Page 35
Elijah
“ P izza! I’m fucking starved!” Aaron says, a hand on his stomach as he drops onto the mat. We’re in one of the gym rooms but we won’t be disturbed here. I made sure no one will decide to drop in.
“I hope you got the drinks, Aaron,” Liam says as he too sits down on the floor, still breathing hard from his round with the boxing bag.
Aaron grins. “Obviously. I got our favourite, and some crap for Elijah,” Aaron snickers, making me cock a brow.
“I still have faith that one day he will like it.” Liam rolls onto his side and pulls out one of the ginger beer cans, holding it out to me. “Try it.”
“Gross, I ain’t having that shit. I’ll stick to my Coca-Cola,” I say, watching him with distaste as he opens the can and takes a big gulp.
Aaron flips open the pizza box as I turn the music up on the gym speakers before grabbing a slice and taking a bite.
“So, are you ready for tomorrow?” Aaron asks me as he takes a few fries.
I look at him, knowing the severity of what’s to come. I nod. “Yeah, as ready as can be. I need him gone, for the betterment of my family. Scarlett, Indy, Jessica. He’s so fucked up it’s insane. And he’s strong… too fucking strong,” I sigh heavily, taking another bite of pizza. “I just wish Scarlett didn’t need to have to face him again, but it’s her pack.”
“And you can’t bring yourself to ask her to sit it out,” Aaron remarks.
“She’s an alpha. An alpha doesn’t sit this shit out. Just because she’s a woman doesn’t make it any different,” I reply. Even though I’d love her to be safe and protected here, it just isn’t going to work. And I realise that’s something I’m going to have to accept all my life. I’m not in love with a woman who needs my protection, a woman who will sit at home and allow me to risk my life… but I’m in love with a woman who will be out there by my side, fighting right next to me, as my equal.
A small smile twitches the corner of my mouth, and I realise that’s perfect. She’s perfect the way she is. I have a badass mate, one who I’ll have with me in all aspects of life.
“Alright, we get it. You can quit with that mushy face,” Aaron snickers.
“Enough about me, you’re going to be a dad soon. Are you ready for that?” I ask, making Liam snicker.
“I highly doubt he is,” he remarks lightly, making Aaron throw a few fries at him.
“I’m fine. We’re considering some names; she’s had a scan, and I know I ain’t seen him properly yet but he is goddamn cute.”
“I don’t doubt that, I can’t imagine you as a dad though.” Liam smiles, “I think I’ll be the favourite uncle.”
I scoff. “No, I think I will be.”
Liam and Aaron both look at me wearing matching expressions of disbelief. “I doubt it. Are you even good with kids?” Aaron asks.
“Asshole,” I counter.
“But you’ll probably have kids soon too,” Aaron muses. “Our future Alpha…”
Liam smiles, “They’ll be cute pups, too.” There’s warmth in his eyes, but a glimmer of sadness too.
A reminder of the unrequited love from a woman who will never be his.
“They sure will be,” Aaron agrees. “Maybe our pups will be friends.”
“No doubt they will be, considering they will be future Alpha and Beta,” Liam adds.
“Oh yeah, about that. I think I want to change that, like I get that our betas and deltas are chosen by blood, but I want those who are the most capable to get those titles.”
“You mean to let the alpha choose his own second and third in command?” Aaron asks curiously.
I nod. “Yeah. Like Hank, I never really liked him before all his shit came out.” I look over at Liam. I still need to talk to him about it, but regardless of his opinion, I have made my decision. “We never had a bond, the kind I’d want with my Delta. But right now that position is open and I want you, Liam, to take the title of Delta when I become Alpha.”
He looks surprised before a small frown creases his brows. “You don’t need to do that-”
“I’m doing it for me, not you. You’re strong, and the one worthy to be my Delta, so that choice is mine to make. You know I don’t do favours,” I clarify, sounding cocky.
Aaron nods. “Yeah, we’re a team, man. Just accept that you are fucking awesome and it’s why you get to hang with us.”
“Right. And you don’t get to choose,” I reply dismissively.
Liam smiles slightly. “Sure, sounds great.”
We fall silent as we dig into our food when Liam’s voice enters my mind. This isn’t because of everything with Scarlett, is it?
I glance over at him and cock a brow. No. I don’t feel sorry for you for taking her for myself, got to be selfish in love… But regardless of us loving the same woman, you are still my friend, Liam, someone I consider a brother to me. I hope that hasn’t changed from your side.
His eyes flicker with surprise before he nods. Thanks. I am glad I haven’t lost that.
There’s a sadness in his voice and I try to search for the words to comfort him. I can’t even imagine losing someone I love.
I hope one day you can look back and just smile at the fact you actually loved her. Maybe when you find your own mate and you realise there’s so much more out there...
For him and for me, I do want that to happen.
Yeah, I’ll hold onto that hope of that day.
We smile at one another before we continue eating, enjoying the light mood and banter before tomorrow comes and we face the inevitable battle that is waiting to unfold.
A while later, I head to Angela’s home, since I know Scarlett was going to be spending the evening there. I ring the doorbell, shoving my hands into my pockets before the door is opened by Haru.
As usual, his face is blank and I wonder how he and Angela are even siblings. “Alpha.”
“Haru, I’m here for Scarlett, she still here?” I ask.
I could have mind-linked but I wanted to show up and surprise her.
He nods, “I’ll go get her.” He doesn’t invite me in and I’m ok with that; I look past him as he heads upstairs down the wallpapered walls. There are dark mahogany panels running across the middle of the walls that match the mahogany wooden floors, and there are large frames on the walls with different scenic photos in them.
This house feels… weird, it is a little old-fashioned and way too dark for my liking. The lights are all off, save the one on the top of the upstairs landing. I know as werewolves we don’t need that lighting, but still, it’s strange.
I can hear the faint hum of talking from down the hall. “…too much. Do you have the receipt?” That’s Angela’s dad’s voice.
“Yes, here. And then there was the 14.27 for the meat.”
The next part is inaudible and I cock a brow, I didn’t think the Jacobs were tight on money. I’m drawn from my thoughts when Haru comes down the stairs, giving me a polite nod before he disappears down the hall, and Scarlett and Angela walk down the stairs giggling and shoving each other. My breath catches in my throat as I stare at Scarlett’s carefree face.
Fuck is she gorgeous…
“Did you miss her so much you had to come collect her?” Angela inquires with a displeased expression.
“Obviously, you’ve had her for long enough, but you know where to find her.” I pull Scarlett into my arms, and she locks her arms around my neck, kissing me.
“I didn’t need anyone to escort me home,” Scarlett adds when she moves back, giving me a look.
“Well, I thought I’d be a gentleman and turn up anyway,” I reply arrogantly.
“I never knew you could be a gentleman,” she responds, a smile playing on her lips.
“Seems like I’m full of surprises,” I reply seductively.
“Ok, ok, you guys, go home already!” Angela shuts the door in our faces, making both of us laugh.
“You’re just jealous, Jacobs!” I call.
“Whatever!” comes her reply through the door, before I look down at the woman who is staring at me with a blush coating her cheeks.
“What is it?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “Nothing… I just like to see you laugh, since it’s a rare occurrence.”
“And your laugh isn’t?” I cock a brow, making her laugh again.
“That’s not- ok, maybe it is kinda true.”
“Exactly.” I kiss her neck as I wrap my arm around her small frame. “Come on, I want to introduce you to someone officially.”
She looks up at me curiously, but I’m glad she doesn’t ask who because this might be a little too sentimental. And at times, I struggle to show that side.
We make our way through the trees and I can tell from the way her heart races as we near our destination that she knows exactly where we are headed.
“We shouldn’t have come empty-handed.”
I cock a brow. “We didn’t. I brought her, her new daughter and I brought myself. I’m better than any flower,” I reply with a smirk as we stop in front of Mom’s grave.
That familiar pang in my chest returns and I hold Scarlett tighter, trying not to make it obvious.
“Hey, Mom… I want you to officially meet my mate, my love, my Luna, Scarlett.”
Scarlett looks up at me before she turns to the grave. “Hi…”
“You don’t need to say anything,” I say to her, kissing the side of her head.
“I want to,” she says as she tugs free and kneels down, touching the earth. “I’ll take good care of him; he’s an amazing guy and I know you would be proud of him.”
“Is that a compliment?” I ask.
“Maybe, but it’s for your mom, not you,” she replies. “Tell me about her.”
I crouch down beside her and look at the grave. “Well she wasn’t a great cook, I mean she was ok with the basics, but she made the best jam on toast.”
She chuckles slightly. “Oh yeah?”
“Yeah… but she was the best mom, she always had time for me. She always read to me before bed, tucked me in, and checked up on me when it was a cold night. She taught me right from wrong, always made sure that I didn’t let my ego go to my head.”
“Have you forgotten that part?” she teases lightly.
I smile slightly. “I rein it in.”
“I’m relieved, I can’t imagine you getting any cockier. But on a serious note, she sounds lovely. Dad doesn’t really speak about her.”
“No, he doesn’t. And I think that’s what hurt the most. She’s gone, but why did he have to stop talking about her like she never existed…” I sigh, looking at the sky through the trees.
“I get that, I’m sorry.”
I shake my head as she places her hand on my arm. “I just never thought I’d grow up without her. She was my world. Dad was just an extra in the house,” I add snidely, making Scarlett smirk.
“He wouldn’t like to hear that, but I get it. They say boys are like that, and girls are Daddy’s favourites, but I don’t know. You know how my so-called Dad is.”
“One day, maybe we’ll meet again. I’m not sure how the afterlife works, but I hope we meet again.” I look at her. This time our eyes meet and I can see hers are shining with emotions. She can’t speak aloud.
“I hope so too,” she says softly before she gets on her knees and wraps her arms around my head, pulling me against her breasts. I inhale her sent as I slowly wrap my arms around her waist, holding her tight.
I lost Mom. I never want to lose anyone else, especially Scarlett. I’ll always protect her. I just hope I can, Mom, because I wish I could have protected you too, but I couldn’t. I’m sorry.
Table of Contents
- Page 1
- Page 2
- Page 3
- Page 4
- Page 5
- Page 6
- Page 7
- Page 8
- Page 9
- Page 10
- Page 11
- Page 12
- Page 13
- Page 14
- Page 15
- Page 16
- Page 17
- Page 18
- Page 19
- Page 20
- Page 21
- Page 22
- Page 23
- Page 24
- Page 25
- Page 26
- Page 27
- Page 28
- Page 29
- Page 30
- Page 31
- Page 32
- Page 33
- Page 34
- Page 35 (Reading here)
- Page 36
- Page 37
- Page 38
- Page 39
- Page 40
- Page 41
- Page 42
- Page 43
- Page 44
- Page 45
- Page 46
- Page 47
- Page 48
- Page 49
- Page 50
- Page 51
- Page 52
- Page 53
- Page 54