“Elena,” Aunt Vanessa’s confused gaze took me in and then she glanced at Vince and back at me again. “Elena, dear. Are you alright?”

She reached for my hand and I flinched. Much because of the guilt choking me. I was pale and shaky, also speechless.

Vince backed away, raking his fingers through his air with a silent hiss. If I hadn’t pushed him off as quickly as I did, then Aunt Vanessa would have caught me kissing her mate, and the remaining part of my life would have ...