Outtake He Knows Me （Sophia POV）
Sophia Thunders walked into the room where her mate was. Teke immediately opened his arms to me. I ran into them and nuzzled his neck. Teke asked, “What’s wrong, Soph?” I told him, “Lexi called me.” Teke frowned, “You talk to Lexi all the time.”
I explained, “She was filling me in on Melanie McAlister. I’m so scared, Teke.” Teke said, “It’s ok.” I cried, “What if Scarlett isn’t studying abroad? What if the Ring has her, and there’s this elaborate ruse we don’t know about?”
“What if we are ignoring things because we are compelled or ate a damn cookie? Have you heard what they did to that poor girl? They carved words into Melanie’s back.
Alexander got his wings because of it. That awful Trevor boy, and yes I said I boy, branded her with his name.
His name! They whipped her. We saw those scars when Melanie fought Alpha Ezra. ”
Teke rubbed my back saying, “I don’t think you can call Ezra an Alpha, Sophia.
He’s not a true one. He’s a bully and a coward.
Scarlett is studying abroad and that’s a fact.
We are not compelled because, unlike Melanie’s family, I have people following our daughter discreetly, that can get pictures of her. ”
I asked, “Who did you send?” Teke said, “I hired someone.” I asked, “Who?” Teke sighed, “I paid for a Hackura guard for our daughter, Sophia.” I gaped at him. I was struggling to form a sentence. I sputtered, “You hired a Hackura? Does Scarlett know?”
Teke answered, “No, she’d probably be upset.
Scarlett is our little girl though, and I needed peace of mind.
I don’t get reports on what she does. Just pictures of her walking around so I know she’s safe.
My reports don’t include what she’s doing.
Just that she is in fact our daughter and she’s ok.
This situation with Melanie only reaffirms it was the right call. I know you probably won’t agree but…”
I cut him off with a passionate kiss. When I pulled back Teke laughed, “That’s not the reaction I was expecting when you found out.” I shrugged, “After everything that has come out about Melanie, I was about to demand you get on our private plane with me so we could go see her ourselves.”
Teke tapped my nose saying, “It’s like I’ve met you or something.” I asked, “What do you…?” Suddenly the scent of our daughter hit my nose. I jumped off of Teke and ran to the door. It swung open right before I opened it.
Scarlett smiled, “I hear you guys miss me so much I had to stop by and let you all see my beautiful, smiling face.” I yanked my daughter into a hug as tears filled my eyes. Scarlett said, “Whoa, that’s a harsh hug mom. What’s going on? Is everything ok?”
I pulled back and wiped my eyes. I said, “Everything is fine now. Your dad knows me so well. I needed to see you, Scarlett.” Scarlett laughed, “Yeah well dad’s the best. I blame him for the ridiculously high standard I have for men. No one measures up.”
Tekes snorted. My oldest son, Allister, said, “Your mate will, Scar. You didn’t tell me you were coming home.” Scarlett turned around and launched herself at her older brother. Allister caught her and squeezed her tight.
Teke put his arms around me and even Allister’s relief was palpable.
We all clearly needed to see Scarlet after the news we’d been getting.
Teke hugged our daughter next. Scarlett laughed, “Wow, what’s going on guys?
Should I expect the rib cracking hugs from all my siblings? How about my Aunts and Uncles?”
My daughter teased Allister, “I told you that you all would miss me SO much.” Allister said, “We have missed you. It’s just that we’ve learned some things recently, so expect us to be super paranoid.
” Scarlett snorted, “You mean more paranoid than having three of your friends ‘happen’ to be in the same area as me, Allister?”
Allister replied, “I’m sure I don’t know what you are talking about.” Scarlett rolled her eyes, “Uh huh. Sure, big brother.” I linked Teke, “Like father, like son.” Teke admitted via link, “I took it a bit farther.” Yes, he had.
I watched Scarlett interact with her older brother and couldn’t help but thank god Teke had taken it farther.
I couldn’t, and didn’t want to, imagine a single bad thing happening to Scarlett.
She couldn’t cook to save her life. Melanie had been beaten over runny eggs.
Scarlett would probably burn down a whole kitchen and maybe the house itself.
Guilt gnawed at me for being thankful it wasn’t my pup that suffered as Melanie had. I truly didn’t know how Sam McAlister was functioning. My momma heart broke for her pup, but to know a whip had broken the skin of my pup’s back would’ve killed me. I shook my head.
Scarlett’s voice broke through, “Mom, what’s wrong?” I wiped my tears again and told her, “I’m just so glad you’re home. Let’s go to dinner so the rest of your siblings can see you. Alexandria and Emmett are coming tonight because your dad just knows me.”
Teke kissed my forehead and said, “So I do.” I turned to kiss him. I linked him, “I love you so much, Teke.” He answered, “As I love you. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect our family, Sophia.” I couldn’t love him more if I tried.