Angel dares to use my favorite set of emerald eyes on me to convince me to leave and rest, but I make a compromise instead. I agree to sit on the staircase while he deals with his crazy mother, and then we can both go to our room and forget about today.
Kiara gestures to the blood covering my mate and spits, “Look at you! She’s turned you into amonster… just like her.”
Angel’s face falls, but he doesn’t look half as surprised as I feel. Clenching his jaw, he turns his back to me, hiding how much the comment hurt him. It must be exhausting to love someone so determined to hate everything you do.
How can a mother be this cruel to her own son? Kiara’s brain must be rotten if this is how she treats her family. I can’t even imagine Papa raising his voice at me, let alone intentionally saying cruel things to hurt me.
The hatred blazing in her eyes is unmistakable, her whole body shaking with rage. “I won’t let you runmykingdom intothe ground, Anxo. You’re going to ruin everything with your recklessness! And what’s this I’m hearing about you taking in thatwerewolf? You can’t just announce an heir like that, Anxo. Who knows what blood runs in his veins or who—”
“One more word about my son, and I’ll bury you right here.” Kiara freezes to glare at me for interrupting. “August isour son, so don’t you dare insult him or my mate.”
I’ve had enough of this. If she won’t close her trap on her own, I’ll gladly do it for her.
“How dare you talk to me in that manner? I’m your mate’s mother.” She hisses, taking a threatening step toward me as if that will intimidate me.
“And?” Angel finally faces his mother head-on. “You don’t even know the meaning of the word.”
Kiara is stunned. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out this is probably the first time Angel has talked back to her. As much as I love this man for his patience and understanding, I hate it when people take advantage of him.
“Don’t you dare talk to me that way, boy,” she seethes.
Kiara braves a step toward my mate but quickly retreats when I stretch like I’m about to stand up.What a coward.
“Oh, I apologize, Mother. Enlighten me then. How else do you want me to express my frustration about you constantly putting me down and refusing to accept August as your grandson just because he doesn’t share my blood?”
Kiara’s face no longer hides her surprise as she stands with her mouth agape.
“I’ve excused your behavior time and time again, but I won’t stand by while you beratemy son. Either you respect me and my choices, or I’ll cut you off for the sake of my family’s happiness.”
Swoon.
I’m so proud of him for finally calling out his mother and taking a stand… even if it means losing her altogether. I can only imagine how hard this must be for him, but his parents have left him no other choice.
What else is he supposed to do when all they do is crap over his life and criticize him with every word? Why do people like her choose to become parents when all they have to offer is hurt and lifelong trauma?
Looking back at the woman glaring at my mate, I have to fight the urge to punch her.
I’m disappointed to find not an ounce of guilt or sadness on her face over Angel’s threat to sever all ties with her. The only thing she’s fixated on is how dare he speak to her in that way.
Angel lowers his gaze to hide the hurt in his eyes at her reaction. Her desperate need for authority and control over her son is destroying what’s left of their relationship, and she still doesn’t seem to care.
I decide it’s time to end this useless conversation so I can tend to my mate. After the day we’ve had, we deserve to curl up in bed and forget the world for a few hours.
I stand and dust myself off. “Alright, my turn. I should’ve dealt with you sooner anyway. Since you can’t seem to watch your mouth when you speak to my mate, I’ll return the favor.”
Crossing my arms, I decide to take the trash out myself. “I want you and your worthless mate out of Conquer Castle before sunrise.”
Cue the dramatic gasp.
I scoff at her pitiful acting.“I’ve been generous enough not to force your hand, but since you can’t stop badmouthing my mate—in front of me, no less—I want you to make yourself scarce. The next time you’re in my line of sight, you’ll be dead.”
Kiara pales, her bravado draining away. Baling her fists at her sides, she grits out, “You can’t kick me out ofmyCastle. I’m the Queen of Conquer!”
“Tsk-tsk. What happened to that posh accent and ‘70s dialogue delivery? Also, youwerethe Queen. Haven’t you heard? I’m taking over.”
“Anxo, son—”
“Don’t you dare address my mate directly.” My Divine, restrained all day, slips free, its rage bleeding into my voice.Kiara stumbles back the moment she meets my eyes.
