Chapter 95: Abandoned
LUCIAN’S P.O.V.
I didn’t know words could sting like that. Teresa’s words were like a silver-tipped dagger straight to the heart. "What on earth made you think I’d ever climb onto the back of a monster?!" The disdain in her voice wasn’t just a casual refusal—it was a declaration of how far I had fallen in her eyes. She was appalled as if I were asking her to do something unthinkable. And being called a monster by your mate? That was on a whole new level of hurt.
I tried to keep my expression neutral, but the sting of her rejection seeped into my very soul. Ares, whimpered in the recesses of my mind, his pride wounded. "She’s allowed to be angry, Ares," I said silently.
From the corner of my eye, Adrian’s gaze sharpened. His voice filled my head through the mind link, like a cool breeze: "Lucian, are you alright? You’re masking it well, but I can feel your pain."
I didn’t look at him, keeping my eyes trained on Teresa. "It’s my fault," I admitted, my voice heavy with regret. "Everything she’s throwing at me—I deserve it. I hurt her, Adrian. I hurt her so badly."
Adrian’s mental sigh was as smooth as silk. "Still, don’t let it break you. Teresa’s anger is rooted in hurt, not hatred."
With a strained smile, I turned back to Teresa. "I’m sorry, Teresa. I know this isn’t easy, but think of it as the hard thing you have to do to keep our daughter safe."
She didn’t reply immediately, but I saw her jaw tighten as she folded her arms. Before she could fire back, Adrian’s calm, melodic voice cut through the tension. "If it helps, Teresa, I would gladly carry you myself. But my speed would be far too much for you and the babies."
Teresa’s eyes flicked to Adrian, narrowing suspiciously. "You’d carry me?" she asked, her tone skeptical.