Chapter Twenty-One
Ahearn
Rinsing the gardening pitcher in the bathroom, I left it by the bed in case Bari needed it when he woke and returned to where Petroh Byrne was sitting at the kitchen table.
“You said you were leaving,” I pointed out, ignoring the disrespect in my words.
“I did,” he agreed calmly, “but I haven’t yet. I’d like a word with you.”
I felt my eyes narrow. “If this is regarding your desire to take custody of Bari, you can save your breath.”
“May I ask why?” Alpha Byrne somehow managed to make me feel small and petty without even changing his facial expression.
“You lied to me.”
Byrne raised a brow. “I don’t believe I did.”
I crossed my arms and finally gave voice to the doubt that had niggled inside me. “When you fucked Bari, you drowned my house in your damned pheromones,” I snarled. “You are not the sire of the babes he carries.”
Far from the guilty response I’d expected, Byrne tilted his head curiously.
“I never said he carried my children. I said they were of my line,” he paused, “and they are. You were at university with my son, Colm.” I nodded that I recalled that. “I lost him in a tragic accident several months ago. Your former mate is carrying my grandchildren. I’ve told you no lie.” When I didn’t respond, he shook his head. “Although, as Bari explained the situation that led to him being returned to your care, I’m not certain why it matters to you. You are charged with his care under protest and I am more than willing to meet all of his needs through the pregnancy much more than willingly.”
“He isnotmy former mate.”
Byrne sighed. “I was at your bonding ceremony, Ahearn. I can assure you that he is.”
“I’ve not given you leave to use my given name,” I huffed, ignoring the fact that he missed my actual objection to his statement.
“Actually, son, you have,” Byrne said gently, shaking his head sadly. “And then some, but as it is not something you currently recall, I will offer my apologies and remove myself from your home. I will, however, be returning to check on Bari and the babes this evening.” He stood and offered a sad smile. “In the meantime, I trust that you will see to their safety.”
I watched as Alpha Byrne walked out of the room, an uncomfortable feeling building in my gut at his words. I caught him as he entered the high-end sports car in my drive, catching the door before it could swing closed.
He arched an inquisitive brow and I sighed. “You know my past, the parts I’ve forgotten.”
Byrne angled his head in silent agreement.
“I’d have you tell me.”
Byrne returned the vehicle key to his pocket and stepped out, swinging the door closed with a careless slam. “I’m happy to tell you what I know,” he agreed, “in the hopes that it will help Bari, but I can’t promise that you’re going to appreciate it,” he warned.
I nodded. “It’s a risk I shall have to take.”
The conversation with Petroh Byrne was enlightening, to say the least. As he’d spoken of my past, memories had come flitting back to settle into holes left when I’d lost them. When he’d finally left a few hours later, Bari was still asleep and I’d been at a loss for how to repair the damage my shortsighted pigheaded stubborness had done to our relationship. Granted, there were still many things I didn’t remember – some of which Petroh had insisted I ask Bari, himself- but I remembered enough to know that I hadn’t been tricked into anything. I had pursued Bari for my mate and that I’d treated my husband unfairly.
Stripping naked, I crawled into the bed beside Bari, gathering him close. I held him as he slept, considering the best way to beg his forgiveness. When he woke and I saw the naked hunger in his eyes at the sight of me hard and wanting him, I decided that assuring him that I was eager and not just willing to meetallof his needs was as good a place to start as any.
