Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
DANTE
The bedroom door creaks open, and Ava pokes her head out, her dark waves creating a halo around her face. She narrows her eyes.
“Morning,” she whispers, rubbing the sleep from her gray eyes. “Is Archer already out?”
I glance up from where I’m standing, near the kitchen. My heart does a little flip at the sight of her. She’s fucking gorgeous every second of the day.
“Yeah,” I lie.
“Okay.” She smiles, then steps out of the bedroom. She takes two steps into the living room when she sees her brother sitting on the couch. She glares my way.
“I’m sorry, darling. But you two need to talk. It’s about time.” I motion at Archer. “At least hear him out.”
She huffs but nods, padding barefoot into the living room. Archer sits on the couch and he waits for her to sit next to him. He follows Ava with wide, pleading eyes.
“Avs. I’m so sorry for hiding the truth from you,” Archer says, his voice soft and more serious than I’ve ever heard. “Look. Shit.” He shoves a hand through his hair. “This is going to be a shitty talk and I wish it wasn’t me who told you all this, but… Dad... Dad was a shifter.”
Ava sucks in a sharp breath, her eyes going wide. I can see the shock and betrayal flickering across her face. “What? How... why didn’t he tell me?”
Archer hangs his head. “Mom didn’t know either. Not until I suddenly shifted for the first time when I was twelve. She was so confused and hurt... That’s why they divorced.”
Ava’s jaw drops. “Mom married him, without knowing it?”
Archer nods. “Dad was afraid, and it only made everything worse. It was their decision to split us up, to keep it secret. They thought it would protect you, keep you out of danger.” Archer looks at her pleadingly. “You’re my sister, Avs. I wanted to tell you so many times, but I love you too much to put you in danger. I’m so sorry.”
Ava remains in silence, looking down at her lap.
I press my lips together. “Ava. You have the right to be upset. But try to understand Archer’s side. He’s trying to keep you safe. We’re all trying to keep you safe.”
She sighs. “It’s just… Even Dad. If he had told us. If we had been raised knowing…”
“I know.” Archer grabs her hand. “I agree, but that’s not what happened. Humans and shifters can’t mix. It’s not safe for the families involved. Look what happened to ours.” Archer shakes his head sadly. “I wish it had been different. I wish the world wasn’t such a shitty place. But that’s not how it goes.”
My stomach twists with guilt. I want Ava with every fiber of my being. I want to claim her, make her mine. But Archer’s right—it is too dangerous.
How would he react if he ever learned about Ava and me?
“This is... a lot to process,” Ava says slowly, still looking shell-shocked. “I think I understand why you did it, but... I’m still so angry that you lied to me for years, Arch. I need some time.”
Archer nods. Ava stands and closes herself inside the bathroom. Archer slumps back against the couch, rubbing a hand over his face.
“Well, that went about as well as expected,” he mutters.
I don’t respond, my mind and heart in turmoil. I want Ava more than anything. But Archer might be right. His father might have been right.
Maybe the best way to keep her safe is to let her go.