Elaine POV
“A son?” Mom asked for the second time. “Honey that’s… that’s something.”
I nodded and grimaced. “Holly doesn’t want me near her son because I’m a Black Claw spawn.”
“Did Azaire ask you to leave before they arrived?”
“No, I offered. I don’t want to strain our relationship more.”
“You know he loves you.”
“Everyone keeps telling me that,” I grumbled.
She chuckled. “It must be true. From what you tell me, Azaire needs time to grasp his emotions. Honey, when I thought I lost you it took me years to accept your death. It was so painful because I did everything right. I ate right, slept enough, and exercised so I should have had a healthy baby. Nothing can prepare you for that pain. Isaura’s birth helped me heal but a part of my soul was still missing it’s only when you showed up on my doorstep that I felt fully alive.” She paused for a second and smiled. “Sometimes when I look at you I can’t believe you’re the baby girl I carried, who kicked me every time at seven pm sharp. You’re my miracle, Elaine. Give him time and love him through his pain.”
“Mom, I needed that.”
She lifted her shoulders. “That’s what Mothers are for. Is that all that’s bothering you, Elaine? You know I’m here for anything.”
“Yeah, Mom I know,” I said folding my arms on the table.
Mom smoothed my hair. “We can talk about anything even if you miss your Dad.”
I scowled. “Why would I miss him?”
“He’s the only parent you ever knew. You saw him every day.”
“He also tried to kill me and stole your baby and lied about it every single day.”
Mom exhaled and shook her head. “You’re right… I wish he could have been the Father you needed.”
“I don’t miss him I have questions. I want to know why he did what he did. Was I just a pawn in his stupid plan? Did he have to separate us? He kept me somewhere before he brought me to his house and I don’t even remember that. So many whys and the only person to answer them is dead.”
“It’s okay, Elaine. He’s gone and he can’t hurt you anymore.”
“Sometimes that doesn’t feel true. I was born cursed because of him,” I sniffled.
“That’s not true… I played a role too and I wouldn’t change what I did if I had the chance. I have a beautiful daughter.”
I laughed with a face full of tears. “You always know what to say.”
“When you read the right books you pick up a few things. Are you going to work things out with Azaire?”
I nodded, wiping my tears. “Yeah. One thing’s for sure I won’t be the step-mother Luna Bianca was to me. Leon’s innocent.”
“That’s my precious girl.”
***
The door to the living room was closed tightly. I’ve been gone for over two hours, they’re still here? I ventured into the kitchen for something to drink and found three bored women sitting on the kitchen dining table.
“What are you guys doing here?” I asked.
I opened the fridge and pulled out a box of apple juice and a glass from the cabinet.
“We’re not allowed to see the little brat,” Megan spat.
“Hey, he’s adorable,” Opal said.
“He is? Well, what does he look like?” I asked.
Fran straightened her spine. “He has the famous Shaw eyes. Sorry,” Fran offered a sad smile.
“It’s okay… Azaire will be a great Dad even if he doesn’t believe it.”
“Janet already thinks she’s Grandmother of the year,” Megan rolled her eyes.
“Wait, why aren’t you guys allowed to see Leon again? Opal, you’re Richie’s girlfriend and Fran you’re Leon’s aunt!”
“I’m a Black Claw spawn too remember?” Opal grimaced.
“And I punched her obnoxious little sister,” Fran smiled.
“And she doesn’t like the way I look. She’s so stuck up, but since she’s the mother of the first grandkid in this house she’s worth a lot more than the rest of us,” Megan explained.
“Oh yeah, because I’m not even recognized as Richie’s mate,” Opal raised her hands.
“They’re all in their like one big happy family. Obviously, the Prescott family’s reputation has risen in the Pack,” Fran commented.
The girls continued talking while my mind drifted off and I longed to see Azaire with a little version of him. I told myself I would not cry as I imagined him and his baby. Azaire was a huge man I visualized him looking at his son who was barely tall enough to reach his knees.
I came back to reality and was about to join the conversation when voices piled on top of each other. Looks like the family visit was over. Janet was so pleased to have the Prescott family over and was looking forward to their next visit. It was amazing how sweet she could be yet controlling and bitter when she wanted to as well. I hadn’t spoken to Lucas since the incident and frankly, I didn’t want to. Janet was still furious with me about that and I doubted she would care that her youngest son was in the wrong.
“Hey, how long have you been around?” Azaire asked when he marched into the kitchen.
“Not long,” I shrugged.
“Are we finally allowed to leave our prison?” Megan snapped.
Azaire clenched his jaw. “I’m sorry about that.”
“Uh-huh,” Fran responded.
The girls walked out of the kitchen and left us alone.
“So, how is he?” I asked.
Azaire’s brows knitted together. “I’m sorry about this. I don’t want to seem like I’m pushing you away.”
“You’re not. I want you to know I’m here for you, Azaire. I’m your mate and you can tell me anything.”
“Anything?” he placed his large hand on the small of my back and pulled me close. “Like I’ve been dreaming about burying my face between your legs.”
Heat shot to my cheeks. “Uh…”
“Let’s go out to dinner. You and me.”
“Like a date?” I asked.
He nodded. “Yes, we need alone time.”
Yeah, that’s true.
“Yes, I’ll go out with you. Where do you want to go?”
“I’ll surprise you, but I promise you it’ll be someplace worthy of your beauty.”
“I can hardly wait!”