Elaine POV
He ran circles on my shoulder as I lay on his chest. The sun had begun to seep into our room a wicked reminder that we couldn’t stay like this for an eternity. The Shaw mansion beckoned us.
I liked the idea of being naked in bed for another day but Azaire was the High Beta of the Pack. He was a man of responsibilities and a new Dad. I realized how much I’d have to share the man I loved.
“Mate,” he said his voice husky.
“Did you get some rest?” I whispered.
He laughed. “We fell asleep at three in the morning.”
Yeah, sleep wasn’t our priority last night. He left imprints of his firm body on my skin. I could still feel his teeth sinking into my shoulder and his hands running up my thighs. We went for three long rounds. Now reality called.
“You deserve the rest, Azaire.”
“I have all I need right here,” he replied with a squeeze of my arm.
“You know if you don’t sleep you’ll be cranky all day.”
“Everyone else will have to deal with it. Come on, princess, shower with me.”
That won’t be much of a shower.
***
“Shaw mansion,” I sighed.
“Could use a facelift,” Azaire chuckled.
He could tell I wasn’t happy to be home. I felt like I was tip-toeing around most people here.
“I need to go to the college to drop off some papers and drop out,” I whispered the last part hoping he wouldn’t hear it.
He clapped his hand on my thigh. “You’re not dropping out. No one will touch you again. I made sure of it.”
“Did you punish your child’s aunt too?” I challenged.
“Don’t worry she’s not immune. I’ll have Fran kick her ass.”
“Azaire, don’t.”
“What? Fran won’t mind.”
It’s my fault for bringing it up. He smirked mischievously as he climbed out of the car.
“I’m going to find Richie then I’ll drop you off at school.”
He kissed my cheek but scurried off before I could protest. The cemetery incident probably meant he’d never leave me alone again. I walked into the house and it was quiet. I went into the kitchen hoping to find Fran, Megan and Opal but it was empty too. I ventured into the living room but it seemed no one was home until I heard the soft cooing sound coming from the curtains.
“Hello?”
I walked over to the window and froze.
“Oh…”
A little boy with bright green eyes stared at me as he clung to the curtains. My heart hammered against my ribcage. I looked around but no one was with him. Would Holly dump her son here and leave?
He raised his arms wanting to be picked up but I backed up.
“What? Me?”
He took a step forward, insisting I pick him up. I felt like I’d be doing something wrong.
“I-I can’t,” I said but he probably didn’t know what I was saying.
He was so adorable. His chubby cheeks and enchanting eyes warmed my heart. How could I not hold him?
“Alright,” I relented and reached out to carry him.
“What are you doing to my son!!”
I spun and gasped. “N-nothing.”
The baby burst into tears.
Holly stormed past me and picked Leon up. “What did you do you freak?” she blasted.
“I didn’t do anything. You yelled and scared him.”
Tears rolled down Leon’s plump cheeks.
“Do you think I’m stupid? You’re such an opportunist. You saw my son alone and wanted to do something to him.”
“What?! That’s ridiculous.”
“What is going on here?” Janet asked.
Just what I needed.
Janet hurried to Holly’s side and smoothed Leon’s silky hair.
“What’s wrong with him?” Janet pleaded.
“I don’t know what she did. My precious boy,” Holly whimpered.
I rolled my eyes. He was fine.
“What did you do? Answer me immediately!” Janet demanded.
I balled my hands into fists. “I didn’t do anything to him. Why would I?”
“Because you’re a hybrid freak!” Holly blasted.
I don’t know what gossip group she’s in but they are extremely out of date I haven’t been a hybrid for six months. However, the power they get rid of her voice would be useful right now.
“Why’s Leon crying?” Azaire asked as he marched into the living room.
He looked between his fuming mother, melodramatic ex-girlfriend and me.
“She did something to him! What if he gets sick?” Holly yelled.
Azaire ran a hand down his face. “Just give him to me.”
Holly handed over the boy to Azaire and my heart swelled with emotions. Leon sniffled and stopped crying when he settled in his Father’s arms. Leon leaned on his Daddy’s chest and everything was fine. Things were so simple with children.
“There he’s fine. Maybe he wouldn’t have been crying if you weren’t yelling,” Azaire frowned.
“They were alone in this room and it’s not a secret she doesn’t want my son around,” Holly scowled at me.
“That is a lie!” I snapped.
“Honestly, Azaire, you should talk to your girlfriend about boundaries it makes everyone comfortable especially the Mother of you heir.”
Holly flipped her hair and patted her cheeks. Ugh, I was over this.
“See you later, Azaire,” I called over my shoulder.
“Wait, I have to take you to school.”
“I’ll run!”
I ran out of the house.
***
I dropped off my assignments and left the school premises as soon as possible. Everyone knew about the cemetery incident and thought I was the villain. I don’t know why I bothered to turn in my work because coming back here would be poking the bear with a stick but dropping out would be hanging my enemy his victory.
It’s not always easy to keep fighting.
“Elaine!” someone yelled.
I turned around and when I saw who it was I balled my hands into fists and kept on marching.
“I’m sorry, Elaine!” Chase yelled.
“Sorry for humiliating me?” I barked. “That’s pathetic.”
“I didn’t know you were going to be left at a graveyard all night. I didn’t know they were going to do anything to you. I left with Fran. She wanted to see her brother. When we got back and couldn’t find you we searched everywhere but clearly not at the abandoned cemetery. We’ll save that for next time.” He offered me a lopsided grin.
I frowned. That’s not funny.
Chase wore his usual black leather jacket and boots. I couldn’t trust him. I should have known he didn’t genuinely want to be my friend.
“Listen, Zoe doesn’t like me either. She wouldn’t let me in on her scheme.”
“You’re all rich and influential you’re all the same.”
“Hold up. I’m nothing like them. My Dad made sure I worked for every dime he gave me. He made me love the peaceful and safe Pack I grew up in.”
“And I threaten that!” I threw my arms in the air.
He shoved his fists in his pocket and sighed. “I don’t think so, but there are people in this Pack who believe letting the Ryker siblings live here is a sign of weakness and disrespect considering all the shit the Black Claw Pack has done.”
“The Blood Moon pack isn’t innocent either,” I spat.
“Mind telling me about it?” he challenged.
“I don’t trust you.”
I turned to leave but he grabbed my arm and made me face him. “I have nothing against you Elaine. I know you didn’t grow up as a pampered princess. There’s someone who you should look out for.”
“Who?”
Chase narrowed his eyes and held my stare for what felt like an eternity.