ANNA’S bPOV /b

    When we walked into the living room, Mom and Dad were already seated, their voices low but sharp, whispering fiercely, Dad’s hand on her arm like he was trying to calm her, but she was stiff all over, her chest heaving. My stomach felt like it was folding in on itself.

    “Mom… Dad…” Ryan began, his voice steady while my own body was trembling so badly I thought they’d see it from across the room. I stayed behind him, wanting to hide but knowing there was nowhere to hide.

    When they looked up, the disappointment on their faces hit me so hard I almost couldn’t breathe.

    “You both, what was that up there?” Dad’s voice was calm but deadly, like a warning before a storm.

    I couldn’t even swallow, let alone speak.

    “Ryan, “Mom’s voice cracked as she leaned forward, her eyes wide with fury and hurt. “I left your sister in your care. To protect her. To watch over her while she’s here schooling. I trusted you with her! And it hasn’t even been a week–A WEEK- band /byou’re already sleeping with her?!” Her voice rose so loud it felt like it shook the room.

    “She’s your sister, Ryan! You were supposed to take care of her, not-” her voice shook as her bface /btwisted, not sleep with her for god’s sake!”

    Dad stayed quiet, watching with that unreadable expression, but I could feel his disappointment like it was searing my skin.

    Ryan’s hand reached for mine. I pulled back, but he took it again, firm, and then he said something that nearly made my legs give out.

    b“/bShe’s my mate.”

    I froze. My eyes shot to his face. What?

    That word… What was that supposed to mean?!

    Mom’s eyes went wide. “Your what?!”

    “You heard bme/b. Anna’s my bmate/b,” Ryan said, calm and steady like he’d rehearsed it.

    “No. No!” Mom’s voice was sharp. She turned to Dad. “Killian, did you hear this? Did you hear what your son just said?!”

    Dad’s voice was low. “Are you sure, Ryon?”

    “Yes. I tried to stay away from her, but the bond wouldn’t let me.”

    Mom shook her head. “When did you even find this out?”

    “The day you brought her here. But even before that, back at home, I’d felt it–I just didn’t realize she was my mate thenb./b”

    “I don’t believe this madness,” Mom snapped.

    “Mom!” Ryan’s voice was louder now. “You know it’s not madness. She’s my mate.”

    “No! No, no!” Mom’s voice broke. “This cannot be happening!” She stood, grabbing his arms, her tears spilling now. “Ryan, look at me! Tell me it’s not true! Please tell me!”

    “Mom-”

    –

    “You know I promised her mother! I stood at Betty’s grave and promised her I’d protect Anna! I promised I would keep her safe! And you-” her voice cracked painfully, “–you bswore /bbtoo/b! You swore to me, standing right there at her grave, that you would protect her like she was your own sister! And now look at you!”

    Ryan’s jaw tightened, his voice cold. “I didn’t break my promise. I’m protecting her. She’s mineb./b”

    “Protecting her?” Mom’s voice was shaking now. “You call what I saw protecting her?! Ryan, she’s your sister-”

    “She’s not my sister,” Ryan cut in, his tone t and bfirm/b. “She’s my mate. She was fated to be mine. Just like how you and Dad were step–siblings and fated mates, this is the same. She may be your daughter, but she’s my mate. The goddess chose her for me.”

    Mom’s eyes were wild as she turned to Dad. “Killian, say something! Do something! I can’t… I won’t let this happen! History cannot repeat itself!”

    Dad finally spoke, his voice steady. “Enough, Liana. If Ryan says she’s his mate, then that’s the truthb./b”

    Mom whipped around to re at him. “No! No, I will not ept this! I promised Betty! I promised to keep her from harm! And now you bwant /bme to stand by while my own son–my son–breaks that promise?!” She turned bock to Ryan, her voice trembling with rage and grief. “I will stop this, Ryan. I don’t care what you say, I will stop this. Even if it kills me.”

    “bYou /bcan’t stop it, Mom,” Ryan said evenly. “The bond is the bond.”

    “I will! And don’t you dare look me in the eye and bact /blike this is right! Before youid a bhand /bon her, did you tell us? Did you ask? Did you even think about how this would destroy her? No–you went ahead. How many times, Ryan? How many times have you done this?”

    “Mom!”

    She suddenly yanked me from his side, her grip strong. “How many times did he sleep with you?”

    I couldn’t answer. My whole body was shaking.

    “Did he force it bon /byou?”

    I looked at Ryan, my eyes filling with tears. I didn’t know what to say. My voice wouldn’te.

    “Anna, baby,” Ryan’s voice was softer now, almost pleading.

    “Anna…” Mom’s voice softened, almost pleading now. “Please. Tell me he didn’t hurt you. Tell me my son isn’t that kind of man.”

    “Mommy…”

    I was shaking so hard I couldn’t breathe. Mom took my silence as an answer, and the look she turned on Ryan was something I’d never seen before, something that mode my stomach twist until I could barely breathe.

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