Bouquet of Regret (Angel's Shifters Book 1)

by Lenai McGoveran

  Tyger had fun drying my hair, then making it look wild while also keeping it tamed, and I didn’t know how he did it, but I bowed to the master. Still, I edged towards the bathroom door again, trying to do it slow enough he wouldn’t notice. He was distracted, looking through a bag, so I thought I might escape. I turned the lock, and turned the knob, only for the door to slam closed once I had it open enough to sneak through. Gulping, I looked from Tyger’s hand on the door above my head, to his broad, fang-bearing grin. With his free hand, he wiggled the eyeliner he held. Oh no. Laughing evilly, the shifter pulled me further into the depths of the bathroom to have his wicked way with me.

  Arctic leaned against the wall when Tyger released me from the bathroom, and the fox shifter gave a low wolf whistle, which caused my cheeks to heat. I thought I looked good, but how could I not since Tyger was in charge? Chortling evilly, the shifter left me alone with Arctic, who smiled while he straightened. “Ryker will bitch about you going to school looking like that. You are so damn adorable I want to whisk you away for a few dirty deeds, and he will feel the same. Still, Tyger seeks revenge against the mutt, and if we do not indulge him, well, I fear you don’t want to witness one of his snits. I don’t know what Ryker did while raising him, but Tyger is something to behold when he loses his damn temper,” Arctic chuckled with a shake of his head.

  Shrugging, I looked at the ground, not surprised to learn that in the least. I wonder who wins if both of them lose their tempers? Probably Tyger, because whatever Ryker thinks he knows so he can react to his thoughts. Hmm. Well, either way, I hope neither of them has ever hurt the other when angry. I don’t see Ryker hurting Tyger, nor can I fathom Tyger hurting Ryker, but that doesn’t mean I’m right. However, I hope I am.

  Speaking of the vampire lord, he appeared before me seconds later, muttering about how smug Tyger was when he passed the shifter. I chuckled, meeting his gaze, and his eyes widened while he looked me over. “I will kill him. How dare he make you look this cute when he knows you’ll be away for most of the day? If you wait until the evening to visit Jaxy’s parents’ house, I’ll go with you. I won’t enter, but I shall stay outside in case you desire my presence,” Ryker offered. The earnestness in his voice gave me pause, and I tried to understand the almost shy way he avoided my eyes.

  “Okay,” I agreed past the lump forming in my throat. Ryker’s support would be appreciated, plus he could answer whatever questions I couldn’t ask them. “But Dakota has to agree too. I mean, he’s the one taking me, and it wouldn’t be fair to force him to go along with my timetable if he has other plans.” I was rambling and couldn’t seem to make myself stop until Ryker chuckled and kissed my forehead.

  “I know, bunny. I hope your cousin allows me to come along, but if not, then that shall be the way of it. However, we should leave Matty with Liam. Not because he doesn’t deserve to meet them, but so you can focus on learning who you are before teaching your little brother who he is, hmm? And I don’t mean you should sneak off in secrecy. Tell him, and ask him what he thinks,” Ryker chuckled.

  Nodding, I swallowed the lump in my throat while I debated how to broach this new information with my baby brother. Would he be happy we have more family, or would he feel jealous? He hasn’t had to share my love for most of his life, so I wasn’t sure how he would react. I didn’t want him to fear he’d be left out. Snow made sure he knew the shifters would never leave him behind, but would Jax’s parents do the same? I couldn’t think of them as grandparents, because it made my heart ache. On one side, they might love us. On the other, we might remind them that their children are dead, and they may despise us for it.

  My feet found their way to the kitchen on their own while my eyes took in the homey mansion. Jaxy definitely decorated it in a way meant to put me at ease. There weren’t any grand shows of wealth. Just wood floors that needed some dusting, comfortable-looking sofas under dust sheets, and several paintings that were also protected from the ravages of time. The color scheme was warm, with dark brown wood and light brown accents. Some walls were a dusty orange, which made me chuckle, while others were white. There were a few light blue ones too, and the kitchen was a light gray. What made me pause, however, was the dusty orange handprint on the white dining room wall. It was right beside the table, and tears filled my eyes when I saw it. I could almost picture a tired Jaxy grabbing a bottle of water for a drink and forgetting he had paint on his hand. The scowl on his lips, followed by the shrug and laughter, caused a few tears to fall, and I cursed my vivid imagination.

  Brushing the paint, I sniffled and wished I could remember the man who went so far out of his way to take care of me. He bargained with a witch to become a ghost, for fuck’s sake. I wanted to remember what it felt like to bask in his love and return it wholeheartedly. That I couldn’t hurt so much, and the lump in my throat made it hard to swallow.

  “You once told him you loved him more than cookies, which was high praise. Hell, you even shared your cookies with him, albeit only once. But that’s only because Jax often tried to steal them because he loved when you scowled. I admit your scowls were adorable. Setting this house up for you was his greatest joy. Jax hoped you would live here and find happiness, and was proud to create a haven for his beloved niece,” Ryker offered in a tender voice. My breath shuddered past my lips, but I kept from bawling.

  “This is your house now?” Matty asked quietly, and I nodded after a moment. “Cool. I like it.”

  “I do too, bud,” I replied honestly, my voice wavering from emotion. He looked tired but pleased to be awake. “I have some people I need to meet later. They are Jax’s parents. Jax is the one who left us this place, and he was our uncle.” Matty’s eyes widened, and I tried to smile but couldn’t quite manage. “Dakota here,” I added as the teenager entered the dining room with a bowl of cereal and a slight wave, “is our cousin.”

  “So, these people you will meet are our relatives?” Matty asked, his expression unreadable. I couldn’t get any emotions from him either, which made me swallow nervously. Usually, I could read Matty with ease, but he shut me out. “Would you be all right if I sat this one out? I don’t want to meet them yet.”

  “Why?” I asked. I mean, I knew Ryker wanted Matty to stay behind, but I didn’t care. I wanted to know how he felt.

  “Because you will be the startling one,” Matty answered in a voice devoid of emotion. His blank expression caused icy fingers of fear to wrap around my heart. What did he know that I didn’t?

  “Matty?” I asked quietly, and he smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

  “Someone from mom’s side of the family found me at school. I know something you don’t, and I don’t want to be there when you learn it,” he replied. I sensed some of what he fought so hard to hide and shook my head before pulling him from his chair.

  “You listen to me, little boy,” I growled sternly, and he flinched. “I don’t care what I learn or who I am related to, nothing will ever change that you’re my little brother. Even if they tell me you and I aren’t related by blood, I don’t give a flying fuck. You are my little brother, and always will be.” With that, I kissed his forehead, ruffled his hair, and returned him to his breakfast. I fear that might be the case, that I come from elsewhere. Which would explain why father always resented me so much if I wasn’t his. Still, I didn’t care. Matty would always be my brother.

  Sniffling, Matty returned to eating his breakfast, only now the relief pouring off of him was palatable. Sighing, I walked into the kitchen only to be handed a plate with a few icing covered pastries by Riff and brightened. “Ryker got bored and picked up a few supplies. So, we have milk and your weakness,” Riff declared with a slight grin before shoving a doughnut into his mouth. Smiling, I ate my breakfast while Riff continued to eat doughnuts, laughing evilly when Char tried to take one.

  Their squabbling eased my nerves about school, and I chuckled while watching their antics. Matty looked amused too, seeming to relax. Shaking his head, Dakota announced
it was time to leave for school since we had a longer commute from this house. Arctic cleared his throat to declare he was coming with us and would stick to me all day. The werewolves grinned with delight and agreed that was an excellent plan. Oh, dear. I didn’t protest, not because it would be a waste of breath, but I wanted Arctic there. He made me feel safe, and the bond between us was uncomfortable if we were too far apart for very long. I don’t know what to do about that, but it is what it is.

  Ryker bid us to have a wonderful day, as did Liam before they yawned and admitted they needed to rest for the day. However, both warned that I better come to them for help if I needed it. Dakota, without my asking, offered to wait until Ryker could leave the house to visit Jax’s parents, and the vampire lord smiled beautifully. Kissing my forehead, Ryker promised the answers I sought would soon be mine and reminded me to take it easy. I stared at him for a moment before I recalled the blood that leaked from my eyes, nose, ears, and mouth the last time I overdid things. Right. Careful. I could try, but we’d see what the hotshot had to say about that.

  Laughing, Riff and Char led the way to the front door, whistling cheerfully while Dakota brought up the rear with my backpack, and I quirked my brow. When did he get that? When he only grinned, I sighed and rolled my eyes only to pause when I noticed the large mirror on the wall in the entry hall. The girl staring back at me looked ethereal, albeit edgy. I only ever saw my bruises when I looked at my reflection before. This young woman looked as beautiful as the shifter a few feet away, and the werewolves surrounding her. Was I always this pretty? Because, while I could try to deny that I was her, those haunted light violet eyes were definitely mine.

  “All right, hot stuff, you can appreciate your beauty later because we will be late,” Riff chuckled. Shaking my head, I glanced at the teenager who stole his way into my heart and managed a slight smile. “You were always gorgeous, but I’m glad you see that for yourself. Now, let’s rub Kyler’s face in it while your fox feigns that he’s your shadow.”

  Chuckling, Arc looked pleased, and we left the house. I felt odd not wearing a hoodie, but Tyger gave me a leather studded jacket that fit the punk rocker look. He even found a black choker style necklace with a small fox on it, which caused my cheeks to heat. Ryker glared when he saw it, only to sigh at how cockily Arctic swaggered until I burst out laughing. Nodding, he agreed it was good to wear a fox and not a wolf.

  The ride to school was boisterous with Char, Riff, and I singing along to the radio while Dakota drove, and Arc rode shotgun. They whispered about something with serious expressions, but I decided not to worry about it and enjoyed this time with my friends. Once Dakota parked, I swallowed nervously, following Riff out of the car only to find Arctic’s hand waiting to help me step out. Eyeing the shifter, I accepted his aid, my eyes unable to glance away from his while tingles raced through my fingers. His outfit was identical to mine, other than his tank was blue while his t-shirt was white. Chuckling, he threw his arm around my shoulders, and took my backpack with his other hand to throw over his free shoulder. He looked pleased with himself, and I laughed while we walked through the lot.

  Everything stopped when the door opened, and we walked in. Riff and Char chuckled, appearing cocky and pleased while they strutted through the halls. They brought me back, after all. Dakota was calmer, shaking his head at their idiotic showboating while he followed them. Then, Arctic and I brought up the rear, with Arc kissing my cheek once he saw the crowd. My face burned, but I didn’t resist my desire to return the gesture. However, I had to stop walking so I could raise to my tiptoes, and I kissed the startled shifter’s cheek, who grinned smugly once he recovered from his shock.

  Several jocks stared at us wide-eyed when we passed, and I swallowed nervously when their eyes darkened. What was that about? Ah. They discreetly sniffed the air, trying to scent what Arctic was, and I inwardly rolled my eyes. I should have known the lettered teenagers were werewolves as well. I hoped they held back to give the poor humans on the team an honest chance.

  I stopped by the office, opening my mouth to introduce Arctic to the friendly Miss Brines, who smiled upon seeing Arctic’s arm around my shoulder. “My, my, is this your young man, Miss Draven?” She asked, chuckling when my cheeks burned.

  “I’m here to ensure her safety. I’m a member of Ryker’s household, and my name is Arctic,” Arc declared politely, and her eyes widened. “Poor Angel is stuck between us, I’m afraid. So, while Ryker will let Angel return to the first school she has ever enjoyed attending, he refuses to let her do so alone. She was hurt when we took her in. As you can see, although her eyes are haunted, Angel is physically well.”

  “And the haunted eyes are because of...?” Miss Brines asked in a voice so cold a shiver raced along my spine. My hand tightened on Arctic’s jacket in the middle of his back, where Miss Brines couldn’t see. With a soothing noise, Arctic kissed my forehead before turning his disdainful gaze to the woman behind the counter.

  “The details are neither your business nor your concern. However, another of Ryker’s household behaved like your fallen alpha pup and sought to hurt Angel. They showed her something they knew would cause her intense emotional and mental distress. Thus, her eyes are haunted,” Arctic explained coldly.

  “So, you are here to make sure Angel is safe? Very well, since the pups need to be in class for their educations, I’ll get permission from the principal.” With that, Miss Brines stood, smiled, and moved to knock on a door. I blinked rapidly, trying to understand what happened, and was still lost in translation when she returned and nodded at Arctic with another smile. “You’re all set, Mr. Arctic. Every teacher knows Ryker requires your presence, and to ensure Angel awaits you. Even Coach Hauser knows to expect you to shadow Angel when she watches over his class during her free period. If you have any issues, please let me know. Take wonderful care of our Angel now.”

  “I will,” Arc promised with a smirk, and I rolled my eyes with a sigh. “If she doesn’t have to save my ass from the evilness of high school, anyway,” he added with a laugh. Chuckling, I led him to my first class keeping my head down, so I didn’t have to see everyone staring. I felt their eyes, and that was more than enough discomfort for me.

  The warning bell rang when we were right outside the door. I took several deep breaths to calm myself before we entered the first classroom where I had to sit beside Kyler. “I don’t know if you’ll have a seat,” I warned Arctic to stall further. Chuckling, he kissed my forehead before tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

  “Darlin’ I once served as Ryker’s security, so I assure you standing won’t kill me. Especially if I have a wall on which to lean,” Arctic replied tenderly. After another kiss on my forehead, he indicated that we should enter the classroom, and I swallowed nervously. Dear God, how would I survive this day?

  Painful Truths

  I mustered a weak smile for Mr. Hicks, who welcomed me back with genuine warmth in his eyes and voice. His slight frown warned he knew Marcus didn’t know, and he’d warn him. However, I believed Miss Brines or the principal might have given the alpha a call or text, so I wasn’t worried. The only thing that remained to be seen was how long it took Marcus to face me. I wonder what he’ll make of Arctic.

  Mr. Hicks told me to not worry about making up homework, because how could I be expected to do classwork when I was kidnapped? I risked a glance towards the table in the back of the room. Kyler stared at me intently, albeit I avoided meeting his eyes, and my seat was open. So there was that. Mr. Hicks apologized to Arctic for the lack of a chair, but the shifter shrugged with an easy smile.

  Swallowing nervously, I walked between the row of tables while keeping my eyes low. I didn’t risk seeing any expressions for fear of the contempt I might find. Shock is what I sensed from the students surrounding me, and I left it at that. I didn’t want to know what they felt under their surprise since the last they saw of me was that damn video.

  Even though I walked calmly, I dreaded every step I too
k and fought an inner war with myself over what to do once I sat. Do I greet Kyler or ignore him? Should I even look at him? No. Why bother? I hated that my heart was excited to be near him, as was my soul, albeit not like before. Perhaps I imagined it, but the desire to be around Kyler felt halfhearted at most. Was it because of what Ryker did? Or Was it because of Arctic’s presence?

  With trembling fingers, I pulled out my chair, only for tingles to dance across my skin when Arctic lay his hand over mine. “Manners, Angel,” Arc murmured in a low drawl that caused my heart to flutter. It took a moment for my brain to unscramble what he meant, and my cheeks burned once I understood. To his credit, he didn’t laugh, although amusement danced in his eyes. Clearing my throat, I released the back of the chair while trying to pretend I wasn’t embarrassed. Chuckling, Arctic waited until I was ready, then, like a gentleman, he pushed my chair in as I sat. God, I thought my cheeks might melt since they burned so hot.

  I knew the moment Arctic looked at Kyler because the air turned so cold I shivered. Still, I didn’t glance at either of them, pulling out my notebook once Arc set my backpack by the table where I could reach it. I kept my eyes on the front of the room and didn’t give in to my desire to look at Kyler and…? Would I sneer or smile? Glare, or look away? Either way, I didn’t want to find out.

  Dutifully I took notes, even though I wouldn’t need them, albeit Kyler kept trying to get me to look at him. He tried sighing several times, clearing his throat, and even kicked the leg of the table at one point, which caused it to become skewed. However, I never glanced in his direction even though my curiosity begged me to look for just a second. Right. A second would become two, then three, and before I know it, I’m staring. Or, Kyler will spout some cruel insult, and wants to see my expression when he does it.

  Towards the end of class, I had my right arm beside my notebook, and Kyler scooted his chair closer, so his left hand nearly touched mine. Every hair on my arm stood, and I stopped breathing for a second while I tried to understand what he intended. Would he break my wrist? Speaking of, I haven’t looked at the mark on my hand since we left Ryker’s territory. I wonder what he did to it when I was unconscious. Hell, I haven’t glanced at it since he brought me back from the border when Matty and I ran.