I don’t know how to answer him.
“He was her mate,” Tyler says. He’s clearly not a fan of Jax at all.
“What?” Alex gasps.
“You found your mate?” My father turns to look at me.
“No, he rejected her,” Talon explains.
“He what?” My father yells, standing up. Talon holds his ground as Johnny storms up to him, grabbing his shirt.
“You’re telling me, the Alpha of the Black Valley Pack rejected my daughter?”
“Yes, Alpha,” Talon says, not looking worried at all.
“Stop this!” I stand up and my father steps away from the twins obviously surprised by my firm voice.
“Yes, he did reject me. I won’t lie and say it didn’t hurt, but I have bigger things to worry about now. Jax regrets what he did and has made it pretty clear that he wants me back. I told him that I don’t belong in his pack, that this is my pack and this is where I belong. Unless you don’t want me in this pack anymore?” I say, looking to Alex.
“Of course we want you in this pack. The things I said earlier…” My father walks up to me seeming calmer than he did before. I force myself to look up into his eyes.
“…I didn’t mean them. I don’t want to send you away and I won’t force you to marry Caspian, Angel. I was furious that you went and saw the witches without my permission. I should have listened to what you had to say before lashing out on you, honey. I’m so sorry.” I nod my head, unsure of what to say.
“I promise not to storm into the Black Valley Pack’s territory to take out their Alpha, but you’ve got to do one thing for me.” This has me looking up with focused attention.
“Stop calling me Johnny. I’m your father. I know I don’t deserve the title, but please… Please call me Dad and don’t ever call me Alpha,” he begs. I can’t help the small smile on my lips.
He pulls me into his arms again, letting out a deep sigh as I wrap my arms around his broad waist.
He motions for me to sit on the sofa I was sitting on moments before, as he sits beside me. He seems calmer and talks to me as if I’m a fragile piece of porcelain.
“Your mother has told me about the lineage of witchcraft in her family, Angel.”
“What?” I hear the twins blurt out in unison. My father turns and motions with his head to the other empty seats.
“You two might as well take a seat. Seeing as my daughter is in love with one of you fools, you need to know what’s been going on.” I don’t miss the grimace that comes from Tyler as my father says this.
If only you knew the truth, Dad… It isn’t just the one man I’m in love with.
“I told your father about my mother and how I was destined to be a witch. He knows everything. There are no more secrets between us.” She gives me a small smile then looks across me at my father, he nods his head smiling.
“Do you think that I survived Mom’s pregnancy because she was supposed to be a witch?” I look between my parents.
“It could be a possibility,” my mother says.
“And what about the other magic?”
“When Noelle healed you, she called upon our ancestors for help, that could have almost kick-started your powers. You may have adopted your ability to heal from Noelle healing you; she said it felt like you were absorbing her powers,” she says.
“Healing powers?” Tyler asks. “What the hell is going on?”
My father speaks for me, “Angel has the ability to heal.”
“Not only that,” I blurt out and all eyes are back on me.
“I have the ability to hurt too.”
“What?” Alex exclaims.
“I didn’t know what was happening to me, I was so frightened of all the changes that was going on with my body. I was confused and wanted to know how to control that power before I got any of you involved. That’s why I went to see Noelle.”
The room is quiet for a few moments before Johnny opens his mouth, nods his head then speaks, “Has Noelle been helping you? Has she given you the answers you were looking for?”
Johnny sounds genuinely concerned and interested in my response; there’s no hostility towards Noelle in his words.
“Yeah, she’s helped me so much. She’s not teaching me directly though. I have a friend, her name’s Phoenix, she’s going to teach me how to control my power. She’s a brilliant witch. We’ve just started, I hope that… I hope you’ll allow me to continue,” I say reluctantly.
He nods his head, his one dimple showing. “Okay, your friend can help you but I want to meet her first, and I want to speak to Noelle as well.” He looks up at Alex, she seems surprised by this. Smiling, she nods her head in agreement.
There’s still some tension floating around the house, I know not all our issues are gonna be resolved after one conversation. Many words have been said and feelings hurt. It’s going to take time to get back to the place we all used to be in, but I’m willing to forgive if it means I get my family back together again. The twins seemed stunned into silence about my involvement with the witches. They left my father’s office very quickly and I haven’t seen them since. Alex pulled me into the kitchen and she cooked up a storm. I ate and ate until I nearly passed out on the kitchen counter, Johnny had to eventually help me up the stairs to my bed.
“Can you leave the curtains open, please?” I mumble, pulling the blankets over me and snuggling up to my pillow. Johnny pushes them open again and sits down on the bed in front of me. The huge man looks so fragile as he sits down on my bed looking at his hands.
“I feel terrible about the way I spoke to you. I don’t think I’ll ever get over the hateful look you gave me. Don’t get me wrong though. I totally deserved it,” he says, letting out a nervous laugh.
“I’m sorry your mate rejected you, honey.” He utters softly.
I reach out my hand, grabbing his larger one. He wraps both of his rough hands around mine. “Don’t be sorry, Dad. Everything worked out for the best. I’m back with the pack I belong with, alongside you, Mom, Talon and Tyler.” He smiles as I say this.
He chuckles. “I like to hear that. You do belong here, honey… And Talon? You love him?”
“I do.”
He’s quiet for a few seconds until he nods his head and looks at me. “He’ll make a great Alpha… and you my dear, will be a strong Luna. I know I don’t tell you this enough, but I’m so very proud of you, sweetie. You’re one tough cookie, I couldn’t have asked for a better daughter. I love you, my Angel. Don’t ever forget that.” His words bring tears to my eyes.
“I love you too, Dad,” I say, giving him a hug.
He pulls away, tucking the bedding beneath my chin.
Before he leaves the room he stops at my door and looks back at me. “Your mother’s taking it really hard. She thinks you hate her. I know it’s going to take time for you to build up your trust in us, but please… Just… Just don’t be too tough on her.”
I nod my head, too tired to even form words.
He flips off the light switch and I close my eyes.
Chapter 22
The warm sun reflecting on my face is absolute heaven. I blink then shield my eyes from the harsh light flooding through my open curtains. I hear chuckling and turn to find Talon laying on top of the covers facing me, leaning on his side with his hand holding his head up. When my eyes meet his he stops chuckling and tilts his head to the side staring at me.
“How are you feeling today?” He says in a soft voice, pushing a piece of hair away from my face.
“A little stiff.” I stretch my neck and let out a big yawn then wince rubbing my eyes. “Damn, I’ve still got a headache too, other than that… I’m good.” I lean in closer to his warmth, breathing in his scent. He pulls me close against him, my head underneath his chin, my nose close to his bare chest.
He rubs his lips against my forehead and I feel his chest inhale and exhale as he breathes me in. “God, I’ve missed this. I’ve missed you so much.”
Butterflie
s circle in my stomach from both the affection coming my way, and because I’m laying here, in bed with Talon. This alone has me feel really nervous.
“I’ve missed you too,” I say softly. I tuck my hands underneath my chin as I cuddle into his chest. Talon’s hand moves from my hair, down my back taking the blanket down as well. His warm hands find the gap where my shirt ends and my pants start, and he gently rubs his thumb back and forth on my hip.
Moving my shirt higher, he leaves a kiss on my forehead. I feel him move and then feel his lips on my temple, closing my eyes I delight in his affection.
“You should have told me about the witch thing,” he whispers, suddenly sounding withdrawn. I lift my head up to look him in the eyes.
“I know. I’m sorry I didn’t, but I had so much going on in my head. No more secrets, Talon. I promise.” I lean up and kiss his cheek, but he grabs the back of my head gently keeping it in place.
“And I promise to keep you safe. Always.” He whispers the last word and then his lips are on mine. Gentle and soft and oh-so-fucking incredible. I place my hand on his chest and feel the quick beats of his heart underneath my palms. Running my hand up to the back of his neck, I feel his tongue meeting mine. He removes his hand from where he holds my head in place and I drop my head to my pillow, his lips not leaving mine. I feel air on my legs as the blanket lifts and he climbs underneath, all whilst keeping his lips to mine and his tongue moving in a steady rhythm.
He leans against me, his leg between mine. His right elbow rests alongside my head, his other hand back at my hip. Goosebumps take hold of my body and I arch my back, forcing my breasts to push against his chest as he rests his palm over my scars. I need a breath so I pull my lips and turn my head to the side, his lips then find my neck and I let out a soft moan when I feel his teeth against my sensitive skin. I run my hands down the ripples on his stomach, causing him to let out a soft growl in my ear.
My wolf wants him and I can practically hear his wolf calling out to me. I can feel just how much he wants me from the bulge nudging my stomach. I could so freely give him my virginity right here, right now, but in the pit of my stomach something is brewing and it doesn’t feel right.
“Jesus. I could take you right now, Angel.” His voice is husky and it only fuels my desire more. He licks and sucks on my neck and I feel the hand that was on my back making its way towards my breast.
I place both hands on his chest.
“Tal-“ His lips find mine again and I can’t help but moan when he pushes his lower body against mine.
He breaks from the kiss. “I’ve been dreaming about having you ever since I first laid eyes on you…”
“Talo-” His kisses become more needy and frantic. I push a little harder and he pulls away long enough to say the words, “…and now I can have you whenever…” Kiss. “….wherever I want.”
Before he can kiss me again, I blurt, “Wait! Talon, wait. This is…. We need to stop.” I shake my head
This has him looking up, all confused and with swollen lips.
“We need to stop,” I say a little louder.
“Stop? Why? I finally have you in my arms and your telling me to stop?” He pulls further away and sits in a kneeling position between my legs looking down at me.
“I know,” I whisper. I can’t help but look down at his stomach.
Fuck… bad idea.
This boy is way too gorgeous for his own good. I can’t help but look down at his very evident hard-on; Jesus… Why did I do that.
I look back up to his face.
“I’m not ready for that.” I clear my throat and look away embarrassed.
Talon is quiet for a moment, then he quickly jumps off of me and the bed.
I sit up quickly looking at him confused.
“Talon?”
He quickly turns around and rushes back to me, grabbing my head and kissing me hard on the lips.
“Need a cold shower. I’ll be right back. Love you, babe,” he blurts out before jogging his way to the bathroom.
I flop back down on the bed trying to calm myself down with deep breaths; I can’t help the giggle I let out.
****
The bathroom mirror is still misted up from the shower Talon took moments before. I decided to jump in the shower while Talon made us food. I swipe my hand across the mirror in front of me. I gasp as soon as my reflection becomes clear. I start frantically wiping at the mirror so I can check out my entire upper body and face. Pulling my shirt over my head, I wince as I touch my bruised ribs. Leaning closer to the mirror, I lightly touch my bruised nose and jaw. I let out a deep breath and look down at the lacerations covering my hands. They’re a little swollen today, but it’s nothing compared to what I’ve had to go through in the past; I’ll deal.
I strip and make my way towards the shower. Making sure the water is warm enough, I lean my hands on the wall underneath the shower head, putting my head underneath the spray. I squeeze my eyes shut and move my neck making sure all my hair is wet.
At the sound of a door being opened and closed, I quickly move my face away from the water and gently wipe the water out of my eyes.
I take a deep breath, taking in the scent. Sweet… not musky.
“Tyler?” I call out.
When he doesn’t answer, I pull open the shower door a little and peak my head out. Tyler sits on the counter, holding a bottle of shower gel to his nose. His eyes are closed as he takes in it’s scent.
“Ty?” I say softly.
His eyes open and he pulls the bottle away from his face and snaps the lid closed.
“You were out of shower gel, I bought you some.” He leans over as I reach out, making sure he can’t see my naked body as I take the shower gel from him.
“That’s your favourite, right?” He looks down at the bottle in my hand. I look down and find that it is my favourite one. Berry scented.
“Yeah. Thank-you.” I give him a small smile. His sudden kindness warms my heart and causes butterflies in my tummy. I close the shower door and hold the bottle to my bare chest, waiting for his footsteps as he leaves. When I hear him jump down from the counter, I cant help but whisper, “Don’t go.”
I watch through the steamy glass door as he pauses right outside of the shower door.
“Angel,” he says softly.
“Please stay…” I find my voice as I say a little louder. “…Sit with me while I shower. Please, Ty.”
I let out a deep breath when I hear him moving back to sit on the counter.
“Thank you.” I smile.
He’s quiet for a little while as I wash my body and hair, but then he speaks.
“Why didn’t you tell us about you being a witch?” He says.
I scrub my hands through my hair, biting back the pain from my scalp. I need to clean my hair though, the scent from the other pack still lingers in it and I can’t stand it.
“I was so afraid and unsure of what was happening to me. I should have told you and Talon, I’m sorry I didn’t. I’ve grown used to dealing with shit on my own, I forget I have people around me that are willing to help and listen. I need to learn to trust others more. I just hate depending on other people. When Alex couldn’t or wouldn’t give me an answer for what had and was happening to me, I just thought I should find out for myself.” I twirl the end of my hair around my fist looking down at it as the shower streams down my back. I turn around and turn the water off. It’s quiet in the bathroom now and he isn’t saying a word.
I pull the towel that lays over the shower door and wrap it around my body. I’m scared to get out of the shower and look at him. I don’t know what I’ll find when I look into his eyes.
“I’m sorry I shut you out after what Drake did to me. I needed you and Talon more than anything. I should have told you that, I should have trusted that you two would have kept me safe from him no matter what he threatened me. I’m so sorry, Tyler, ” I say softly, swallowing the lump in my throat and blinking away tears. I hold the towel tighter
around me as I wrap my arms around my body.
I turn when I hear the shower door swing open. His warm arms reach in and grab me as he helps me out the shower, before wrapping his arms around me and surrounding me in his warmth.
“No more apologies, Angel. If anyone needs to apologize, it’s me.” His arms tighten around me.
“I’m so sorry for everything I’ve put you through, for everything I’m still going to put you through.” As he says the last bit my body turns rigid. I try pulling away, but he won’t loosen his grip, instead he holds me tighter. I push at his chest and force some distance between us, but his arms are still wrapped around me. I look up and he looks away from me, his jaw tensing as if he’s thinking hard about something or he’s trying to keep himself from saying something.
“What does that mean?” He doesn’t respond.
I lift my hand up and cup his jaw as I repeat. “What does that mean, Tyler? You’re going to reject me, aren’t you?” As soon as the last words leave my lips, his blue eyes find mine.
“That’s not it, baby.” He rests his forehead to mine, closing his eyes. “What do you think your father will do to Talon and I when he finds out we’re your mates? About the shit we’ve put you through?”
“If he doesn’t kill us, he’ll punish us. Whatever happens though, it’s going to affect you.” I’m speechless as his words register. I won’t allow my father to hurt them; I cant.
Tyler leans forward and presses a kiss against my forehead. “Give me time to think. I’ll talk to your father, pay my dues and take my punishment.”
As I eat lunch with Talon a little later, I’m still struggling to get the conversation that I had with Tyler out of my head.
Will my father really kill them?
****
“Get your hands off of me!” I hear a familiar voice and it has me smiling as I quickly shut the dishwasher door.
Angel Blackwood Page 28