Rocco
Selena had retrieved my suit from the Mardi Gras Hotel. I didn’t want to wear anything Angelo had bought me, but I didn’t have other clothes. The fabric felt like a reminder of every string he’d used to manipulate me.
Tomorrow I’d burn this suit and buy something new. Or borrow from Selena until I got my first paycheck.
Selena parked her SUV in front of Costin’s home on campus. She clasped my hand. “Are you nervous?”
“Yes. The only thing I’ve been doing for the last two years is burning burgers.”
She leaned over and kissed me. “You’ll be fine.”
As we approached the front door, it swung open. Costin’s butler, Ethan, stood in the doorway—bald, immaculate in his suit, exactly as I remembered him from my years at the Academy. Some things never changed.
“Good evening, Rocco, Selena. Come in.” He stepped aside. “They’re waiting for you.”
They.Something about the way he said it made my stomach tighten.
Selena walked in first. She stopped. And smiled.
“Rocco!”
My mother rushed toward me, tears streaming down her face, and flung her arms around my neck. I held her tight, breathing her in, trying not to think about what I’d done the last time a demon had climbed inside me. What I’d almost done to her.
“Serenity told us what happened,” she whispered. “How Angelo forced you to steal the shard or he’d have me murdered.”
My throat closed. “I’d do anything to save you, Mom.”
She pulled back and cupped my face in her hands. “I know. That’s what scares me.”
“What are you doing here?”
“Costin,” she said simply, and looped her arm through mine.
She led me into the living room. My brother Dante, my father, and Costin stood with drinks in hand. Their conversation died the moment they saw me.
Selena came alongside me and held my hand.
Dante set his drink down and walked over. “I guess thanks is in order.”
The look in his eyes said nothing had changed between us. Probably never would.
“Dante,” Mom warned.
“I’m not going to cause a scene, Mom.” He turned back to me. “What Angelo did — threatening Mom to get to you. I won’t forget that.” His jaw tightened. “Santi’s a real bastard.”
“Maybe someday you two can be friends again,” Mom said.
Dante sighed. “I should say no...” He looked at me for a long moment. “But maybe when you come back to the palace.”
“I’m not coming back to the palace.” I squeezed Selena’s hand. “I’m staying with Selena. She’s my mate.”
“But she can move into the palace,” Mom said.
“She could.” I clasped my brother’s arm. “But things have changed, Mom. Forever. The people will never accept me. What I did was brutal. Unforgivable.”
“But you were possessed,” she said. “It wasn’t your fault.”
I sighed and dropped my hand. “I still did it.” I looked at Dante. “You’re the rightful heir. You and Katona will produce an heir, and your line will carry the throne forward. That’s how it should be.”
