When I met Ky’s gaze, he sighed miserably, and I chuckled under my breath while raising my hand to scratch his ear. “I’m only pulling your tail. I’m not that naïve, nor am I unable to make an educated guess. We’re mates, sort of. He rejected me as his mate when we met, but you didn’t, thus the situation in which we find ourselves. So, am I supposed to reject him back?” I asked, and Ky growled, although he kept his volume low. Albeit, that was what made it so terrifying. Goosebumps covered my skin, although I didn’t fear him, just the sound. Weird. “I’ll take that as a no,” I squeaked, and he calmed with a soft snort. In the next moment, he lay his head on my lap. Another way to keep me, perhaps. Or he liked the contact, it could be either or a mix of both.
“Honestly, I get why he doesn’t want me. I mean, as he calls me, I’m a street rat. I’ve been an orphan for six years, having to scrounge to get by. You don’t want to know some of the things I’ve done to survive. And, I got off easy for the most part, many are far less lucky than I. I used to share what I could with anyone else I found, especially once I got jobs and got a roof over my head. No, I am lucky. But I have little to no worth. I don’t fight unless I have to. Although Kyler brings out the worst in me, a piece I didn’t know existed within myself. I don’t get pleasure from his pain, but I don’t feel bad about upsetting him either. That’s not me, but he somehow makes me into that, and I don’t understand it. Kyler has a family, a home, and the adoration of his peers, he’s the golden child. I’ve been a misfit my entire life because I’m a shy, quiet kid who prefers reading and drawing to playing outside. I don’t have any talents, and I’m not special, so why would Mr. I was born with a golden spoon in my mouth want me? I don’t see the logic in such a pairing and cannot blame him for rebelling against it. Besides, if he’s a leader, then he needs someone who can lead by his side. Not a shy nobody who could disappear and the world wouldn’t blink,” I stated unapologetically. I wasn’t looking for pity or words of denial and empty praise proclaiming I had some worth because I knew I didn’t. All I did was state things the way they were. I’m nothing, just a less than average human. Why Marcus wanted to keep me, I didn’t understand. Unless he feared someone could use me against him so he was trying to make sure that couldn’t happen. Or, even worse, he had no choice, because his wolf said he wanted me around so Marcus must play along. But why? Why was I even worth noting or wanting?
Ky raised his head with a whine, and I hugged my knees while chewing my bottom lip. I didn’t understand what a wolf pack could even want with a human. Perhaps if they ate me, they’d become stronger? Hah. As if. More like if they fed me to their enemies, they’d be easier to defeat. At least I had some value, even if it was negatively. Growling, Ky nipped my arm, and I flinched, wincing when my back spasmed. Blinking, I shook my head to banish those dark thoughts with a sigh. Great, now Ky was irritated with me too. Perhaps if I tried hard enough, the werewolf would wholly despise my guts.
Sighing, I stopped trying to solve the entire puzzle to understand it because I’d have to admit what I’ve figured out so far to get the answers I lacked. I almost pet Ky again, but paused with my hand inches from his fur. What if he was still mad? He didn’t realize how unworthy and useless I was, and now that he knew he felt tricked. Ah, well, it was nice while it lasted, I suppose. The oven timer went off, and I stood to make my way to the kitchen. Ky whined, but I left without glancing at him so he could wallow in his misery in peace. Poor guy, it wasn’t his fault he got stuck with me.
Once I pulled dinner from the oven, my stomach growled at the wonderful smell, and a slight smile curled my lips. Hopefully, it tasted as good as it smelled. When I turned around, Ky sat in the middle of the kitchen with an angry wolf scowl, and I sighed. “I’m sorry you’re stuck with me, bud,” I muttered, ruffling his fur as I walked by, and he growled. Surprised, I paused, albeit I didn’t look at the wolf. Instead, I stood frozen in place, and he circled around to tower over me. Usually, he ducked, so he didn’t loom so much, but now he took advantage of his full height. When I remained still, he moved closer to lick my cheek. Confused, I stayed where I was, and he stepped closer to hang his head over my shoulder and nuzzle me with a soft chuff. Still unsure, I didn’t move, and he purred.
“Not stuck with me?” I asked hesitantly, and his purring grew louder. All right, so if he wasn’t mad about that, then what tweaked his tail? With a soft chuff, he backed away, sitting once he could, and he eyed me intently. “I’m still sorry,” I sighed, dropping my gaze and stepping around him to pull plates down for dinner. “I mean, I’m nothing special, and you’re a freaking werewolf, so it seems unfair to you.” I set the table while he followed me, growling quietly the entire time.
Char leaned against the wall when I glanced up, and I sighed. “Dinner smells good,” I offered in a light tone, and his eyes narrowed.
“What did that fleabag do that has you feeling so down?” He demanded, although he kept his voice from sounding harsh. “I get the sense you have given up on a fight, that’s the level of dejection you’re projecting.”
“I don’t fight,” I shrugged in reply, trying to walk by him to fetch some cutlery, but he grabbed my arm in a gentle hold to halt my steps. “Besides, he did nothing. Perhaps the last few days are weighing more heavily upon me than I realized.”
“No, it’s not the last few days, since you were upset but never dejected. What did that fleabag do?” Char scoffed, and I sighed, shrugging my shoulders when he gazed at me. Ky, meanwhile, growled lowly behind me, and Char growled in return. “You are a guest within our home, you do not get to growl.”
Chewing on my bottom lip, my past sorrow for causing Kyler to lose his pack resurfaced along with more feelings of failure. Poor Ky, he must feel so lost without the wolves he’s used to running with. Another sin to add to my list, I suppose. I never should have come to this town, because all I’ve done since I arrived is mess everything up. I could leave tonight, sneak away while the boys slept. Now that I knew they were werewolves, I’d be quieter and more careful when I moved around. Meeting my gaze, Char narrowed his eyes, although he smiled after a moment. “Marcus has someone watching the door too, remember?” He asked with a slight smirk.
“Crap,” I muttered, and he threw his head back to laugh.
“I always knew you’d figure it out on your own,” Char chuckled. “You’re too intelligent to not realize what we are. Plus, Marcus says you told him you used to eat lunch in the school libraries before Riff brought you to our cafeteria. Logically, one can conclude that while there, you might have read a few books. Books plus intelligence equals Angel’s figured it out. Although I bet you made yourself not think about it because you didn’t want to know. But I suppose I should be pleased. You said you didn’t want to know unless you decided to stay, so I’m glad that’s the decision you’ve made.”
I opened my mouth to argue, and he quirked his brow with a smirk when no words came out. I didn’t make that decision, at least I did not mean to, but I suppose he was right. I wanted to stay here, I wanted to have a home and belong somewhere. But all I would bring to their door was trouble, and with what they were, they needed to avoid strife to remain undiscovered. “Just because I want to stay does not mean I should,” I sighed after a moment, my head hung in defeat.
Snorting, Char’s fingers under my chin encouraged me to raise my head so he could look into my eyes. “Just because you fascinate trouble does not mean you shouldn’t. We’re werewolves, darling, trouble is our schtick. Besides, Angel, you are more than worth it. You are what we call an omega which is the rarest type of wolf. We see perhaps one in every five hundred, that is how few exist. Now, omegas are not pushovers, but their strength lies in the avidity of their protection. When it all goes to hell, and the alpha faces a threat trying to end us, do you know who we rely on to protect our homes and those who cannot defend themselves? The omega. Nothing gets past an omega. They have a natural talent for fighting, but they only use it to protect, never to instigate. And, it�
�s rare for an omega to defend themselves in their early years because all of them struggle with their self-worth at first. That’s just one facet of what makes them so beloved. Usually, they’re gentle, like you. Albeit, you’re a feral gentle, which I find adorable, although the reason behind it isn’t. Omegas are far more attuned to the emotions of those around them and flit between whoever needs them to soothe whatever hurt they’ve suffered. And, you’ll notice most wolves cannot fight in the presence of one, especially if they are upset or afraid. While every wolf may not perceive another’s emotions all that strongly, every pack member feels those the omega projects. That’s the best explanation I can do at the moment since we are pressed for time. Later, you can ask questions, unless you want to announce you’ve figured it out?” When I shook my head, Char grinned with delight, and I wondered what I’d gotten myself into.
Riff yawned when he appeared in the doorway, rubbing his eyes before scowling at Char. “You let me fall asleep, you ass!” He accused, and I bit my lip to stifle a laugh at his adorable indignation. Char shrugged with an unapologetic smile, tilting his head to the side seconds before someone knocked on the door. Raising my brow, I chuckled but moved to answer it, barking under my breath. Later, once I had time to process the information Char gave me, I was sure I’d have questions. For now, nothing had changed. Sure, I knew they were werewolves, but so what? They were werewolves before and didn’t hurt me, so why should anything change now? I still didn’t think I was as important or unique as Char tried to make me out to be, but I wouldn’t argue with him at the moment. Omega, huh? Interesting. I have a wolf title, does that mean I really belong? No, Char was merely kind to the little human this pack adopted for some odd reason.
Marissa came flying in the door once I opened it, enveloping me in an almost painful hug while I stood still in shock. I noticed how tense Dakota was and frowned, albeit there wasn’t much I could do at the moment since Marissa was so angry she was shaking. After releasing a soundless sigh, I stroked her back while chewing my bottom lip out of worry. What upset her? Was she all right? “Marissa, what’s wrong?” I asked with a touch of surprise. Softening, she nuzzled closer in my embrace to release a soft, content sigh.
“Nothing, just a jerk showed up in the last few minutes, but Marcus ran him off. He was from out of town and didn’t want to take no for an answer. I wanted to beat his face in, but refrained because it’s rude although it would have been an improvement on his ugly mug,” Marissa groused. Dakota chuckled, albeit his expression remained cold. However, after a moment, he sighed, moving closer to nuzzle his head against mine. Marissa’s shoulders relaxed a moment before Dakota’s, and they straightened with slight smiles, but neither moved away. Instead, they snuggled closer with a soft purr coming from Dakota. Had I not known to listen for it, I would never have heard it, that’s how quiet it was. But still his content happiness stole over me, and I sighed with a slight smile.
Chewing on my bottom lip again, I wondered if Char was right, that I belonged here. I felt like I did and when the people I grew close to were happy, I felt at peace. Whereas when they were upset, I wanted to help them. But did I have the gift he mentioned, or was it a fluke? I’m human, so I guess I couldn’t fathom such powerful creatures needing me. I couldn’t imagine anyone needing me. Who could ever want a street rat? Why would anyone desire a poor orphan with dangerous baggage?
“Ahem,” startled, I flinched, hissing while my eyes raised to meet those of a sternly frowning Marcus. “Why so dejected, Angel?” He asked with a sigh after I dropped my gaze again.
“All I’ve done is stir up strife,” I whispered, “I should leave as soon as I can. Tonight even.” A soft scoff sounded beside my ear, and suddenly Dakota held me tight to his chest while Marissa shook her head with a slight smirk.
“You’ve done it now,” she chuckled when I dared to meet her eyes, and I gulped. “Dakota will hug the melancholy right out of you, sweetheart.”
“My bunny,” Dakota declared with amusement, and I frowned. Bunny? Why did he call me a bunny? Don’t wolves eat bunnies? Er? Well, if he does, I hope I give him indigestion. Hmph. It would serve him right. “You must admit you make an adorable bunny, and no, I don’t mean the sexualized one. Just a cute little bunny hopping around, munching on whatever looks good. Yup, it’s official, you are our bunny, and you cannot leave without us. Nope. Too many foxes ready to snap up such a defenseless little fluffball. Hey! With your hair color, you could almost pass as a bunny.”
Shaking my head, I eyed the insane werewolf. Okay, this I could see needing me. I mean, me? A bunny? Pfft. Dude, they have huge teeth and sharp claws, and this bunny will mess up your face if you even sniff at her little brother. A soft chuckle escaped my lips at the vision of a wolf getting its ass kicked by a bunny, and suddenly I realized my negative thoughts disappeared. I got so focused on Dakota and his ridiculous statement that I forgot how useless I felt. How did he do that? Why did he do that?
Chuckling, Dakota murmured, “see the glorious thing about having one of your kind around, is we have something to dote on. Bet none of these dorks remembered to mention that. You and yours adore being fawned over once you get past your schtick of, ‘I’m so worthless, why does anyone want me?’ What we are, likes fawning from you, but not so much each other at first. Play fights, perhaps a cuddle if the weather is a tad cold or if we have no one else to cheer us up, but otherwise nope. Now, once one of yours has gotten ahold of us and bonded, pfft out the window that goes. Cuddles for you, snuggles for them, just one big happy, loving town. I suppose you could say you make us secure in what we are because we become complete. Therefore, we stop giving a crap if we measure up to our forefathers. So, we need you because you unlock our capacity to become better. I believe this makes it your civic duty to stick around and make sure none of us eat glue, eh bunny?”
“First, I am not a bunny,” I scolded, and he laughed mockingly, albeit his eyes were full of warmth. “Second, if you are so almighty, take care of yourselves.” Chewing my bottom lip, I dropped my gaze, hoping he didn’t take me up on my offer. The thought of being needed made my soul sing, and my heart warm, but I feared down the road, they would realize they never needed me. Where would that leave me?
“Ah, but see that’s the problem, bunny, we cannot. We need you, else we’ll eat that sofa over there. It looks lovely, and I am hungry,” Dakota teased wickedly, and I huffed. I doubt that. Way too much fuzz and stuffing. Bleh. I would rather eat mealworms, and that was a thought I never imagined I’d have. Gross.
“You are not that stupid,” I scoffed, and he nodded with a thoughtful frown. Besides, I did not see predators enjoying fluff. It would most likely irritate them. Although some dogs enjoyed eating the fuzz from their toys, and dogs came from wolves. Hmm. Perhaps they would like the fluffy innards of the couch.
“True, but if you leave us, we’ll be so despondent that eating anything at all will be a chore. So, the sofa it is. Or starvation. Either work,” Dakota declared cheerfully, and I sighed. Would they? Or was he only saying that? “How about this, if I can prove to you that you matter you have to stay? If I cannot, then you are free to leave?” Several protests sounded at his words, but he met my gaze with a quirked brow. After biting my lip for a moment, I hesitantly nodded. I felt like I signed my eviction notice. “Wonderful, so after dinner, we’ll pull out the old album, and you shall see. Until then, bunny, you belong to me, so chair sharing is our game.” What?
Sure enough, for dinner, I sat on his lap, and I sighed, glancing at Marissa guiltily only to feel surprised when she appeared to be pleased. Oh boy. The wonderful news was the food turned out to be delicious. The bad news, however, was everyone ate silently, glancing at me every few moments with concerned frowns. Oh geez, was I made of glass for the moment? Ky chuffed, and I frowned, but he still nodded. Okay, the second order of business was to figure out if the wolf got into my head, or… what? He’s good at guessing? Even I knew better than that. So, did he guess by my feelings, or c
ould he perceive my thoughts? Even better, could I block it, or would he always have access?
“Stop mulling, bunny,” Dakota scolded, and I blinked before refocusing on the present. They cleaned dinner up, and a picture album sat on the table in front of me. Glancing at Dakota, I frowned, and he nodded towards the leather-bound book. Gulping, I reached with shaking fingers to pull it closer and opened the cover. A young man with laughing, gentle amethyst eyes stared at me, his lips curled in a smile that made me think he was laughing seconds before someone took his picture. His ash-blond hair lay across his forehead as if the wind only just finished tousling it. But what got me the most, was the sadness, love, and grief that filled the room while I stared at the man who looked like me.
My lips twitched when the next page revealed him with his arm around a young Dakota’s neck, ruffling his hair while the smaller boy struggled to get away. The following picture showed a young Kyler trying to frown, albeit the corners of his lips curled into a slight smile while the young man beamed. They stood beside each other, Kyler with his arms crossed while the young man had one hand on his hip and a bouquet of roses in the other.
The next picture was of him and a ragtag group of kids, one of whom had white-blond hair with black tips. That boy was grinning ear to ear while an amber-eyed, black-haired boy pouted. Behind the pair, the rest of the kids watched wide-eyed from behind the young man, clinging to his coat and pants while they leaned around him. With his hands on his hips and a slight grin, I faintly heard a melodious voice teasingly scold Kyler for being a sore loser. I blinked, and the voice stopped, which made my heart pang because I longed to hear him speak again.
Bouquet of Regret (Angel's Shifters Book 1) Page 16