Pent-Up Emotions
Sienna
It’s a while later, and the excitement of Kataleya’s twins coming has really lifted the mood.
Although Uncle Leo’s not fully happy with us, he did say we took the proper measures to ensure every angle was covered, and that’s something, at least. We did, but I know it’s greatly affected Allie; she was really hoping Aunty Kiara would get her power back.
I now walk through Leo and Azura’s home, searching for her.
Heaven looks over at me. “Do you think there was ever a chance for the stolen abilities to return?” she asks.
I shake my head. “If it was what he was using to retain his youth, then I certainly don’t. I think deep down, Allie might also know that, but she’s still hurting,” I sigh softly, brushing my hair off my face.
Heaven nods before she smiles faintly. “So, you and Jayce, there seems to be some improvement there,” she says with a small smile.
I smile, my cheeks heating up, and I nod. “I think so, too; although it’s still so complicated. He’s fighting an internal battle that unfortunately I can’t fight for him.”
She tilts her head. “Hmm, that’s true; you can make it harder for him, though, which you already are without even having to try. These men…”
“Westwood men, there’s just something about them,” I say teasingly, giving her a knowing smile.
She peers at me for a moment before looking ahead and nodding. “Yeah, something so infuriating and yet… irresistible. Not one is made quite like the other.”
I laugh softly and nod. “Agreed, one hundred percent, and their perfect looks don’t help.”
She smiles in agreement as we finally locate Allie’s scent. She’s in one of the guest bedrooms, simply sitting on the floor cross-legged, staring out of the floor-to-ceiling window.
“Hey,” I say softly as I open the door, before we both step inside. Allie looks up and sighs.
“Why is it so annoying that both my friends had to go pick my stupid cousins to fall in love with? I feel as if they’ve stolen you from me.” She glowers as she turns her blistering gaze outside again.
Heaven and I exchange looks; she definitely heard the end of our conversation, even with the door closed. The power of a lycan’s hearing...
“I don’t think that’s true; regardless of men, we’re sisters for life,” Heaven says firmly as she leads the way over to Allie and sits on the floor, her legs tucked under her. I walk around Allie and sit down, crossing my legs as I turn to face her slightly.
Allie grunts, her eyes still focused outside. I gently place my hand on her knee, tilting my head so I can look into her eyes.
“Hey… I know it’s hard. I know how difficult this must be on Aunty Kiara, too.
Healing was a part of her, of who she was, and I know anything I say won’t fix how you feel, but maybe this is her time to rest, for us to continue working hard so she doesn’t need to feel like she is spread so thin when she can’t be in all places.
Maybe she and your dad can enjoy a little more time together without the weight of carrying so many responsibilities. ”
Her frown softens slightly, and she looks me in the eye. “But it was her identity, who she was… It just feels like the world is changing way too much and way too fast.”
I nod as I shift my position so I’m sitting beside her, looking out at the garden where Grandpa Marcel’s and Uncle Leo’s children are playing. “I get that… At least by killing him, we know he isn’t a threat to harm anyone else in the same way,” I say softly.
“Exactly. Besides, one less person out there to worry about. I do think Jayce did the right thing,” Heaven says quietly.
“Yeah… I know, it’s just… I fucking hoped I could somehow help,” Allie mutters, pulling her knees up to her chest and resting her chin on them.
“You did help; we all did our part and got rid of a threat. Now, let’s look to the future. We’re going to face so many more trials and tests as life goes on. And all we can do is our best,” I say.
They both nod. “Yes, Si’s right. So, for now, let’s enjoy the victory, celebrate our wins and not focus on our losses. There will come a time when you will be able to help. After all, you are the final ruler.”
“Yeah… When the four rulers assemble behind the Adonai, the final barrier between the realms will shatter,” Allie murmurs, her eyes shadowed. “We all know what that means, right – that once I come into power, the end will be here.”
We’re all silent, foreboding settling into the pit of my stomach.
“It is true. However, as long as Dante remains strong, we are fine. We cannot control the past nor the future, so let’s live in the present and take each day as it comes,” Heaven says.
That’s all we can do…
I sigh softly and nod. Sometimes the future looks bleak, but she’s right; it’s easier to live and focus on the present.
“Yeah, I get it. I’ll try that,” Allie sighs heavily, and I rest my head on her shoulder.
“It’s going to be ok; things will get better. When we’re old and wrinkly, we’ll sit around a table and reminisce about this moment, how hard the war was, how despite it all, we made it through – victorious. One day it’ll all be over, and we’ll see the dawn of a new era,” I murmur.
My words are full of hope, a future we all wish to see. But the truth is, who knows who we will lose…
The same thought is going through their minds; I know it, but none of us speaks it out loud, knowing it will do nothing to help our moods.
“In hope we live, through resilience we endure, and with determination we conquer.”
All three of us turn, not realising that we had company. Standing in the doorway is Uncle Liam, a small smile on his face, arms crossed.
“You’re sneaky,” Allie points out with displeasure.
“I was going to knock but didn’t want to interrupt,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
“So, you decided to eavesdrop instead?” Allie narrows her eyes.
“I just came bearing some good news that I’m sure you would have wanted to hear.”
We all get to our feet quickly, my heart racing with excitement.
“Kataleya!” I say, unable to stop myself.
Uncle Liam nods. “Yeah, she’s had twin boys, Leandro and Adrián Escarra Rossi. Both boys and their mama are doing well.”
I let out an excited shriek, and even Heaven isn’t able to stop a huge smile from crossing her face as we both turn to Allie.
“You’re officially an aunty! Like a proper one!” I say, shaking her.
Her heart is racing, and I see the ghost of a smile on her face before she rolls her eyes. “I already have a shit-ton of nephews and nieces. Who chose their names?” she demands.
Uncle Liam chuckles. “You should ask that question yourself. Rayhan told me there’s a little change of plans for the weekend he was planning. Kataleya and her family will be coming over, so we’ll all be going to the Night Walkers Pack.”
“Yes!” Allie is the first to speak this time. “I mean, it’s good we get to see them. It’s been boring lately around here,” she adds, trying to contain how she feels, but she’s unable to hide it today anyway.
I smile as Heaven cocks a brow. “Oh, really? You sure it isn’t because you want to see the twins or your dad, maybe?”
“Of course not, I mean definitely not Dad.”
“They’re on video call downstairs if you want to join,” Uncle Liam says. Allie and Heaven nod in unison, both heading to the door, and I follow slightly slower, wondering how Jayce reacted to the news. “Sienna.”
I glance at Uncle Liam just as I’m about to pass him. “Yes?”
“I haven’t told Jayce yet. I was going to mind-link, but thought telling him in person was better; mind breaking the news to him?”
I smile, my heart skipping a beat. When it comes to Jayce, how can I say no? He hasn’t been seen since the meeting, and that emptiness that lingers when he isn’t close is always present, and I think I need any excuse I can get to talk to him.
I follow his scent that is faint, but more than that, it’s almost as if I know where he is, and I follow those instincts. They lead me to Leo’s home gym. The moment I open the door, the loud music that is blaring greets me. Outside, you couldn’t even hear it.
Jayce is alone; he’s shirtless, sweat trickling down his delicious body, making my throat dry up. His hair is drenched too as he continues to beat up a punching bag with full force, his aura simmering around him.
I frown. What has gotten him so worked up?
He grabs the bag, stopping it as he turns towards me, strands of his dark hair falling into his piercing blue eyes. Blue…
“What’s wrong?” I ask, concerned, walking over to him.
He looks away from me, his chest heaving as he breathes hard.
“Nothing,” he says roughly.
“Jayce…” I place my hand on his arm, swallowing as my core knots. Gods, I want him so bad… My heart thunders as his eyes snap to mine.
“What is it?” he asks coldly. But something about his harsh tone is only turning me on more; it’s almost as if he’s struggling with his self-control.
“I came to deliver some good news; you’re officially an uncle. Kataleya’s had twin boys; they’ve named them Leandro and Adrián,” I inform him, unable to contain my excitement.
I should remove my hand from his arm… I should, but… somehow, I’m unable to. It’s almost as if he’s pulling me to him. Isn’t that my talent?
“Well, that’s good news… Something you or my father could have shared through the mind-link,” he replies arrogantly.
“Why? Does my presence annoy you?” I ask, turning my glamour off. “Is this better?”
Jayce’s eyes narrow, and I gasp when his hands close around my arms and he pulls me to the side, pinning me to the punching bag. I stare up at him, my heart thudding as our eyes lock.
“Wrong move,” he growls.
I swallow, my gaze dipping down to where I can see his hardened cock in his pants.
Gods…
“Don’t tempt me when you know you hold that power,” he rasps roughly. His entire body hums with power; whatever emotions he’s struggling with have gotten him all worked up, and those pent-up emotions need somewhere to go. And the punching bag clearly isn’t cutting it.