9. Come meet my monkey
Nevaeh
I ’m going to throw this stupid clock out the stupid window if it doesn’t stop tick-ticking right fucking now!
Pressing my face into my pillow, I scream out in frustration. I’ve been lying on this cloud-like bed for the past five hours, and still no sleep. I thought being in a safe environment would ease my mind enough to finally rest but guess not.
Not being able to pull my guard down enough to sleep is taking me back to how I felt in that cell. Even with all the comfort and warmth surrounding me, I’m still waiting for the other shoe to drop.
When Anxo showed me this room with its pale blue walls, a bed, a soft comforter, and fluffy pillows, I was eager to have a place to myself with my little monkey. But it's been four days, and that boy still hasn't woken up from his sleep coma.
Naturally, I hate every second of it. Not having my constant companion by my side is another reason for my restlessness. I haven't even left this room for anything other than checking up on monkey. Which was fourteen times last night.
Anxo understands that I need some time to adjust, so he hasn’t bugged me to socialize at all.
But what has baffled me since the first night I locked myself in this room is even when I keep to myself, I always have a plate filled to the brim with food waiting outside my door every morning without fail.
On my second day, Seiji stood at my door and watched me devour the food standing before him, only to throw up everything a minute later. Even what little I ate the night before.
Good food was a luxury my body rejected on my second day as a free woman.
The second time Seiji left a plate that same night, I didn’t know what to do with it. He already got me something once that day, and even if it didn’t reach my stomach, I thought that was it.
When I made the mistake of asking what I did to deserve a second plate, Seiji stormed out and came back with Angel on his toes, and they both stared at me like I had kicked their puppies.
I ate half of what was offered the next morning and thankfully, could stomach it. Seeing that, Anxo asked Seiji to reduce my meals in half and once a day because that was all I could stomach for the time being.
Seiji was worried and didn’t even try to hide it. With a tight smile and tears lining his lashes he tried to convince me to at least have some fruit before Angel intervened.
Now thanks to my mate, everyone follows my pace when it comes to my rehabilitation in society.
Not wanting to break my ninth clock since I got here, I climb out of the warm bed and walk straight to my bathroom.
My own bathroom .
I look somewhat alive after the burning hot shower, but the purple bags under my eyes are proof of my less-than-stellar sleep schedule.
My closet, which is big enough for me to sleep in, now stores three pairs of new sweatpants and undergarments that Grace picked out for me and two hoodies that Anxo graciously let me borrow.
Picking a soft white hoodie and black sweatpants, I get changed. The lack of sleep makes the usual fog in my head thicker, and it takes all my energy to stay upright instead of falling over from exhaustion.
I’ve tried to give in and take a nap twice now, but the nightmares from my past haunt me until I wake with a start, on the verge of a panic attack. I can’t risk my Divine taking control in my sleep because that would be catastrophic for everyone in this building.
The sound of another door shutting breaks my train of thought as I close my door, and I see Angel coming out of his room. When his eyes settle on me, I see a flash of surprise that I'm out of my room— voluntarily.
He leans against his door with his arms crossed over his chest, Angel tries to look past my skin and into my soul while I can't help but admire how the pale blue knitted sweater fits him.
“You look dead.”
And here I thought he was the polite one.
“I feel it, too.” Rolling my eyes, I take instinctive steps to him, wanting a taste of his addictive scent.
“Didn’t get any sleep, sweetheart?” Anxo closes the gap between us, resting his warm palm on my cheek, which I immediately lean into.
My tired eyes fall shut on their own accord and all I can muster is no .
“Too busy daydreaming about me, right?”
Even with my eyes closed, I can imagine the playful grin on his unfairly gorgeous face.
“Oh, bite me.”
My head falls on his shoulder, not being able to support its weight anymore. When Angel's fingers tangle in my hair to massage my neck, I step closer until I’m right up against his chest and leaning on him. His other arm wraps around my waist to rub my back, and I feel liquid in his arms.
How is he so soft and cuddly with all these muscles?
“Tell me your safe spots first, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
Angel's quick, witty response makes me laugh sleepily. I’m already half asleep at this point. With my cheek pressed against his chest, I get lost in the rhythmic beat of his heart that soothes the ache in mine .
“You’re so touchy. I’m not sure I like this,” I mumble, burying myself further into his arms.
His chest vibrates, lulling me to sleep as he sways us both. “Mhm, the way your arms are squeezing the life out of me definitely proves that.”
The back rub and scalp massage are overwhelming in the best way possible, and I have to fight back the sudden rush of tears with the way he’s holding me.
I don’t think I will ever get used to how he holds me like I’m the most precious thing in his world.
“You’re so hot.” I don’t realize my mishap until Anxo snickers and jolts me too.
“I meant warm ! That is definitely what I meant. Not that you’re not hot, because you are, but that’s not what I meant. Because trust me, you are… just shut up, Nevaeh !”
I wish the ground would swallow me up.
I’m ready for my demise, come take me Mother Nature.
A soft kiss on my forehead stops my embarrassed rambling. Anxo pulls my face from the crook of his neck, and I have to blink several times to clear my foggy vision.
With my face in his hands, Angel kisses the tip of my nose before dragging my sleepy self towards the kitchen.
“Come on baby, let’s get you fed.”
Entering the dining area, I walk straight to the glass wall and stick my face to it.
“This view is fucking awesome.”
“You swear like a sailor,” Hazel mutters from where she is sitting on the counter, with a pack of chips. She is sporting her usual ‘don’t mess with me, I’m scary’ look.
I've noticed Hazel has been itching to piss me off these last few days, but because I had no energy to clap back, she mostly held back. I secretly love our banter, but I would rather stab myself than admit it to her.
I like how they don’t act like I’m something fragile that will break with the wind or try to smother me. They just give me space to feel what I feel and go with my flow .
“You whine like a child,” I retort back.
Sluggishly walking over to the chairs, I sit down with my chin resting on my folded arms. Angel’s calming scent from his hoodie gives me the energy to deal with Hazel’s attitude.
When I hear Seiji snicker, I turn to see him stirring something on the stove while Anxo is cutting fruits into small pieces beside him.
“Did you get any sleep at all? You look exhausted.” Grace asks over the obnoxious sound of Hazel chewing.
“I have a nightmare issue—Hazel stop shaking the fucking chip bag so damn loud!”
Dusting her fingers, she mocks me, “Aw, are you not feeling golden this morning?”
Banging my fists on the table, I bear her down the siren my deathliest glare. “Listen here, you fish on legs seascum, leave me the fuck alone before I wrap that unnecessary attitude of yours and shove it so far up your ass you’re choking on it.”
I don’t realize I've slipped into my untapped rage until my essence is seeping out of me. Taking a deep breath, I regain my composure before I lose it. I sigh in regret about how easily I gave in to her tactics.
The room falls silent, and everyone is staring at me with their mouths agape, tasks abandoned. Except for Hazel. That little devil has the smuggest smirk plastered on her face, showing off her sparkling white teeth.
She’ll be toothless if she keeps instigating me.
Hazel likes riling me up a little too much, but she won’t be giggling when my restraint finally snaps.
“My-my. Junior Reaper knows how to bite.”
I’m going to kill her! I’m going to wring her cupcake neck.
“You little shit—”
Jumping off my chair, I’m about to show her what else I can do when the door to the dining room bursts open.
A young woman in grey overalls rushes in, her face pinched in irritation. A tiny figure runs out from behind her and before my knee can touch the floor, monkey is crashing into my arms with a force I didn’t expect from the little guy.
My chest squeezes in worry when I feel him shaking in my arms, and a wet spot forms on my shoulder.
I don't like this nurse anyway with how she never fails to give me the stink eye, but if I find out she had anything to do with my monkey being so scared, then I'll make her pay with her limbs.
I stand up, holding monkey securely who takes the opportunity to shift and hide his face in my neck, rubbing his cheek against the soft material. I need to calm him down before he makes himself sick again.
Anxo thanks the nurse before asking her to leave for the kingdom. She’s quick to do just that, which makes me even more suspicious of her.
Turning back to us, Anxo's face is etched with concern for the little boy who's silently sobbing in my arms.
“Can you get me a glass of water, please?”
While I wait for Anxo to get back with water, I zone out of Seiji quietly complaining how I only ever say things like ‘please’ and ‘sorry’ to Anxo and not to anyone else.
The kid has yet to let go of his firm grip on me, but at least his breathing isn’t choppy anymore. When I sit on a chair with monkey on my lap, everyone walks over to circle us with similar looks of concern.
Anxo rushes back with the water and places it in front of monkey, sitting close by.
“You’re okay, kiddo. You’re safe, I promise. Here, drink some” I try to pry the kids’ arms off me, but his grip remains lethal. Monkey spares a quick glance at the people surrounding him and then at the glass of water.
Noticing his hesitance, Anxo carefully pushes the glass closer until monkey can grab it on his own.
When monkey turns to me as if asking for permission, there's a stabbing pain in my heart. Visha did this. She made this little boy so untrusting and suspicious of everyone around him .
“Don’t worry, these people are nothing like that organ-harvesting witch. They’re my friends.” I assure him with a kiss on top of his head.
Hesitantly, his grip loosens before monkey turns in my lap to face the table. I don’t expect the glass to be heavy for a toddler and when it’s about to slip from his tiny fingers, Anxo quickly places his forefinger at the bottom to keep the balance.
Monkey takes a small cautious sip while eyeing everyone in the room. Once his curiosity is satisfied, he gulps it all down in one giant breath and sighs deeply after finishing the whole thing.
Carefully placing the glass back, monkey turns back around to wrap his arms around my waist. But instead of hiding his face this time, he keeps an eye on the room full of strangers.
“Do you want to meet my friends, kiddo?”
I said, friends. Are they my friends? We only met four days ago. But they’re also Horsemen, and that's considered just as strong as our blood families— focus Nevaeh !
Monkey turns his bright blue eyes to me and nods.
“So, this is Anxo, Grace, Hazel, and Seiji.” I point to them respectively. They give monkey small waves and bright smiles, which he shyly returns before returning his hand to fist my hoodie.
I’m jealous Hazel didn’t give me that warm smile when she first met me.
I’m love-deprived, too, woman!
“He’s so cute! Look at those big blue eyes. Aren’t you a pretty little baby?” Grace coos and my monkey flushes an adorable bright pink.
“Aww, look how pink his cheeks are.” Seiji’s comment has monkey turning to hiding his face in my hoodie to cover his red cheeks.
“Come on, let’s get our newest member breakfast, he must be starving.” Anxo stands from his chair and quickly kisses my head before dragging Seiji back to the kitchen while Grace and Hazel set the table .
I noticed how monkey eyed Angel when he kissed my head and only breathed out when I didn’t flinch from the gesture. I hope a safer environment with good people around him will help ease his fear.
I don’t want him panicking at every little touch like me. I want his life to be better than mine.
Much, much better.
Three days ago, it finally dawned on me that I was going to live with four people more evolved and mature than me, and I made a rule for myself. To copy them.
When they eat, I try to. When they sleep, I lay down and pretend. I thought it would be easy. That was before I knew they slept 8 hours a day and ate more for breakfast than I did in a whole day.
‘And when they realize your worth, you'll be thrown away like food scrapes on their plates.’
Oh, joy, evil Queen Visha is back in my head.
I really hate this bitch. Absolutely despise her.
Like I would love to chop her up and—you get the gist.
I’m prepared to say I’m not hungry to spare myself the embarrassment of using the wrong utensil, but I still need to help monkey.
I don’t even know what to give him. Not all of this can be safe for him to eat, right? What if his stomach doesn’t agree with the food like mine still doesn’t?
Monkey sniffs like a little werewolf to see what appeals to him most before pointing at a large tray of pancakes.
Turns out I don’t have to worry about giving monkey the wrong thing because Anxo has it under control. Fixing a plate of pancakes with liquid chocolate drizzled on top, he slides it in front of monkey.
While Anxo shows him how to use the rubber fork, which monkey mimics perfectly, he doesn't take his eyes off the man teaching him. But after the third bite, monkey forgets all about keeping an eye on Anxo and dives in his food, happily humming with every bite .
I've never seen the kid so relaxed before. With a soft smile, I wipe some chocolate from the corner of his mouth and remind monkey to chew properly.
When I look up, Anxo is waiting for me with a fork carrying a small bite. I open my mouth to ask him what is he doing, and Angel quickly seizes the opportunity to feed me. The smile on Angel's lips widens when I moan at the taste. Taking a bite himself, he ushers a bowl of fruit for me to eat in between bites.
I don’t know how he knew I was nervous about taking care of monkey, but I can’t thank him enough for not making a big deal and handling it so subtly and sweetly.
Words fail me throughout breakfast. I only manage a small thankful smile while trying to keep the stubborn tears from falling.
Anxo kisses my forehead, and I know I don’t need words for him to understand me.
Monkey suddenly tenses in my arms, and I quickly assure him there's nothing to worry about and it’s okay if Anxo touches me. I really hope monkey will relax around Angel too if he sees how comfortable I am with his presence.
“So, the boy is…” Grace trails off.
“A werewolf,” I confirm. “The witch had a vision about him and he was in my cell the next day.”
“His Divine is strong for a kid,” Anxo observes the boy, who is busy wiping chocolate from his plate with his tongue. I chuckle when monkey shows me his sticky hands, silently asking for help.
“Royal blood,” Grace concludes, handing me a wet napkin. “It shouldn’t be difficult to find more about him. There aren’t many royal bloodlines left.”
They nod in sync, but I’m confused... mainly because of my rusty current affairs.
“What happened to the Royal Six ?”
“Slaughtered for power,” Anxo says with a sad grimace, seeing my surprise. “The supernatural world has been struggling for the past couple of years. There have been several uprisings, and the oppressed are fighting back just as hard.”
I remember how werewolves faced heavy criticism for their backward thinking back in the day, but no one wanted to step in until it became excessive. It took several centuries of negotiations and threats from Horsemen and vampire leaders to force them to stop their ancient practice of challenging an alpha for power.
The challenges still take place and are accepted worldwide, but the terms have changed drastically.
Earlier, when a challenger defeated the current alpha, the victor alpha was free to do whatever he pleased with the pack and the alpha family.
It was normal for the new alpha to kill any offspring of the old alpha and force the Luna to mate him and create a new line of a future generation. To imagine this was just the tip of the iceberg is bone-chilling.
Every time an alpha lost his title, the women of his pack paid the price heavily by facing crimes like rape, forced markings, and watching their fated mates killed before their eyes.
Werewolves have come a long way since then, but there's still a lot that needs to be redefined.
“But that wasn’t the case with the werewolves. The Royal Six turned against one another, and their betrayals are now ruining their entire species.” Grace added.
“A few more decades of killing their own, and they will be all gone.” Hazel glances at monkey sideways, and suddenly, it clicks.
A vision is the reason my little boy was in that dungeon. Visha said whatever changes monkey is supposed to bring would change his world drastically. I just hope I can help him fulfill the destiny Fates have trusted him with.
“Sweetheart, if you eat any slower, we can combine your breakfast with lunch.”
I'm so lost in my head that I don’t realize Angel has already finished his share and is waiting on me now. He chuckles when I point to my mouth and wait for my next bite.
Turning to others, Anxo says, “Let's call a council meeting to give them updates and let them know we'll be staying here longer.”
“Already done. They’ll be here tomorrow afternoon.”
“Your overenthusiasm to keep busy benefits me a lot, Gracie.”
Grace slips a small piece of paper across the table to Angel. “I would accept the latest collection of dragon Mirah’s books as a thank you.”
Angel shakes with a soft smile, “Of course you would.”