Three Fated Hearts by LNC novel Chapter 89

~Stuart~

It’s so dank down here. I never liked coming down here, and once I got the head warrior position, I made sure I never came down here if I could avoid it. The horrors that can take place here are strewn across the walls and embedded in the ground. When I go back home, I will need a complete shower, maybe 3.

I make my way down the hall, walking past empty cells. One cell holds Neal, a trusted warrior. I have to admit that I admire his bravado, and it’s too bad that Portia didn’t go for his advances. If she had, that would have made things easier for the twins. He laid out on his cot, not moving.

I continue down the hall until I reach the cell I’ve been looking for. My baby is sitting in the corner of the cell, knees drawn up, and her head resting on her knees. I can hear small sniffles, and it breaks my heart to see her like this. “Honey?” I call her softly, unsure if she’d answer and not wanting to scare her. Adela answers but doesn’t look up.

“Daddy? What are you doing here?” I step toward the bars, being careful not to touch them. Some have silver inside, and others don’t, but I’m not trying to find out which is which.

“Why do you sound surprised? Where else would I be right now?”

“Daddy….” A sob escapes her mouth, and I swear my heart breaks. “I messed everything up. I….I should have let things go.”

“No! You and Aida were just trying to get what was due you. You should never apologize for that. You have always known what you were meant for. I’m just sorry that I couldn’t give it to you and your sister. I’m sorry that you had to deal with…..with her.” Adela slowly lifts her head and looks at me, tears falling from her eyes. “Where’s your sister?” Her lip trembles, and a sob escapes.

“I….I had to tell them where she was. I h…had to help Lincoln.”

“You what?! What did you do?”

“Something is wrong with Aida, daddy. She’s been talking to the air, and she kidnapped Lincoln. She had him tied to a chair. She kept talking about some watch that was going to make Lincoln forget his mate bond. As if that were even possible! Daddy, she needs help. I begged Landon to be careful with her and to get her help. I just hope he follows through.” I sigh, hanging my head. Something was wrong with my honey bun, and I had no idea. I’ve been so caught up with my own mess that I haven’t been paying attention to my children. I could be mad at Adela, but if Aida is going through as much as she said, she really does need help.

“It’s okay, honey. You did what you felt was right. I just hate all this stuff that has been happening to us. Ever since Portia returned, things have been bad. If she had just stayed where she was, we would have everything we’ve been working so hard for.” Adela sighs and lies on the stone ground.

“I’m tired, daddy. I just want to sleep.” I nod and watch her a bit, wishing I could reach out and hold her. I slowly turn and head back down the hall. I have no idea if they even have proof to keep her here, but there she is, nonetheless.

I replay what Adela told me, and I stop in my tracks. Aida was talking about a watch that she thought would help Lincoln forget the mate bond. Crap! Aida must have my watch. She must have taken it and thought it would help her win over Lincoln. Damn! Not only is that not how it works but not having the watch got me caught up with Kimberly at the worst possible time.

I head toward the packhouse, determined to get my child out of that hellhole. I see the twins and Portia walking through the open field. I notice a bunch of warriors walking toward the cells, dragging someone. “Stop! Let me go! I need Lincoln…..he misses me!” Aida is sobbing and kicking her feet in an attempt to break free. My heart is breaking watching her, and I feel so helpless.

“Let her go!” I run up to the warriors, but they turn her from me. “I’m your superior. You let her go right now!” The warriors push past me and continue to the cells. How dare they defy an order from me!