Page 66 of Wedlock (Vampire Bachelor Games #3)
He looks uncomfortable where he stands, hands in his pockets, his eyes serious as he uncharacteristically shakes his head at the drink Wolf proffers.
It’s been months, but Wolf finally phoned last week to say that Jag had found my wife as I’d asked, and it’s now up to me to extend an olive branch to my former friend.
Mother was hugely relieved that I’d agreed to see him, although distracted, as usual, with the revolving door of charlatans purporting to be doctors I’d hired to find out why my son is constantly unwell.
I’d left his room just minutes ago to make for my study when I heard Wolf and Jag arrive.
Seeing Jag now I still feel residual anger at his betrayal, yet my library does seem more complete with him here, a place he so customarily once inhabited on a daily basis.
If I could wipe my memory of all that had transpired and go back to having him as my comrade and brother, I would.
But his affair with my wife is still stuck in my craw.
While I’d agreed I’d revoke my vow if he found my wife, Wolf and Mother’s hopes of a renewed friendship are like smoke on water at this point, ephemeral and cloying, nothing more.
Clearing my throat, I cut to the chase.
“You found her?”
“I’ve known for some time where she is, Falcon,” he says quietly.
“What?” Wolf and I ask at the same time.
“I gave her my word that I wouldn’t tell you.”
I stalk towards him and point angrily at his face.
“Your word? What the hell is that worth?”
“Falcon,” Wolf shakes his head, “that isn’t helpful.”
“Helpful?” I snarl. “The whole point of his coming here today was to tell me where my wife is. That would be fucking helpful .”
“No,” Jag shakes his head. “The point was to tell you she’s safe and doesn’t want to be found.”
“By me?”
“By any vampire.”
“Fuck you, Jag. Are you seeing her? Is that what this is about?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he sighs, “and take your finger out of my face before I fucking snap it off.”
We stand face to face for a long minute before Wolf interjects.
“Either kiss and get it over with or kill one another,” he drawls, “but stop your bullshit, please.”
I step back, sneering at my former best friend as he shakes his head at me.
“I’ve told you she doesn’t have feelings for me. I’ve told you sleeping with her was a mistake, and I’ve apologised countless times for what I did. I came to you today to set your mind at ease over her safety, nothing more.”
“Sure,” I snarl, “and I’m to believe your word.”
He snorts.
“As I’m to believe yours that if you knew where she was you wouldn’t hunt her?”
“When has my word, my honour, ever been in question?” I hiss.
He has the grace, at least, to look abashed.
“I apologise,” he sighs, “you have never disgraced your name or honour.”
“That’s right,” I snarl.
“But if you don’t want her back, Falcon, why do you want to know where she is?” Wolf shrugs. “What’s the point?”
“He wants to know because he still loves her,” Jag murmurs, “obviously.”
I shake my head. It’s true I yearn for her still, but as Wolf previously pointed out, I’m yearning for an illusion. I didn’t really know her at all.
“I thought I did,” I shrug, turning for the bar. “But the wife I sought was to be a good mother. I didn’t care if she was ruthless in any other regard, or had no feelings for me, but she sure as shit needed to be protective of our future children. I thought I’d found that…”
“I can’t tell you where she is,” Jag says quietly. “But on that score, I can ease your heart.”
“How so?” Wolf chortles, “and if so, please do, I’m sick to death of his depressing monologues on this matter.”
“Perhaps you wouldn’t be sick of it if you absented yourself for a while,” I snap, “in case you haven’t noticed, my heir is sickening day by day and is bereft of the care and love of the woman who birthed him. I’m sorry if my lamenting of this fact is boring you, Count Mandraken.”
“Settle down,” Wolf frowns, “you know that’s not what I meant. Tell him what you know, Jag, and be done with it.”
“Do I have your solemn oath you won’t try to bring her back here, or molest her and hers in any way, no matter what I tell you?” Jag’s expression is dark as he barks his question.
“You do.”
“Swear it. Before a witness.”
I snort.
“Swear it.”
Wolf walks to stand beside Jag’s side as I glare at both of them.
“Ridiculous,” I mutter. “Very well. I solemnly swear on my name, my house, my titles, that I will not try to bring my wife home against her will or molest her or hers in any way.”
Wolf shrugs and picks up his drink.
“Good enough. Consider it witnessed.”
Jag nods, his eyes not leaving mine.
“She had twins. She left you one, your heir, and she’s living, happily, I believe, with the other.”
I freeze, my drink halfway to my mouth, and stare at him.
Wolf bursts out laughing.