She was curled around the pillow, breathing in her father’s scent, and my heart broke for her. I walked over to her and gave her a soft kiss on her head. She whimpered and curled closer around the pillow. I wiped a stray tear from her cheek and slipped back out with a soft click of the door.
I walked into my room and headed straight for the shower. I was covered in blood, guts, and dirt. I stripped down as I waited for the water to heat up, and stepped under the hot spray. The scalding water cascaded down my body, turning me pink. I knew it was probably hurting me, but I couldn’t feel it. Not one bit.
This night, fuck, this entire day emptied me. My father, Rowan and his fiancée, Carl, each was a fresh slice, and a new cut, until I was hemorrhaging and no one noticed. I reached for the shampoo and stopped, instead I sat down on the ground and hugged my knees.
It’s okay.Nix tried to comfort me and I wanted to laugh.We noticed, if that helps.
I snorted, the laugh bursting from my mouth as I banged my head off my knees. But the laugh turned to sobs. Tears streamed down my face, blending into the water pouring from the shower head. I covered my mouth, hoping I was quiet enough for the others to not hear my pain. I was their Alpha, the leader, and I had to be strong.
Megan pushed against the barrier, rubbing her side against it to calm me down.You don’t have to be strong with us. Talk to us.
I wiped my eyes. “I’ve been a fool.”
No. You haven’t.Nix joined Megan.Your father has his own plans. Rowan is an idiot. The fiancée seems off, but we don’t have to worry about her right now. Carl…Nix trailed off.
We gave Carl the final resting place he wanted, and we did right by him.
“Now I have Carly.”
We have our first pup.Nix sat down, and for the first time in a while, both my wolves looked happy.
Our pup.
Chapter Eleven
Ifinished getting dressed as someone knocked on my door. I walked over, still wrapping my hair in a towel, and cracked it open. Toya pushed a wine glass into my hand and stepped in before closing the door.
“What’s wrong?” I sat down on my bed and took a sip. I knew Toya, she had something on her mind and she came in here to talk it out, before bringing in the others.
“I’ve been thinking about what you said…about the first families.”
I nodded. “What about it?”
“What if you’re right? What if we were all pushed together by the Gods we descended from and now we are here?” She paced the room.
“What if we were?” I shrugged and took another sip. “Does that bother you?”
“It doesn’t bother you? We were pushed together, forced to be in each other’s lives, and now we are here.” She faced me. “Do we not get free will?”
I eyed her as I took another longer drink this time. “Do you not like being friends with me?”
She sucked her teeth. “Of course I do.”
I tilted my head. “Are you unhappy with the others?”
She threw up her hands. “That isn’t it either.”
“Then stop bouncing around and tell me what the issue is.” I felt my anger rise, and I had to bite the inside of my cheek before I said something that hurt her.
She stopped, and I could see panic behind her eyes. She came over and slid next to me on the bed. “What if…”
I interrupted her with a wave of my hand. “Nevermind what ifs. Talk to me, Toya.”
She stared at me for a minute and I could see her gathering her strength before she looked away from my face. “If we were forced together…wouldn’t that ruin everything?” Her words were soft and I could see her biting her lip.
I watched her for a moment. “Ruin everything, how?”
She turned to me, and I could see her anger getting the better of her. “Stop it. Just answer the question.”
