His voice sounded hoarse, raw with emotion. Beneath it, I sensed the bitter taste of strong liquor dulling his senses.
My chest tightened painfully.
Please don’t do this, I pleaded softly. We can resolve everything else first. Let the truth come out before we make a decision like this. Breaking our bond does not have to happen now.
Caleb… please.
For several heartbeats, the mindlink remained silent.
Then he spoke again.
I don’t want this either, Aria.
His voice cracked.
Believe me, I hate this. I still love you. The Moon Goddess knows I do.
My wolf whimpered softly at his confession.
Then come back to me, he continued, desperation creeping into his voice. Stop defending him. Leave your brother out of this and stand beside me instead.
Please.
The desperation in his voice twisted painfully around my heart.
I closed my eyes, fighting another wave of tears.
I can’t do that, I whispered.
Marcus is my brother. He’s the only family I have left. How can you ask me to abandon him?
A sharp scoff echoed through the link.
And Clara is my sister, Caleb snapped.