Page 155 of Caged Between the Beta & Alpha
“Your dad wants me to escort you back,” Zack said, leading the way downstairs.
“I figured as much.”
We continued in silence. There was something I needed to do anyway. Speak to Mom… I still remembered the pain I felt from her when I was chained up for my lashing as she whispered to me that I was stronger than that, that I was better than that. That I was not a monster...
Those words had fucking struck home. I had broken something inside of her that was already not fully mended. It was as if she was reliving a memory whilst telling both of us that I was not Zidane.
She had been through so much in life, yet she remained strong to a point that I thought people forgot that she was human after all, and no matter how much time had passed, she had suffered a lot and that didn’t just go away. There were things in life that would always trigger trauma, and what I did, it was unforgivable. I had hurt the two women that I should always worship – my mother and my mate.
A Mother’s Hope
Scarlett
The smell of chocolate and brownies filled the air, mixed with Azura’s shrieks of excitement. Sliding on an oven glove, I took the fresh tray of brownies from the oven. I felt calmer when I baked.
Elijah was playing with Azura, tossing her up in the air and catching her with ease, looking as handsome as he did when I first fell for him. My king, my mate, my world. That wouldn’t change, ever, but when you become a mother, the space in your heart grows. I had three beautiful children that I loved more than life itself. I would die for them, and I would kill for them, but if they made a mistake, I would also be there to tell them that.
The front door opened. I knew it was Liam from the way he shut the door. He was always quiet, as if he did not want to disturb anyone. Kiara was a little louder, but she was with Raven the majority of the time and that girl was loud. I smiled, remembering their giggles as they thought they were succeeding in stealing snacks from the kitchen. I shook my head; we had been young at one point, and I knew all those tricks.
Language baby,I mind-linked Elijah, knowing he often forgot his mouth around Azura. I was not happy with that.
“You were under house arrest,” he said the moment Liam stepped into the kitchen.
“I know,” he said, “but I told you I don’t think it’s Owen, so I didn’t really want to leave her alone.”
“Hmm, I know but at least for the sake of rules, just stay here. If she wants, she can come here,” Elijah said, frowning.
“Okay… hey, pumpkin,” Liam said, ruffling Azura’s hair.
“Wiyam! Daddy, catch me!”
“That’s great,” Liam said before he looked at me. Coming over, his gaze fell to the ground. “Hey, Mom.” He hugged me tightly, and I wrapped my arms around his waist.Goddess, please don’t hurt my son anymore.“Can we talk when you’re free?” He asked quietly. I looked up at him as I moved back and nodded.
“Let me just cut these brownies…” He nodded.
“I’ll go take a quick shower.”
He left the kitchen, and Elijah, who had just finished pouring a glass of milk for Azura, who was all ready to have some gooey hot brownies, came over to me, wrapping his arms around me. Strong sparks coursed through me, sending my stomach into a familiar frenzy, one I was so used to, yet at the same time, still made me a jittery mess.
“Things will get better,” he said huskily, kissing my neck.
“I know,” I replied.
“You’re fucking strong, Kitten, but it’s okay to not be okay at times,” he murmured, nibbling at my neck. I bit back a sigh and nodded, trying to ignore the burning need that was settling into my core. I turned my head, kissing his lips.
He was right. I just needed to tell Liam how I felt too, even if it meant putting my fears out there.
Twenty minutes later,I had a plate of brownies, milk, and some toast on a tray. I took it to the back glass conservatory, waiting for Liam to come down and join me. He didn’t take long. Dressed in some grey jeans and a teal-coloured T-shirt, he sat down next to me.
“Eat. I’m guessing you didn’t get time for breakfast.”
“I didn’t get time for anything,” he mumbled, picking up a slice of toast.
I smiled slightly at that; my innocent Liam wasn’t as innocent as I once thought. I watched him eat the toast as he stared out at the garden; the sun was shining, warming the room nicely and a soft breeze was making the tree branches and grass sway. My smile faded away and I looked down at the tray.
“Is she… ready? I know you won’t push her, but...” I asked gently.
“Yeah, I’m not pushing her,” he said quietly. I placed my hand on his leg.
