Dr. Parnard clears his throat. He’s still frowning when he adjusts his tie, but he gives me a sharp nod. “Of course.”
“Vivian, sit back down. I appreciate your excitement, but you mustn’t bother standing for commoners,” Leon orders.
I grit my teeth but plaster on a demure smile as I pad back over to my spot beside him.
Leon tracks my movement and seems satisfied when I don’t show any sign of pushback. He turns back to Dr. Parnard. “Now, would you care to tell me what you meant about not being a therapist?” Suspicion oozes from his tone.
Dr. Parnard slowly makes his way over to the chair in front of us. He takes in my panic, and his own expression immediately becomes the picture of calm, haughty professionalism.
“Gladly. While these sessions aren’t about me, I don’t mind being a bit candid.” He crosses one leg over the other, appearing completely at ease. “I retired from active counselling a few years ago, when I took on a position as a professor at a college.”
“What college?” Leon asks, tension lining his face.
I jump in. “He teaches at my college, that’s how I heard of him. The students talk about him all the time.”
I’m not even lying. We do talk a lot about Dr. Parnard. Mostly, we complain about what a psychopath he is for his teaching hours – but that’s probably irrelevant.
Leon runs his tongue over his teeth and finally nods. “Very well. You may counsel us. Do begin.”
Dr. Parnard sits back with one leg still crossed at the knee. “I’d like to start by gaining a bit of context. How, exactly, do you two know each other?”
“She’s the reincarnation of the love of my life, and now she’s returned to take her place as my destined mate,” Leon answers, already sounding impatient.
At the lost expression on Dr. Parnard’s face, I give him a few more details. I make sure to emphasize how Leon abandoned me to die in Atlantis, and the magical Keeper bond that was controlling my free will. By the time I finish telling him about being blackmailed to return here and the magical leash they’re using, his face has paled considerably.
Dr. Parnard opens his mouth to speak, then closes it, pausing for a moment before trying to speak again.
He’s speechless.
I wish Conner, Isaac, and Sarah could see this. They’ll never believe me if I get a chance to tell them.
“And what exactly are your goals for therapy?” Dr. Parnard clarifies.
Leon gives an annoyed sigh. “She’s struggling to come to terms with our destiny. We are to be married in seven days, and she needs to accept her fate.”
“Seven–” Dr. Parnard starts, incredulous.
“I’ve been holding a lot of anger against Leon, and I haven’t been able to take the time to properly process it all. I’ve asked Leon not to be intimate with me until I’ve had a chance to do so. That way, we can rebuild our relationship on a more solid foundation,” I note, hoping Dr. Parnard will read between the lines to see exactly how fucked up this situation is.
He gets a shade paler.
Nailed it.
Leon gives me a sharp look. “I’ve given you plenty of time, Vivian. There really isn’t anything left to process. I’ve told you I won’t leave you again, I’ve made time for you, and I’ve given you space. I’ve givenyou everything. You need to stop dragging up the past and start showing me some gratitude.”
My eyes widen with concern, even though I’m seething inside. “Leon, this is couples therapy. You should be addressing Dr. Parnard. That’s how it works,” I whisper, even though the good doctor can hear every word.
His hands fist over his knees, and I recognize the familiar twitch in his left eye.
“You’re quite right, Vivian, was it? Now, if I understand you both correctly, Leon, you’re upset that Vivian isn’t prepared to marry you in a few days, and Vivian, you are having difficulty forgiving Leon for betraying you? Have I captured the general idea?” Dr. Parnard jumps in, sounding fascinated.
“I didn’t betray–” Leon starts.
“This is a safe space. I will not tolerate defensive behavior in my sessions,” Dr. Parnard interrupts in the same tone he uses to admonish students.
I try not to outwardly cheer at the way Leon’s face reddens.
“Now, first and foremost, I believe you should return Vivian to her home, and, if she feels so inclined, you may court her there, at her convenience. She should feel comfortable in this relationship.”
