Chasing His Betrayed Luna by KiKi Jones

60. A Big Mistake

AURELIA

Anxious blue eyes stared back at me, curiosity and anxiety deeply etched within them. Katie shifted her gaze from my face to Raiden's. We were sitting in the living room in uncomfortable silence.

Raiden's presence was unusual and I wouldn't have allowed it if I didn't need his help as I revealed to him last night.

"I'll do anything for you, Aurelia. Just name it." Raiden had answered, clearly convinced that he had the full capability to help me.

Tell me why he looked extremely nervous and uncomfortable now that he was sitting in the presence of Katie. It's been over five minutes of silence and Katie was beginning to assume the worse. I could sense that from the way her heart was throbbing loudly. Since Raiden seemed incapacitated, I decided to start the process myself. "We have something to tell you, baby," I announced, twisting my body on the sofa so I could stare directly at my daughter who was sitting on the other end of the dark brown sofa. Katie's breath hitched, her eyes widening a little. "Is Dad here to spend time with me?" She asked but her eyes darted around in confusion, "But where is Kyle? Shouldn't he be here with Dad?"

"Hmm..." Raiden started, sounding just as confused as Katie looked which wasn't a good way to start a conversation with a five-year-old. As a mom, I wasn't allowed to be confused or scared before my kids. Kids need to feel safe with their parents but in Raiden's case, huh... Regardless, he continued, "Your mom and I need to talk to you about Kyle, Katie."

At least he managed to get the last set of words out without stuttering. From where I was sitting, it was almost as if the mighty Alpha Raiden was sacred of little Miss Katie even though she was on her best behavior currently.

If Kyle wasn't still missing, I probably would have laughed in Raiden's face.

"I haven't seen him in four days, Raiden. I think Kyle is trying to avoid me because I stress him all the time. I can't even sense him within him like I used to." Katie's lips quavered as she let out her feelings. "Kyle doesn't like me anymore, Mom..."

Tears sparkled in her eyes and my eyes stung as well as I slid on my butt, closing the space between my daughter and me. I held her hands, sensing she was on the verge of bursting into tears, I shook my head, "Kyle loves you, Katie. I'm sorry I kept you in the dark about what has been going on with your brother. He hasn't been with you because he can't be. I-"

"You said he was with Dad." Katie blurted a little confused but with a lot of underlying anger. "Did you lie to me again, Mom?"

my mouth to speak words that would ease her aching heart but words failed me as

cried, "You promise not to lie anymore, Mom." She didn't hesitate to ask about her brother despite her feelings. "Where is Kyle? Just

of words. He got Katie's attention and she stopped

time in years, I was thankful for Raiden's presence as he lifted Katie off the space beside me, pacing with her in his arms. Katie was still upset. Her loud wails were evidence of that. Thank goodness Hazel had gone to the pack market to get some fresh vegetables for dinner and Jessica

deep breath, Katie. Please." Raiden cooed to

girl would be the end of me...

want to see Kyle." Katie

jerked off the sofa

lied to her, I did it to protect her from the kind of pain I have been enduring. I was ready to let my daughter in and trust that she'd handle the news

"Katie-" I began.

faster than my teary self could, "You can't see Kyle now,

at him like he

my daughter the truth. "Because your brother has been

the hospital." Raiden quickly chipped in, completing my statement with what

but Raiden continued, "Your brother has been in the hospital and your mom didn't tell you because she didn't want

me, sobbing, "Is Kyle sick again?

him to explain why he would lie to Katie when I asked him to help me tell her the truth about Kyle's kidnap.

"Lung disease? And you didn't think

helps him breathe better whenever he is experiencing an episode. Take me to him, Mom-" Raiden was quick to pull himself together and he said to Katie, "Kyle's lungs are fine, Katie.