Page 53

Elijah

Over two years after the attack

W inter has settled in, covering the earth in a deep layer of powdery snow. Our house stands not far from the now frozen over river; the trees are bare at this time of year, save the evergreens. A thin layer of snow clings to the naked branches. Christmas lights decorate the house and a few little snowmen in the front garden are dressed in hats and scarves.

I’m standing by the window, watching my twins sneak down the path. My eyes soften as I watch them. My baby girl is walking again. It took time, extensive physio, treatment and determination. It took a year for her to finally get back on her feet, but she did it. Even when in pain, determination shone in her beautiful eyes. Her Achilles tendon is destroyed beyond repair and the ligaments that support her foot are completely damaged, but she’s managing. She will always live with the pain, but I know she will be ok.

“They’re off, huh?” Scarlett asks from where she is pouring some melted chocolate into a glass bowl.

“Yep, and I’m sure we both know where they’re going,” I reply, an amused smirk on my lips.

Like always, the twins love to sneak away to Great-Grandma Amelia’s cottage.

They’re on their way to yours... And this time they seem to have packed. Keep them for the night, I mind-link my great aunt.

I already knew that. Let me put on some tea…

Aren’t they too young for tea? I ask.

Oh, zip that pie hole of yours! I’m the one keeping them for the night, and they are pups, you useless oaf. Tea will do no harm! she snaps loudly. I raise an eyebrow.

Well, have fun. Dan is watching them until they get to yours.

Yes, yes. I know you want to get rid of me, she remarks, cutting the link before I can even reply.

“Will she keep them?” Scarlett asks, leaning on the counter and licking the spoon of chocolate, her cleavage showing temptingly.

“Yeah, all night... So how about we make the most of it?” I remark, not missing the glint in my mate’s eyes.

I draw the blinds before walking over to my sexy little kitten, who places the spoon in the sink and carries the bowl to the kitchen island.

“Sounds like a plan. I think there’s no need to make some brownies anymore… since the one who asked for them has gone. How about we put this chocolate to use?” she asks, her eyes flashing silver as she dips her finger into the bowl of melted chocolate.

I throb, my eyes darkening as I close the gap between us. She slips her finger into my mouth, letting me lick the chocolate off. Our eyes lock, and the moment she slips her finger out of my mouth, I grab the back of her hair, pushing her against the worktop, my lips crashing against hers in a hungry, passionate kiss.

We sure can, I growl back through the link, my hands roaming her body before I tear her top off and lift her onto the counter.

She looks into my cobalt blue eyes, a soft moan escaping her plush lips, desire coating her silver eyes.

“Fuck, Elijah,” she murmurs, tearing my shirt off before running her hands down my chiselled chest as I step between her legs. Reaching behind her, I unhook her bra, my lips claiming hers once more. My hands fondle her breasts, our tongues fighting for dominance. Pleasure is rushing through us both: desire, hunger, need. It’s all a burning fire that is growing within us before I push her back onto the counter, yanking her leggings off and revealing her curvy thighs and smooth pussy that is clad in skimpy, little, lace panties.

My eyes rake over her large, creamy, pierced breasts that I so fucking love, her slender waist, and her curved hips as if it is the first time I am looking at her. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on, and although we have been together for several years, that has never changed. I throb hard just looking at her goddess-like body before me.

She picks up the bowl of chocolate, her eyes sparkling seductively as she tips some of the chocolate over her breast, before doing the same on the other. A slow smirk crosses my lips.

This is going to be so much fun.

“Ready to get down and dirty?” she whispers seductively.

“Anytime, any day,” I growl huskily, pushing her back onto the worktop.

Neither of us cares as the bowl of chocolate slips from her fingertips, crashing to the floor and shattering into pieces, both of us too lost in the other. My fingers lace with hers as I pin them against the worktop, my pierced tongue flicking out as I lick up the chocolate slowly, nipping and sucking teasingly in between. A moan falls from her lips, her back arching, begging for more.

Oh, tonight I am going to make the most of this, I think, swirling my tongue around her pierced nipple, causing her to cry out. I remove one of my hands from hers, reaching down between her legs and massaging her damp pussy, only to push her underwear aside seconds later and plunge my fingers into her tight core.

“Oh fuck, baby, that’s it!” Scarlett moans, her entire body reacting to my touch.

She pulls my head up, her lips meeting my chocolatey ones. The scent of her arousal that hangs in the air only gets stronger as my fingers slide into her, each thrust hitting the spot and making her cry out. My tongue runs along her breasts, licking up the chocolate, sucking on her hard nipples. Pleasure rushes through me, making me throb hard in my pants.

“Fuck, Red… You’re so fucking perfect.”

“And I’m all yours,” she whispers, tugging me close as she kisses me hard.

Our chests press together, the chocolate smearing over me, too. Messy, hot and fucking perfect. Her nails graze down my back, and her moans of pleasure against my lips reach a delicious soft scream of pure satisfaction when her first orgasm tears through her body.

“You’re not sleeping tonight,” I murmur huskily, pushing her back onto the worktop, forcing open her legs as I go down on her. My tongue flicks out as I lap up the trickle of chocolate that managed to escape down her stomach and between her thighs, mixing with her juices. A delicious concoction indeed.

Fuck, Kitten, I groan through the link.

I eat her out, making her moans grow louder. Her hand tangles in my hair, her back arching, throwing her head back as she nears another orgasm.

“Fuck me, baby. I want you inside of me,” she begs, her voice horny and needy. Just how I fucking like it, but I don’t give her what she wants as I devour her, licking and sucking on her clit.

Not yet. Patience, Kitten, I reply through the mind-link.

I only let up when her second orgasm rushes through her. She slides off the worktop, breathlessly dropping to her knees on the pile of torn clothes. Her hands go to my jeans as she pops open the button, unzipping them and pushing them down.

“Fuck, you’re so hard for me,” she teases with a smirk on her lips as she tears my boxers off, wrapping her hand around my dick as she licks the tip, making me tense, pleasure washing over me.

“That’s it, baby girl. Show me how good you are at throating that dick,” I mutter, tangling my hand into her hair as she begins bobbing her head, taking me in further inch by inch until I am hitting the back of her throat.

I swear, speeding up. The sounds she makes causes the pleasure within me to intensify. My head tilts back, my face contorting with pleasure. She moans against my cock as my thrusts get rougher and harder. She sucks on me, letting her tongue swirl around the shaft until my speed is too much for her to keep up with. One hand is on my thigh, and with the other she reaches down, rubbing her own clit.

“Fuck, baby girl,” I swear when my orgasm rips through me, and I pull out just as I come.

Scarlett sticks her tongue out as I stroke my dick, shooting streams of my white cum over her. Our eyes lock as I tap my dick on her tongue before she licks her lips, swallowing it. She grips my now half-flaccid dick, running her tongue along the length once more. I throb in her mouth as she begins stroking it with her hand, trailing her tongue along my balls, sending waves of strong pleasure coursing through me.

Fuck, she drives me crazy.

My dirty little sex doll.

I yank her up, slamming my lips against hers as I reach down and tear her lacy underwear off before I begin rubbing her clit roughly.

“Oh fuck, baby. Fuck me…” she whimpers as my rough touch mixes pleasure and pain together.

“I intend to,” I remark cockily, spinning her around and bending her over the counter.

Her breasts press against the cool counter, the heat from my body making her wriggle her ass against me. I deliver a sharp slap to her ass cheek, making her gasp.

“And now, I’ll fuck this pussy and ass until you beg for me to stop, baby girl,” I murmur.

Scarlett bites her lip, looking over her shoulder at me with hooded eyes and an expression that shows me she wants just that.

Tonight is indeed going to be one long, hot, passionate night…

Kiara

Liam and I trudge along in the cold weather, making our way to Grandma Amy’s. She always gives us some freshly baked treats. We are both clutching the bags we packed for ourselves. We didn’t want to stay at home, there is something fun about Grandma Amy’s and we want to spend a long time there!

Hopefully, Mama and Daddy won’t notice us missing.

“Are you sure Mama and Daddy won’t realise we are gone?” I ask with a worried pout, my doe eyes filled with fear and concern.

Liam shakes his head. “No, I told Daddy we were going to go to bed early,” he replies confidently.

“Did Daddy believe you? Daddy or Mama always put us to bed,” I reply sceptically. I don’t think Liam can trick Mama and Daddy.

“Of course, I told Daddy we are big now,” Liam replies with a nod.

I nod slowly, although I still feel a little uncertain.

“It’s getting dark, Liam,” I say softly, squeezing his hand. He holds onto me firmly, not wanting me to trip or fall, and making sure to walk at a pace that is good for me. He knows how I can’t see in the dark too…

“Don’t worry, Kia, I’m here with you and I’m an alpha. I’ll take care of you.”

“You’re not an alpha yet, Liam,” I reply with a pout, looking at my brother, who is taller than me.

“I am still going to take care of you,” he replies, kissing my forehead. “Come on. Shall I carry you?”

I giggle. “No, I’m ok, silly. Look, there’s Grandma Amy’s house!” I exclaim excitedly.

We hurry, hand-in-hand, Liam making sure I don’t stumble and fall. The warm glow from the cottage up ahead is so welcoming. The stream of smoke that billows from the chimney promises warmth and comfort inside. I love going to Grandma Amy’s!

“Yes! And no one caught us!” Liam whispers with relief and I nod, trying my best to hurry as pain darts up my ankle, but I’m used to that now.

I smile at the delicious smell of something baking. Mama is an excellent baker, but there is just something special about Grandma Amy’s baked treats. It’s like a magic tea party when we come here.

Amelia

I open the door before they even get to it, waiting there with a small smile on my face.

“Ah, I was expecting the two of you. Come on in, I have put on some tea…”

“Cinnamon tea?” Liam asks with excitement, sniffing the air.

“And a lot more... Now come on inside and shut the door. I don’t want that cold to come into my house!”

“Sorry, Grandma!” Kiara says, hurrying inside.

I take her hand, helping her in as Liam quickly shuts the door, breathing a sigh of relief. I glance out of the window, where Dan gives me a nod before he walks off.

The cottage smells of cinnamon and baked goods, and the twins inhale it all deeply.

“Yummy,” they both say together.

“So, did you two tell your parents you are here?” I ask, looking down at the twins.

Liam blinks smoothly and nods, whilst Kiara looks guilty, her little heart racing in her chest.

“We did,” Liam says confidently as he helps Kiara take her backpack off, before dusting her hair, getting rid of any stray snowflakes. “You don’t need to worry, Grandma. I am a big boy.”

Kiara smiles and nods, having full faith in her brother.

“Hmm.” I shake my head. “Westwood boys… All the same…”

I leave the twins to take their boots and coats off as I glimpse inside my oven. The cookies are almost done. Now, where did I put those triple chocolate muffins and cinnamon rolls I made earlier?

“So let us have some tea and I will start on dinner. Now come and help me set the table.”

Kiara giggles as she hurries to help, whilst Liam pouts with a tilt of his head before he goes and begins getting the dishes out. I say nothing, letting them decide what dishes to take to the table. That’s how kids learn some independence, although I have no doubt that these two are independent enough, considering they came here all by themselves.

Another ten minutes go by. Liam has put some music on the radio, after twiddling with it for a bit. The boy is smart, selfless, and patient. Yet I can see how that same selflessness could become a test for him in the future.

Oh, how life is so unpredictable. I smile slightly as I look out at the falling snow outside the window.

Indeed, it is.

Once the table is set and the muffins, cookies, and rolls are placed in the middle with three mugs of steaming tea, we all take a seat around the table.

“Now, why don’t you both tell me, why didn’t you tell your parents that you came here?” I ask.

Kiara’s eyes widen as she looks at Liam, who instantly puts the cookie down. Both wondering how I saw through their lies.

“I forced Kiara to come here, and I was the one who lied,” Liam says quickly.

Ah, ever the one to protect the rest… If only he realised, I can see through his lies. It had indeed been Kiara’s wish to come here , I think. The guilt in her eyes speaks louder than any words can.

I raise an eyebrow.

“Oh? Well, I’m sure your father won’t be happy with that!”

“Umm…” Liam hesitates.

“It wasn’t Liam’s fault, he only came because I said I wanted to come,” Kiara adds, taking her brother’s hand protectively.

“Now that’s better. I prefer the truth,” I state, sipping my tea.

“Will you send us home?” Kiara asks sadly.

“Don’t you want us here?” Liam adds, blinking his innocent, blue eyes at me.

I scoff. “Now don’t pull those puppy dog eyes on me! You two enjoy your treats, and I will go pop dinner in the oven. Then how about a little game?”

“Grandma Amy, can you play that game with those cards?” Kiara asks in excitement.

I pause, glancing back at the hopeful child.

“Very well,” I say after a moment’s hesitation. Ever since the first time I brought my cards out she’s been entranced and that is dangerous. They’re young yet, but one day they won’t be, and they’ll realise and question my actions.

Hurrying to finish the task at hand, I then head to my bedroom and open a locked box, taking out a pile of cards.

“Oo, Grandma’s fancy cards!” Liam exclaims, trotting back to the table, having placed all the dishes to the side.

Kiara is wiping the table, and I smile at them.

“I love the teamwork you two have, and I hope no matter where life takes you, that you will always be there for one another,” I remark.

“What do you mean?” Kiara asks. “I’m never leaving Liam!”

“Yes, Kiara has to stay by my side. She is my best friend!”

“I thought you said Damon was your best friend?” Kiara asks with a sad pout.

“Because Raven said she is yours,” Liam protests, a faint blush coating his cheeks. “She’s so bossy!”

“Well, you can be my special best friend,” Kiara says after a moment’s thought. “I love Raven and I love you.”

“I guess.” Liam shrugs before nodding.

“Now sit down and let’s start,” I say, mixing the cards before I place ten cards upside down. “Kiara, you may start. Choose three.”

“I love how Grandma Amy will tell us the future!” Kiara exclaims with delight as she quickly selects three cards and hands them to me.

I chuckle.

“It’s just a game, dear, nothing truly magical in it.”

“I think there is,” Kiara says excitedly. “What does my future say?”

I look at the first card, masking the frown that threatens to cross my face. The card holds a picture of a beast with red eyes.

“What does the card say?!” Liam asks curiously.

“It’s a wolf…” I say, showing them the card.

No, it isn’t a wolf; it is a Lycan, I think.

“Oh, a wolf?” Kiara asks, with a tilt of her head. “It’s very ugly…”

Liam giggles.

“It’s big and scary.”

“Maybe that’s what my wolf will look like when I’m big… because I’m different.” She blinks sadly and I chuckle.

“There’s nothing wrong with being different, but I highly doubt you will become that.” I place the card down.

“Hmm…” I turn over the next card. This time, my frown is clear on my face. A trial? Kiara will see hardship. “You will have to pass a test.”

Kiara stays quiet, lost in thought, as I turn the final card. A smile finally crosses my lips.

“And you will flourish,” I state.

“Flourish?” Kiara asks, confused.

“Yes,” I say, not explaining what I mean.

I gaze down at the card, and my eyes twinkle. Kiara is indeed meant for great things.

“Now my turn,” Liam says, a little impatient, his bright blue eyes glittering with anticipation.

“Of course,” I nod, shuffling the cards.

“Flourish…” Kiara murmurs again before shaking her head, not understanding it at all.

I place another set of cards down, and Liam is quick to move forward, pausing thoughtfully before his hand hovers over the card the furthest away. Unlike his sister, who quickly picked three cards, he hesitates, thinking hard as if it will make a difference before slowly selecting his first card. Solemnly, he gives it to me.

“Liam! Hurry up!” Kiara pouts unhappily.

“I want to choose slowly,” he states, before selecting two more and handing them to me.

“Of course, dearie. Now let’s see what these have to say about you,” I say, turning the first card. I raise an eyebrow.

“When you love, you love deeply.”

I turn to the second card.

And that very love will become a test for you… I think, not wanting to say this out loud.

“What is it?” Kiara asks.

“Liam will face a test,” I say after a moment.

“A test?” Liam adds.

“Yes.”

I turn the final card and look at it deeply. Of all the cards… this one? I look at the boy before me.

It can’t be possible, or can it?

“What does it say?” Kiara asks in a hushed whisper.

“Oh, I don’t know the meaning of this one…” I say smoothly, about to return it to the pile when Liam takes it from me quickly, staring deeply at the image on the card. He tilts his head, curiosity filling him.

What does it mean?

Before he can stare at it for too long, I snatch it from his hands.

“Ok, game over! How about you two go to my bedroom and start setting up the extra blankets for Liam on the sofa in there?” I suggest.

“Ok!” Kiara says. Liam nods with excitement, he knows staying here means movie night in bed. And there is no set bedtime.

The two children run off, Liam making sure to hold his sister’s hand tightly as she stumbles in her rush. Once the children leave the room, I turn the third card over in my hand, staring down at it, frowning deeply as a sense of eerie foreboding ripples through me.

Regardless of the future, I have faith in my family. No matter what is thrown their way, they will overcome it.

Shaking my head, I shuffle the cards before slipping them away onto my bookshelf. It is just one reading… it means nothing.

Through the open bedroom door, I look at Liam.

Yes, it’s surely a wrong reading!

With that thought in mind, I get back to preparing dinner. Looking forward to spending time with the two special gems that are laughing and giggling in my bedroom.

This winter night is indeed going to be lovely…