Don’t you dare, I growl suddenly. I hadn’t meant for it to be shouted, but I can’t help it. I push him away, but my body is so tired and weak, it flops back on the bed lamely. You were going to apologise for her ?
What ? Colton says in outrage. No, I’m sorry that this happened to you and that I wasn’t there to stop it.
I glance over at Ray who is glaring at Colton with hate. I wince, knowing I have only a few seconds before he combusts. I turn back to Colton quickly, needing to get it off my chest.
If you hate me, I-I’ll understand…
Colton’s eyes darken and he grabs hold of my chin.
I would never hate you, why would you say that ?
Layla, get up, we’re leaving. I cringe at Ray’s sudden aggressive voice. I will not have my sister anywhere near your shit anymore. If she meant so much to you she wouldn’t be like this !
Colton lets go of me and rises from the bed slowly. Ray, don’t do this now. Layla is in no state to mov
Don’t do this ? Ray shoots out heatedly. You fucking piece of shit !
Ray, don’t. Toby glares angrily at my brother, looking just as worn out as everyone.
I sit on the bed shivering, not knowing what to say or do. Colton os standing next to me, with his own fists clenched.
Toby, if you try and stop me again I will throw your worthless ass out of the window, so back the hell off !
He’s only doing his job, Ray, Colton says, but Ray shakes his head.
You’re a joke. The second you felt that pull to my sister, you should have kicked that blonde bitch to the curb. The moment you knew Layla was your mate you should have made her your first priority. She should have been first in everything because that is what mates are. But instead you marked and dumped her as a side-line while you still kept that bitch around, and now look. Look at her and what that dog has done to her. All because you couldn’t stop and think !
You don’t know what you’re Colton begins but suddenly Ray grabs hold of him and slams him up against the wall near the bed.
Stop, don’t ! I scream but they don’t listen.
I know a lot more about you than you think. You chose revenge over my sister, plain and simple. You abuse the power this pack gives you for your own selfish needs. If she meant so much to you she would have been protected. She would have been your first importance ! I know you can’t help being her mate, but still, you-your wolf-should favour her over anything else. Not revenge, not Jenny, not anyone !
Colton’s eyes darken and he shoves Ray off him. He turns to look at me and our eyes meet. He stares at me and I stare at him. His expression displays so much inner torment, I feel my heart clench at the sight of it.
You’re right, Colton admits as clear as day. You’re right. I didn’t put her first. Do you think I like doing what I do ? Do you think I wouldn’t rather take Layla away and give her the world instead constant pain ?
What happened to Layla is your fault, Ray says and Colton nods.
Yes, it’s my fault. So go ahead and blame me for taking a bullet for her and going after the shit that almost killed her. You would have done the same. I didn’t know it was a trap until it was too late and I will forever blame myself for that. I didn’t know Jenny would have half the population of moonwalkers try and take me down just so she could get to Layla. Put the blame on me and I will take it, but where were you when your sister was being attacked ?
I told you to stay out of my head. I have my own problems ! Ray shouts, but Colton shakes his head.
When I felt what happened to Layla, I killed fifty moonwalkers to get to her and I’d do it again, but you, you left after I told you not to.
Ray turns his back on him and looks at me, his eyes wide and worried. I’m not meant to follow your orders.
Ray don’t, I mumble weakly, knowing he’s about to tell Colton everything about our bloodline.
He needs to know that the Honda’s will never follow the Dawson’s, Layla. It’s the other way around. He turns to face Colton. Layla isn’t your mate, you are hers. Our bloodline is from royalty. Once Layla shifts she’ll be part royal werewolf, just like I am.
I frown. He didn’t tell me that. What does that mean ?
Colton stumbles away from Ray in shock. He turns toward Mike quickly.
Did you know this ? Mike shakes his head, looking confused. Colton turns back towards Ray. How the hell did you find that out ? I have searched for information regarding your famil
That’s none of your business. Seeing as Layla is my sister and you have failed her as a mate, I think I will be calling the shots here.
Ray, no, I whisper, my body aching.
Layla, wake up. Even now he isn’t rushing out to kill Jenny for doing this you !
Colton steps in front of me. You don’t get to make any decisions. Royalty bloodline or not, you’re on my territory. Layla will not be moved. She stays here with me and Mike.
Layla, come on, Ray ignores him and goes to grab my arm, but Colton grabs his, creating immediate tension around the room.
Ray glares at him. Get off me, now.
Make me, Colton says. His eyes flashing pure gold.
Stop it ! I scream. Just stop it now !
I hate the fact that they are forgetting that I’m sitting here listening to them talk about me like I’m not here. I don’t want this.
I don’t know how I manage to do it, but I pull my body from the bed and stand up.
Layla- Ray begins but I stop him, pushing him away from Colton. He flies back like I have triple strength and it’s Toby who catches him.
Without a moment’s hesitation, I grab Colton by his arm and drag him into the en-suite bathroom that’s nearby.
I push him inside, causing him to stumble inside the bathroom. I follow and slam the door behind me, flipping the lock so no one can get in. I cross my arms, noticing I’m no longer wearing my clothes, but another one of Colton’s t-shirts, this one plain black.
I have no idea what is going on inside my body, but I need answers.
Ray means well, I know that, but I can’t have him fighting my battles that are not his to fight. I need to talk to Colton alone and this is the only way to stop the arguments.
I look at Colton. He can barely look at me, yet I shudder from his closeness. I feel for him so much the thought of losing him hurts.
I need you to tell me that you hate me so I can…I can. I close my eyes. I bring my hands up to my face and cover myself in shame.
I jump when I felt a pair of hands take hold of my wrists. I lift my head to see his eyebrows furrowed.
He lets out a deep breath from his nose as he tilts his head to the side and gently strokes his finger against my cheek. I wince slightly from his touch, which makes him frown even more.
I just don’t want him to confuse me anymore.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone.
I’m ending this now. He starts dialling someone’s number and he puts it on loud-speak as it starts ringing. My heart starts drumming in my chest as the phone is answered.
Hello ?