Her Three Kings {Volturi Kings}

Chapter Thirty-two

"Why do you think it didn't work on you?" Garrett asked Jasper as they helped secure the cabin so they could leave.

Lily lifted her gaze to the two men as they talked. That was a question she wanted an answer to as well, but it wasn't one she thought Sebastian would have been able to answer. He hadn't even known his power could weaken bonds.

Jasper shook his head and darted a glance in her direction. "I don't know. The kings will probably have a better idea."

The mention of her mates had her heart twinging again. She wanted to talk to them even to just hear their voices, but she was scared at the same time. Once they were together again, the damage should start repairing itself but until then... For all she knew they hated her. She couldn't think like this. Couldn't focus on this. "Jasper," she called, catching his attention.

"Yes, princess?"

She licked her lips as her nerves built. "Can you take me on ahead? I need to talk to them. And I can call to have the plane meet us in Nashville."

"Of course," he answered with no hesitation. He was by her side in an instant and turned so she could climb on his back.

When her hands trembled and her grip wasn't nearly as tight as it should be, he didn't mention it. And when he traveled through the trees at a much slower pace than he was capable of to make sure she didn't get sick, she didn't say a word.

The moment they could receive a signal on his phone, Jasper lowered her to the ground. He turned on his phone and handed it over. She called the pilot first and instructed him to bring the plane from Chicago to Nashville. She hesitated before making the next call.

"You're going to have to talk to them at some point, darlin'."

"It's not that. Well, it's not entirely that. I'm trying to decide which one to call. Caius will be too emotional. Marcus would be my usual choice but I'm afraid this whole situation will have brought memories of Didyme to the surface."

Jasper said nothing but gave her a look that said he thought she was stalling. She sighed and dialed Aro's number.

He answered after one ring. "Mr. Hale, thank you for returning my call. I'm wondering if you have seen our mate. We intend to honor her wishes whatever they may be. We simply desire to make certain that she is safe and taken care of." His voice was tired, weary.

Tears immediately flowed from her eyes at the sound of his voice and his words. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Aro."

She heard as he sucked in a breath. "Liliana?"

"It's me. Where are the others?"

"They are elsewhere at the moment." There was a pause. "It is perhaps best if I am your contact for the time being. Caius wishes to drag you home and Marcus...well, Marcus has withdrawn into himself again."

More tears ran down her face. "I didn't write that letter, Aro. Whatever it says, it wasn't from me."

"What are you playing at?" His tone was sharp and angry. "I would recognize your handwriting anywhere, Liliana. If you regret your actions, come home and we can discuss it. There is no need to lie."

She was full on sobbing now. "No. Please listen to me, Aro. All of this, none of it is real. It's not us. You don't understand."

Suddenly, she cried out and leaned forward, clutching her chest as she let the phone fall in the dirt. Jasper's arms wrapped around her and led her to a rock where she could sit. He brushed her hair back from her face as she tried to calm herself. He retrieved his phone and pressed the button to put it on speaker.