Chapter 12 #2
“I didn’t know your father was my mate until my wolf finally emerged.
But I fell in love with him. However, the love I felt was amplified with the mate bond.
Your Grandpa Asher and Grandma Lita had never met before.
The bond connected them together, but it took time for them to fall in love.
My point is, Ken doesn’t love you because of the mate bond.
It may be what connected you, but it doesn’t create love.
That is separate. He loves you because … he loves you.”
“He’s been watching me all this time, hasn’t he? He probably knows so much about me. I feel like I need to play catch-up.” Alexa shook her head and pushed herself up. “It was all a waste. Erebus found out who I was anyway. Ugh, he is such a moron.”
Reiya laughed. “He was trying to protect you. Your father also had to distance himself from me once he marked me, which ended up being in vain. And your momma had to step in and save the day anyway.” She grinned and rolled her shoulders back.
“I bet dad loved that. You’re lucky he was contained, or you would have been locked away.”
“He’s lucky I didn’t just sit around and wait, or he’d still be locked up.
” Reiya snorted, and the two of them laughed more.
“Baby girl, listen. I know it’s hard, but let’s keep you safe.
Ken will be able to be with you sooner than you think.
It will get annoying. Trust me, I know. You will have so many protectors and absolutely no privacy.
But try to tolerate it for now. Like your father said, it won’t be for long, and then Ken will come for you.
I wonder how overprotective he’ll be over you?
” She grinned as she looked down at her daughter.
“Ken owes me. He stayed away from me for too long. He’s lucky I waited for him.
” A crooked smile spread over Alexa’s lips.
“Not that I wanted anyone else, though. It was always him. I dreamed of him when I didn’t even know him.
My soul called out to him.” She looked up at her mother with a small frown.
“I’ll try my best. But I’m not weak. I don’t like being treated like I am. I am not made for the dark.”
“That is where you’re wrong. You were made for the dark.” Reiya smiled. “Just like the moon. You are the light that gives hope to the darkness.”
Alexa giggled and shook her head. “That’s just a nice thing to tell the moon who can’t be seen when the sun is up. I don’t want to be the moon or the sun. I just want to be free to bask in both of their lights.”
“You will be.” Reiya reached out and took her daughter’s hands. “I’m going to say this because I know how I was at your age. Stay with your guardian. Let Mikah protect you. Stay with Brian. Let him shield you. They both adore you, so take their protection for now. Keep yourself safe, please.”
“I understand. But … I mean, let me say something. Ken is going about this all wrong. Erebus is after me, right? Am I not the bait? Wouldn’t it be better to lure Erebus out using me, under our terms?
He made it clear he doesn’t want to hurt me.
” Alexa searched her mother’s eyes. She could see there was a level of understanding there that she could never get from her father.
“I understand your point. And I would be thinking the same thing. However …” Reiya let out an airy chuckle and shook her head in defeat. “You’re going to need two deities to agree with you. And I’m telling you right now that isn’t going to happen.”
Alexa smiled and nodded her head as the door opened. They both turned toward the door to see Lee walking in.
“Everything is all set up.” Lee walked over to the couch and let out a small sigh. He reached his hand out, helped his daughter to her feet, and pulled her into his arms. “I just love you so much, baby girl. I know you won’t be happy with the extra protection, but don’t be upset with me.”
“I know, Daddy. I love you too. I understand it, but I’m not going to like it.” Alexa felt her father’s arms tighten around her, squeezing her gently. “Alright, well, I’m exhausted, so I’m going to go to bed.”
“Yes, I should be fast asleep right now.” Reiya winked at Alexa as she stood up. “Good night. Sweet dreams, and I hope Mikah doesn’t snore,” she teased as her daughter giggled and walked out of their room.
“I’m worried. She is too much like you. She didn’t get my level head.” Lee frowned and felt an elbow jab into his stomach.
“She is a fighter. Because she is so much like me, I have faith in her.”
“It’s going to be a challenge to keep her safe. I hope Ken finds Erebus soon. But I am concerned. If Erebus is indeed working with an original demon, it probably means he plans to turn. He can become an original demon too.”
“What? How?” Reiya gasped as Lee’s arms came around her.
“Demons and deities are each a different side of the same coin. We each chose a side. This means Erebus is turning his back on the deities. The sooner he is killed, the better.” He sighed as his lips tugged downward. “It would be safer to take you and Alexa to Elysia.”
Reiya giggled and trailed her fingers up his chest. “Are you trying to lock me up too? I think we’ve been over this topic enough to know exactly how it will end.”
“Mmm, I usually love how it ends. And lookie, here we are, already in the bedroom.” Lee reached out, grabbing the bottom hem of her shirt as his lips crashed down on hers.
They were still awake, so they might as well make the most of this situation.
He lifted her, her legs wrapping around him as he carried her to their bed.
No matter how much time had passed between them, he could never get enough of her. And he knew he never would.