Page 133 of Caged Between the Beta & Alpha
I loved him, so, so much. Every time I thought about him, I remembered the young man he used to be, the loving, caring, thoughtful Liam who always paid attention to me. Probably the only person who ever came close to knowing the truth about my life… he used to ask me if everything was okay, if I was happy, and I always assured him I was fine.
The Liam without the darkness, I loved him, too... the way he remembered stuff, the way he did things, the attention to detail, my favourite colour, the cake... even when we became intimate, he always gave, still waiting. He was always waiting... he never took advantage of us or pushed me further... he was considerate… butI also couldn’t just pretend this didn’t happen.
I wasn’t something to be claimed. I had the right to make my own decision. What I didn’t get was that Damon and I were willing to give up everything for him… but then… this…
“In time… I think I will….” I replied softly.
Time… he didn’t have much time… My heart squeezed painfully.
“He doesn’t deserve it,” he said icily.
I reached out, taking his hand. He had always put Liam first. I knew witnessing that must have been hard for him, and right then, I knew both men needed me. Why did I feel like we were just making the curse stronger? Time was running out…
As for Damon, he had shown his love for me; the way his eyes filled with pain and love when I woke up in the hospital room, the way he whispered,“Thank the Goddess you’re okay. I love you….”The way his heart thundered in his chest as he held me against it. I wouldn’t forget it.
“Have you talked to him? Have you seen him? He is probably regret-”
“Stop defending him, Raven! For Goddess’s sake, you need to stop letting everyone take advantage of you,” he said, frustrated, pulling his hand from my hold. My chest tightened painfully; I wasn’t doing that… I just… I wanted everything to be okay.
“I’m not letting anyone take advantage of me,” I said quietly.
“I hope not,” he said quietly. Standing up, he walked over to the window and stared out.
I looked down; no, this was an eye-opener. With everything that had happened, would I still choose Liam? This was enough to show me my true feelings. I knew the three of us would never work together, and I had given up on that a long time ago.
The ringing of the doorbell pulled me out of my reverie, and Damon gave me an apologetic smile.
“Sorry for getting irritated.”
“It’s okay, you’re angry. Now, go get the door!”
“Going,” he replied with a small smile. The look in Damon’s eyes when he had held me as I bled… I still remembered it…
“Hey, beautiful girl,” Taylor’s voice called, his scent filling my nose as he came over and pulled me tightly into his arms.
“Taylor…” I whispered, hugging him back.
His scent had changed. I looked up at him sharply, noticing him looking at my mark. His eyes were filled with sadness, and I wished they weren’t. I really… I didn’t need sympathy. I knew the rumours had crossed through the pack, but there wasn’t much I could do about it.
“Hey, Raven,” Zack’s voice came just as he entered, holding a large bouquet of flowers, a teddy bear, and a hamper. Totally from Taylor. “These are from Tay,” he added as if he did not want to be seen holding such prettythings.
“Thanks, babe,” Taylor said, flashing him a smile and making me gasp.
“Babe? You two are together!” I squealed, jumping up onto the sofa and hugging him tightly. Thanks to the sofa, our height was a lot more level. Taylor chuckled.
“We are,” he said softly,
“Why didn’t you tell me when you mind-linked me yesterday!” I shouted unhappily.
“I… you had just got out of the hospital…” he said. I moved back, wanting to see his mark.
“Show me it.” The men exchanged looks, and I rolled my eyes.
“Just because I was marked against my will does not mean I’m going to become a crying puddle every time I see a mark,” I said, annoyed. “Besides… my mark isn’t dark or ugly. It’s beautiful… like the real Liam that I know is in there.”
Silence fell in the room. I realised that no one in the room held any faith in Liam anymore…
A week passed,and I finally decided to brave stepping outside. Everyone was being extra supportive, constantly keeping me company or mind-linking me to ask how I was feeling or what I was up to, but really, I just needed everyone to act normal. I didn’t want their pity. Kiara was the only one who really understood that; when she texted, it was just pictures of the twins or Dante or talking about general things. I just wanted everything to return to normal, but could they?
