“And what’s the price?” Fallon asked.
Raine pressed her finger to her chin, perfectly shaped brows knitting. “I’ll tell you when you come back.”
I tugged on the big Fae’s arm and hissed, “That does not sound like a good idea.”
“I have to do it, Aspen. You were right, what if Elrian decides to whisk Fay away as soon as we leave? This could be my only chance.”
I grunted and heaved out a breath. “Can’t you give us an idea of the price so we have the gelders for you?”
“Who said it was money I wanted?” She arched a mischievous brow, and heat rushed the prince’s cheeks again. She waggled her fingers and ushered us toward the door. “See you tonight.”
“How exactly are we going to convince Fay to come with us to the magic shop?” Fallon paced the length of the small apartment, his fingers clenching and unclenching at his sides.
“Ask nicely?”
He shot me a dramatic eyeroll. “I’m serious, Aspen. I’m kind of freaking out here.”
“I told you before, you should just tell her the truth.”
Fallon raked his hands through his silver hair, setting it off in crazy spikes. “I don’t think I can.”
I pushed myself off the couch and took his hand. “Of course you can.” Lacing my fingers through his, I gave his palm a squeeze. “And I’ll be right there next to you, if you want.”
His free hand cupped my cheek, lilac irises drilling into mine. “I never could’ve done this without you.”
I leaned into his touch despite myself. I didn’t want to lead the Fae prince on, but I couldn’t deny there were still feelings there. Stepping back, I put some distance between us. “Let’s do this before you chicken out.”
A chuckle burst from his strained jaw. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
I circled the big Fae and placing my palms on his lower back, I shoved him toward the door. It was time to tell mommy the truth.
Fallon
I watched Fay as she punched the buttons on the register, tallying the evening’s earnings. Waiting for her to finish was pure torture. My insides were knotted, and despite Aspen’s reassurance, a nervous energy had permanently taken root in my gut.
Father had assaulted Shep, beating him within an inch of his life. What would he do to me when he discovered I told Fay the truth? Gritting my teeth, I stilled the nervous flutter. Aspen was right. It was now or never.
I took another sip of the coffee I’d been nursing for the past hour and turned to Aspen. She was on her second cup. We’d sat at the counter and eaten dinner while chatting with Fay, hoping to draw out some suppressed memory, but there was nothing there. Getting her to Raine seemed the only viable option at this point.
A long receipt began to unfurl from the old register, the clicking sound resonating across the empty diner. Aspen nudged me in the side and threw me a pointed stare. Steeling my nerves, I cleared my throat and forced the words out.
“Fay, do you have a moment?”
She turned to me, a bright smile on her face and wisps of hair framing her heart-shaped face. She blew them aside and stepped closer. “Sure, son, what do you need?”
That word. It was worse than one of my father’s glacial stares. All the words froze at the back of my throat. My jaw worked, but not a syllable came out.
“Fallon wanted to tell you something,” Aspen blurted. Her hand moved to my thigh, and she dug her nails into my jeans.
Fay crept closer until she stood right in front of me across the counter. “What’s that?”
“This is going to sound crazy…” I mumbled.
Her light brows knitted, and she leaned in closer.
Just spit it out, Fallon! “I think you’re my mother.”
Fay’s head snapped back, bright blue eyes widening. “Excuse me?” Her gaze raked over me, as if searching for confirmation. A shared smile, matching eye color, similar cheekbones, anything.
“We think you were compelled to forget,” Aspen supplied.
A nervous chuckle slid through her pressed lips. “That’s absurd. Why would anyone do that?”
I finally lifted my eyes to hers and attempted a reassuring smile. “Because of whom my father is.”
Her lips puckered, and still she seemed completely lost.
“The man that was here earlier?” I nudged.
“Oh.”
“Do you know who that was?” Aspen asked.
She slowly shook her head.
“What I’m about to tell you must remain between us, Fay. It’s for your safety and mine.” I reached for her hand, but she took a step back, eyes wide. A pang of hurt lanced through my heart. I shoved it away, reminding myself this woman had no idea what was going on. How would I have reacted if a stranger had appeared saying the same to me? I would’ve thought him insane.
“Fallon’s just trying to find out the truth,” said Aspen.
She clapped her arms over her chest and nodded. “Say your piece then.”
“My father is the King of Winter Court, the man you met upstairs earlier today.”
That blank look was still in her eye, only confirming my suspicions of compulsion. Everyone knew King Elrian; how could she not?
“I believe that he had a vampire friend compel you from remembering him or me.”
She sucked in a sharp breath and ran her hand through her hair, taming the wayward strands. “Why would he do that?”
“Because I’m his only heir, and a bastard.” I paused, giving her a moment to take it in. “I imagine you must have had an affair that led to me, an unplanned occurrence. Once I was born, he took me away. I was raised in the human world, not by my father, and believed I was half-human. Until one day a little over a year ago, my magic rose to the surface. As it turns out, I’m half-Fae and half-witch.”
“I’m a witch,” she murmured.
“Right. And as you know, Aspen and I are on a TV show. The producers brought us here because they thought you could be my mother, but they haven’t been able to confirm it. Likely, Elrian found some way to hide our blood tie.”
She nodded again.
“We found a witch who claims she can undo vampire compulsion,” said Aspen.
“And you want me to see her?” Fay interrupted.
“I’ve been lied to my whole life, Fay. I need to know the truth.”
Her eyes chased to mine, and a surge of emotions flashed across the glossy surface. “How could I not know? How could I not remember my own son if it were true?”
I shrugged, the weight of her words heavy on my soul.
“Please come with us to see this witch.” Aspen reached for Fay’s hand, and I was surprised she let her take it. “This way we’ll finally know for sure.”
“I told you, I don’t practice anymore. A spell like that will involve dark magic—something I want no part of. My father--” Her head whipped back and forth.
“But it’s the only way to find out,” I snapped.
“I’m sorry, I can’t.” She jerked her hand free of Aspen’s and raced toward the rear exit.
“Please!” I called out as she barreled through the door. She never looked back.