Chapter A lot of Talking #13
Mom gasped and dad snarled in anger, but I knew it wasn’t directed at me.
Xander popped in, looked around, and pulled me to him.
Alpha Peter said, “I think we should’ve all realized how hard being in this house was for you.
You said that to me, but I thought it was about who was inside the house not what happened in the house. ”
“I’m sure it does hurt being here in the pack itself since you were supposed to be here all along. This was supposed to be a safe place for you. Not a place you were taken from, and our rescue attempt was far too late. That also didn’t come from this pack.”
“We should’ve spearheaded the rescue, but we didn’t know you needed us when we should’ve. I am sorry and I always will be for that. I’d do anything to take the pain away from you. I hate what was done to you.”
“I need you to know that no matter what happened, no matter what the scenario was, if anything happened to your parents I would have welcomed you into our home and protected you with all I had. I meant it when I promised your dad to love all of you as my own if something happened to your parents.”
The small doubt I’d been carrying in my heart dropped because his sincerity was on display. I guess I did need to talk to him. I said, “I’m not explaining being in the pack right… it’s not about my safety…I feel fine here….it’s just everyone is still the same… but I’m not.”
“It’s me who changed and everyone else stayed the same. I don’t know where we go… but I believe you. It’s hard to look at people I believed said, did, and wrote things they didn’t do. We spoke on the phone, but we didn’t.”
“I still heard your voice say things to me… read the words you both wrote in letters. It’s like I have normal moments with people and I think it’s ok…then I hear it or the words fly into my head again. I’m working on it…. it’s just…”
Luna Chelsea cut in, “Hard. I can’t imagine.
The things you suffered were trials you were never meant to have.
” I told them, “If you want to do something for me… just don’t teach the pups to look for Selene for protection.
She has those she protects, and the deserving or good ones aren’t who she looks out for. ”
I let them see my sincerity, “Pups don’t need to grow up believing she’d protect them from evil when she won’t. It hurts… having your Alpha turn on you hurts… so bad… and her inaction just compounds it… it’s like the world saying you’re on your own, pup.” Alpha Peter flinched.
Freya said, “Thunder wants you to know he will never turn his back on you.” I grimaced, “I… Umm... I mean I know you didn’t…
but I thought you did… and we can be on the lookout for it…
but the Ring knows this process worked and it hurt us…
so… just… don’t let pups think Selene will help them because she’ll easily abandon them in their worst moments and it will shatter them. ”
“I was at my lowest thinking….if Selene was ever going to help me it was going to be then… because I truly believed I was going to drown if she didn’t…
but nothing happened. I had been treading water for hours…
but no help came for a lot long. I started to hallucinate…
.it was a time…the point is… just don’t let them think she’ll help them. Selene won’t.”
Everyone looked at each other. Alpha Peter agreed, “I can do that.” I nodded, “Thanks then…. That’s really just best for everyone.” Dad snorted, “Peter, tell her.” I asked, “Uhh tell me what?” Alpha Peter lied, “Nothing.” I hummed, “That’s not true… clearly.” Xander nuzzled my neck.
Dad explained, “Peter gave that order after we came home with you, Addison, Avery, and Paige.” I gasped, “You… did? For… us?” Alpha Peter nodded, “Yes, we were compelled. That shouldn’t have been allowed so people could hurt you.” I whispered, “Thank you.” He nodded to me.
Mom insisted, “Let’s get some air.” Our entire group walked out of the house where Elise was waiting with EJ. Both were smiling so they were not listening to the heavy conversation inside. Freya said, “They were not, and Rhea said to leave it behind because it’s time to have fun.” Umm ok?
I asked, “What’s going on?” Elise grabbed me answering, “A surprise. Alexander and Dalton set it all up. Come on! We’ve got to go meet the other girls. They are in my old room.” I asked, “What? Why?” Xander laughed, “Go on, Lovebug. I think we are owed some fun today.”
I tilted my head and smiled at him, asking, “What did you do?” Xander smirked answering, “You will see.” Elise dragged me to her house then had me shower and dry my hair. I dressed in the sweats and tank top Elise had left out for me.
When I came out all the girls were waiting. I asked, “Ok… what’s going on?” Addison told me, “We are getting ready together.” I laughed, “Are we going on a massive group date?” Elise laughed, “Something like that. Come on. I have your dress. Let’s play music and talk about our mates.”
I had no idea what was going on, but this did seem like it would be fun. I’d always wanted to get dressed up and go out with Elise, EJ, and Xander. All my friends were here too. I smiled softly at Abigail who was beaming with excitement.
Adeline skipped in with her own garment bag.
I asked, “Is Ziggy coming too?” Adeline asked, “Do you want her to?” I answered, “Kind of… it’s just…
umm it’s silly.” Adeline snorted, “It’s clearly not.
I linked her and she’s already on the way.
” I smiled at her feeling like this was something normal couples did. I liked that.