“He can try, but she will eat him alive, Angel,” Marcus scoffed. He relaxed instead of getting angry or tensing like I feared he would. “As for you, little girl, your days of living alone are over. Char and Riff will stay with you, while another watches your door at night.” I grit my teeth, clenching my hands into fists, although I kept my eyes on the ground. “Angel, look at me.” I flinched at his direct order, raising my gaze to meet his. “They won’t get hurt, believe me, they’ll realize he’s there long before you do if he returns. I understand what your friends getting hurt to protect you would do to you, so I wouldn’t ask you to accept this unless I was sure they wouldn’t suffer harm.”
“How can you be so sure?” I asked with a quiet whimper, and he smiled. To me, it seemed like an unnecessary risk. Why have them be with me when I wasn’t worthy of their protection? Besides, I was used to taking care of myself. I didn’t know how to live with anyone else. What if I snored, or if I was annoying? What if they hated me because Marcus made them stay even though they didn’t want to?
“Because we’re wild here, and your monster doesn’t carry a gun. Not that it would save him, but it would make things uncomfortable for a few hours,” Marcus answered with a terrifying grin. “You understand the other reason I insist on them being there, although I look forward to your attempts to get around it. And, when you visit your friend in the woods, one of them is to go with you. They don’t have to breathe down your neck, but they are to keep you within their sight. As a warning, if you shake them loose, they will be punished.”
“They will not,” I began in a soft snarl, and he chuckled. How did he know the asshole didn’t carry a gun? Because he didn’t threaten him with one?
“Oh, they will. Their task is to keep you safe, Angel. If they fail, there will be consequences,” Marcus shrugged unapologetically. “So, if you want to protect them, you’d better remember when your fetters rankle that without you, they’ll be in trouble.” I huffed, and he chuckled. “Besides, you’re lucky I’m limiting it to three. Otherwise, you couldn’t walk through your apartment without tripping over someone intent on protecting you. Once Ava finds out, she’ll be on their side, not mine. That’s right,” he chuckled when my eyes widened, “it’s not me they’ll be in trouble with but Ava. I understand where you’re coming from, she doesn’t, but I also see her side of the argument she will present.”
“She is, isn’t she?” I asked, swallowing audibly when he nodded. “Congratulations, I am pleased for you both. I don’t want to worry her, so I’ll accept your orders. But I don’t like them. I don’t want anyone risking their safety to protect me. I’m not worth it, Marcus.” Tears burned my eyes when my mind conjured images of Riff or Char getting hurt or worse because my monster caught them, and a soft sob escaped my throat before I could stop it.
Sighing, he kissed the top of my head after almost enveloping me in a hug. “You are, sweetheart, just because you cannot see it, doesn’t mean it’s not true. But enough of that for now. Let me see what they did to your back,” Marcus demanded, and I stiffened. Shaking my head, I backed away toward the safety of my apartment. The only people who saw my back were doctors and nurses, and I intended to keep it that way. “Don’t make me get Ava,” Marcus warned, and I trembled. “Stay,” he added, tapping my nose before disappearing into my apartment, and I turned my head to watch him go. “I don’t want you seeing what it looks like in here, so you’re banned from your apartment until I get it clean. Not because they trashed the place, but well, I’m sure you know what it looks like when they’re done with you. I don’t want you seeing that here.”
“Because you want me to still feel like it’s home,” I finished with a sigh, and he nodded. He set down the first aid bag I stored under the sink, and I chuckled, guessing that’s where he kept his once upon a time. “Great minds think alike?” I offered with a quirked brow, and he nodded with a wicked grin. I noticed that he brought me a change of clothes, sighing with relief when he not only had a hoodie for me but my phone from Char.
“I notice he didn’t touch your face,” Marcus noted with a soft growl, and I chuckled.
“Not out here where you could see with that camera of yours,” I agreed, and Marcus snorted, although he met my gaze unapologetically. “If I didn’t notice it, well, I would no longer have faith in my ability to survive. The things you don’t notice are often the ones that kill you.” Nodding his agreement, he used a bottle of water to wet a bit of gauze, and I closed my eyes while bracing myself for what’s coming. I hated this part.
Marcus gently dabbed at the deep but not life-threatening cuts on my ribs, and the small nicks covering my waist and upper abdomen. Thankfully, the bastard left my groin area alone, where the bruises have darkened my skin from one hip to the other. Once he cleaned my skin, so it was only stained pink instead of covered in blood, he used the cream we spoke of before bandaging my wounds. He looked at the burn on my right palm next, dabbing it and using more cream, then wrapping gauze around it to protect the wound. As much as that hurt, I knew what followed would be much worse. I babbled about how he pressed my broken nose between his thumbs to distract Marcus in the hopes I could escape. He quirked his brow and gave me a knowing expression before raising his finger to give me a turn around motion.
Gulping, I did as he bid, cringing when he remained silent while his anger thickened the air. I haven’t looked in years, but I remembered what it was like the last time I checked. Thin scars that crossed each other several times covered my upper back. He paired the cigarette loving lackey with one who adored his whip. The cream I had made the scars look more faded, less angry, but they were still there. Meanwhile, my lower back received love from cigarettes and thin-bladed knives that hurt like hell. Since my back was already sensitive, their attention felt fantastic. Not. But that I could suffer it without crying out made me proud of myself. Although they’re careful to ensure they don’t risk my spine, it still ached for days after their visits.
“Oh, sweetheart,” Marcus breathed, and his anger faded to be replaced by a deep sadness that was even more oppressing. His fingers were gentle, but I still shuddered from everything he did and bit back my whimpers of pain. Usually, I was unconscious for this part during the first few days. I sighed once he began bandaging my back, taking deep, even breaths to keep myself standing still.
“Again,” I murmured, “this is but mere foreplay for what they do.” My eyes closed, and I shuddered at the thought of school with Kyler and my injuries. I tried to ignore my traitorous heart beating faster at the thought of seeing him, and how the word foreplay brought Kyler to mind. How I abhorred that whore. Albeit, my heart didn’t. Whatever. Traitor.
“Well I’m even more pleased that I interrupted and ran them off,” Marcus declared with sad eyes. “How is the tyke?” I sighed with relief that he didn’t mention Matty by name, because I wanted to scrub my apartment to make sure there weren’t any bugs before I believed it was safe. “Your visitor said he would see you at Christmas, whether or not you’re here. Asshole.”
“The tyke is okay, I returned him home with no issues. I hope I get to babysit him again soon since he was such a delight. Alas, I’m not sure when he must be watched, so I guess I’ll play it by ear,” I answered in a light tone. If he dropped a bug and heard the slightest bit of despair in my voice, he’d tear this town apart just in case. Which meant I would lose Matty.
“Good, I hope he needs a babysitter again soon. Well, we better get you to my house so you can change, and we can get Ava’s fawning over with. I understand it’s hard sometimes, but indulge her, and I promise I’ll have you home by tonight. If you resist, she’ll insist you stay and, well, I find it pretty damn hard to tell her no when she wants something,” Marcus chuckled.
“I’m not worthy of her fawning, but I will do my best to resist retreating,” I vowed shyly, and he smiled before enveloping me in a gentle hug.
With a kiss on the top of my head, he proclaimed, “you are, Angel, you’re worth that
and so much more. Tomorrow is soon enough to talk about the future.” The way he watched me made me think he had more to say, and I swallowed nervously upon realizing it was about Matty.
We walked towards his car, and he bustled me in, although he made sure I moved slow enough to not cause myself pain. Once in the car, he murmured, “I had one of mine follow both groups. Albeit, I do not know how Tammy is holding up, nor Matty since they are outside. I will have them smuggle the two of them out as soon as it’s safe. Even though he went to the airport and boarded a private plane, I don’t trust him to not have left someone behind to watch for Matty just in case. So, I will have them returned home to allow you to breathe easier. I’m sorry this happened, sweetheart, I know how much you missed him. I can keep him safe, which I realize you doubt since you just got hurt. But perhaps I can prove it to you. I will see the two of you together even if I have to kill that man myself.” I would like that, but I didn’t see it happening soon. I couldn’t risk Matty, he was my sunshine, the one thing that always made me smile no matter what.
Before I could respond, he bustled me into his house, where a frowning Ava paced. “Oh, Angel,” she gasped with tears in her eyes when she saw me. I gulped, dropping my gaze and flinching when she came closer.
“I’m sorry that I’ve brought trouble to your door,” I whispered, and she frowned.
“Angel Draven, you will stop apologizing for things you cannot control or so help me I will pin you and let your baby brother tickle you,” Ava promised with a growl. My lips curled into a smile on their own, because I could never be against something harmless that I knew my little brother would enjoy.
“Besides, it’s not your fault you ended up in the hospital,” Marcus added cheerfully, and I playfully frowned at him. Chuckling, he kissed my cheek, Ava on the lips, and pulled out his phone to make a few calls.
“Let’s get you changed, so you feel cleaner, then how about some music while we make dinner?” Ava offered with a smile. Smiling, I nodded, and she showed me to the bathroom to allow me to get out of my bloody jeans. Not that I would have cared about changing in front of her. After what I’ve seen people wear as swimsuits, walking around in my underwear doesn’t bother me in the least. Let’s be honest, mine covers more than theirs.
I sighed with relief once I had my blood-stained jeans off and used the washcloth Ava provided to get what I could off my skin. Once changed, I opened the bathroom door to find Ava waiting with a smile. “I learned how to get bloodstains out of everything years ago due to Marcus and his ability to pick a fight with everyone when we met. He was quite the troublemaker, but I wouldn’t change a thing about him. Now, how about chili for dinner?” Ava asked with a bright smile, and I grinned.
“Chili is one of my favorites, Matty’s too,” I admitted while looking at the ground and rubbing the back of my neck. I hope Marcus will send some to Matty to soften the blow that he has to go back early.
“Then we’ll make sure he gets some,” Ava decided, and I sighed, relaxing while rolling my eyes at myself. Ava would insist, which was one of the many reasons I loved this woman.
“Um,” I mumbled, and she glanced at me. Unable to meet her eyes, I admitted, “I think of you and Marcus like you’re my older siblings. Well, Marcus like he’s my older brother making you like a sister-in-law. Um, I hope that doesn’t offend you. But, if it does, I can stop thinking like that. I just love you like family, and I wanted you to know in case something happens, you know? I faced my mortality yesterday, then with my monster today, I guess I’m a little emotional. But um-“ I stopped speaking in surprise when Ava shook her head and pulled me into a tight hug.
I flinched when something hit my shoulder, belatedly realizing it was her tears. My lip trembled, and I returned her hug with as much strength as I had, burying my face in her shoulder while the dam containing my tears broke. Within moments, I sobbed out my fear, pain and worry from the past week, especially the last twenty-four hours. Marcus hugged me from behind after a few minutes, kissing the top of my head, and I sobbed harder.
“Our little stray has accepted herself as family,” Ava beamed once I got my tears under control. Sniffling, I risked a glance at his eyes only to lose control once more.
“Come here, sweetheart,” Marcus murmured, his arms enveloping me. And, in the safety of his embrace, I cried again, only this time I told him everything I’ve thought and felt since I arrived. He frowned when I mentioned the odd pain I experienced that came out of nowhere. He didn’t ask questions, however, which made me think he knew what it was. I bet it concerns this secret of his, and although I was curious, I still wasn’t ready. Especially not now that I might leave much sooner than expected. I should go as soon as I can manage.
I admitted that I didn’t remember what happened between them taking me inside, and Marcus snapping me out of it, and he smiled with relief. “Good,” he declared with a satisfied nod. “From what I saw, that is a necessary survival skill, and I’m glad you’ve got it. It surprised them when I showed up, and they stopped torturing you because once you saw me, even as out of it as you were, you struggled against them. Recognizing that you’d fight to protect me, I talked them into leaving. Well, threatened, but with the fact that you wouldn’t be a passive prisoner, and this was a pleasure visit, they decided it would be best to leave. You chased them out when they stepped towards me, and I can tell you they fear you, sweetheart. I’m so proud of you. No blows were exchanged, no names were given, and they left peacefully.”
Sighing with relief, I clutched his shirt tighter before releasing him to step back. Chuckling, Marcus pulled me back into a hug, and I snuggled closer. For a few minutes, I let myself be selfish and enjoy his embrace. He kissed the top of my head, and I sighed, feeling peace fill my soul rather than the chaos that took it over last night. Smiling, he pushed my shoulders towards the kitchen after letting me go, and I shyly smiled in return. I didn’t want to leave them, because I felt like I belonged, like we were a family unit. But, if I had to, so they’d stay safe, then I would.
Ava and I cooked together, singing along with the radio all the while. I blinked when there was applause after a song I loved ended, and I glanced at the doorway to find Riff. “Riff!” I cried, and he enveloped me in a hug within seconds. My soul was even more at peace, and I sighed with relief. My fingers clutched his shirt tight while I held on as if my life depended on it. Perhaps it did. All I knew was I felt safe with Riff and Marcus.
“Char is going over your apartment, debugging it, and checking for anything out of place. And moving in some of our stuff, we’ll get the rest later. Before you worry, our parents won’t mind, they’re proud. Nor do we mind, Angel. I’ll sleep better, knowing you’re safe, to be honest. Now, while that cooks, let’s do our homework so you’ll relax. Are you going to school tomorrow?” Riff asked with a slight smile. When I nodded, he rolled his eyes and chuckled. “Figures. I mean, what else do you do, right? Plus, you’re thinking about running so you want to enjoy a normal routine while you can, am I right? And, you understand it will hurt everyone in show choir if you leave without saying goodbye and all that.” I nodded again, fighting the beginnings of tears.
Smiling, Riff shook his head and steered me toward the table where his backpack awaited us. Riff chuckled when I smiled with relief upon discovering he hadn’t done his homework either, so we both had some to do. I worried it would bore him while I played catch up. Grinning, he told me about school today and how many times he sacked Kyler in gym. I laughed, although my heart panged upon hearing about him, I ignored it. Kyler and I would never be a thing, there were far more cons than pros even if it was something either of us wanted. He was everything I promised I would avoid to keep from making my mother’s mistakes, and if he hit me now, what would happen if his sports career ended? No, I wouldn’t risk it. Besides, this was all moot since he hated my guts, and I didn’t respect him. How could I? He was a bully who chased whatever tail he saw, so I doubted he even did relationships, let alone faithful o
nes.
Right as we finished our homework, Ava announced that it was time for dinner, and Char walked in, declaring that my apartment was clean, and cleaned up. I smiled gratefully, although I didn’t ask. The tightness of his smile at first was all the answer I needed. Bastard, although it wasn’t surprising in the least. This was the first time I might not run, so I would have been shocked if he hadn’t tried to monitor me somehow. I would have checked for bugs myself and found it, but that’s a moot point.
Marcus appeared when we were ready to eat, telling me with a sweet smile that he sent dinner to Matty and Tammy before they left. Which they would do in about an hour. My heart and soul ached upon hearing that, but I understood. I didn’t want Matty here, not with the threat of that jackass hanging over our heads. It killed me to lose time with him, but it was preferable to never seeing him again. Glancing at Marcus from under my lashes, I thanked him, and he chuckled while kissing the top of my head.
During dinner, Marcus and the boys exchanged the funniest stories they could think of until Ava and I rolled our eyes at some things they did. Sometimes I wondered how any male survived to adulthood. After we ate, Marcus took me to my apartment while Char drove Riff, but they entered my apartment first. I huffed at Marcus, and he chuckled while ruffling my hair. He let me in once Riff whistled, and I sighed with a soft growl leaving my throat before I stomped into my apartment. How was this going to work, anyway? I only had one spare bedroom, so would someone sleep on the couch or what?
Riff said it was up to me, but he thought perhaps I might like company tonight to help fight the nightmares. My eyes filled with tears, and I stared at the ground, trembling, and he used his fingers under my chin to tilt my head up. Staring into my eyes, he smiled tenderly and hugged me. Char joined in, rubbing his head against mine with a soft growl. Marcus waited until I did my nightly routine after ordering me to bed. When I climbed in, Riff and Char followed suit, cuddling me on either side, and I sighed. Biting my lip, I worried about Ky, and the odd pain I hadn’t experienced all day.
Bouquet of Regret (Angel's Shifters Book 1) Page 11