Page 100 of Royal Bite
But that day never came.
She had been so young and moved around to so many foster homes and orphanages, records had been misplaced. She didn’t even know their names, but she knew without a doubt this was them in front of her.
“Oh, baby girl. We are real,” her mother said.
Her smile was familiar. Stormy remembered her tilted grin and warm eyes. Her father wiped the tears spilling down his cheeks.
“You are as beautiful as your mother.” His voice grew gruff as he stared at her.
She took him in, recognizing some of her own features in him.
“You were so young when I left. Look at you, all grown up.”
“Come here,” her mother urged.
Stormey didn’t hesitate and rushed into their open arms. Tears flowed down her cheeks. She wrapped an arm around each of them as tight as she could. What she wouldn’t have given to be able to speak with them, hear their voices, and feel them in her arms while growing up. Now she finally had them.
“I’ve missed you so much.” Stormey’s voice was strained.
Her mother pulled away first, cupping Stormey’s cheeks. She brushed Stormey’s hair away from her face while her gaze raked over Stormey as if she were memorizing her features.
“We’ve watched you grow up into a beautiful woman. There’s not a day that doesn’t go by that we don’t peek in on you. We are so proud of you,” her mother said. Her eyes suddenly took on a sad glint. She glanced over at her husband and sighed.
“You’ve faced such adversary in your life head-on. I can’t wait to see what you do with the rest of your life.” Her father pressed a kiss to her forehead. His smile wavered slightly.
Stormey sensed something was wrong. She paused and stared at both of them.
“There is something you aren’t telling me.” Dread filled her.
They were keeping a secret from her, and she wasn’t sure if she would like it or not. Their nervous smiles and shared looks left her worried. She glanced behind them into the white light and felt the desire to go walk into it. Her curiosity was getting the best of her. What would she see if she entered it?
“Stormey, baby. Look at me.” Her mother’s soft voice gained her attention. She took Stormey’s hands in hers and squeezed them tight. “It’s not your time.”
“What?” Stormey was confused. What was she talking about? She was here in this beautiful area where the energy drew her to it. She sensed peace, calmness, and love coming from the light. That was where she wanted to go. “But I’m here now.”
“You are too early, baby girl.” Her father’s deep voice washed over her. He rested a hand on her shoulder and released a sigh. “As much as we would love to keep you here with us, we can’t. You are needed back there.”
“Where? I don’t know what you are talking about. Don’t I belong here with you?” she asked, confused. Why would they say such a thing? They had been apart for so long. Her neck itched slightly. She reached up and rubbed at it, trying to soothe the skin. Her hand moved to her stomach where the same sensation appeared. She used her nails to relieve the irritation that grew more intense before dissipating.
“One day it will be time for you to come here, but today is not the day,” her father said. He cupped her cheeks and stared into her eyes. “Stormey, know that we have and will always love you. We will be here when you return.”
“But, Dad—”
“Go to her.” His thumb stroked her skin softly.
She leaned into his touch, the tears that were pushed back flooding her eyes. Her vision blurred as she gazed up at her father. She had the faint memory of riding on his strong shoulders while he jogged around their yard. Her giggles echoed in her ears. She closed her eyes and allowed the tears to run down her face.
“To whom?” she whispered. The itching of her neck and stomach returned. The skin grew warm to touch. She gasped, running her nails along her flesh. She stepped back away from her parents, wanting to memorize their faces. She’d never had any pictures of them. Did she truly have to go? Why wouldn’t they want her to stay with them? They had so much time they needed to make up, and she didn’t want to lose them again.
“Go to your mate. She’s waiting for you,” her mother said.
Stormey’s gaze flicked between them. Confusion rattled her. She scratched at the annoying irritations. What was wrong her? She glanced down at her stomach and didn’t see anything but the white gown she was dressed in. Had she been wearing a white dress all day?
Matter of fact, where had she come from before she’d found her parents?
“My mate?” Stormy frowned. An image of a beautiful, pale-faced brunette with a fierce scowl appeared. Stormey’s hand paused on her neck as memories flooded her mind.
Hold on, mate. Stay with me. I need you.
