Now half-naked and seething, Ashton grabbed me and pinned me against the wall. "You dangerous, reckless creature," He snarled. "This is the last time you'll ever lay a hand on Tiana!"
He leaned in, his breath hot, his face close. "And stop threatening to sever the mating bond or using Bryan's fake illness to get my attention."
I swallowed hard, barely able to process his words.
"Bryan isn't faking his illness, Ashton, and I would never use my son to get your attention," I said, holding his gaze firmly. "The real issue here is your lack of concern as his father. You would easily know his real condition if you had spent even a little time with him, or if you had bothered to check his medical records with the healers. But you didn't, because you chose to waste all your time with Tiana instead."
As the words left my mouth, another painful memory surfaced…
Bryan had gently reached for my hand, his small fingers curling around mine. "Mother, my birthday is in three days, and Father still hasn't visited me… If I had one birthday wish, do you think the Moon Goddess would grant it?"
I kissed the back of his hand, trying to give him comfort. "What's your birthday wish, my love?" I asked softly.