“Marcus believes it’s not the school itself that makes you sick,” Riff murmured, eyeing me warily. “But a certain individual who we shall not speak of so you retain your breakfast.” Blinking, I felt queasy but shook my head to get the thought of that particular person out of my mind before I needed to run for the toilet. I nodded once I got my stomach under control, and he sighed with a shake of his head. “So, which game shall we play today?”
Hours later, we had open chip bags on either side of us while playing a first-person shooter. I was so concentrated on the screen I didn’t notice Char come in. Riff had his tongue sticking out of the corner of his mouth while he focused beside me. After we beat our opponents, Riff and I high fived, and Char clapped his hands, startling me while Riff mused, “I wondered when you would announce your presence.” Giving him a stern frown, I had to fight a smile when Riff looked suitably rebuked for not letting me know Char came home.
I froze, blinking, then I stood, running the couple steps to Char and threw my arms around him. “Welcome home,” I murmured tearfully when he was stiff because of his startlement. Chuckling, he softened and wrapped his arms around me, kissing my forehead before resting his on my shoulder with a content sigh. A moment later, Riff did the same to my other shoulder, hugging me from behind with a sigh of contentment. Feeling warm and safe between them, I closed my eyes and enjoyed the moment while the comforting feeling of the rightness of the world filled me.
After, the three of us watched The Good Place, since Char already watched the episodes, and was the one who recommended it to Marcus. I sat in the middle, comfortably warm between the males who gave off a lot of body heat. Tonight, Dakota and Marissa were working, so after a bit, Char asked if perhaps we wanted to provide dinner instead of Marcus and Ava. Chewing my bottom lip in thought, I nodded, and he smiled brightly, texting a quick response on his phone. Yawning, Riff stood to head into the kitchen, and I followed curiously. After looking over what we had, Char offered to do a grocery run, then we could make whatever. We agreed on enchiladas, and a grinning Char left to get supplies while Riff and I stopped by the gas station to let them know dinner was at my apartment tonight if they were interested.
Walking in, I hid behind Riff, swallowing nervously when Dakota greeted me in a soft voice. I shyly called hello from my hiding place, and a soft chuckle was my only warning this wasn’t acceptable. Dakota was standing in front of me, and when I tried to back away, Marissa smiled with a slight wave. Panic filled me, and they frowned while Dakota raised his hands placatingly. “I already knew, Angel, remember? And, I keep nothing from Marissa, albeit she knew too, so neither of us thinks of you differently if that’s what you’re worried about. Well, I’m even angrier at that fucktard and his stupid goons after seeing what they did to you. Especially since you said this visit was nothing compared to the others. I want to kill him, tear him into tiny pieces, and laugh while he gets a tiny taste of the monstrosity he is when he hurts you. And, if you think I’m bad, you don’t want to hear what Marissa will do if she ever catches him. Heh. My idea is very tame, nice even. Merciful,” Dakota soothed with that heartthrob grin I adore.
“If I catch him, you will never have to look over your shoulder in fear again, sweetheart,” Marissa agreed solemnly, and I gulped. While that would be wonderful, it would be years before I trusted it. Besides, to put that burden on another, the weight of murdering someone, that wasn’t something I was comfortable with. What if she grew to resent me for it? They say it gets easier after the first. So, what if I felt more at ease asking her to solve my problems? Where would that leave Marissa?
“I couldn’t ask that of you,” I argued in a whisper, and she smiled, showing her canines that looked off for a moment.
“Oh, you didn’t ask, nor do you have to, Angel. I assure you it would be my pleasure,” Marissa chuckled. Swallowing, I warily watched the older teenager because of the bloodthirsty vibe I sensed from her.
“Easy there, almighty enforcer,” Riff chuckled with a warning expression when I glanced at him. She crossed her arms with a huff, albeit she smiled sweetly when I switched my gaze to her, feeling unsure. Tutting, she hugged me before I could back away, chuckling when I shuddered for a moment, then wrapped my arms around her. A small piece of my soul felt at ease, and I sighed with relief. Another joined it when Dakota added himself to our embrace. He hugged me from behind, ruffling my hair once I relaxed.
“Well, we’re making enchiladas, with Marcus and Ava coming over after close. You’re invited too. We thought we’d give Ava a night off from cooking, and this way, you get to see Angel’s apartment. No, that’s wrong, isn’t it? Our apartment. You get to see our apartment,” Riff offered with a bright smile while looking pleased with himself.
“That sounds wonderful,” Dakota chuckled, “I can’t wait.” Marissa nodded her agreement, and I shyly stared at the ground. I didn’t know how to react in this situation since I’ve never had friends, let alone had so many people know my sordid past. But I sensed no judgment from them, which was a relief, albeit it didn’t make me feel any better about school. It’s not that I didn’t have faith in the students and faculty, or that I didn’t believe they knew right from wrong. No, I merely had faith in Kyler’s hatred, and his ability to pull the right strings to get what he wanted. Tears burned my eyes when I recalled Mr. Renard saying that Kyler was spreading lies about me already. What has he said now that I wasn’t there to speak in my defense? Bile rose in my throat, and I whimpered, trying to edge away so I could run for the bathroom.
Snorting irritably, Dakota pulled me into a tight hug and pressed his lips to my forehead, refusing to let go no matter how I squirmed. Panic replaced my need to hurl for a moment, and I pushed his chest, but Dakota effortlessly kept me in place. First, one sob escaped, then another, until I cried into his chest and he murmured soothing words in my ear. Kissing the top of my head, he rubbed my arms, and my feelings of panic and upset stomach faded away.
Blinking, I stared at the calm teenager who gave me that heartthrob grin, and something deep within me relaxed. “They don’t believe him, do they?” I asked almost soundlessly, and he chuckled.
“Not at all, although he’s been silent since lunch yesterday. Even those who believed him from the beginning were losing faith in his words. Once you sang, the blindfold came off all who were unsure, and they grew angry with him for his lies. Now they seek to apologize, although those of us who know you warned them to approach slowly to avoid overwhelming you. And we mentioned you are very skittish and shy because of the abuse you’ve suffered and your isolation. So, when you feel comfortable coming back to school because you understand you won’t be jumped or ridiculed, you’ll find a lot of friendly smiles and sympathetic ears. Until then, Marissa and I will give you news of what’s happening if you like,” Dakota offered gently.
“Um,” I mumbled shyly, “I’m sorry for not responding to your texts.” I lost my voice when Dakota began laughing, his eyes soft while he watched me. He shook his head with a smile, and I understood Dakota didn’t care that I hadn’t yet because he knew I would when I was ready. “I might like to try on Monday, perhaps? Um, would you guys,” I trailed off when his smile brightened.
“We’ll stick close to you and be your buffers in the classes we share. Riff will follow you around all day, and the principal will allow it,” Marissa chuckled with a gentle smile, and I sighed with relief. I was still more worried about Kyler than anyone else, but I also found it hard to trust that no one would take advantage of the ammo they now possessed. I suppose I’ve become pessimistic over the years, skittish even. Perhaps someday I’ll learn how to be trustful and optimistic again, but I don’t think it will be soon. Ah, there’s that pessimism again. “Not that you will need us, but whatever makes you comfortable is our gain. See, we get to hog your attention this way, so hah, suckers.” I chuckled, shaking my head at Marissa, who stuck her tongue out with a grin.
Once my shoulders fully relaxed after we talked for a few m
ore minutes in the empty store, Riff chuckled and declared it time to go. I guess Char was almost back with the groceries, so we needed to get dinner started. Smiling, I waved bye but got pulled into two hugs instead. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face on the way home, and Riff grinned, seeming to reflect my pleasant mood. My hand was on the door to my apartment when I remembered my conversation with Marcus yesterday. “Don’t be like that, Angel, seeing you happy makes me happy too, you know,” Riff sighed. When I looked at him, he ran a hand through his hair and blew out his breath. “But yes, feeling how buoyant you are lifts my spirits. That’s part of your magic, your ability to lift the spirits of others with your happiness.”
“If you say so,” I sighed. I didn’t like manipulating others through my emotions. It sounded wrong and felt like a violation of them. How could they protect themselves from this ability of mine? Why did I have this ability, or better yet, why did my emotions affect them? Was it me, them, or a combination that made it possible? Could I turn it off or prevent it from happening? Could they? Marcus said I couldn’t control them, but if someone’s emotions ruled them, then was that not precisely what would happen? Panic built in my chest, and as he seemed to when I was upset, Marcus rounded the corner. This time, however, his expression was wary.
“Stop panicking,” he scolded, and I flinched with a soft hiss. “Yes, I feel it. Yes, that’s how I know when you need me. No, I didn’t know you cried for help until I watched the video. I came because I felt your pain and fear, checking the camera on my way. As what I am, you could say I am the most attuned to you, Riff is second, with Char third. In theory, it should have been Dakota second, but he prefers where he’s at. Dakota, as you may have noticed, is not one to seek control. He would rather follow than lead, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Other than Kyler forced him into a position of leadership after he and Riff had their falling out.”
Biting my lip, I frowned, and Marcus chuckled. “Yes, you sensed his unhappiness and how he is softer than Riff and Kyler. You told me that the other day, remember? That is a small part of what you do, soothe the hurts you see, and the ones you feel. You inspire the feeling a young child experiences upon coming home to discover mom made cookies, and they just came out of the oven.”
Chuckling, I shook my head in denial and glanced at Riff for backup, but he snickered and pointed at Marcus. What? That can’t be right. Why was I, the poor orphan, so important? I mean, from what they were saying, it seemed like I was important. That couldn’t be right. I didn’t matter. The only person who would notice my absence, who would grieve, was Matty.
“You know I would grieve your absence, right?” Riff asked, and I stiffened only to hiss out my pain. When my eyes met his, he smiled and scratched the back of his head.
“You belong to us, little stray,” Marcus chuckled in the way of an explanation, and I huffed while crossing my arms with my gaze switching to his. “Contrary to what you may believe, your kind don’t do well alone. Like I said before, you lack the teeth required to survive the streets. You’ve survived alone so long because of your determination to protect Matty. Your strength lies in your protectiveness, and in the size of your beautiful heart. So, little stray, you are ours, and we intend to keep you.”
“I want to stay,” I admitted shyly, “more than I’ve wanted anything besides Matty safe.” Upon thinking of Matty, my brow furrowed, and I glanced at Marcus in surprise.
“Yes,” he chuckled to answer my silent question. “Matty bonded with you in a way as well and senses your feelings strongly enough to guess your thoughts too. And he can do so better than us, but that’s normal.”
Sighing, I shrugged and stepped around him, only to get pulled into a hug, then Marcus ruffled my hair and left. I guess this was another one of those things I’d understand once I knew the full story. So, no point in worrying about it for now.
Riff followed me, looking wary until I shrugged with a slight smile. I’ve long since learned to roll with the punches and to not question things I shouldn’t. Shaking his head, Riff kissed my forehead, and we entered the kitchen to find Char waiting with a scowl. He brightened when he saw us, however, and I sighed with relief that I hadn’t upset him. In fact, he stepped forward to pull me into a hug, sighing with relief once his forehead rested on my shoulder.
“Did something happen?” I asked worriedly, and he chuckled.
“Someone happened, but I’d rather not talk about it,” Char chuckled, although his shoulders tensed. Nodding, I patted his head, smiled when he looked surprised, and pulled out plates and such for cooking dinner. Char opted for cutting up the onion, while Riff grated cheese. Chuckling, I measured the spices we needed and put them in a bowl so they’d be easy to add later. After our prep work finished, Char volunteered for cooking so long as Riff and I handled assembly. Laughing, I agreed and, after rolling his eyes with a smile, so did Riff.
At one point, their shoulders stiffened, although they continued to sing along to the radio with me. It wasn’t until we were laughing together that I realized I felt eyes on me. By the time I turned to face the kitchen window, whoever it was disappeared. So, the boys knew someone was there before I did. Hmm. Well then, I guess the only question was who would spy upon me? Obviously not anyone dangerous since Riff and Char tensed versus freaking out. I doubt either of the young men would be all right with allowing someone nefarious to stare at them. They’re too confrontational for that.
Shaking my head, I refocused on dinner, letting Riff handle opening the can to add the tomato sauce to the meat. Chuckling, I watched Char heat some tortillas, waiting to add the filling so we could get dinner in the oven. A fun, upbeat song played over the radio, and we laughed while we danced and finished dinner. A brief sense of disappointment thrummed through me, and I shook my head in surprise, shrugging it off after a moment. It didn’t come from me, I know that, nor Marcus. Wait. Why can I feel anyone’s emotions other than my own? Ah crap, I’m right, aren’t I? I hadn’t consciously thought about it, but no matter how hard I tried to avoid it, deep within my mind, I put the puzzle together.
Once dinner was in the oven, I stepped outside for a moment to the alarm of Riff and Char, who scrambled to follow me. I smiled when they stared at Ky uneasily, and I shrugged. I hadn’t explicitly known he was out here, but I felt a need to go outside, so I figured he must be nearby like he was the first time I went into the forest. Sharing a glance, they offered privacy so long as I came inside, and I rolled my eyes but agreed. Ky wagged his tail, trotting into my apartment as if he owned the place, and I chuckled. On him, the behavior was cute. Not so much on what I assumed to be his other half, although I hoped I was wrong.
After Riff and Char retreated to the guest room to discuss who knows what, I sighed and sat on the floor with my back against the couch. “So,” I sighed, and he chuffed, sitting to my right with his beautiful amber-gold eyes watching me intently. “You’re a werewolf, aren’t you?” I asked, glancing to my right as I did, and he looked pleased. When he nodded, I sighed again but also nodded my acceptance. “So are Marcus, Ava, Riff, Char, and most of the people I’ve met too, huh?” Another nod. Chewing my bottom lip, I allowed myself to think more about the clues I received. “Marcus is an alpha, and Ava is his mate.” Ky nodded again, wagging his tail a little, and I chuckled. Ruffling the fur on his head, I laughed under my breath when he chuffed and nuzzled my hand for more.
“I’m not telling them I know,” I mused, and the wolf by my side oozed amusement, which made me grin. “I want to see how long I can play dumb and get away with it. You guys are not as dangerous as some books or movies make you seem. Which makes sense, because they are guessing. Unless they know the truth and are misleading the general population of humans, so they don’t realize you live among us. That would make sense, and it’s what I would do if given a chance to offer what protection I could.” Ky wagged his tail, and I chuckled. At least this explained why he seemed so well behaved. “Is Riff Marcus’s second in command? His beta?” I as
ked, and the colossal wolf nodded after a moment. “And Char is his third, the delta?” Another nod. Here I began chewing my lip again, “so when I came, they abandoned Kyler for Marcus. No wonder he hates me. I took his pack from him. Because that’s why everyone visited Marcus and why he got so annoyed, is it not? He didn’t have a pack or not a big one, and that’s what he wanted. How are two alphas living so close together without bloodshed?”
Chuffing, Ky nuzzled my chest, and I chewed my lip for a moment. “The dear friend who died before his time, he kept the peace, didn’t he?” I asked after gasping in realization. “He was like me, and he kept them calm.” This time, Ky whined, albeit it was soft, but also heartbreakingly sad. “He took Marcus in off the streets, gave him a home, and helped him shake loose the chains of his past, and Kyler’s father let him because it made him happy. Although, I’m sure there were a few arguments…?” A soft snort was my answer, and I chuckled. “And after this group of humans who hate you guys killed him, this arrangement stayed in his honor?” Another soft, heartbreaking whine was my answer, and I sighed. Oddly enough, I could feel his sadness and see how upset he was by his drooping ears and the desolation in his eyes.
“The bond Marcus speaks of, he means that he’s somehow brought me into his pack, doesn’t he? Somehow, without my knowledge or awareness, he claimed me, right?” I asked quietly, and Ky nodded again, his eyes still miserable from his fallen pack member. “How is that possible? But it explains why he affects me the way he does, although Riff could do so when he didn’t belong to Marcus. I suppose because he’s a second, a beta, he’s much stronger than the average wolf. Most of what I’ve experienced makes sense, except for one thing.” Ky tilted his head to the side curiously, and I sighed because I didn’t really want this answer. “You’re Kyler’s wolf, aren’t you?” With a soft whine, because I admitted my dislike of the boy to him, Ky nodded. “So why do you like me so much, and why does Kyler affect me the way he does? I don’t get that warm tingly feeling from anyone else, nor is my heart declaring it wants to love any other werewolf, so why him?”
Bouquet of Regret (Angel's Shifters Book 1) Page 15