Page 307 of Oracle Returns: Time will Stop

Are you angry with me?

Honestly, Ridge wasn’t sure who to be angry with at this point.

Him.

Wynter.

Himself.

It was a toss-up at this point. What he knew was all he wanted to do was hide now. His heart was pummeled, and there was no way he’d get over this guilt.

Okay, you don’t have to answer. I felt you, and I wanted to make sure you’re safe. I’m here if you need to talk, or if you feel like crying.

Ridge wanted to rage.

He wanted to weep.

What he did was point this at the wrong person, because the person he wanted to be angry with couldn’t be there to fight with him.

Or himself.

I need you to leave me alone. I need you to stop reaching for me and give me goddamn time!

There was a pause at the tone of that, and how the man lashed out at him.

There was also sadness, like he fully expected this to happen.

Finally, he spoke.

Okay, Ridge.

It wasn’t ‘okay’.

She’s dead because of us! She’s dead because we started something we shouldn’t have started! How am I supposed to look at you and not feel that?

There was a moment where he wondered if Lucian would lash back at him. Oh, and he craved that sharp whip of rage, knowing it would only make him feel worse.

And he wanted that.

I’m sorry. If I could go back and change things, I would. I would try to stop her death.

It’s our fault. It’s my fault!

Lucian felt the anger.

What was he supposed to do?

Deep down, he’d expected to be the whipping boy in this. If it had been Bishop, he’d do the same. The grief was talking, and Lucian was NOT fighting back.

I’m sorry.

And that enraged him more.

I can’t be around you right now. I need to figure this out. Please don’t come near me, and please don’t reach for me!

His heart hurt.

Okay, Ridge. If that’s what you want, I’ll give you as much space as I can. I just wanted to tell you that Avalon saved Wynter’s soul. She’s crossed, and she’s no longer at this entity’s control. Her soul moved on, and she’s safe.