24. Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Four
Heath
“W hy are you here?” I glare at Micah as I pace at the foot of the bed.
“Why did you call me?” he asks softly.
“Fuck if I know,” I grumble, turning my attention to Juliana.
“Why didn’t you call me?” I narrow my eyes as Quinn fills the doorway.
“Are you giving everyone my code to the doors?” I stop and cross my arms.
“I’m not everyone,” Quinn replies.
“How is she?” Sally asks, peeking around Quinn. I tilt my head, and my jaw tenses.
“Sally’s here.” Quinn smiles and props his shoulder on the door frame. “Rylee is here too.”
“I saw the dragons down the road,” Sally informs me.
“I’m changing the code the second you leave.” My eyes twitch when I smell wolf. “Did you invite everyone?”
“Umm…” Sally slides her hands into her pockets. “There may have been a group text.” I roll my neck.
“Your family wants to support you,” Micah says softly.
“Right,” I whisper, and Quinn narrows his eyes.
“Come out, we’ll talk,” Quinn says.
“No.” I turn to face my mate. “I promised I wouldn’t leave her.”
“Sally, keep everyone upstairs,” Quinn rumbles.
“Yes, Boss,” she whispers and leaves obediently, probably sensing the tension.
“We need to talk.”
I look over my shoulder. They move into the room and shut the door.
“Now’s not the time,” I snarl, giving my attention back to my mate. “How long is this going to take?”
“It varies,” Micah says as he moves to the chair in the corner.
“We have time,” Quinn says, moving close to the bathroom. He leans against the wall, and I keep my head averted. “Heath.”
“I don’t want to do this.” I lean forward and cup Juliana’s foot.
“You need to. Tell me why your mate thinks we don’t consider you family,” he demands.
“She didn’t understand. It doesn’t matter,” I snap.
“I think it does,” Micah says. I glance at both of them briefly. She’s so still. I’ve been watching her chest move, and I can hear her heartbeat. It’s strong but fast.
I made the mistake of calling Micah. He heard the panic in my voice and rushed over. I had enough time to dress Juliana in another shirt and settle her in the middle of the bed. My pants are rumpled, and my shirt isn’t buttoned, but I don’t care who sees my tattoos. My hand is itching to hold my cane even though I know they won’t hurt either of us. Bonding with her was the best experience of my life. Her trust in me is humbling, and I don’t want to disappoint her. Feeling her blood in my mouth was like being given a gift. She is mine, and as much as I want her to be a snake, the pain she is going through is torture. I don’t know what is going on inside her mind. She is alive, and I can sense the changes happening in her body. My soul is connecting in a way humans have no concept of. Her pain becomes mine. My skin is pulsing, and I don’t have the concentration to hide my tattoos or glowing eyes. My brothers have caught me in my weakest moment, and I can’t stop the words.
“I killed my mother,” I state, and Quinn straightens. “She killed my dad and my two brothers.”
“Fuck.” Micah braces his elbows on his knees.
“Jesus, Heath,” Quinn growls.
“I don’t want your fucking pity,” I hiss, looking at one and then the other.
“Brother, it’s not pity.” Quinn steps closer. “We sympathize with a family member.”
“I don’t feel like family,” I grit out. “My family died. My mother’s blood is on my hands. She knew in the end what had to happen. I’m telling you this so you will understand.”
“Understand what?” Quinn asks.
“Why I had to kill your mom. I couldn’t allow you to go through what I did.” I turn and grip the rail. “I had to stare into her eyes and take her life. She was a wonderful mom until she wasn’t. Sound familiar?”
“Yes,” he whispers.
“That is why I was gutted when you left me,” I confess.
“Heath—”
“No.” I lean forward. “I get why you had to do it. I understood your reasons, but you left me. Just like everyone else. I know what it’s like to have your demons consume you. I lived most of my life in that place. On more nights than I can count, I fell asleep with my mom's face staring at me. She haunted me for years. I questioned myself. I didn’t want that for you, so I did the hard thing.”
“I had no idea.” His face softens.
“I don’t want that.” I point at his face. “I lived through it and have put most of the emotions behind me. When we formed our group, I thought I found the people I was supposed to be with. The work we did was harsh but necessary. We were a team. A family. When you left, a piece of me broke. Micah tried to hold us together, but it didn’t work. He had his own shit going on, and I understood that, too.” Micah stands and walks closer. “I could get used to not working together or living in the same place. What was fucked up was the complete silence. You forgot about me and judged me. You didn’t ask why I held the fights. Micah reached out sometimes,” I say, meeting Quinn’s eyes. “You did not. You forgot me and everything we went through.”
“Shit, Heath,” he says.
“I know you didn’t mean to.” I smile sadly. “I was hurt, and it didn’t matter what the reasons were. To me, it was another family leaving me.”
“I’m so fucking sorry,” Quinn whispers, cupping my shoulder. “I didn’t like the person I was becoming. I had to get out, but I’m sorry you had to be the victim of my choice. I should have kept in contact. That was wrong, and it’s on me. I regret it.” He takes a breath. “I do not blame you for my mother’s death. It was a shock, but I’m grateful to you. I wouldn’t have handled it well if it was by my hand. Thank you for taking control.”
“It’s not all your fault,” I sigh. “I’m not the most open person.” Micah snorts, and I glare at him. “I have been closed off until—” I look at Juliana.
“Until you fell in love,” Quinn says.
“Yes.” I exhale harshly and drop to the end of the bed. “Fuck, she can’t leave me.”
“She won’t. The bond is never wrong.” Micah steps in front of me. “She has to walk this part alone. Can you feel her?” I press my hand to my chest.
“I can. It’s weak, but she’s changing.”
“You know it takes time to transition.” Micah crouches in front of me. “You also know I don’t get on my knees for anyone but my mate,” he grumbles, and my lips twitch. “I’m sorry I left. I should have seen your loneliness.” I roll my eyes. “Don’t deny it. You loved us and missed us.”
“Don’t flatter yourself.” I refuse to meet his eyes.
“We are in your life for good,” he continues.
“You are part of the group whether you like it or not,” Quinn adds.
“I’m thrilled,” I say dryly.
“Fuck this,” Micah says, standing. “We won’t leave. You won’t leave. Let’s move on.” He shifts uncomfortably. “We all love each other. I will make sure River isn’t eating all your food.” He escapes, and I stare at the empty doorway before looking at Quinn.
“Ditto,” he says, and we both laugh.
“Ditto,” I repeat softly.
“Are you hungry?” Quinn asks.
“No. Go. I’ll be here.” I stand and round the bed, stopping beside Juliana.
“If you need anything…” He holds out his hand.
“I’ll ask.” I nod, and he drops his hand. I turn back to my mate.
“She will be the best thing that ever happens to you,” he says, and I look at him. “Everything that has happened in your life has prepared you to keep her safe and is your reward.” He nods and walks out.
They're both assholes, but it wasn’t all their fault. I have to admit; I haven’t fully been able to trust anyone since my family died. Pushing people away has been my specialty. Micah and Quinn were the only ones I let get close. They didn’t know about my life or my past. I didn’t allow my secrets free. I expected them to stay, but I didn’t tell them I wanted them to.
I ease onto the bed, facing the door, and pick up Juliana’s hand. Her skin is cold. The tattoos are glowing. I was shocked to see the transfer from my skin to hers. Lifting my arm, I study my skin. Several of them are gone. I wondered if I would die covered with them from head to toes. Apparently, I was preparing for my mate. The lines and symbols cover most of her left arm, and the right is filled from her shoulder to her elbow. A warmth fills my chest, knowing part of me is on her. I will gratefully give her some of my power to get her through the change, yet I don’t feel less. With the bonding working through me, I feel more strength than ever.
“Come in, Sally.” I can smell the rabbit hesitating on the other side of the door. She opens it slowly.
“Do you mind?” she asks, slipping inside.
“No.” I could never stay upset with Sally.
“She’s changing,” she whispers, stopping on the other side of Juliana. She sits on the edge of the bed. “I can make everyone leave.”
“It’s fine. They care.” I lift my shoulder. “I’m grateful for their concern.”
“But it’s not easy for you,” she says.
“No.” I smile slightly.
“I get it.”
“I can feel her, but I’m terrified,” I confess softly.
“It’s natural, since you love her.” She touches my mate’s cheek lightly. “She’s strong. When she wakes, you will forget the fear.” She drops her hand and looks at me. “The universe gave you the perfect person. Don’t doubt her love for you.”
I shake my head.
“How can you infuriate and comfort someone from one minute to the next?”
“It’s a gift.” She grins.
“Thank you for your friendship. I haven’t been a good friend.” Sally has checked on me since we met and I haven’t given her the credit she deserves.
“I love grouchy men,” she sighs. “I can see through the bluster to the man beneath. Just look at Bash. We fight constantly but I know he would kill for me.”
“I know we all would,” I state firmly.
“We’re lucky.” She stares into my eyes seriously. “We have a second chance with a real family.”
“They told you.”
“No. I’ve seen it.”
“Your premonitions.” A chill races over my skin as I look in her eyes.
“You can call it what you want. I can see the past and future. I have no control of what I see or when. I saw Juliana’s face in a dream, so I knew she would be important. Your mother was beautiful and troubled. She doesn’t blame you.” She leans over Juliana, touching my arm. “She’s grateful to you. She wouldn’t have been able to live with what she did.”
“Sally,” I whisper, my throat closing.
“She’s at peace and watching over your mate.”
“Thank you.” Her gift may be random but her words are what I needed.
“We have to let the family be our support.”
“What happened?” Sally is open with her emotions, but no one knows about her past.
“That’s a story for another day.” She squeezes my arm before letting go. “They love you. Don’t close your heart to them.”
I nod gravely.
“You’re not afraid of my snake,” I say.
“Please,” she hums. “I’ve been around long enough, I’m not scared of much.”
“How long?” I tease. Another mystery is her age.
“Another day.” She smirks.
“Your mate will have to battle the family to be with you.” All of us will threaten whoever it is.
“Shit, they’ll have to battle me first.” She stands, smoothing her hair. “I think my time for a mate is past.”
“How do you know?” She shrugs. “Have you seen it?”
“No,” she grumbles.
“Don’t give up. I never thought I would find Juliana.”
“We’ll see.” She turns to leave.
“Wait,” I say. She pauses and lifts a brow. “I need to ask another favor.”
“You are racking up your debt.”
“I’ll gratefully give you anything you want.”
“You shouldn’t have said that,” she mutters.
“Once Juliana wakes, I won’t leave her. I need someone to teach her mother a lesson.” Sally’s eyes widen. “Do you know what she did?”
“Yes. What do you want me to do?”
“It might be dangerous. Her mom is unpredictable,” I warn.
“I like danger.” She grins.
“Good.”
“What’s the plan?”
“I want to take away the things she loves most.” Sally sits back down.
“Goody.” She rubs her hands together. “Tell me what you're thinking. I have lots of ideas.”
I’m thankful for the distraction and it’s another way to protect my mate.
I know I picked the right person for the job.