The Rejected True Heiress (Liora and Callum) novel Chapter 279

Liora’s POV

I froze, staring up at Zane.

“You are the princess, aren’t you?” He set me upright. “Not Bianca.”

I didn’t know what to say. For a long moment, my mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.

So he knew the truth. He’d figured it out on his own, just like I suspected. Out of all people, I never expected it to be Zane who would figure it out first. Or maybe I had. But it didn’t matter. What was done was done.

Finally, I managed to speak.

“Please don’t tell anyone.”

My voice cracked on that last word. A flush crept up my neck, and I looked away. I could feel Zane staring at me, could feel his eyes burning holes into the side of my head.

I felt like such an ass. It had taken Zane doing his own investigating to find out the truth about someone who was supposed to be his friend. I should have told him sooner. I should have been honest.

“Why keep it a secret?” he asked quietly. “All this time… After everything Bianca has put you through… Why let her keep walking around, letting everyone believe that she’s the princess and not you? Aren’t you ashamed?”

“Of course I’m ashamed,” I spat. The words came out harsher than I intended.

Zane’s face fell. “Is that why you didn’t tell me? Wait…” His eyes widened slightly. “Does Mia know? Did you guys keep this from me—”

“No!” I blurted out. “She doesn’t know. No one does. You’re the first.”

Zane raked a hand through his hair. “So, all those times when it seemed like something was off with you… I was right all along.” He shot me a bemused look. “I had a hunch when the Gammas came and immediately latched onto you. Thought there was no way they’d just invite a wolfless out on an expedition like that.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t figure it out sooner,” I said, laughing, although the sound was more like a rasp. “There were so many times I was worried everyone would find out.”

Zane wasn’t laughing. He didn’t look angry, but he didn’t look particularly pleased, either.

“You still could have told us,” Zane muttered. “Mia and I wouldn’t care if you’re a wolfless princess.”

“I know I could have. But I guess I thought that, because the lie kept getting bigger, that it would hurt you guys more if I told you the truth. I kept telling myself that it wasn’t the right time. That if circumstances could just be perfect, I would tell you.”

“But that never happened,” he said.

I shook my head. “No. And now here I am. Surrounded by the constant chaos of hurricane Bianca, and too much of a coward to stand up and tell everyone the truth because my wolf still hasn’t returned. And I know she won’t until I mark Callum again. Which I refuse to do.”

Zane was quiet for a long time. I hadn’t realized it, but we’d moved over to a nearby oak tree, and had sat down on the cold ground.

“Are you angry with me?” I asked, sniffing. “I would understand if you were.”

“I won’t lie. I’m a little hurt.” He gave me a thin smile. “But, you know, I think there’s more to it than you’re letting on.”