Jake’s words stung and teared filled my eyes to the brim. My vision blurred as Jake glared back at me. I wasn’t prepared for the hate or anguish in his eyes. I wasn’t expecting to hear about his pain or that he was in mourning. I didn’t want to think about his wanting to be with her. He had us and maybe it was selfish but I didn’t want him to want her. I didn’t want him to want anyone else.
I swayed back and dropped my hands to the bed in an attempt to hold myself upright. Jake moved forward but stopped when tears streamed down my cheeks. Viktor was up on his feet and by my side in an instant. I felt drained. I just wanted to sleep. The bed dipped as he sat by my side. I leaned against him and rested my head on his shoulder.
“If you cared about us at all you would have at least let us know that you were okay. You would have let us know that something came up and you were going to be late. That way we wouldn’t worry. Do you regret choosing us? Is that why you’re angry? Maybe you think you made the wrong decision. Maybe you blame us for losing her,” I said.
“Why are you questioning if I care for you? Why are you questioning my love for the two of you? I just told you I rejected Clara as my mate. I wasn’t thinking about you guys worrying. I was trying to pick up the part of my heart that wanted to cling to her. I don’t regret choosing you guys. I’m angry because the Goddess made her for me. I’m mad that my heart was swayed,” Jake choked.
“Why am I just now hearing about this? I’m so lost. How long has this been going on? Kacie just woke up yesterday! We just found out we’re having a child and now this? She’s supposed to be resting. When did you tell her this? How do you know about all of this?” Viktor asked as he turned to me.
Jake froze. He hadn’t thought about that. His eyebrows pull together and his forehead wrinkled as he tried to find the answer to that question. He looked at me and I stared back at him. I fought the urge to cry out as a pain stabbed me in the stomach.
“I didn’t tell her anything,” Jake murmured. “I just found out myself a few days ago.”
“Days? You kept this to yourself for days?” Viktor asked.
“Yes. I.. I had to process it and Kacie wasn’t conscious. I couldn’t tell you because we were trying to be strong for her. It was a lot. It was too much-
“YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME!” Viktor roared. “You should have told me,” Viktor whispered.
“I found out yesterday. I saw everything yesterday,” I murmured. “I was going to talk to you about it last night but we didn’t have the time. After… we passed out so… I would have told you today if Jake hadn’t come home first.”
“Goddess, Kacie. What happened?” Viktor asked.
“After you left yesterday. I followed Jake to the witches quarters,” I answered. There was a sharp inhale of breath from Jake.
“And what did you find?” Viktor asked. He swallowed and I tried to find the words that would hurt him the least. I didn’t want to hurt him anymore than he already was.
“I found him arguing with Clara. She was angry that once again she was being rejected. I heard everything,” I said.
Jake fell to his knees and crawled to us. He stopped by the side of the bed and stared up at us. I stared down at him. I didn’t expect anything now. I could feel myself closing up. I was closing in on myself in a way to protect myself from being hurt any further,
“I’m sorry,” Jake said.
“What are you sorry for, Jake?” I asked.
Jake dropped his forehead to Viktor’s thigh. Viktor stared down at his hair and I saw his fingers twitch with the need to touch him, but he didn’t. He remained still but he couldn’t drag his eyes from Jake. Jake slid his hands over Viktor and leaned toward me. He gripped my thigh and I clenched my jaw.
I refused to weaken now because he touched me. Just yesterday I watched him touch Clara. Just yesterday I saw his arms wrapped around her. I know I shouldn’t be this cruel but I couldn’t swallow down the anger I felt. I couldn’t ignore the betrayal that burned it’s way down my throat.
“I’m sorry I yelled. I’m sorry I didn’t let you guys know when I found out. I’m sorry I didn’t link you so you guys wouldn’t worry. I’m sorry I’ve hurt you and I’m sorry I took my anger out on you as soon as I walked through the door,” Jake pleaded.
“Is that really what you’re sorry for? Or did you do something else? I don’t believe you. I think you’re apologizing to help ease the guilt you’re feeling. This is all too much. I feel overwhelmed. I feel like I’m choking. I feel like I’m drowning and I can’t. I can’t fucking breathe. But it’s not water that’s killing me, Jake. It’s you. You’re killing me. So, no, I don’t want to forgive you. I don’t even want to see you right now. I need time and I want you to leave. I need you to leave right now, Jake.”
Jake released my thigh and leaned back until he was sitting upright by the bed. He searched my face for some sign of me changing my mind. When he found none he looked to Viktor. Viktor was always on his side. He always stood up for him and tried to make me see things their way. A tear rolled down Viktor’s cheek as he looked at Jake.
“We need… some time,” Viktor choked.