Page 89 of Sweet Torment

“And you never thought to mention this connection to me? Not once in all these years?” I can’t keep the bite out of my voice.

“Why would I?” Her brow furrows in genuine confusion. “It didn’t seem important. A college relationship that didn’t work out.” She studies my face, concern growing in her eyes. “Why are you asking about this, Bianca? What’s going on?”

“Did Dad know your college boyfriend was my doctor?”

“Bianca, like I said... it wasn’t serious. He has an amazing mind, and we could talk for hours. When he asked me out, I wasn’t sure I felt that way about him, but I did enjoy his company.” She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “He’d take me on lavish trips all over the world, but it was more of a fun fling than some fantastical love story.”

“Do you remember putting me on birth control?”

“Birth control? I... Let me think. That does sound vaguely familiar.” Her eyes unfocus slightly as she searches her memory. “He recommended a shot that would prevent certain diseases that affected omegas. One was something your Nana had, so it seemed like a great idea at the time. It wasn’t for birth control... a side effect maybe. You were too young to be worried about that...”

I suddenly want to tell her everything. The words press against my teeth, chanting for release.

“Bianca...” Mom leans forward, her eyes intent on mine. “Don’t bullshit me. What is this about? Did he touch you? For God’s sake, just tell me.”

“I want to tell you something, but you can’t say anything to anyone... promise me.” My voice drops to barely above a whisper.

“I… I don’t like this, Bianca. But I promise.”

“Not even Dad.”

“Oh—I’m not sure I could keep something from him...” She looks toward the door where Dad and Winston disappeared.

“You can’t say a word. To anyone. I’m serious.” I grip her hand tightly.

She studies my face for a long moment, then nods. “Okay. Tell me.”

I take a deep breath. “That shot is the reason I never awakened. It was a suppressant.”

Mom’s face drains of color. She shakes her head, lips parting in disbelief. “No. No, that can’t be right. Why would he... That doesn’t make any sense.” Her voice rises with each word, trembling with emotion. “You went to him to find out why you didn’t awaken. He would’ve made the connection. He would’ve known.”

“He knew.”

“I...” I can practically see her brain trying to process this information and fit it into her understanding of the world. “Was this something to do with Whitney and the boys? Why? I don’t understand.”

“It’s complicated. I’m still trying to figure things out.”

“I could talk to him. Maybe it was a misunderstanding…”

“Mom, do you still talk to him?”

“I see him for hormone therapy periodically since my heats stopped.”

What. The. Fuck.

He’s had access to my fucking mom this entire time? The thought makes me want to scream. Has he done things to her too?

“Please don’t say a word about any of this,” I beg urgently. “He can’t know you know... I... I shouldn’t have said anything, but I needed to know if you were involved.”

“How could you think I would ever do anything to hurt you?” Tears fill her eyes. “I love you so much. The years without you have broken my heart, baby. I just want my kids healthy and happy, and... I want everyone back together. Like the old days.”

“I want that too.”

“Bianca, I hate this. I really hate this secrecy, and I’m not convinced you are going to be safe. Can you come home? Is this something the police should be involved in?”

“No! Remember, you promised. You can’t say anything to anyone. It would be very bad for me if you did. No one. I’ll tell you more when I can.” Mom pulls me into her arms, sobbing into my hair. I feel her tears dampen my scalp as she holds me, her body shaking. I wrap my arms around her, breathing in her comforting, much-missed scent.

“I love you,” I whisper. “I will visit as much as I can. I wanted to get some things from my room if that’s okay.”