Letting It Out
Emmalee
I haven't stopped thinking about Soren and Cade, and even what Ana told me.
I think that would be impossible. After all, it's such a big part of my life. How different would my life have been if Romain had never been arrested? If he hadn't been framed for something Soren and his family planned?
I think I must have wondered that for a hundred times now.
I'm currently in the guest bedroom. I haven't been able to have dinner, as I don't really have the appetite, and I haven't succeeded in letting go of the anger.
A dangerous thing, yes, but what can I do?
I have this deeply rooted feeling to get to the bottom of this. They had no right. All these years, they've lived peacefully, those monsters, while innocents had to die for their happiness. I know the right thing to do is stay silent. I know this.
But I also know that if I don't say something—try to confront them, especially Cade, and ask him how he could betray us and why—then I'll die before Romain ever makes it back here.
My heart feels like it could stop from all the bitterness that's been injected into it.
For years, I suppressed who I truly am. The girl who spoke her mind and always had her way didn't fit in the Cimmerian family. Here, I have no voice. No tongue to even formulate the words if I wanted to. Very early on, I understood that my opinion wasn't wanted, so I remained in the background, never speaking up.
Soren took advantage of that. So did Cade, I now realize.
I'm up before I can even fully convince myself that this is the right decision. I head toward the door and even forget to close it on the way out. I walk down the hallway, barefoot, with only one intention in mind.
To tell Soren that I know about him. To let him and Cade know that they won't get away with this. This precise moment is when I realize that I'm not going to let this slide. Why should I wait for Romain when I have a pack, and I'm a Luna?
I have the power to fight Soren.
And nothing gives me more pleasure than imagining the look on his face when I make it known that I'll fight him with everything I have, and don't.
I make it downstairs. Usually, he's in his office until late at night, so I assume that that's where he is. The house has quieted down; most servants have gone to bed. I don't come across anyone.
I stop before his door and don't bother knocking. We've gone past the point of faking civilities. I start to walk into the room but halt when I take in the sight before me.
They've since pulled away from each other and are staring at me with wide eyes, both of them, but they were standing by the window, Soren with his arms around Cade.
"Emmalee," my brother begins, "what are you—"
"Save it," I hiss. "I know the truth. You don't have to try to explain what I saw."
I've never seen Cade look like this. Shame is stamped across his face, and he steals a glance at Soren, who's staring at me like he wants to strangle me.
I bet he does.
"So, this is what you meant when you said my brother is your bitch?" I ask, my words bitter. I'm resentful. Of course, I am. I've been played for a fool. I've had sex with Soren before, and all the while, he was having an affair with my brother. Yes, there wasn't love there, but that doesn't mean I don't feel filthy because of it.
"You hold your cunt, Emmalee," Soren warns. "Shut it. This is none of your business."
"I'm the Luna of this pack and it is my business. You're married to me!" I yell. "And although I could wipe my ass with the title of being your wife, Soren, people don't know that. I can and will ruin your life!"
"Emmalee—"
"I don't want to hear it, Cade!" I yell, delirious with rage. "You're a traitor. I thought that before I knew what you truly were. How could you stand by my side and do this to me? How? You're my brother!"
"You didn't love him," he says, his voice too soft. His eyes downcast.
"What if I did?" I inquire. "Would that have stopped you?"
"Enough," Soren proclaims. "I've had enough of this forced sentimentality. You couldn't give a shit less, Emmalee. Why are you here? Why did you come?"
"Don't you dare tell me when it's enough!" I rage. "For years, you've played me for an idiot after you ruined my life!"