Chapter 41

Lottie’s POV

Maddox gives me an enormous hug when I walk outside. “Ready?” he asks. “Physically yes, emotionally no.” I tell him honestly while looking at my mom through the window. “She will be okay, we can visit.” he says, reassuring me.

“Ember, how does this gift work?” I asked her.

“I am not telling you unless you promise I will get to meet Xavier later,” she responds. I obviously annoyed her, seeing that I am not letting her meet up with Xavier again for their official mating. “That’s blackmail.”

“No, that’s negotiation.” I looked at Maddox and told him what Ember was saying. “Please let them meet. Xavier is going crazy. He is saying I am torturing him and that you are holding his mate against her will.”

“Fine,” I tell Ember and Maddox at the same time, “Tonight I am not missing out on time with my mom or dad.” Ember howls with joy.

Speaking of dad, I went and found him, for some time alone. We took the box of pictures to my mom’s grave. We laugh,