“I’m sorry.”
“Nah, it’s okay. We don’t mourn the way you do. She is at peace and her spirit will move on into another soul, and she will be reborn, one day.”
“You believe in reincarnation?”
“That’s a big thing for us. We’re all reborn.” He ran his hand through my hair. “So it’s just your dad and brother?”
“Yeah, mom was mur—died when I was younger. Ryan barely remembers her. I only have a few memories.”
He knew what I was going to say. “Who killed her?”
Tears filled my eyes. “Dad saw. He said he tried to save her, but it was too late. It all happened to fast.”
“A Noxi.”
I nodded.
“So that’s why his hate is so strong, why your brother’s is. How come you’re so accepting?”
“I can’t blame you all for one man. It would be the same in reversed. I have a lot of hate, I won’t lie. My father raised me that way, but I have my own mind, and I’m breaking away from that hate—especially now. I can’t hate your kind and love you at the same time.”
I froze. I hadn’t meant to say it, but Wyser’s eyes went wide and he opened his mouth. I covered his lips with my hands and shook my head pleading with him to ignore the word that had slipped out.
Chapter 5
Wyser
She loved me? I wanted so badly to ask if it was true, but her eyes begged me not to ask the words that were on the tip of my tongue. I nodded and smiled. Now I knew. She felt what I did. If I wasn’t sure before, the words she accidently said gave me the hope I was severely lacking.
She wasn’t as hard as she portrayed. Really Hannah had a good heart; she was just raised in inconvenient circumstances. I hadn’t known her mother was murdered. It explained why her dad wouldn’t let it go and leave them alone.
Instead of pushing I held her and ran my fingers through her hair. She relaxed lying on my chest. When her breath evened out I slid out from under her. I went to her desk and pulled out a piece of paper leaving her a note.
Princess,
Had to go train with the bro. See you in class.
Forever yours,
W
I only hoped she wouldn’t be pissed to wake up without me. I had to meet Aels and get my training done so I could sleep. Noxium loved sleeping, and once I was out there would be no waking me up. Ma would be pissed if I missed. She always cooked a lot of food on training morning. I jogged down the stairs and ran home. Aux was awake at his desk concentrating on something with a fierceness that had me chuckling. “Dude what’s up?”
“This shit is pissing me off. Nessa gave me all the information, but I can’t write worth a shit. She’s fuckin’ amazing.”
My eyes widened. “Is she your mate?”
“No, but she is awesome. We’re good friends already. She wants to take me home for spring break. I don’t know if that’s a good idea. I like her, but what if she ya know—thinks I like her that way?”
“Tell her. Let her know right away. Who knows she may not like you as anything more either. Communication is important even between friends.”
He smirked. “How’s that going with you and your lady? She doesn’t seem as mean as she looks until you piss her off. I thought she was going to rip Aryrs apart.”
I laughed and ran my hand over my hair. “Yeah, well I found out some stuff. She accidently slipped with the “l” word.”
Aux spun in his chair and laughed. “Whoa, that’s great though right?”
“Yeah, if her father wasn’t fucking Eli Nichols.”
He saw his friend pale, the best a Noxi could. “No way.”
“Yeah and her brother is following in Daddy’s footsteps. Makes having a relationship hard as hell.”
“He’s going to fucking kill you.”
I rolled my eyes, but I feared he wasn’t wrong. “I can’t think like that. Hannah’s mine, and there’s no turning back now. I love her already. I can’t get her out of my head, and she’s breaking away from her family. Her mom was murdered—by a Noxi.”
Aux glared. “Our kind doesn’t murder!”
I shrugged. “How do you know? We are temperamental. Who knows what happened. I don’t even think she fully knows. It’s why her father started the rebellion though.”
“I don’t believe it. Sorry dude, I don’t think your girl is lying, but I think her daddy has some explain’ to do. Like the truth. There has to be another explanation.”
“I’m goin’ to talk to Ma, but please don’t mention this. I don’t want Hannah thinking I don’t trust her because she isn’t the problem. I do trust her, but not her father or her brother.”
“You’re good dude, I won’t say a word. Either way she lost her mother. So nothing good can come out of the truth.”
“Exactly. I’m going to do some research. Ma knows just about everyone. It happened years ago though.”
Aux nodded and went back to work. I couldn’t help but think about what he said. He made a point. What if her father lied to her and her brother? What if something else happened? She wouldn’t be the same.
I changed and patted Aux’s shoulder before I ran down the stairs and jumped on my bike. I loved it. It was a workout before my brother pounded me. He was the only one who could get the drop on me now. I sped down the street enjoying the silence, but my mind wouldn’t shut off. Hearing her tell me she loved me, or nearly telling me, had me on edge. My heart pounded, and I yearned to be with her. Every second of every day I wanted to be around her. I wanted to hear her voice, feel her touch.
The wind blew in my eyes and they watered. I squinted against the rising sun and slowed to a stop in front of Ma’s house. Every light was on and the scent of breakfast wafted out the open window. I took a deep breath enjoying the smell of home.
I climbed the stairs and walked in. “Morning Ma,” I hollered.
“In the kitchen sweetheart.”
I went into the kitchen to see my mom scooping out the casserole in the bowls. “Well don’t just stand there, come give your mother a hug.”
I laughed, and in two large steps stood next to her. I pulled my mom into my arms hugging her close. Our species were close. Family was very important for our kind. We were affectionate and loving, even when we fought.
She pulled back and her brows creased. “You’re different. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing Ma,” I said and tried to sneak a piece of toast. She slapped my hand and glared.
“Do not lie to me.” Her tone booked no argument and I sighed and plopped in the chair.
“I found my mate.”
Her eyes lit up and she smiled. “That’s great honey! I must meet her immediately.”
“She’s human.”
She raised brow. “So?”
“You don’t care?”
“Of course not. I figured your mate was human considering there aren’t many females, unmated, of our kind here.”
Aels came in smirking. “So you found the woman who is going to change you forever. You’ll be pussy whipped in no time.”
Ma smacked the back of his head. “Watch your mouth; you’re talking about your new sister!”
He blanched. “Sorry bro, just surprised is all. Congrats.” He slid into his chair.
“Well, there is a slight issue…”
Chapter 6
Hannah
I woke up smiling and then frowned when I realized I was alone. My hand ran over a slip of paper and I read his note. At least he had the courtesy to let me know instead of just leaving. I smiled. He was sweet. Throwing my head back I groaned.
Was this what love was like? I felt like I wasn’t me anymore. Or maybe this was me. I wasn’t sure, but my heart raced just thinking about him. I’d never met anyone like Wyser. He was so confident, yet had no problems letting me see how vulnerable he was. I loved that he struggled to be respectful towards me.
I rolled out of bed ready to take my shower when there was a knock on my door. I didn’t really have a
ny friends so I smiled thinking it was Wyser. I opened the door to be shoved back in my room and the door slammed shut. When the lock clicked I shivered. The eyes staring back at me were ones I hadn’t seen in a long time.
“Well hello Hannah. Long time yeah?”
I recoiled from his sugary tone. Joey wasn’t one who messed around, and he had no qualms about beating the shit out of anyone. It didn’t matter what their gender was.
“What do you want Joey?” I left for a reason. He wouldn’t leave me alone. Joey was nearing 30, and still he obviously didn’t plan to leave me alone.
He backed me into the wall. The stench of stale beer made me gag. “You know what I want Hannah. Ryan gave me the heads up. You’ve been getting cozy with that Noxi freak?” He ran his fingers down my jaw before gripping it tightly. “You’re mine, or did you forget that your dad promised you to me a long time ago.”
My eyes filled with tears when he yanked my head to the side and ran his nose along my neck. When I felt his tongue my body shook. I hadn’t known that about my father.
“No, I’m not some toy that can be auctioned off to the highest bidder.”
“Oh but baby, you’re mine and I can do what I please. I think it’s time for you to come home with me.”
“No,” I said and reached to slap him, but he saw it coming and lifted me from the ground and slammed my head against the wall.
“You don’t get to tell me no buttercup.” He ran his hand over my breasts groping one between his fingers. Then he ran his grimy hands down and cupped me. “This pussy is mine, and you know what happens to someone who takes something from me.”
He kissed me roughly, and then the next thing I knew he tossed me on my bed like a rag doll. He was in great shape and strong as hell. I never had been able to overpower him, and I had tried, more than once.
“I’m going to fucking kill my brother. You be sure to tell him that. He better fucking hide.”
Joey climbed on top of me holding me down. Squirming was useless. It only aroused him further. But I wouldn’t lay there and let him do what he wanted to me. I fought I yanked my hands and slapped him. The sound on my hand cracking his cheek echoed in the room. “Leave me alone, Joey.”
He wiped his cheek wiping away a drop of blood. I hadn’t even realized I scratched him.
“Okay butter cup. I can clearly see you aren’t ready for me. You feisty bitch.” He gripped my jaw painfully again and looked into my eyes. Evil looked back at me. “I’ll come get you soon. Right now I’m okay with you being here. Things are weird back home. No one gets to lay a hand on you—’cept me of course.” He followed by gripping my other breast painfully. I gasped and my body shook. “But for now I’ll let you have your fun. My woman needs to be educated.”
He slid off of me and made sure I felt his erection. I shuddered realizing I’d rather die than deal with Joey for the rest of my life. I’d heard horror stories about him. He wasn’t a kind man in or out of the bedroom. He would tear me apart.
I squeezed my eyes shut, and when my door slammed shut I sobbed. I’d heard rumors that dad had promised me to Joey, but I thought it was just that—rumors. Apparently I was wrong, and he took it very seriously. And my brother was going to pay for this.
I ran to the door and locked both locks. Then I went into the bathroom. My jaw was already bruising and was swollen. I couldn’t let Wyser see me like that. He would question me and I would fall apart. My time at school was limited. I thought I’d finally found my freedom, only now I knew it was all a game. I was expected to be with Joey, and there was no way I’d survive it. I wouldn’t cower to his demands. I was too much of a free spirit.
I sunk to the floor in the bathroom and cried. It was a mess, and for the first time I didn’t have a plan. My body shook, and I wrapped my arms around my knees hiding my face. I gasped when I felt the pain.
I stayed that way until the pain became too much. I picked myself off of the floor and dug into my medicine bag. I popped two pain killers and crawled back into bed.
Chapter 7
Wyser
Ma’s face was a little more shocked than I figured it would be. There was something different. Maybe it was fear I wasn’t sure.
“Oh honey, you can’t be with her.”
I stood and the chair slammed back. “The hell I can’t Ma, not you too. I already have her family against this. I need you to support me on this. Hannah isn’t her father. She’s trying to get away from it all.”
Ma sighed. “I don’t doubt you, and it won’t be her fault. You just have no idea what life is like for that girl. She only thinks she is breaking away baby. But I’ll guarantee you that her father, the sick and twisted man, has plans for his one and only daughter.”
“Ma seriously she basically told me she loved me. She isn’t like him I swear.”
She hugged me then. “There are some things you don’t know about her family Wyser. And I won’t discuss it. Not now. You need to trust me.”
“I won’t stop seeing her Ma. She’s my mate. You know I can’t turn my back on her. Dad wouldn’t have done it to you. Hell he would have killed anyone who tried to stop you from mating with him.”
“You’re right, and I don’t expect anything less than that from my son.” She sighed. “Bring her here. Then I’ll explain my reasoning. It might make you two think twice. A lot of hurt and secrets will come out now.”
I was confused. “What are you talking about Ma?”
She wiped a tear away and I was shocked. She never cried. “Not now. Spring break is coming up right?”
“Yeah,” I said watching her looking for some sign of what was going on.”
“Then bring her here. I don’t begrudge her for who her family is Wyser. Just be careful. She won’t even be aware of it.”
“Could you be anymore cryptic?” I said in frustration. She was scared of something, and it had to do with Hannah’s dad.
She cupped my face in her hand. “Just be careful with her. I know she’s your mate, and I’m sure she’s lovely, it’s just—never mind.”
“Fine, I’ll be careful, and I’ll bring her home next week. If I can talk her into it. She’s still trying to protect me from her family.”
Ma cocked her head to the side. “Protect you?”
“Yeah by keeping me away. She has it in her head that they’ll hurt me, and she thinks by pushing me away I’ll be safe.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, I’m wearing her down though I think. I love her Ma. Nothing is going to change that for me.”
She shook her head. “I’ll see you next week baby.”
I nodded and went outside. Aels was already out there with a frown.
“Ma isn’t happy. I’m a little freaked. We’ve all heard of Eli Nichols Wyser, please be careful okay brother.”
“I will. I’m not scared though. He isn’t going to come. Not now at least. She already handled it—for now. We just need a new plan in case he does.”
“Make it fool proof.”
“Will do bro. See ya next week. I’ll bring Hannah to meet you guys if she’ll come.”
“Why wouldn’t she?”
“Fear you won’t like her especially knowing who her father is.”
Aels waved a hand. “Who gives a fuck? As long as she loves you I’m good.”
I pulled him into a hug. “Thank you.”
“Now get the fuck out of here and go see your woman. Don’t you have class soon?”
“Fuck, yeah. Later bro.”
I jumped on my bike and rode back to my apartment. Then I took a quick shower before heading to class. I had planned to get Hannah, but at this rate I was nearly late. I went inside the room, but I didn’t see her. Maybe she was running late. I sat down and as the minutes ticked by the more nervous I became. She never missed. It was sort of her thing. When the professor spoke and looked at me I shrugged. I had no idea. I didn’t think she’d blow me off. Unless she regretted what she said.
I refrained from bailing fro
m class and tapped my foot the whole time. Aux and Nessa moved over to me and Aux gripped my shoulder. “Where is she?”
“I don’t know. She must have spaced. But that isn’t like her.”
“Then what are you still doing here?”
“Trying to prove to her I don’t blow shit off.”
“So being in class even when she isn’t will prove what? That you go to class.”
I sighed and nervously nibbled my lip. “It was something she said before. That I was too laid back and didn’t take things seriously. I was almost late as it was. I got a bad feeling though. Come with me?”
Aux looked at Nessa who shrugged. “Go with your friend. He needs you. We can talk later.”
“Thanks.”
Aux and I stood and the professor frowned. “Gotta go check on her.”
He nodded.
I pulled the door opened and ran towards her dorm with Aux by my side. The closer I got the worse the feeling became. I stopped breathing heavily. “Somethings wrong.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know. She’s dreaming, trying to pull me in but something won’t let her.”
“Shit, go!”
I ran faster than I had for a very long time leaving Aux behind. He’d catch up. I sprinted up her stairs and knocked on her door. There was no answer so I knocked louder. “Hannah sweetheart, wake up!”
Nothing. I pounded on the door and another door opened. A girl stuck her head out and frowned. “Shut up for god’s sake people are trying to sleep.”
I glared at her door and ignored her. Aux stood bent over breathing heavily. “Damn you fucking run fast.”
“She won’t’ answer.”
Aux turned the knob but it was locked. “Hold tight I can get into these rooms easy.”
I stepped back while Aux closed his eyes concentrating. I heard the click of the lock and then the slid of the other lock. He pushed the door opened and I went inside.
Abducted by Aliens (Tales From Angondra Book 1) Page 48