Cinderella's Guardian

by Khloe Wren

  "Tina."

  The way her mother said her name made her knees weak. It was filled with anguish. Could her mother really be sorry? If she was, what the hell had happened to cause it?

  "Hello Mother. Why are you here?"

  Tina was so on edge. Seeing Gloria brought back all the feelings of rejection like it happened yesterday.

  "I'm here to apologize. I'm hoping you'll forgive me and give me another chance to be part of your life."

  "No offence, but I can't recall a time you ever apologized for anything. What happened? Something had to have happened to trigger this."

  Gloria started pacing again as she drove her fingers into her hair, messing the perfectly styled tresses.

  "I've been so selfish. I didn't even see what I was doing. It would be easy to blame how I was raised… My parents always instilled in me how important appearances were. To always make sure you had the best no matter the cost." She paused to crumple down into a chair before raking her hair again. "I always did my best to please them. Do everything they wanted me to do. Even after they both passed, I still tried."

  So far, her mother hadn't told her anything new. Tina had worked out long ago how vain and self-centered her maternal grandparents were.

  "They passed years ago, Mother. That doesn't explain what's made you suddenly change your tune now."

  "I was just trying to explain why I did what I did. I know there is no excuse, Tina. I abandoned you when you needed me the most. I get that now. After Dale came and took you I instantly felt your loss. The house was hollow, just a shell without life. Then I went to a couple of dinner parties and other functions. But again it just seemed empty. Without you I had nothing to live for. I do love you, Tina. I may not have always shown it as I should have but I have always loved you. Then word got out about what I'd done. I was very quickly shunned. In a matter of days I realized I had no real friends. Then, my boss at David Jones called me in and told me straight out that I needed to see what was in front of me. He told me how he always put work before his family and now his kids are grown and he rarely sees them because he never bothered to build a relationship with them.

  "I had a lot of time on my hands to think over everything. As I looked back over my life, I realized how much of it I've wasted with superficial garbage. How many good people I've hurt." Her mother looked over her shoulder and her eyes filled with tears. Tina guessed her dad had joined them at some point. She was proved right when, with a slight croak in her voice, Gloria continued, "you two were hurt worst. Dale, Tina? Can you forgive me? I know I can't turn back time to fix it but will you let me try to fix it now?"

  Her father stepped in front of her, brushing a loving hand over her hair on his way past. "Gloria, words are not going to cut it for either of us. You'll need to hang around and prove you mean it."

  "That's my intention. I've quit my job and have movers bringing all my things down-"

  Her dad cut Gloria short. "Some things will never be as they were again though, you understand that right? I've moved on. I have a woman in my life now. We might only be just starting out, but it's good. I'm not throwing that away because you want to relive the good ol' days. Not happening."

  "Oh, Dale that was never what I meant. I never expected to stroll into town and for us to simply pick up being a family again. I caused you so much pain, I am truly sorry. I will prove it to you. Our relationship will be vastly different in the future. I will never come between you and any woman you have. I simply want to be a part of Tina's life and for us to be civil to each other. I want to build myself a life here in Rosebery. A real life."

  Tina had sat silently observing her parents interact with each other. She was feeling lightheaded, probably due to the shock of her mother's declaration. Could she trust Gloria? Did she really want to change into someone more, well, human? She'd already been thinking about past occasions with new eyes. Seeing things she hadn't before. Letting her mother back into her life would be a risk. But would it be worth it? Conner's hands moved over her shoulders where they squeezed before rising to massage her neck. His cedarwood and sage scent enveloped her and gave her added strength. No matter what happened with her parents, she would always have Conner. That thought reassured her as Gloria finished talking with her dad and turned to her with clear expectation in her gaze.

  "I can't just forgive and forget, mother. I need time to, adjust, I guess, and to see if you are for real. Like the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. I need to see if your actions are going to match your words."

  The tear that spilled down her mother's cheek as she nodded cracked her heart but Tina didn't budge. Gloria had to earn her place in Tina's life, if that's what she wanted. Tina would never live the shallow, materialistic lifestyle her mother had lived for so long. No way in hell. She preferred her life now. She might not be competing, which she had loved, but she had a really well rounded life now. That included true friends and a fiancé. A handsome sexy wonderful mate who would always be by her side.

  "I think we've spent enough time away from everyone else. We're here to help Kelly grieve and celebrate her mother's life. Not drag our crap into it. So, let's all be mature adults and go out and join our family?"

  Conner pressed a kiss to her head and whispered, "well done," as he pulled her chair toward the door.

  "Wait! Tina, I will prove it to you. I promise. I mean what I say, and congratulations on your engagement. Conner seems like he's perfect for you."

  How did she know Conner's name? Oh, of course, they met at the cemetery. "Thanks, Mother. He is perfect and he makes me happier than I've ever been."

  As Conner took her from the room followed closely by her dad, she caught a glimpse of Remi moving to comfort her mother who remained sitting down. Interesting. But something that could wait for another day. Today was all about Kelly and her moving forward.

  ~ * ~

  Conner sprinted through the bush, reveling in the feel of the twigs and branches that brushed against him. Splashing through a stream, he made his way deeper into the Cradle Mountain National Park, far from where any stray hiker might accidentally catch a glimpse of him.

  Reaching a small clearing, he stood looking up to the sky allowing the sun to warm him. He hadn't gone for a run in his snow leopard form in so long. With everything that had been happening, he'd needed it desperately.

  What did you stop for?

  Dominic's voice floated through his mind. They couldn't talk as leopards, but they could speak into each other's minds. They could also feel each other's emotions, so Dominic knew full well why Conner had stopped.

  Just enjoying the sunshine on my fur for a bit.

  I figured you must have stopped for a breather, since you haven't been for a run in so long. You probably need a break every so often now.

  There was a heavy dose of humor in his brother's voice, but it didn't prevent Conner's answering growl or him chasing after his older sibling. They ran for a good half hour before Conner caught up to Dominic. Wrestling him to the ground, he stood above him watching his brother pant.

  Now who's out of practice? Mated life slowing you down, bro?

  A heartbeat later, Conner was on the ground with his brother's jaws wrapped gently around his throat.

  Careful there, Conner. You shouldn't tempt me to prove just how strong I am now that I'm fully mated.

  You feel it too?

  Dominic released him and lay down in a ray of sunshine. No matter how old they were, they'd always have an inner kitten. Conner cocked his head in humor as Dominic squirmed on his back, sunning his underside. Once he found the perfect spot, he responded to his question. Feel what?

  Stronger. Since mating, I've noticed I'm stronger. All my skills are amplified. Dad never told us about that side of it.

  Yeah, mating amplifies things all right. Dad never told us, because the Council of Alphas decided eons ago that it was something we didn't need to know until after we'd mated. Kind of like a surprise mating gift.

  Pr
etty cool gift.

  They both lay in silence for a few moments, enjoying the sun and fresh air, but Conner could sense something was weighing on his brother.

  I can sense you're churning over something, Dom. Spit it out already.

  How'd that meeting with Gloria go?

  You mean what did she want.

  Well, yeah, that too.

  Apparently she's seen the light and wants to fix the relationships in her life. Guess we'll just have to wait and see if her actions support her words.

  Well, if she does anything out of line with what she's saying, we'll know about it. Remi's keeping a close watch on her for us.

  Conner shook his head. I don't think Remi's watching her for our benefit, Dom.

  Yeah, I did notice he's paying a lot of attention to her.

  Just hope she doesn't rip his heart out too.

  Oh well, not much we can do about it at this point. Let's head back, we've been away for too long.

  Yeah, with Robyn caught I doubt Barbara will try anything but still…

  My feelings too. Adele is a lot stronger now, and if someone threatened any of them she'd shift and be able to protect them. But I'd still prefer to be there.

  With a burst of movement, Conner rolled to his feet. Race you back.

  Dom's laugh echoed through his mind as he leapt through the scrub back to his mate.

  It didn't take more than a quarter of an hour to return. They had instinctively worked a big circle around their females as they ran and played with each other. Conner burst through the bush into the clearing, sure he'd beaten his brother. A low growl was all his warning before his brother pinned him to the ground with a thump.

  Damn, Dom. Do you have to pull this shit in front of my mate?

  Of course I do, why do you think I did it? My mate's watching too.

  Conner lunged at his brother and continued their play fight. They were both purring loudly so their mates and Kelly would know they were only playing.

  "You boys cut it out already. I swear, human or animal, boys never grow up."

  "Preaching to the choir here, Adele."

  Kelly's laugh filled the air as she ran over to Dominic. Conner padded over to Tina where he curled around her on the picnic rug and watched as Dominic crouched low to allow Kelly to hop on his back. She grabbed fists full of fur and squealed when Dominic began moving. He took Kelly on a ride through the nearby bush, never leaving their sight as he slowly increased his speed.

  Tina turned and buried her face and hands into the fur of his neck.

  "Hmmm, you're so soft."

  He preened under her compliment and purred loudly as he delivered a lick up her cheek. She laughed loud with her head thrown back. Conner loved seeing her like this. Completely carefree and happy. She would be like this every day of their lives if he had anything to do with it.

  "That was so much fun!"

  Kelly's excited voice brought his attention from Tina to her. Dominic crouched down again and she climbed off and ran straight to Adele with the biggest grin Conner had ever seen the kid have.

  "Well, now you're all back, how about you boys change so we can eat our lunch?"

  Conner reluctantly moved to his feet, nuzzling his head into Tina's embrace before he trotted over to the large gum they had left their clothes behind. He watched as a blue glow enveloped Dominic before he began his own shift.

  "You know Kelly's going to want to do that all the time, right?"

  Dominic chuckled. "Probably. I don't mind. It's fun having her laughing her heart out while I race around with her on my back."

  They finished dressing in silence while Conner shored up his courage.

  "Dom? What's being a father like?"

  "Why? You got Tina pregnant already?"

  "No, well, at least, not that I know about. I was just thinking. That's all."

  "Conner, you'll be a great dad. Don't worry about it. I'm guessing it's different with Kelly, because she's older and has issues from her past. But fatherhood is mostly an instinct thing. You need to follow what you feel is right—and listen to your mate. Adele just knows things I'd never thought about. C'mon lets go eat, maybe a full stomach will stop you going all girlie on me."

  Conner growled but didn't move toward his brother. Dominic seemed to be getting way too much enjoyment out of riling him up lately. Maybe Mum was right and if he started ignoring him, Dom'd give him a break. Conner seriously doubted Dom would ever stop, but it was worth a shot.

  Seeing Tina happily chatting with Adele and Kelly had his heart swelling. She was so beautiful sitting there on the picnic rug, with the sun shining off her hair. It kind of looked like she had a halo glowing above her white blond tresses. She looked up at him with a sparkle in her eye as he reached her side. Unable to resist, he dropped down and gave her a solid kiss, only pulling away when Kelly started making gagging noises at them. Kids.

  His phone began ringing as the women started serving up lunch. Pulling it free, he checked the caller ID, damn it was a private number. Moving away from everyone to the other side of the clearing, he answered the call.

  "Hello, Conner White here."

  "Mr. White, this is Constable Ross from the Rosebery Police Station."

  Oh shit, what the hell had happened now?

  "What's happened? Please don't tell me Robyn has escaped custody."

  "No, nothing like that. Robyn is still in her cell I assure you. I'm ringing in regard to Barbara Johnson."

  At the mere mention of her name his whole body tensed, Conner knew this wasn't going to be pretty.

  "What about her?"

  "She's been located. You know that small tourist park down Murchison Highway?"

  "Yeah, sure. It's real small. Only has a couple of cabins and a stack of unpowered campsites."

  "Well, it appears she was assisting Robyn, hiding her in one of those cabins. Our guess is something happened to make Robyn turn on her."

  "Are you saying she's dead?"

  "That's exactly what I'm saying. And I can tell you it was not pretty."

  "So, finally Tina and Dale are safe now?"

  "I believe so. With Barbara dead and Robyn locked up, neither poses a risk to them."

  "Where are things with Robyn? She's not going to get bail again is she?"

  "No. Definitely not getting bail after she jumped it last time. To be honest, I doubt she'll make it to a hearing. She's gotten worse since her arrest. She is being assessed this afternoon and my guess is, she'll be institutionalized for the rest of her life."

  "Good, that's good. Look, I have to run but thanks for the call. You'll keep me posted about what happens with Robyn?"

  "Yeah, I can do that for you. Have a good one."

  He hung up his phone and scrubbed his face with his hands as relief poured through his body.

  The threat to Tina was over.

  He returned to the others and scooped Tina up so he could hold her close. His body shuddered as elation coursed through him. His mate was safe.

  "You going to tell us what that call was about? Maybe loosen your grip so your mate can breathe again…not that pale blue doesn't suit her…"

  Dom's words snapped him free from his introspection and he lowered down onto the rug with Tina now loosely held in his lap.

  "Sorry, baby doll. I didn't hurt you, did I?"

  She laid the sweetest kiss on his cheek. "Not at all. Your brother was stirring you up again. Who was on the phone?"

  Conner proceeded to give them all a recap of the phone call. He was careful to only allude to Barbara's death. Kelly didn't need to hear about more death so close to burying her mother.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Gripping the two Lofstrand Crutches in her hands, Tina pushed down the nausea and slowly walked across the floor of the rehab room at the hospital. Clenching her jaw, she ignored the sweat trickling down her back. Finally she was walking and she wasn't going to let some stomach bug hold her back. Conner had told her now that they were bonded she shouldn't get
sick but she was definitely coming down with something.

  She made it to the far wall and turned to grin at Nina.

  She'd done it.

  For the first time without falling, she'd made it the whole way across the room.

  "I did it!"

  "You sure did, Tina. Well done."

  "Do you think I'll be able to walk down the aisle?"

  Nina smiled gently. "I'm sure you will. It might be with a crutch or two, but you'll get down that aisle on your own two feet. However, that's enough for today. You don't want to push too hard and hurt yourself."

  Tina leaned against the wall as Nina came over with her chair. Sinking down into it, she gasped as her legs throbbed. Apparently taking the weight off them was like a neon sign alerting her legs that it was okay to hurt, and of course that set her tummy off. Somehow she managed to convince her stomach to keep its contents

  With her tummy slightly settled, she leaned forward to rub her legs and a twinge in her neck brought her hand to the small scar on side of her throat. It had been two weeks since Robyn had attacked her. Her wound had healed up a lot faster than she'd expected. Conner had told her along with not getting sick she would heal faster—at least the faster healing part of things seemed to be working. However, when she tensed her muscles for a long period of time—like she did with rehab—it would quite often spasm. Clint had told her it would stop on its own in time. She shuddered as she remembered the attack. Without Kit's help, Robyn would have no doubt done a hell of a lot more damage. Thankfully this time, Robyn's bail was refused. She was currently being securely held in a psychiatric hospital far away from Rosebery.

  "So, when is the big day again?"

  Nina's question snapped her out of her memories.

  "Christmas Day."

  "Wow, seven weeks to organize it all. You sure you're going to be ready?"

  "Oh, it'll all be perfect. Neither Conner or I want a big fancy wedding, and all our family will be in town already so we figured we'd do it all together. Adele, Sophie and Kelly are all more than happy to help me organize everything. I guess Mother might want to help too."