian is standing next to Bartlett, watching him carefully.

“Jason?” I growl.

“Yeah, he knew the doctor; he was a friend. Jason said he was the best, to trust him,” he says earnestly.

“Are you crazy?” I snarl. His head jerks back. “You didn’t think to question him? Why would you leave such a big decision to Jason and this mystery doctor?”

“He is my friend. He’s only had our best interests at heart,” he defends weakly.

“Really? What about the way he watched me when I was just a child? He got worse as I grew up. He said inappropriate things about my body. You looked the other way.”

“What are you talking about? He said you were pretty, that’s all. You have always been pretty, and I knew you would attract attention when you grew up.” His confusion is acute.

“Cupcake, I think he really is clueless,” River says, rubbing my back.

“Bartlett, why would you agree to let him marry me?” I ask.

“He’s stable. He would take care of you. Since he already knew you couldn’t have kids, you wouldn’t be heartbroken when you had to tell anyone that you were serious about. I didn’t want them to judge you. Jason never wanted kids, so I knew he would treat you well.”

I feel like I am having a conversation with a totally different person. Was he that snowed by Jason? Was I too hurt to examine his actions more?

“So, let me get this straight. Jason told you I had to have the surgery? Was it life or death?” I ask.

“Yes.”

“You thought I should marry him to protect me? He encouraged you?” I ask.

“Sure, our parents would have wanted you to be settled and happy.” He frowns, not connecting the dots.

I think back to the eighteen-year-old, given a young girl to raise right after our parents died. I remember that he was lost. He would forget so many things. He barely knew how to take care of himself. What if an older, well-spoken person offered guidance?

“Why don’t we sit? Give Ava some time,” Kerian says. He waves his arm towards the living room. My brother takes a look at me before accepting the invitation.

“Cupcake, are you alright?” River asks quietly.

I turn to him. “I don’t know. Do you believe him?” I whisper.

He rubs his jaw. “I think I do. You were a child. You lost your parents, and you depended on him. He fucked up.”

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