Page 80 of Before the Bond
It hit like it had seven years ago.
My stomach twisted into a knot so tight, I leaned forward. I couldn’t breathe. I thought I could taste acid in my mouth.
Elias continued to watch me. He was sitting very still. The playful fidgeting from earlier was entirely gone.
There was no satisfaction on his face. No anticipation, or smugness, either. He was merely… somber.
I straightened up. The room continued to spin, but I didn’t want him to see that. I still didn’t trust him.
"Why are you telling me this now?" I asked.
He flinched slightly. "Transparency. Someone should have given it to you a long time ago."
"That's bullshit.” It came out as a hiss. “What do you get out of it? You wouldn’t tell me this unless it had something to do with your pack.”
Elias frowned. “After all that I told you, you’re still choosing to mistrustme?” he said. “You’ve been living with a person who’s been lying to your face since you got here. Icareabout you, Olivia!”
Elias stood up, placed his hands on the table, and leaned closer. I inched backward.
A few diner patrons glanced our way. Many turned back to their plates, deciding it wasn't their business.
I looked back at Elias. He continued to stare at me.
“I mean it.”
“Your men killed my family.” I bit the inside of my cheek hard.
“Their business is their own,” Elias said firmly. “Caleb’s off his game. That’s all they needed. And if you… if you chose me, no harm would come to you. And more importantly, you’d be free.”
My heart slammed against my chest. Pressure filled my ears.
“The answer is no,” I told him.
Elias stayed in place for a few seconds. He then finally stepped back, though he didn't sit back down.
"Well, you have your answers now,” Elias said. “Do with that what you will. And know that… my offer still stands.”
I heard the diner door close behind him.
I couldn’t see ahead of me. The checkered patterns of the diner swam into swirls.
Once I knew Elias was gone, I sank deeper into my chair. I covered my mouth, and tried not to cry at my booth.
It was futile.
I didn’t remember getting back.
Every part of me was numb. Tears stained my cheeks, but my arms were too tired to wipe them. My feet carried me, one after the other.
The Ashwood estate’s interior greeted me warmly. I still felt cold.
I made my way through the corridors until I came to Caleb’s study. I didn’t knock. I used whatever strength I had to push the door open. He was there, staring at the window.
He looked at me. His face fell as he pieced together what I knew.
“Did my parents die because of us?” I asked.
I couldn’t breathe through my nose. Every word cost me air I didn't have. My throat felt like it was on fire.
