Chapter 24: Chapter 24

TWENTY-FOUR

Millie moved closer to Willow. “Don’t lie. What clumsy accident would leave a handprint on your cheek?” Millie’s voice dripped with sarcasm and empathy. “Did that guy outside hit you? We can report it to the police, you don’t have to be scared. I’m here with you.”

Willow smiled sadly. This comfort would have been amazing one or two weeks ago. Even now it made her want to shed a few tears and throw her worries and struggles to the other girl. She had managed to live with bottled emotions for so long and she was not yet ready to let them out, not to Millie at least.

Even if Millie’s effort to help came a bit later, Willow appreciated it. Everything was okay now, she did not have to worry about Louis or being his sex slave. She could finally live, start afresh and enjoy life with Charlotte. Even if she did not know how she was suddenly free, she was glad that she did not have to deal with Louis.

“Thanks, Millie but I’m okay, seriously,” Willow said, trying to assure Millie.

Millie shook her head. “Just say the word and I’ll have the police lock him up. I can’t believe he even has the guts to wait for you when he hits you.” Willow was taken aback by Millie’s anger, especially to who it was directed.

“No Black would never do such a thing to me.” Willow defended him without another thought.

Millie did not seem to agree and wanted to argue more on the topic. “Willow don’t defend him. Such men don’t even deserve to walk around freely, they should be behind bars.”

Willow didn’t like Millie’s words. She started feeling angry and defensive, wanting to defend Black. Black was nothing like Louis, she knew that very well. The last thing she wanted was for someone to wish ill on Black or to conclude that he was a horrible person.

“Listen, Millie, I appreciate that you’re worried about me but I don’t like what you’re saying. Black is a good person and he would never hit me...I appreciate the concern but don’t worry about me, I can take care of myself. See you tomorrow.” She said before walking away.

She knew that her tone was not the nicest and she made a mental note to apologise the next day. All she could think of was defending Black at that moment and she was glad to put an end to the conversation, she had started getting uncomfortable and angry.

Black was standing outside with a plastic bag in his hand. She walked up to him and adjusted her bag on her shoulder.

“Is this how you’re doing it now, picking me up from work?” She asked with a small humoured smile.

Black gave her the plastic bag and she looked at it with a frown before getting it and looking inside. She looked up at Black after seeing what was in the plastic bag.

“What? You’re now making food for me as well?” She chuckled.

Black smiled when he heard her laugh. “Nina made the food, she can’t wait to meet you,” Black said.

“Who’s Nina?” Willow asked. The only people she could remember were Aleisa, Isaac, Caleb and the other black woman.

“Nina...well she’s like a mother to me, she raised me,” Black replied after thinking for a few seconds.

“Oh...” Willow let out before going silent.

It only hit her that there were probably more people that wanted to meet her. What if Black had a huge family and all of them were looking forward to meeting her because she was Black’s mate? She wanted to ask about his parents but she decided not to...the more she knew about him, the more she’d feel connected to him. The man was already a usual occurrence in her dreams, she did not need to solidify whatever was going on even more.

“Does everyone know that I’m your mate?” She asked after a few seconds.

Black shook his head. “Only Aleisa, Isaac, Caleb, Nina and Alex.”

“Alex?” Why was the list longer than Willow thought?

“That’s Isaac’s Beta, the second in command,” Black told her and she nodded.

“I thought the entire pack knew,”

Black looked at her. “I won’t do anything like that unless you’re comfortable with everyone knowing, and well after you’ve accepted me.”

Willow flushed at his words and started walking so that Black would not see the colour of her cheeks. Black followed closely behind her. He smirked knowing that she was trying to hide her flushed face from him.

“It’s no use walking faster I already saw your face,” Black said as he caught up to her.

Willow glared at him and looked back at the road. They continued walking in comfortable silence until they were in front of Willow’s house. She turned to look at Black.

“Thanks for the food.” She said and lifted the plastic a bit. Black only nodded.

Willow knew that he would walk away and go back home. She wanted to prolong this, a part of her was not ready to let him walk away like this.

“Are you going to give up any time soon?” She asked and Black shook his head.

“I told you that I'm trying to court you in a human way and I won’t give up,” Black replied and the determination in his voice scared and pleased Willow. Every time he said that she felt her heart rate increase.

“I won’t give up not when I can hear your heart fasten when you’re around me.” Black’s intense stare was a contrast to the playful and teasing tone of his voice.

Willow was flustered once again but did not bother to hide. “That’s unfair. Why are you listening to my heartbeat when I can’t do the same?”

Black took a few steps closer and looked down at Willow's face. Willow was certain that if her heart rate increased even more, it would be dire for her health. Her chest heaved up and down as she looked back into Black’s eyes.

Black could hear her heart beating loudly. He was glad to elicit such a reaction from her just by being close. It only boosted his confidence to try harder to win her over.

“W-What are you do-doing?” Willow was very certain that her face could show just what Black’s closeness was doing to her.

“You can also hear my heartbeat whenever you wish...” Black grabbed her hand and placed it on his chest.

She gasped when she felt his heart beating, the light sweater that Black wore not enough to contain it. Willow was not sure how to contain all the emotions that were going through her body. How could feeling someone’s heart beating stir up so many emotions?

Willow looked at her hand on Black’s chest before looking up into his eyes. Black was looking down at her with so much emotion that it made her feel small like she could not reciprocate such emotions.

“I...I think we’re sick.” Willow said after a while of staring into Black’s eyes.

Black chuckled and stepped back. It took so much of his willpower to be close to her without having a taste of her lips or wrapping his hand around her waist. The scent suppressants were wearing off faster and he was uncertain if he could control himself once her scent was back.

“Can I take you somewhere tomorrow?” Black asked and Willow tilted her head in question. “Kace is turning one, I need help to get him a present and I want to treat you to dinner.” Black elaborated.

“Are you asking me out for dinner on the pretext of buying your nephew a gift?” Willow asked and she was on the edge of laughing.

Black put his hands in his pockets and shrugged. “It’s like killing two birds with one stone.”

Willow laughed. “Sure, I’d like to help you with getting Kace a gift.”

Black paused. “And the dinner?”

“I’m helping you buy a gift, obviously you have to treat me to a meal, it’s common courtesy,” Willow replied.

Black smiled and nodded. “See you tomorrow.” He waved.

Willow nodded even though she wanted to tell him to talk some more, come inside...whatever that would make him stay longer. She walked into the house and sighed. She walked to the kitchen and unpacked the bowl of food and neatly wrapped scones. She opened the bowl and smiled at the still-hot soup.

A knock on the door disturbed her intention to begin eating. She rushed to the door thinking Black came back. Her heart fell to the floor and her excitement died down when she saw the person after opening the door.

“You can’t be that disappointed to see me,” Louis said with a smirk.

Willow was now shivering. After everything he had done to her, Louis was still confident enough to knock at her door. She was now sure that she had been lying to herself, Louis could not just leave her life so easily. He knew where she lived, worked and was the only family she had.

“Did you not learn anything? You’re throwing yourself to the next werewolf who gives you attention despite everything...” Louis paused and laughed. “...you’re such a naive little bitch.”

Willow could not move or say anything. This man in front of her was the cause of her nightmares. He was the darkness in her life and she wanted him so far away from him. Nothing could scrape off the harm Louis had caused to her.

“You think he's your Prince charming, don’t you? Don’t kid yourself, sweetheart, he’s a werewolf, just like me.”

Willow wanted to defend Black just like she had done earlier. She wanted to argue with Louis and tell him that Black was nothing like him but it was like her tongue was tied.

Louis scoffed. “Don’t be too excited with whatever is going on. Even if that bastard managed to save you from me for the time being, remember that soon enough you’ll end up with me once again.”

“Goodnight sweetheart,” Louis smirked before waving at her and walking away.

It took a few more seconds before Willow walked back inside and when she closed the door she rushed to her room and fell down to her bed. Tears ran down her face and her body shook. Why did Louis have to show up when she was slowly losing herself to happiness?

Willow woke up to Charlotte’s voice. She rubbed her eyes which felt just as swollen as they were. Charlotte looked at her with a worried look before moving closer to the bed.

“Will, were you crying?” Charlotte asked.

It took a few more seconds for Willow to understand what was happening around her and fully open her eyes. She shook her head and looked at Charlotte.

“I’ve just been asleep for a long time.” Willow lied and removed the blanket that covered her body.

Charlotte looked at her face for a while before nodding. “I’m not as oblivious as you think I am. I hope you will trust me enough to tell me everything one day.” She said with a sad smile.

Willow felt horrible for making Charlotte feel like this once again. She also hoped that one day she would be able to tell Charlotte everything. Willow was worried that if sh3 ever told Charlotte, the other would blame herself endlessly. It was better to not tell her anything.

“I saw food in the kitchen and judging by how it was packed, I’m guessing you didn’t make it. Is it from the restaurant?” Charlotte changed the topic with ease and Willow was thankful for that.

Willow shook her head. “Black gave it to me.” She answered.

Charlotte had a genuine look of shock on her face. “Whoa, he can cook?” Willow smiled when she saw the impressed look on Charlotte’s face.

“He didn’t make the food, Nina did.” She said and when Charlotte raised an eyebrow she explained further. “Nina is Black’s um...well, he said she raised him.” Willow shrugged.

Charlotte’s lips formed into an ‘O’ before she straightened her body. “Come on then let’s go heat the food and eat. I’m so glad that I don’t have time to taste your horrible cooking tonight as well.”

Willow stood from the bed and playfully glared at Charlotte. “I work at a restaurant, my cooking is standard.” She defended herself.

Charlotte laughed as they walked into the kitchen. “You don’t even cook at the said restaurant, Ms waitress.”

Willow clicked her tongue in fake annoyance. “Quit judging my cooking, you always finish the food and ask for more when I cook.”

“Yeah yeah, that’s just out of pity.” Charlotte teased.

Willow heated the soup and gave Charlotte a bowl and did the same for herself. They sat down and started eating.

“How was work?” Willow asked. Charlotte smiled.

“Fine. This is so much better than working four to five jobs. Everyone is kind too.” Charlotte replied. “And one of my colleagues told me about an apartment in his building, do you wanna go check it out tomorrow? I already went to check it out and it’s nice and affordable as well.”

Willow remembered that Black already asked for her help to buy Kace a gift and dinner as well. She shook her head and Charlotte frowned.

“Do you have another double shift? I told you to quit, we’ll be out of here before this month ends and if you like the apartment, we’ll be out before the weekends.”

“No. I don’t have a double shift. I already told the manager and this is my last week.” Willow said. “I already told Black that I’d help him buy a present for his nephew.”

“Oh...” Charlotte nodded. “Why don’t you check out the apartment after your date with Black, I’m sure he won’t mind?” She suggested.

Willow easily got flustered. “It’s not a date, I’m just helping him buy a gift for Kace.”

“Whatever, just check the apartment while you’re at it. I’ll text you the address.”

Willow nodded. Charlotte was very eager to move. Perhaps it was because she did not like having to get on a bus into and out of the city, or maybe she also wanted to bury the past just like Willow. Either way, Willow felt better to know that if they moved, Louis would no longer know her address.

......

Levi thanked Aleisa as she gave him a tray with food. Aleisa smiled at him. “Drop the formalities already, besides I need someone to feed Caleb around here.”

Isaac walked into the kitchen and looked at the tray of food in Levi’s hands before looking up at Levi. “Is he still playing video games?” He asked.

“You guessed it right,” Levi replied.

Isaac only shook his head before taking a seat. “That’s Caleb, you might as well as reject him before he chooses video games over you.” Isaac laughed.

Aleisa playfully glared at Isaac. “He’d never,”

“Okay,” Isaac chuckled with a small shrug before grabbing his plate of food.

Levi walked out of the kitchen while trying to balance the food, glad that Caleb’s makeshift room was downstairs. A part of him was glad that he did not have to sit at the same table and eat with Aleisa and Isaac, he was certain that the Alpha and Luna were not certain of how strong their auras were. For him, someone that was a rogue since birth, it felt like being stuffed in an airtight box when he was in the same room with them.

Despite spending so much time in their house, he still found it difficult to get used to them. Isaac still scared him and did not forget Black. Whenever Black came by, which was pretty often it almost felt like he wanted to hit him again. Levi knew that he’d manage to get used to Aleisa and Isaac but Black, that seemed like a hurdle he could not overcome...not when the other kept glaring at him anyways.

Levi walked into the room and looked over at Caleb who was still Immensely immersed in his game. He frowned and put the tray on the bed before walking over to Caleb. Levi watched Caleb for a few seconds, admiring how the younger’s eyebrows were scrunched in full concentration. He placed his hand on Caleb’s shoulder. Caleb looked up at him before looking back at the screen.

Isaac’s words rang through Levi’s mind and he scowled. The last thing he wanted was to be jealous of a computer but Levi thought his feelings to be justified. Caleb spent half of his day at school and the other half staring at his computer’s screen. Levi could not help but envy the computer.

And anyway, Caleb had these gaming friends that he kept talking to and Levi was ready to smash Caleb’s phone and computer.

He bent down and placed a light kiss on Caleb’s neck. Caleb paused for a second, obviously surprised by the other’s action and Levi smirked before he sucked on the skin. Levi’s hand went down to Caleb’s waist and went under the shirt. Caleb gasped when he felt Levi’s cold fingers graze his skin. Caleb leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.

“L-Levi,” He stuttered out and Levi’s fingers went further to Caleb’s chest. Caleb was not in control of his senses anymore and he moved closer to Levi.

Levi left kisses on Caleb’s exposed neck, sucking and biting and leaving marks on the other’s skin. His name coming from his mate’s lips was an encouragement for him to continue as he moved Caleb’s shirt to reveal his mark and began sucking on it.

“Levi...” Caleb tried to muffle his moans with his hand and Levi frowned at that. Before Levi could remove Caleb’s hand, the latter jolted and removed the headphones on his head and looked at the screen.

Caleb frowned and glared and Levi. “You made me lose the game.” He said.

Levi smiled. “Would you prefer to go back to your game or eat with your mate?”

Caleb put on a thoughtful look. “Tempting, I’ll decline.” He turned back to the screen.

“Caleb,” Levi called out and Caleb laughed.

“Kidding,” Levi said and let out his hands for Levi to carry him. Levi rolled his hands before carrying him and walking over to the bed.

Caleb remained in Levi’s arms when the started eating, forcing the older male to feed him. Levi smiled at Caleb’s clinginess, he preferred this to Caleb that clang to his video games.

“You’ll stay over right?” Caleb asked and Levi nodded. “What about Kace’s birthday, you’ll come for that as well?” Levi nodded once again and Caleb’s smile grew wider.

After they finished eating, Levi took the plates to the kitchen and washed them despite Aleisa telling him not to. When Levi walked back into the room, Caleb was playing another video game. Levi frowned before walking over to Caleb.

Caleb noticed his mate before stopping the game halfway and smiling sheepishly at Levi. Levi picked Caleb from the chair and moved him to the bed.

“I don’t see you as often as I should and would like to, I shouldn’t have to share you with fucking video games,” Levi said as he laid them down and pulled Caleb closer to his chest.

Caleb smiled unconsciously and wrapped his arms around Levi. “I also miss you whenever you’re not around,” Caleb said and moved closer to Levi’s lips before kissing him lightly.

“How’s Willow?” Caleb asked after pulling away.

“Uh...I haven’t seen her much because I’ve been so busy but we’ve been texting. Sounds like she’s doing fine, Charlotte got a job and they’re moving into the city soon.”

“Moving? Wow.” Caleb rested his head on Levi’s chest. “And you’re okay with her moving?”

Levi remained silent for a few seconds before speaking. “Yes. Willow needs a fresh start.”

Even if he would not see her as often as he wished, Levi was glad that Willow could have a fresh start, away from his brother. Besides he could always drive into the city and hang out with her.

“I need to get Kace something, don’t I?” Levi changed the topic and Caleb nodded. “Let’s buy our gifts together.”

“I already bought him a gift, Edward helped me pick out some Lego toys,” Caleb said.

Levi stiffened. “Who’s Edward?” He asked.

Caleb raised his head to look at Levi and raised an eyebrow when he saw the latter’s clenched jaw. “Don’t tell me that you’re jealous, you don’t even know the guy.”

“And what if I am? I’m just a concerned mate, I need to be aware of those hanging around my man.” Levi replied shamelessly.

“Edward is just a friend, he’s a cool guy. I’ll introduce him to you someday.” Caleb said.

Levi pulled Caleb into a kiss. Caleb's hands roamed down Levi’s body as the other held his waist firmly. Both of them kept up with the kiss, only deepening it with their tongues meeting.

When they pulled away Caleb had a goofy smile on his face.

“I want to make as much noise as my brother and Aleisa do.” He said with a playful glint in his eyes.

Levi shook his head. “I don’t want your brother to kill me... besides you have school tomorrow.”

Caleb smirked and ran a finger down Levi’s chest seductively. “School, is that your best excuse?” Caleb teased and leaned down to kiss Levi’s jaw.

“Caleb,” Levi called warningly. Caleb kept running his fingers down Levi’s body while leaving kisses on his neck.

Caleb’s hand went down to Levi’s trousers and he opened the zipper with little effort. He looked into Levi’s eyes with a seductive gleam and Levi groaned when Caleb grabbed him.

“Caleb.” He warned a low growl emanating from his chest.

“Don’t fight it.” Caleb teased before going down and taking Levi in his mouth without hesitation.