Three Fated Hearts

Chapter 88

~Tia~

“…..you have to kill me as well.” I can feel the confusion through the bond, but I can’t. I can’t look at him…..I can’t face him. I can barely breathe, barely stay on my feet. What did I do? How could I be so careless and self-centered?

I went to that house to check on Aida. I saw what was in her room; the shrine she had to Lincoln. Anyone who saw that would know that there was something not right with Aida. Anyone else would have taken the time to tell someone to get her some help. I did none of those things. I told no one and didn’t try to get her any help. Instead, I went about my life as if I had never seen it.

Lincoln is missing. He has been taken, and if not for Adela, he would be moved tonight. He probably would have never been heard from again. Aida took Lincoln, and she could do so because of me. I did this to us, to my mate.

I turn and struggle to get the door open. I can barely see with all of the tears in my eyes. I’m trying not to break down right here where others could see it, but it’s a struggle that I feel I will lose. I feel the sparks on the hand trying to open the door. I pray that he lets this go, but it goes unanswered.

Landon turns me around and wraps me up in his arms. He starts to walk with me, pulling me down the steps and to the other side of the packhouse. I’m stumbling as I walk and decide to let Landon guide us. I’m sniffling and sobbing, yet Landon says nothing.

Landon comes to a stop and stands in front of me. He lifts my head, so our eyes meet. “Explain.”

I swallow the lump in my throat and close my eyes. “When I went to check on Aida that day, I saw something disturbing. I saw a type of shrine to Lincoln. I didn’t say anything to you or anyone else. Aida took Lincoln, and it’s all my fault. Iii…iiiiiffff I had jjjjjust said ssssssomething……iiiiiiiffffff…..” I couldn’t© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

finish, emotions taking hold of me. Landon pulls me into him and rubs my back. I bury my face into his chest and let it all out.

“You didn’t know, no one knew. Even if you told someone what you saw, she probably would have still tried to take him. You can’t blame yourself. You can’t assume that you telling someone would have gotten her help. Would your dad have listened and gotten her any help?” Landon lifts my face and wipes the tears away. “This is not your fault. If anything, blame can be passed around. It isn’t all on your shoulders.” Landon’s eyes gloss over. He refocuses and looks at me. “The warriors are waiting for us. Let’s go get Lincoln.”

~Lincoln~

Morning has already come through the windows of this cabin, but I guess Adela was lying. When she was assessing my health, she was actually talking to me. I have to admit; I was very surprised.

*Flashback*

What the…..are you okay?

Do you really care?

Hey, I know I’ve done some messed up things, but this wasn’t ever a plan.

As if this is worse than beating up your own sister. Silence follows that statement. Adela has her back to Aida, so she doesn’t know we’re talking.

I need to get my sister some help. I will bring them to you; I just need to make sure my sister will be safe.

*End of Flashback*

I guess I misread that conversation. I took it to mean that she would bring the pack here to get me while trying to get her sister help. Then, the conversation with Aida made me feel like my brother would be joining me really soon, just not to rescue me. I miss him, and I miss my mate.

I’m so uncomfortable right now. Aida has been asleep on my lap for hours now, and my lap is extremely numb. I swear I can’t feel where my lap stops and her head begins. I never thought she was this obsessed, but I guess I was wrong. I’m hungry, I’m tired, I’m sore, and I have to piss. I really hope they find me before tonight, or I may never see my family or mate again.

I think the wolfbane is wearing off because the room smells mustier than it did when I first got here. I can smell the dead animals that are around here, and I can smell the dirt that is in the room. I never realized how irritating Aida’s scent is, but I guess that’s because I found my true mate. No scent can compare to hers.

I hear a twig break in the distance and leaves rustling. I’m probably hearing things; just hoping that my rescue is about to happen. I look down, and Aida is still asleep, so I must be hearing things. I close my eyes and try to breathe. I won’t kid myself and think that I could sleep. I haven’t slept since I work up here. I’ve been trying to free my hands, but this girl has tied me to the chair so tightly.

My head perks up when I hear a sound that is similar to footsteps, but I know that can’t be. No one knows that we are here unless Adela actually said something. I don’t really trust her, so I don’t believe it. A few different scents hit me all at once, and I pop my eyes open. I take a few deep breaths to try to figure out what I’m smelling. Truth be told, rogues could be in the area, and that would not be a good thing for me.

I smell nothing that reminds me of rotting trash or anything spoiled. I breathe in again, and I can feel my heart start to beat fast in my chest. I can smell my brother. He’s out there; he came here to get me. Adela actually did something right. I look down and notice that Aida is still sleeping soundly. I guess

that’s a good thing. I would hate for her to be the ‘if I can’t have you….’ type. I definitely don’t want to go out like that.

The noise settles down, and my body is anxious. I know something big will happen, and if I’m correct, it will result in me going home. Without warning, the door bursts open, and Aida jumps up, looking disoriented. Warriors file into the room and surround us. She looks around, the fear evident on her face. Landon appears at the door. “Take her, but don’t hurt her. She can join her sister in the cells for now.” Warriors grab Aida, and she tries to fight them.

“NO! NO! You can’t be here! Where’s my sister? What happened to her? He’s mine! He’s mine…..he loves me….we are meant to be together!” Warriors carry Aida out of the room, and Tia appears, rushing to me. She grabs my face, kissing me all over. I missed her, but….I feel nothing. I don’t feel the bond. I feel faint sparks when she touches me, but that’s it. I can’t catch her scent. What the hell is wrong with me?

“Lincoln, I’m so sorry. This is all my fault; please forgive me.” What the hell is she talking about? A warrior comes over and cuts the zip ties at my wrists and ankles. I stand up, stretching my aching body as best as I can. I stand and look at Tia. I wrap my hands around her waist and pull her close to me. I smash my lips onto hers, pushing my tongue into her mouth. We finally come up for air, and Landon slaps me on my back. I may not feel the bond right now, but I don’t care. Tia is mine, sparks or not, and I am so glad to have her back.

“Let’s get you home brother.”