The Unorthodox Life of Aaliyah Kaye Marx (21)
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My mouth fell open in shock. He ... was in love with me? I felt a rush of feeling at his words. Shock. Happiness and even anger.
My human side was overwhelmed that Devyn 'MIGHT' be in love with me ... and my wolf side was angry that I was happy, and angry at Devyn for marking us. Then I found myself getting mad at her - how could something inside me cause so much conflict?! Shouldn't she be agreeing with me?
"Okay ... I'm going to go totally away from that subject for a second ..." I saw hurt flash in his eyes and my wolf would have smirked if she could, I could feel a smug tone to her 'thoughts', but my heart was breaking for him. "Only for a second ... Do - do you and your wolf ever fight?" I whispered, not wanting anyone to overhear.
He frowned, his full lips turning down in a cute pout. "No, not really ... My wolf doesn't ... think as such. I'm, uh, more 'in tune' with him than anyone else - our whole pack is - a lot of our people have wolves that are stronger than them and overpower their human half - thankfully I don't, but he is still a force to be reckoned with. Nobodies wolf ... thinks - it's all a part of you, it's your head, you're not sharing with another being, they're part of you - they help make decisions. They don't argue back."
"Well mine does." I whispered, bringing my knees up to my chest and wrapping my arms around my legs.
"What - what do you mean?"
"I mean my wolf is almost like a second person in my head. Sure - she thinks my thoughts, helps me make decisions, but there are a lot of things where we don't see eye-to-eye and she feels differently about the situation ... and when that happens it like a war waging in my head. Half of me is feeling one thing - say happy, while she is feeling angry, and it's not just me being confused with my feelings - it's different, stronger. I can feel the emotion coming from her and not from me, myself.
"For example ... She's angry now ... that you just 'marked' us, but I'm happy?" It came out more like a question and Devyn smirked slightly, though in his eyes I could see he was worried.
"Has she always been like this?"
"Well ... no? I'm not sure? I haven't been a wolf very long ... But she never used to fight me ... I think she started getting use to making the decisions when we were in that cell and now she doesn't want to let go of that authority."
"Even the weakest of our pack members, the ones with the weakest human side I mean- that are totally ruled by their wolf - even they have some control ... They LET their wolf rule ... It's their decision. They let their wolf control everything but they have their own emotions and their wolf goes along with their emotions ... It's unheard of for someone's wolf to have different emotions to their human half." Devyn frowned again and sat back in his seat. "I think you're more human than you realise Ali ... It seems like you ... yourself are a normal human - with a wolves spirit in you. Every werewolf is bonded with their wolf - I don't think you have that same bond."
"So? Everyone feels the same as their wolf?"
"Well to some extent - people in my pack, who are more in tune with their wolf - when their wolf feels something, say lust for their mate - or any woman, or anger the human half of them feels it too and decides whether to act upon it or not. Their wolf is in charge of their emotions but the human can still decide on their actions. In a regular wolf - the human half controls EVERY emotion except for the whole mate thing - the wolf is always what controls that. With you ... you don't go along with your wolf's emotions and she doesn't go along with yours - you're like two different entity's in one body. Will ... you let me try something?" He raised an eyebrow delicately and I couldn't help but nod at his mouth watering expression.
Next thing I knew, he was leaning towards me and my heart started racing ninety. His eyes flickered to my lips and I leaned in closer, unwrapping my arms from my legs. His lips brushed lightly over my lips and I moaned slightly at his teasing. My wolf was mad though, flailing in my mind - trying to get me to stop.
I felt my eyes blaze and my canines sharpened when Devyn's tongue slipped in between my lips. My nails sharpened and lengthened and I wrapped my arms around Devyn's neck. He tugged at my bottom lip with his teeth and I gasped. My head was pounding. Half with lust and the other half with anger and guilt. The latter two from my wolf.
Devyn's pulled back and I whimpered, bringing him back to me but he carefully gripped my hands and pulled me away from him.
He looked at me and bit his lip - taking in my flushed face and lengthened canines.
"Exactly what I thought." He sighed, sounding depressed even and sat back into his chair.
"What's wrong?" I breathed out, feeling my claws and fangs retract - my wolf placated now that he was away from us.
"It's your human side - and your human side ONLY that's attracted to me ... Your wolf recognizes that I'm not your mate and tries to come out when we kiss ..." He trailed off, looking utterly disheartened.
"What - is she not supposed to come out like that? When we kiss?"
"No ... That only happens for the male when he is either marking her ... Or making love to her ..." A tinge of red appeared on his cheeks when he explained this.
"So maybe I got landed with a guy wolf instead of a girl?" I asked hopefully and Devyn let out a humourless chuckle.
"No Ali ... You didn't ... Look," He said, glancing up and pointing to my neck, he brushed his fingers across the mark and I gasped, tingles shooting through me. A look of hope brightened his eyes at my reaction but it slowly dulled as he look at it.
"It's on my neck Dev - I can't see it!" I rolled my eyes and he sighed.
"When you mark someone - that mark lasts forever - never heals. It shows every other wolf that the female is taken. Your mark has healed - of course - but it's faded. Who knows, you might always have it like that, faded - but they aren't supposed to fade."
My hand shot up to my neck and I felt anger flare within me. And this time it wasn't just my wolf.
"You fucking MARKED me for LIFE?!" I screeched and he clapped a hand over my mouth, dragging me down, back to my seat.
"Shh! Do you want every human on this plane to hear you!? I thought you knew what I was doing?!"
"I don't even know what marking someone means?! I thought what you did was just like ... the wolf version of a hickey or something!?" I whisper yelled, struggling to be released from his grasp. "Sure I LIKE you Devyn - but I don't want to be fucking marked as yours forever!" I will NOT be tied down! Never!
"It IS the wolf version of a hickey ... it just lasts forever!"
"You KNOW what I mean - I thought it would be there for a week! Tops! But NO, you scarred me for life!" My voice grew louder no matter how hard I tried to keep it down. Does he have ANY idea what a turn off a hickey is for other guys?! And now I'm stuck with this one for life?!
"Jesus Ali - did your family not teach you anything about werewolves?"
"No! I only found out about them at Jay's party - and that's when the twin idiots had it out in my bedroom!"
Devyn dropped his face into his hands looking utterly devastated and even though I was raging at him, I just had to comfort him. I placed my hand gently on his shoulder.
"Shit Ali - I thought you knew what I was doing, I'm really sorry okay - I guess this means you don't want me back?" The last part came out in a choked whisper and I felt my heart literally breaking in two. Half for my wolf - who was pleased at his devastation, and half for me - knowing I had caused this.
"I never said that. I just said my wolf doesn't like you."
I placed two fingers under his chin and raised his face so he was looking into my eyes.
"Devyn I ... I like you a lot. If it weren't for my wolf hating you - hell I think I'd even be willing to go out with you ... I'm not a one guy type of girl ... I haven't been since ... Jared. So I'm sorry that I freaked out - but this whole marking thing is a little too closely related to a marriage or relationship for me. It'll take me a while to wrap my head around it - but for now we'll just have to get to know each other better." I smiled when his eyes brightened and his infamous sexy smirk splayed across his face.
"I guess I can handle that." He murmured, drawing me into his chest. "But Ali ... I don't know how this is going to turn out - you technically have a mate but I've marked you and the mark hasn't disappeared ..."
"Shh - we'll figure it out when we get to that part. For now - shut up and enjoy my company." I smirked and heard him chuckle.
"Yes, Ma'am." He chided and I snuggled deeper into his warm chest. I sighed happily and forced my wolf to the back of my mind - where she reluctantly stayed for the rest of the flight.
*****
From Florida, we set out running, in wolf form, across the state - and every state after that until we reached Colorado, only stopping twice to rest and eat. We hopped on another plane and flew across Utah to Nevada - where we ran again. This time along the Californian state border all the way down towards Silverbrooke.
I was exhausted beyond belief and my muscles screamed to let me rest, but I was too close - too excited to be back. My wolf revelled in the familiar scents and sights and I couldn't help but to let loose a long howl. Devyn chuckled beside me and I nudged him with my shoulder, sprinting as fast as I could down my street.
I skidded onto the lawn, leaving long gouges in the damp grass. Nothing had changed - did I really expect it to? I mean I was only gone six days. Light shone from all the windows, casting long shadows on the lawn and surrounding area. I glanced at Devyn over my shoulder, how would they react to him being here?
I realised I didn't care - this was the man that saved me, if any harm came to him - there would be hell to pay. I padded softly up to the door and howled as loudly as I could, the sound reverberating in my chest and echoing slightly on the small porch. I scratched lightly at the door and not even a second later it was flung open and the light from within blinded me momentarily. I shifted back, still slightly dazed by the lights shining in my eyes.
"ALI!" Jay's familiar warm arms wrapped around me, scooping me up from my knees in front of the door. His warm tears rolled down my bare back and I shuddered slightly, feeling tears starting to burn my own eyes. "Ali, shit - you're here! You're here!" He squeezed me tighter and though I couldn't breath I just felt so safe and warm in his arms.
"Mom! JESSICA! Ali! Ali's back, somebody call Kaden, quick!" Jay shouted back into the house, dragging me backwards through the door.
"Wait." I managed to gasp over Jay's tight hold.
"What is it Al? What's wrong, you hurt? What did they do to you? What happened?!" Jay asked, scanning my naked body quickly, his eyes landing on the scars and almost healed burns on my chest, he hadn't noticed my thighs yet. I blushed as his gaze travelled over my naked body - sure he's my brother and he's seen me naked before but jeez!
"I'll explain later, can Devyn come in?" I said in a low voice just as Jessica came sliding down the banister and across the slippery front hall, Mom came skidding out of the kitchen, her eyes red and bloodshot, her hair was a tangled greasy mess. Jessica wasn't much better.
For the first time, Jay noticed Devyn and he stiffened, sniffing the air before thrusting me behind him and into Jessica's waiting arms. He hunched down, nails lengthening.
"He's Blue Moon, Ali - is this who fucking took you?!" He snarled, seconds away from going wolf. Devyn remained calm, staring Jay down.
"Yes Jay - I would invite the man who took me into our house." I growled sarcastically, struggling in Jessica's arms - she hadn't yet said a word.
Jay slowly straightened up but his eyes remained a blazing crimson.
"Jay he's the one that rescued me." I whispered and Jay straightened fully, the red in his eyes dulling from shock.
"What?" He asked, taking his eyes off the enemy.
"If you let him in we'll explain." Jay studied my face carefully and bit his lip. Clearly he didn't want Devyn in the house but he owed it to him since he had saved me. Jay sniffed the air once more, shooting me a confused look before glancing at my neck. He gasped. What the hell was his prob- oh CRAP. Devyn's mark.
"You have a LOT of explaining to do!" He yelled, stepping aside to let Devyn into the house, he trotted in with ease though I could tell he was nervous by his slightly hunched stature. "Kaden's going to blow a fuse ..." Jay muttered, more to himself I think but I still gulped. What would Kaden say? Actually, more importantly - what would Kaden do?
Jessica dragged me upstairs and my already exhausted muscles burned painfully. Jessica still hadn't said a word and I was getting worried. She was going to explode any second now ... and then I would get an earful ...
We stepped into my room that looked virtually untouched since I had left it. I could smell a faint human scent lingering over everything - so clearly the police had searched my room, for clues no doubt.
I rummaged in a drawer, trying to ignore the eyes burning into my back. Five ... I grabbed a T-shirt and shorts ... Four ... I slipped on the T-shirt that fell to my knees ... Three ... I pulled on the shorts that didn't fully cover the scars on my legs ...Two ... I turned around to face Jess ... One ...
I sucked in a deep breath and scrunched my eyes tight shut and ... nothing? Cracking an eye open, she was simply staring at me, a hint of amusement in her eyes but she looked mainly sad.
"Aren't you going to chew me out for leaving that party without you?" I asked softly.
She bit her lip and shook her head. "You don't need that kind of crap from me right now - you'll hear more than enough from Kaden when he gets here. ESPECIALLY when he sees that mark. Ali WHAT were you thinking?!" She screeched the last sentence, completely contradicting herself in the same sentence.
"I WASN'T thinking! I was freaking drugged! I don't know HOW I ended up in New York! I have abso-fucking-lutely no recollection of anything! And when I woke up, I was okay! I was so sure I was going to escape! And then HE had to find me! Jess, there's something wrong me ... something's not right. Devyn agrees." I spat out the word he like it was an expletive and I felt my eyes burn even at the thought of him, my sharp canines rested in their now too familiar place against my bottom lip and I could feel the cuts re-open on my palm where I dug my claws in.
"Wh-what do you mean? Ali calm down." Jessica mumbled, staring, shocked at my teeth and eyes.
"Jess ... My wolf is powerful. Very powerful. We killed SIX people! SIX, in that HELL HOLE. He made me. I -I couldn't help it ... and then Devyn arrived. I have never been so happy to see anyone in my life. He took me away from there - but once my wolf had gotten a taste of control she didn't want to go back to her submissive self. She WON'T go back to her submissive self. But what's worse is that she's separate to me. Thinks and feels separately. That's why Devyn could mark me and it didn't heal as regular. My human half wanted it even though my wolf is yearning for Kaden. Jess, you've got to help me get her BACK inside me." I growled, lunging forward and latching my hand onto Jessica's top, fisting it and pleading with her with my eyes.
She looked slightly scared and attempted to pry my fingers from her collar. I immediately released her, realising I was freaking her out. Tears started to blur my eyes. Even as a freaking wolf I still managed to be the odd one out.
"C'mon downstairs. We'll figure things out - we'll run this by Jay, Danny and Kaden, they'll know what to do." She whispered, grabbing my hand and tugging me close to her. I breathed in her familiar scent, feeling my wolf sooth and calm. I rested my head on her shoulder and her arm swooped in around my waist, holding me flush against her.
I took a deep breath, further calming myself and we both walked into the brightly lit kitchen together. Devyn was awkwardly standing by the back door, now dressed in a pair of Jay's sweats. Jay was standing at the opposite side of the room, behind Mom who was sitting calmly sipping a cup of steaming hot tea.
She jumped up when I walked in and grabbed me up in a hug.
"Ali - you NEVER do that to me again you HEAR?! I have been going out of my mind these past few days! I haven't had an ounce of sleep for the past three nights." She scolded, leaning me back so she could look at me.
"Then ... Do you want to go to bed Mom? We have to wait for Kaden to get here anyway so y-"
She cut me off sharply. "Baby I just got you back! I'm not going anywhere for a while!" I shrugged and was about to comply but Jay cut in.
"Mom seriously, you should get to bed. Kaden will want to discuss everything in detail. Ali's safe - you can sleep. She'll tell you the whole story tomorrow. WON'T you Al?" Jay looked at me, glaring at me hard. I reluctantly nodded and Mom still looked undecided.
"I'll tell you everything tomorrow mom - you look a wreck - get some sleep. Knowing Kaden - he'll blow the whole fuse box, you don't want to be here for that."
Mom nodded, still looking un-persuaded but with a light push in the direction of her room, she left. Her bedroom door had just shut quietly when the back door was almost taken off it's hinges, slamming against the counter it bounced back and hit Danny in the face - who had been coming in after Kaden. And if Kaden's entire physique hadn't had me completely occupied - I would have laughed.
Freshly cut grass, rain, sunlight - every fresh outdoorsy scent that was Kaden bombarded me and I inhaled deeply. He had frozen for a second but now he was moving. In one long stride, he reached over and grabbed me - wrapping me in a tight embrace - and for the second time tonight, or should I say this morning, seeing as it was well after four o' clock - a guy cried on my shoulder.
His hot tears drenched my shirt and when he looked up I gasped. His beautiful grey eyes were shining with relief and something else that I could only describe as affection - love. His long dark lashes clung together from his tears and a prickly stubble covered his chin. He looked utterly unkempt - rugged, and oh so sexy.
He leaned in, slowly, and then quick as a flash - he closed the distance. I surrendered to him, breathing out deeply when his lips assuaged mine, easing the tension in me. My wolf howled in triumph in my head but it was short lived. My wolf's angered growl echoed along with two others. Devyn and Kaden.
I opened my eyes again and Devyn had Kaden by the scruff of the collar. Even as I watched, he let go and Kaden twirled around, snarling at him. In a flash, Kaden had Devyn by the throat and pressed up against the wall. Devyn merely growled back at him.
"KADEN - let GO of him NOW!" I shrieked, racing forward and grabbing the arm Kaden was using to hold up Devyn. I yanked his arm away and Kaden stared at me - shocked.
"Ali - he's BLUE MOON. He probably played a part in your kidnapping! Did he hurt you? Did he even so much as threaten you - look your WAY?" Kaden roared, shaking uncontrollably. His bright crimson eyes stared deep into mine, searching for answers.
"Kaden - he saved me. Sit down, calm down. I'll tell you everything that happened." Kaden shot Devyn another ice cold glare before turning to me and wrapping me up in his embrace. As much as I was enthralled by his warm arms, firmly locked around my waist and guiding me to the table - I was devastated by the hurt look on Devyn's face. I reached out, laying my hand consolingly on his arm - trying to plead his forgiveness with my eyes.
Kaden growled, irritably and yanked my arm from his, he spun me around to face him and he studied my face before glancing in Devyn's direction - sniffing the air. He frowned and turned back to me, leaning down, his lip hovered close to my jaw ... moving down south fast. I heard a slight sniffing noise and I knew he was smelling me - taking in my scent. I waited, with baited breath. His hands tightened painfully over the tops of my arms once he reached half way down my neck - and next thing I knew, I was stumbling away from him while he whirled around, diving at Devyn.
"You BASTARD! I bet this was part of you and that SCUMBAG father of yours' plan wasn't it!? Mark my MATE!" He screamed, sounding completely hysterical. He drew back his fist, punching Devyn square in the face - Devyn hissed and raised his foot, kicking Kaden clean across the room.
I screamed and jumped towards Kaden who had already hopped up - he lunged forward again and using his claws this time, slashed four long gouges down Devyn's chest. I leapt forward, squeezing myself between them when they started going at it again. I felt a pair of claws penetrate my back and a set of teeth tear a chunk out of my arm before the fighting stopped. I gritted my teeth and looked down at the injuries.
"SHIT ALI! Look what you made me do!"
"I'm so sorry Ali! I didn't realise it was you!" Both Kaden and Devyn chorused at the same time, each of them grabbing one of my arms and trying to lead me to the table. They both looked up with narrowed eyes when they noticed the others' hand on my opposite arm.
Both of them growled and I yanked both of my arms from their grip.
"HELLO - bleeding mate here! STOP fighting! KADEN - he SAVED me and NO he did not mark me for some EVIL PLAN okay?! So calm DOWN!" I shouted at Kaden and he glared angrily at me before huffing loudly and throwing himself down at the table. Devyn grabbed my arm gently again this time and led me to the table. I winced but could see my hands blurring out of the corner of my eye, meaning I was healing already.
I sat down in between Devyn and Kaden while Jay, Danny and Jessica sat on the opposite side of the table - Jay looked worried whereas Jessica just looked totally amused. I sent her a glare and she smirked.
"You have got some serious explaining to do Ali." Kaden snarled and Jay nodded, leaning back and crossing his arms over his chest.
Devyn sat back and crossed his arms over his chest, mirroring Jay's position and Jess leaned forward, propping her chin up on her hands, as if expecting some serious gossip tale.
I took a deep breath and began.
Starting at the very beginning where I was drugged at the party to when I ended up in New York. Nobody interrupted me until I mentioned Jared. Jay leapt up from the table, his fists clenched at his sides and looking the picture of complete rage.
It took at least twenty minutes to calm him down enough to get him to not go wolf on us all and sit down. He finally did reluctantly and I continued on ... Glossing over the torture parts and only telling them I killed one person - the bodyguard outside the door. Jessica and Devyn both raised their eyebrows at this but made no remark. I told them how Devyn found me and how we went home the hard way so nobody would follow us. And Devyn elaborated about his father's part in this and how he had ended up saving me. Thankfully - he glossed over the state of my cell and the people I had killed too.
I finally looked up from my clasped hands and glanced around the table, both Kaden and Jay were shaking so hard trying to restrain their wolves that the table was vibrating under their arms. I bit my lip and looked down again. There was an awkward silence for a minute before Jay decided to break it.
"Ali, you have CUTS and BURNS all over you - how did you get those?" His voice was strained, controlled and I could tell it was taking everything he had for him not to completely lose it.
"Um ... Well I wouldn't cooperate when they were putting the chains on me ... So they um, just roughed me up a bit." I mumbled a very unconvincing lie. I couldn't tell Jay or Kaden about the torture - it would kill them, plus it would be hard to relive it. It was already hard enough to clamp down on the tears when I thought of the six bodies I had left behind.
"Ali! STOP FUCKING LYING BEFORE I LOSE MY TEMPER!" Kaden roared, slamming his fists on the table, I heard a sharp crack and Mom's poor table went crashing to the floor.
We all hopped up from the wreckage and Devyn spoke again.
"Ali - just tell them ... What's the advantage in lying?"
"So they don't go completely ape shit ..." I mumbled and Devyn let out a small chuckle before wrapping an arm around my shoulders. My wolf snarled but I leaned into his warm embrace. And so I told them.
How Jared had called me to his office and how that woman had shot me and she was the one I killed. I still didn't let on about the others. It would only make it seem more real if I admitted to all of it.
"Let me see." Kaden spoke, his jaw clenched tightly when I finished explaining the torture they had used against me and why - (Jared's sick marriage plan).
"No! Well I mean, they're mostly on my chest and I don't want t-" I was cut off by my own little shriek of protest when Kaden grabbed my arm and lifted my top. His fingers brushed lightly over all of the burn and faded pink marks all over my torso. His fingers brushed across the long angry red line down my chest, just above my breasts and I gasped at his electric touch. His eyes were filled with sadness and anger.
"Th-they're not that bad, everything healed fine and I doubt there will be any marks - right Devyn?" I asked almost for reassurance.
He nodded and then seemed to rethink his answer. "Except for your thighs - that will scar." I glared at him and he shrugged sheepishly. I was hoping I wouldn't have had to show them my thighs.
"What about your thighs Ali?" Kaden asked, his mouth set in a hard line once again.
"Um .. Uh - they just got a few cuts - they're not that ba-" Kaden growled in frustration and lifted me by the waist, sitting me on the nearest countertop.
"You know this isn't really very hygienic." I smirked but my attempt at a joke was overlooked by everyone. Kaden grabbed both of my knees and yanked my legs apart. I gasped and blushed furiously. Yes - I, Ali Marx blushed. Well you would too if a totally hot guy did that to you ... In front of your family and other mate.
He growled and his fingers grew uncomfortably tight on my knees. He released me and trailed his fingers slowly up my thighs, I couldn't help but twitch from his touch that was sending tingles right through me. He inspected both of my leg carefully, his eyes hard.
"Let me see." Jay demanded and Kaden stepped aside slowly. The bright kitchen light shone on the scars once Kaden moved, illuminating the silvery new skin. Jay gasped and his eyes hardened, flashing bright red, and seconds later our kitchen door had been taken clean off it's hinges and Jay was pacing our back yard, fur gleaming in the moonlight. He was growling furiously and tearing up our whole lawn.
I closed my legs and hopped off the counter, looking at my feet. I was hoping to get to my room now, unnoticeably slip away - but no, Kaden wasn't finished yet. He had sat back down in one of the kitchen chairs and was looking at me again. Or more precisely - looking at my neck.
"Why did HE mark you?!" Kaden spat out and I bit my lip.
"Um ... it just happened ... we we're making out in the plane on the way home ..." I mumbled quietly and I audibly heard Kaden's sharp canines snap together. I don't think I've ever mumbled so much in my life - I'm not much of a mumbler. I'm more loud and proud.
"But he's not your MATE Ali, that's supposed to be MY MARK!" He roared, hopping up from his chair and knocking it clean over, Danny leaned up against the counter beside me - I clearly wasn't getting any help from him any time soon, Jessica was the same, leaning against the door jamb across the room, watching everything unfold.
"We have a theory about that." Devyn spoke loudly and I flinched slightly.
Kaden rounded on him, his eyes irrational and red. "DO NOT START, YOU! DO YOU HAVE ANY FUCKING IDEA HOW CLOSE I AM TO RIPPING YOUR THROAT OUT?!" He roared, stepping forwards, angling himself towards Devyn. Devyn leaned forward - growling - away from the counter and Danny sidestepped him a little - as if he was afraid he would catch something from him.
I quickly stood between the two again, placing a hand on each of their chests and pushing them away.
"Kaden. I'm not normal. My wolf - she's a separate entity from me. She thinks and feels differently than I do - sure it's not in a different voice, it's like my conscience telling me things but I know the feelings and words aren't mine - they are hers. We think that ... I'm more human than anyone realises. I'm just like a human ... With a wolf inside me, we're two separate beings, sharing one body. We THINK that's why Devyn was able to mark me ... my human half wanted him ... While my wolf wants you." I murmured the last part and was afraid to look at either guy.
There was silence for a few minutes and I simply had to look up - to see what each guy was thinking. I couldn't bare not knowing any longer.
Devyn had a hard look on his features where Kaden looked both thoughtful and sad.
"So it comes down to this Ali - which one of us do you pick?" Devyn finally spoke up and my mouth fell open. I had to PICK?!
"I can't do that!" I said quickly and Kaden's expression hardened while Devyn's remained the same.
"You can't have two mates Ali ... You have to pick one of us." Kaden filled in. Oh so NOW they were on the same side?!
"I'm sorry ... I can't ... I really can't, I like both of you in different ways ... can we PLEASE just take a little time to sort this out. Please?" I was literally pleading with them both now. I couldn't decide between them! Hell, I was seconds away from throwing myself on my knees before them both!
Devyn sighed and Kaden really looked like he was going to cry.
"Fine." They both sighed at the same time before glaring at each other, and turning away from each other childishly. Danny chuckled and I glared at him. He raised and eyebrow and blew me a kiss.
"Do you mind if I stay here for a while ... I don't particularly want to go back to my father after rescuing you from Jared - they might not know who took you but he certainly will ... I don't know if I can go back there." Devyn bit his lip uncertainly and his green eyes shone brightly.
"Of course you can." I softly reassured him.
"If he's staying then SO am I!" Kaden growled and I rolled my eyes - it's lucky we had a big house, but we only had four bedrooms ...
Mine, Ty and Graham's, Jay's, Mom's and Jessica's ... SOMEONE was going to have to sleep on the couch tonight ... or whatever was left of tonight, I thought as I pondered the sleeping situation - the sun was flooding the back yard and kitchen , tainting everything a light pink.
I sighed. "Jess - will you stay in my room? Devyn could take your room?" I asked her and she smiled.
"Of course!"
"No! Please I'll take the couch - I don't want to cause any inconvenience's." Devyn said, raising his hand to Jessica, who raised an eyebrow at him.
"Well someone's got to stay in Jess's room - we only have one couch and I doubt both you and Kaden will share it!" The look of disgust Kaden and Devyn shot each other was almost comical and Jessica couldn't restrain her giggling.
Jay picked this moment to walk into the room. Completely naked I might add.
"Kade can crash with me. Devyn you take Jessica's room."
"WAIT, wait, WAIT!" Danny shouted, raising his hands. "Where am I going to sleep?" He asked, pouting. I rolled my eyes.
"Um, how about your BED - in your HOUSE, right next DOOR!?" I said sarcastically and he rolled his eyes at me.
"But I'll be all alone ... Mom is on a business trip ... That house is SCARY when I'm all alone at night." Kaden snorted and for the first time since I got back, I saw him smile. It didn't exactly reach his eyes but it still made my heart flutter.
"Fine, Danny - YOU take the couch." Jay ordered, his patience was running thin and it was easier to let Danny have his own way than keep arguing when everyone was on their last nerve after the long night.
I trudged up to my room and helped Jessica carry her entire chest of drawers into my room. Devyn stood by, smiling sheepishly and Jessica winked at him, letting him know she was cool with this.
I cleared out her bathroom while she did her closet and we dropped the armfuls of her clothes on the floor - she didn't have that much so it only took one trip.
"Thank you so much, uh, Jessica." He smiled at her and she waved her hand, winking again before disappearing into my room. Devyn stepped forward and my eyes focused on his emerald green ones. The dark hallway cast a shadow on his face, making him look mysteriously sexy.
He leaned down impossibly slowly and his lips brushed gently against mine. A slow fire started within me and he groaned, grabbing a fistful of my T-shirt and shoving me roughly up against the wall. I moaned lightly into his mouth and he allowed himself a chuckle before licking my bottom lip lightly. I teased him and grabbed his bottom lip with my teeth, rolling it between them. He moaned loudly and his hips jerks roughly into mine. I giggled and we both jumped away when someone cleared their throat extremely loudly beside us.
I looked up and met Kaden's eyes, pushing Devyn gently away - I felt somehow unreasonably guilty. WHY did I feel so guilty? I had made out with Kaden after only just getting in the door with Devyn earlier ... And I don't remember feeling this amount of guilt - more embarrassment than anything else ...
"Goodnight Ali ..." Devyn mumbled awkwardly before throwing Kaden a glare and walking into Jessica's room across the hall.
"I don't feel comfortable with him sleeping across the hall from you." Kaden immediately jumped the gun and stepped forwards.
"You're sleeping right next door - I don't see what your problem is?" I told him, slightly irritated. Devyn wasn't making a big deal about Kaden sleeping next door!
"That's different!" He told me, rolling his eyes and stepping closer to me. My breath caught in my throat and I had to work to make myself speak.
"How? It's not different. You're just jealous." I stated, expecting him to deny it.
"Yes - yes I am jealous. Jealous that he's the one who saved you, he's the one who marked you." My breathing quickened when Kaden brushed his rough hand against my cheek and I unintentionally leaned into his touch.
"There was nothing you could do. Yes, he saved me. I'll be forever grateful to him. But he knew of the plans ... where you didn't. I have to ask you though ... there was a night ... where I was thinking - of y-you," I stuttered and I could feel Kaden smirking though I didn't have to look at him to know. "And ... I asked, just randomly in my mind - were you coming to get me ... And I could of sworn I got a 'Yes' in reply ... Was that ... you?" I bit my lip and looked up, his expression was soft.
"Yes - Ali I spent every day looking for you, I've been going out of my mind. It's lucky that Danny is able to run the pack so well or we would have surrendered to the Blue Moon packs' attacks by now."
"How could I hear you when you were half way across the country from me? I can't even hear Jay now - he joined your pack didn't he?" I could only assume that's what had happened.
"Yeah ... remember - he joined about a week ago? Right before the party. And you could hear me because mates can hear each others thoughts to a certain extent."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean ... I could hear your thoughts, feel your emotions ... If we were bonded. The further away you get, the less I can hear - until it's only emotions, no words. We'd always be connected by emotions but words fade out after about one hundred miles, two hundred in cases where the couple have been together for a long time. I hadn't marked you yet but somehow I heard you that night. And I tried to answer back - I didn't know if you had gotten it though ... New York is well over one hundred miles from Colorado or any of the other states I've been in ... I could only hope."
"Why can't I hear Devyn's thoughts or feel his emotions?"
"Well ... if we're going by your theory then - I can only assume it's because it's your human half that has mated with Devyn." Kaden spat out Devyn's name and I grimaced at the ice in his words. "Now - do I get a good night kiss like he got?"
I smirked and leaned in towards him. "Hmm ... maybe." I teased, brushing my lips against his chin and making him stiffen. He took control then, reaching down and tilting my head up, ensnaring my lips with his own. He was so different to Devyn - so much more controlling, possessive, passionate. Rough.
I pushed him away, breathing heavily.
"Good - night, K- aden." I panted before whirling around and running into my room, slamming the door behind me and flinging myself on the bed. My bed - I've never been so happy to see a bed in all my life.
Kaden was so different to Devyn ... I don't know who I would pick if it came down to choosing between them ... There were different things I liked about them. I closed my eyes, willing my roiling brain to switch off so I could heal. And it did.
*****
Even in my weakened and sleep deprived state I still couldn't sleep a full nights sleep and I was awake again at eleven o' clock that morning. My eyes fluttered open and I squinted against the bright light shining in through the gap in my curtains.
I leaned up onto my knees only to fall back down, with someone's heavy arm across my waist. I gasped and looked to my left ... Jessica. She was still sleeping peacefully and I smiled, carefully removing her arm from me, laying it alongside her and padding silently out of the room, dragging my fingers through my hair to get rid of the knots.
I walked into the silent kitchen, nobody was awake yet so I decided to make a start on breakfast. My wolf growled hungrily when I laid twelve strips of bacon on the pan and I smiled. If nobody had told me that I was supposed to be 'one' with my wolf, I wouldn't have known the difference.
I switched on the little TV sitting in the corner of the dining room, turning it up loud so I would be able to hear it from the kitchen - just to fill the silence and started to sing along to the jingle to the shampoo ad. Soon, I had stacks of bacon, pancakes, eggs and buttered bagels to be eaten.
That's when both Kaden and Jay made their debut and entered the kitchen, Kaden's tousled, just-out-of-bed look made my mouth water and my wolf barked in approval. I sat at the table and Danny walked in, grabbing the carton of juice and gulping straight from it. I frowned at him in disapproval and snatched it off him.
"Leave some for the rest of us!" I scolded him while raising it to my lips and drinking straight from the carton myself. Jay chuckled and rolled his eyes but immediately stopped. I looked up and Devyn's sweet smell had filled the room, along with Devyn himself. He looked just as delectable as Kaden, he sat opposite the table to him, right beside me.
Breakfast was a silent ordeal, Kaden and Devyn staring daggers at each other and I was about to lash out at both of them when the music announcing the news reached my ears.
"Breaking News: What are believed to be six bodies have been found in a warehouse in New York this morning. Five of the bodies were mauled beyond recognition and found in a concrete underground chamber in upstate New York. The sixth body was severely damaged but otherwise intact. It is believed this was the work of a wild animal that the owner of the warehouse had in captivity. The police are currently looking into the situation and for now we have pictures of the scene, gathered by our correspondent, Mary Fahy, in New York.
Viewer discretion is advised as these images may upset some people."
I gulped and my mouth dropped open, frozen to my seat, I couldn't even get up to turn off the T.V before the pictures popped up. My eyes were glued to the screen and I felt completely sick. I don't even remember doing half of that ... I don't recall it being so bad.
The room was dark. Cold. No natural light. There was blood everywhere - the bodies hadn't been removed but there were little yellow markers spread out across the tiny space, marking different areas, two men in white suits were sifting through the ... material. Long gouges and claws marks were ripped out of each wall. And then the images changed to the outside of the warehouse.
"If anyone has any information on this, we plead with you to contact the New York city police authorities. In other matters the political situation on-" I finally got up and managed to switch off the TV. I stood, staring at my feet. The silence in the room was starting to get to me.
"Ali ... Did you do that?" Jay finally whispered and I looked up. Tears were stinging my eyes. Yes, I had killed them. Six innocent people. SIX!
I nodded slowly and felt one tear slowly slide down my face.
"YOU - you saved her from there, why didn't you tell us?!" Kaden shouted, leaping up from the dining room table (the kitchen one was still lying on the floor).
Devyn raised his hands in mock surrender. "She didn't want me to. She didn't tell you last night so I went along with it." He explained calmly and Kaden sat back down slowly. His back rigid.
"Al ... why didn't you tell us?" To my surprise, it was Danny who had asked this.
"I ... I - I thought well, I didn't-" I stuttered, unable to force out the words. "I didn't want to think about it. He made me. They were cutting me - h-hurting me. Six people JAY! Six ... I'm a monster." I gasped, finally losing it and sinking to the floor in tears. I couldn't stop the flow of salty wet tears that dribbled down my face, I was a monster - no better than that damn Blue Moon pack. Maybe I should pick Devyn - I would be better off in that pack. With other monsters - where I belonged.
"Ali, Ali - shhh, you had to do it. You're not a monster. We understand." Kaden said consoling, rubbing circles on my back while Devyn kneeled in front of me, brushing the tears and hair from my face.
"You don't GET IT. She likes it - she likes the blood. She was happy every time we killed. I let her go, I let her have control. And now she won't go back." I sobbed, trying to explain to them, to get them to see that I was a horrible person. A mistake. The guilt was eating away at me.
"Ali ... she's a wolf - of course she would like blood." I sat there for well over an hour, until Mom came downstairs along with Ty, Graham and Jess.
"EVERYONE, out." She ordered, handing Jessica the plate of bagels and pushing Graham and Ty out along with her. Devyn and Kaden sat up reluctantly, neither wanting to leave me, and my heart swelled. I didn't deserve them. I would have to hurt one of them at some point - they were both such great guys.
Finally, when we were alone, Mom helped me into the nearest chair.
"Ali ... I think it's time you paid a visit to your father."