Her Guardians Lost(88)

My father was mad, very mad. I remembered being panicked, thinking he had found out what we had done. He would be spitting mad if he knew I had mated with Alexander.

Rushing out to my father, I prepared myself to take on his wrath. I knew the inevitable was coming. I knew I was going to be punished severely.

“This is the last straw, Charisma. Something has to be done about this. I’ve already set the plans in motion. And it’s a good thing. At least he will be far away from here. Far away from—”

Looking timidly at my mother, I saw her concern as her eyes snapped up to mine. “Father, what is wrong?” I asked softly.

Watching him spin around, he faced me with such disappointment and anger, I thought I would burst with pain. “I told you that boy was no good for you.”

Hanging my head, I had this sudden panic he would punish Alexander more than me. “You don’t understand. I can explain.”

“Explain what, Arianne? Explain how your so-called best friend slept with his brothers’ mate? What kind of person does that, Arianne?”

Gasping, I placed my hand over my mouth. Surely he hadn’t done that to me. I needed to see him. I needed to know why. There must be some kind of explanation. Maybe Elizabeth was lying.

“I don’t believe her, Father. I don’t believe that he would be with her.”

“Well, believe it, Arianne, because your precious Alexander admitted it himself. I was there when it came from his own sinful lips.”

Shaking my head, I felt the tears burning my eyes. “No…no. I can’t… I won’t believe it.”

Pointing at me, I could feel the adrenaline coursing through him. “Believe it, Arianne. I would never lie to you. This has happened, and Alexander will pay. Plans are already in motion to send him to earth. He is to roam the land alone, suffering the consequences of his actions. It was about time it was done. He will bring with him his memories so he can feel the pain of his actions. I won’t be completely harsh with him, though. Once he has shown mercy, once he has rehabilitated himself, he can come back. But it will take time, Arianne. It will take years.”

No, this can’t be happening. The pain of hearing Alexander had admitted he slept with Elizabeth overwhelmed me. I didn’t want to believe it. I couldn’t believe he would betray me like that. I thought he loved me. I thought he wanted to be with me and only me.

“This is a good thing though, Arianne. With Alexander out of the way, you can make time for Simeon. Spend time with him. Get to know him. I’m sure, with time, you will come to love him.”

Gripping my hand to my chest, I shook my head. I looked up at my mother and saw the anguish in her eyes. She knew I was suffering. She knew I was in pain. However, my father was oblivious. He didn’t care. I bet he was glad Alexander had done the one thing my father always expected of him. It would make him even more determined to show me he was right all along. I couldn’t let that happen. I wouldn’t let that happen. I wasn’t going to be pushed into the arms of another when I had shared my soul with Alexander. He had my soul now. It was crushed and lifeless after being beaten by his betrayal.

“I want the mission,” I whispered.

“Sorry. What was that?” my father asked.

“That mission all the Archangels have been discussing lately. I want to be touched. I want to live my life on earth.” I didn’t want to remember what had happened here. I wanted the pain to be gone. If I couldn’t have Alexander, I didn’t want anyone else. I would rather be alone on earth. I would rather live in ignorance. Sweet, blissful, heavenly ignorance. I knew I wouldn’t be able to heal otherwise. I knew I would never be able to get over him.

It was the lesser of the two evils. I refused to be mated with his twin, Simeon. I’d never liked him and I never would. I would rather spend eternity in limbo than let him anywhere near me.

“Arianne, do you realise the decision you’re making? Do you realise you will give up your seat here and be mortal on earth? Your memory of us and who you are will be lost in your human life.”

Nodding my head, I smiled, thinking I wouldn’t want anything more right now. I was angry at Alexander. The betrayal of it was coursing through my veins. I wanted out…the sooner, the better.

“I want to do this. It is for the greater good, isn’t it, Father? I will make you proud. I know I will.” I was smiling on the outside, but I felt sick on the inside. I was desperate to just crawl into a hole and never resurface.

My father closed the gap between us. His smile was wide as he grabbed my hand. “I know you will, Arianne. What you are giving up is truly selfless. I’m very proud of you.”