My father tried to pry me off him, but it was no use. I was gripping so hard, I thought he would pass out.
“Alexander, stop it!”
I wasn’t listening. I had fire in my eyes and I wanted Michael to feel its force. All I saw in return were questions. Why? his eyes were asking. Why are you doing this? That made the anger come even more. Why didn’t he already know?
Just as I thought I would snap, my father’s words stopped me. “What would Cassie say if she knew you were doing this?”
Releasing the grip on his neck, I knew he was right. Cassie would be so disappointed in me if she knew I was treating Michael this way. The problem was that they didn’t know. No one knew but me.
“And it’s good to see you, too, brother,” Michael rasped, rubbing his throat.
Scowling at him, I very nearly broke. My father’s hand flew up in the air, halting any further altercations. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, Alexander. You were always at each other’s throats, even when you were little. But now you’re grown men with a history. You need to put what is in the past behind you and move on.”
Getting frustrated, I shoved my hands through my hair. “You don’t understand, Father. Michael’s left her all on her own.”
Michael looked shocked. “What are you talking about? I would never leave Cassie on her own. It was time we said goodbye. Simeon is there to hold the fort.”
Growling, I walked up to Michael. “You don’t fucking get it, do you?”
“Alexander!” my father shouted. “You will never speak such language again. You’re not on earth any longer, young man. Just remember where you’re speaking.”
Shit, I was so fucking riled up, I wasn’t thinking straight. I knew I was doing the wrong thing. I knew I was saying the wrong thing, but Cassie was my number one priority. Whatever was said and done, having her safe was the only thing that mattered to me.
“I’m sorry, Father, but Michael doesn’t understand.”
Michael huffed. “I think I understand perfectly. I think Stephen is worried that his replica is going to steal his potential mate. He’s worried that she’ll fall for his charms because he looks and acts so much like him.”
I was so sick of this shit. So sick of being compared to that lowlife of a brother. But, most of all, I felt sick that she was left behind with him.
What Michael said was true, although it sickened me to admit it. I was concerned she would fall for his charms. I was concerned he would sweep her off her feet. But, mostly, I was concerned he would play this for all it was worth.
“You know nothing. You all know nothing! You’ve left her there, Michael. Pure and simple. You’ve left her on her own, unprotected. You may as well have put her in a cage and let the lions in.”
Michael shook his head. “I can understand your jealousy, Stephen, but I don’t think it’s warranted. We all know she wants you. Anyone can see that.”
Sighing, I buried my head in my hands. “It’s not that, Michael. Believe me when I say it isn’t. It makes me getting back to earth more paramount than ever now. I have to be with her. She’s not safe. She needs me.”
The frustration ebbed through my entire body. If only there was some way I could be there, even if just for a short time. I wanted her away from harm—away from Simeon.
Feeling Michael’s hand on my shoulder, I tensed. “I’m sorry, Stephen. I truly am. If I had known you felt this strongly, I would have stayed longer. I just thought I was doing the right thing. I would have only delayed the inevitable and ended up causing Cassie more pain. You can see where the logic in this is, can’t you?”
I nodded. Michael wasn’t to know. In fact, if I had been there, I would have suggested he go back as soon as he could myself. Although Cassie’s desire for Michael had faded, she still called out for him. She still sought him—she still loved him. And I could accept that now because I knew the love is pure. She didn’t lust for him anymore. She didn’t feel the burning whenever he was around. What she felt for him was companionable, spiritual, and affectionate, not sexual, physical, and carnal. What she felt for me bound us together. We were each other’s anchors—strong, secure, always there when needed.
Feeling I had come to the end of the road, I had to move on. There were things which had to remain unsaid, for everyone’s sake. I had more important issues at hand now. I had to take care of Cassie. If I couldn’t be there for her in body, I had to be there in spirit. She needed me now more than ever.
Chapter 15
I spent a few more hours with Billy and Chris. In that time, I had told Chris what happened. I knew I could trust him with this. I could trust him with my life if it came down to it. Life without Stephen was indescribable, but with my family around to help, it made the pain a little more bearable. I was unhappy, but I was alive. I had that to be grateful and thankful for that.