Chapter 36
Celeste POV.
The car screeched to a stop outside our house, the tires crunching on the gravel, the evening air cool against my skin as I shoved money into the driver’s hand.
My heart pounded, my chest tight with rage, my eyes still burning from tears. Kael’s words echoed in my head, "You’re not my mate!" his grip on my neck, his angry eyes cutting deep.
My hands shook, my nails digging into my palms as I stormed up the steps, the wooden door slamming open, the sound loud in the quiet house.
My mother, Marissa, stood in the living room, her dark hair pulled back, her green eyes narrowing as she saw me.
"Celeste, what’s wrong?" she asked, her voice sharp, her hands on her hips.
She stepped closer, her eyes scanning my face, my red eyes, my crumpled red dress.
"Are you okay?" Her tone softened, but I could feel her worry, her need to know.
I shrugged, folding my arms tight, tears spilling down my cheeks. My chest ached, anger and hurt mixing, my voice breaking.
"It’s Aria," I said, my words loud, bitter.
"She took him from me, Mother. Kael was mine, and she stole him. I went to his study, to get close to him, to make him want me, and he grabbed my neck. He almost killed me!" My voice cracked, my hands clenching, my body trembling as I sank onto the couch, the cushions soft under me, my tears hot.