BLOOD LEGACIES
Chapter 485: The Lost Years

Chapter 485: The Lost Years

My mind kept getting distracted, I was present but at the same time, I was not. I blame it on the heat. My body felt like it was melting from the inside out and the only one that could quench this burn, was Dace.

It’s been hours but it seemed like a month had passed, I pondered going back to the cabin but yet to come to a decision. I’m still mad at him for lying to me and he deserves a little torture. I’m tormenting myself too.

"I can’t believe you’re here" my mom’s soothing voice broke me out of my thoughts.

A smile found my lips as I stopped chopping the veggies and looked over at her, she couldn’t stop staring, like if she looked away I would disappear. I felt the same way too.

"I can’t believe it," she murmured, looking me up and down like I was a phantom instead of an actual person. I chuckled at her actions. "Five years" she gasped and I knew she was on the verge of tears again. I quickly hugged her tightly, to be in the embrace of your mom was something I would trade anything for.

I can still remember that day. I didn’t believe anything about Cassius’s blessing and went to find my mom. When I met her at the grocery store, she smiled at me politely because I was a stranger to her. It was one of my most heartbreaking moments. It was one memory I wouldn’t dare share with her because I knew how much it would break her.

"Mom, we need to cook something," I sniffled.

"That can wait" She pulled away from the hug and led me to a chair and we both sat down. "Tell me more"

"I already told you so much, Mom," I grinned.

"I know" She caressed my hand gently, the tears streaming down her cheeks. I hated seeing her like this but couldn’t be helped because I was on the verge of breaking too. I wasn’t so sure I would be able to speak properly without choking in between sobs.

This was a tough situation for both of us, especially with the years apart. I’m home but at the same time it didn’t feel like it, there was a strong sense of deja vu, obviously, and at the same time I felt like a stranger in my own home.

"Was it so lonely being in Italy?" she sobbed. "Being a cold being as you explained, being different"

My eyes trembled and I swallowed a lump in my throat. "I pushed through somehow" I explained everything to her, she knew I was a hybrid now. It was a difficult topic because my aunt was present too. I thought she would hate me because of it but they were supportive all through and cared more about my well-being.

"You two have been through a lot" she rasped. "And God knows I hate it that I wasn’t part of your life, I wasn’t there for you both, I failed as a mother. I’m horrible"

"No, no, no! Mom, you’re not horrible!"

"I’m doing such a shitty job, I didn’t even know there were two of you. I spent day after day in regret wishing I knew, I wasn’t there for Grayson and I wasn’t there for you too. I’m the worst mom"

"Mom, none of it is your fault. You couldn’t remember," I blinked away the tears, anger burning in my chest. "This was all Cassius’s fault, he’s the one who took us from you"

She stiffened at the mention of his name, her looks morphing into something I couldn’t explain. I knew the topic was sensitive but there was no hiding the elephant in the room.

"We will talk about that when you’re ready," I said, hoping to ease her into it.

She smiled sweetly at my words. "There’s nothing to be ready about, it’s just the usual story you read in your books. When I was young, I met the most beautiful creature. At first, I hated him," she chuckled at the last part. "Truly hated him... because of his arrogance, I don’t know how it happened, in the middle of my bicker with him or how unusual he was to the rest of the world" she explained, lost in thought like she could picture the years. She looked sad.

"It was a long time ago and I..." she shuttered.

"Mom" I held her hand tightly. "Don’t push yourself. I know enough, let’s not talk about him"

She gulped, nodding slowly. She’s not happy talking about it and I won’t push her to get answers. Besides, I want nothing to do with a man who did nothing but tear this family apart, whatever greater plan he had just made him more of a villain.

"Let’s talk about me," I began. I was thinking of leaving it till later but what are the odds right? "I’m Dace’s lioness now"

She narrowed her eyes, confusion taking over her features. "Lioness? What is that? A term youngsters use now?"

I snickered. "No, it means I’m his wife"

"Oh," she blinked. "Oh" she leveled my gaze at my hands and I knew what she was looking for.

"In the supernatural world, we’re husband and wife, just not in the human term" I explained.

"Ha... I see. You got me scared there" she gulped. "Well it’s been five years and I honestly thought I would see a mini Emma" She chuckled but then it turned humorless because her face turned into fear. "Please don’t tell me I missed a grandchild too?!"

"God no!" I blurted out. "I mean we just got back together and he recently just got his memories back so..."

She nodded in understanding, taking deep breaths. "I’m glad you’re happy"

"Are you happy for me?" I asked, suddenly feeling hopeful. The past didn’t bid well for our relationship, I prayed the future was different. I believe my mom will understand just how important Dace is to me.

"I can’t answer that, Emma," she confessed. "You know your relationship with Dace has always been tricky. You were either in danger or he did something"

"He’s a part of my life now, Mom, further than it was years ago"

"Married..." she smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. "I never thought I could see this day"

"Mom," I began.

"I’d like to see him," she declared and my eyes widened.

"W-What?"

"I’m not ready to give my daughter out until I have a talk with that young man" She rose to her feet and walked away.

"M-Mom!" I sighed, rubbing my forehead. I’m not sure that went well. But it puts everything in more trouble now that she wants to see him. Dace isn’t exactly joyous that I came back.

I murmured several curses as I walked out of the kitchen and found Grayson going through the fridge. "Your phone" I demanded.

"How did it go?"

"No good, she wants to talk with him"

Grayson huffed, sticking his head out of the fridge. "Talk with Dace? Well that’s a bad idea, what exactly did you tell her?" he asked, popping soda and taking a drink.

"That we’re married?"

The drink didn’t get to his throat because he spilled it and coughed painfully. "Fuck, Emma! You should have just played the boyfriend card"

I folded my arms. "Oh is that what you told her too?"

"I’ve all the time to tell her about my relationship. I mean we’re just seeing her after five years and telling her the part that you’re a hybrid was enough"

I sighed in defeat. I hated to admit it but he’s right, I should have waited before breaking the news however I just couldn’t wait to tell her. I was happy to tell her.

"Here" he gave me his phone. "Just give her time,"

I nodded, quickly dialing Emilia’s number. "She’s not picking"

"As you can see," Grayson said like it was the most normal thing ever. "Do you want to go back to the Cabin?"

"I-I’m not ready for that yet. I’m still mad at him" I mumbled.

"Hmm... Let’s hope you don’t stay mad for long"

I blinked. "I can stay mad as much as I want, he deserves it!"

"I’m just saying Em. I saw the look in his eyes, I don’t want to know what will happen if you don’t return, I have a feeling he will do something drastic. This is Dace we’re talking about"

My eyes trembled at his words, it struck a nerve but I was willing to gamble my chances that Dace would behave.