CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN - When Mountains Begin To Move

As the elder moved away, Christine's diplomatic smile faded. "That's the third time tonight I've had to rescue you from your own inattention," she said quietly. "What's going on?" "Nothing," Lucas replied automatically. "Just tired." "You're always tired lately." Christine's sharp eyes studied his face. "Is this about your search last night? Alexander told me you were out past dawn." Lucas stiffened. "Dad mentioned that?" "Your father tells me everything," Christine said with a pointed look. "Including your continued... obsession with finding Aria Cross." "It's not an obsession to look for my mate." Christine's lips thinned. "A mate who abandoned you? Who left without a word? Who may very well have been working for her father the entire time?" Lucas's hand tightened around his glass. "You never gave her a chance." "And you gave her too many." Christine softened slightly, placing a hand on his arm. "I know you believe what you felt was real. But sometimes the mate bond can be...