Severed Souls

13

Everest's POV:

This dinner party is boring as hell, but the hors devours are definitely worth it right now. They have these little pieces of baguette with basil, mozzarella, and tomato with balsamic on it, and it's fucking amazing.

Matias keeps looking around nervously, which is confusing, but I'm not sure how to comfort him. Every time I've tried to comfort him so far, he's just flashed me a fake smile and assured me he's okay, as if I can't see when he's lying.

"Ah, Everest," Claude says, handing me a glass of champagne. "It's nice to see you again."

I take a drink from the glass, wrinkling my nose a bit at the flavor. "Wish I could say the same."

"You are so feisty. No wonder Matias is getting rid of you."

My blood runs cold.

"What?"

"You didn't know that?" Claude asks, almost grinning at me and my distress. "Oh, sorry to be the one who informs you."

I glare at him. "Don't fucking lie to me."

"I'm not... his little brother mentioned it to me and begged me not to tell you. Though, poor Matteo was not fully sober when he told me, so can you blame him?"

"Now I have to kick your ass for two reasons," I growl, squeezing my champagne glass so tightly that I'm almost worried it'll burst. "For lying to me and for getting Matteo drunk."

Claude flashes me another smile. "Ah, try it. I won't have to put up with you for too much longer once you're gone."

I want to smack that stupid smile off of his face, but I need to make sure he's not lying first. I put my glass down on a passing waiter's tray and grab Matias' arm.

He startles when he seen my expression. "What's wrong, Everest?" he asks, beginning to check me for injuries.

I slap his hands away. "What is it that Claude is saying about you getting rid of me?!" I demand, my voice hushed enough that no one should overhear us.

Matias stares at me. "I have no clue what he's talking about."

"You're lying, you fucking-" I cut myself off when a horribly familiar scent that draws all of my attention wafts through the air.

I whip around and make eye contact with the very man who broke my heart and left me at a hostel because of my infertility. There's already tears pricking at my eyes and I want to claw the fuck out of his stupid face for being near me.

"Mr. Thompson, it's nice to see you," Matias says in a formal, business tone. "How have you been?"

Henry, the fucker, scowls at him. "I'll be better once you've given my mate back to me," he says, eyeing me.

His mate?!

How dare he say that after he rejected me and left me alone?!

I try to hide behind Matias, but he doesn't let me.

"Your mate?" Matias asks, as if he doesn't fucking know how much I hate this asshole. "I was unaware that you still considered him yours."

Henry chuckles dryly. "Well, you would be playing the fool then. I am not attracted to anyone except this Omega, and I'd like him back. Why is he with you?"

"My parents are under the impression that's he's mine."

Realization hits me, now that I can see that Matias is purposefully being fucking stupid and playing dumb. This is his stupid plan to get me away from him! He's going to send me back with the man who deserted me under the guise of him being a concerned mate who actually fucking wants me!