Owing
Dante
It's been a month since that prick Jonas called that meeting notifying us about Destiny's existence. I can't stand the man, but he's part of the alliance.
Destiny Hawthorne, even her name sounds perfect. It's now been thirty days that I became aware of her existence and since then, I've been stalking her slightly. I just want to get to know her and ask her questions, but I'm too much of a coward to approach her, just like I did with her mother. I was somewhat slightly afraid to go public with our relationship, too afraid of the repercussion.
Mixed couples are forbidden, especially within a pureblood family. The combination between an alpha and a witch is unheard of. Sure, they're used for our sexual release, nothing more and nothing else. If I had gone public with the true nature of our relationship, my pack would've been exposed to an open challenge for the position of alpha—which required killing your opponent. Plus, Maureen would've been executed or sold to the highest bidder.
I found out she died five years ago, from Tyler Snr. Only after finally finding the courage to ask him about her since Camille is aligned with his pack. Even that was no picnic in the park, he all but snarled out the information, but I didn't blame him since it's deserving.
I'm also aware that Destiny has been living with the Jefferson's for months now. It all started to make sense of German's behavior at times, even though I knew of his mate being pregnant. He'd received a few odd phone calls, then stated he has to go deal with a little demon and its master. I now know who he's talking about. I chuckle to myself. It turns out the 'little demon and its master is actually Destiny and her dog, a name well-fitting for him.
For the past three weeks, I've come to realize that she and that dog is extremely close. Not only that, but he's also not quite normal. For one, his wicked sense of smell, so I have to keep my distance at all times. I also had to inform my warriors to do the same as well and take precautionary measures in following them. I don't want either of them picking up on our presence. I'm yet to see or sense her powers and often times, I wonder who is her father. Each time I thought about it, I get a bit angry. I can't think of Maureen being with anyone else, but me. No matter how much of a dick I sound, she was mine.
She and Greyson's son, Tyler Junior have been getting really comfortable with each other for the entire time too. Caught them kissing in the park yesterday. It took a lot of willpower not to go and strangle the bastard for touching my daughter. Yes, I said, daughter. I don't know why, but I feel the urge to protect Destiny each and every time I lay my eyes on her.
Keep telling yourself that! My subconscious sneered at me, and I winced. Deep down I know it's true, in all honesty, I'm jealous of the young alpha. His boldness to be kissing a witch the way they were, brought back uncomfortable memories for me. Maureen and I didn't have the luxury for public affection, not like now is any different from back then.
Tyler Greyson just didn't seem to care at all about his social standings within the community.
"You're thinking about her again, aren't you.” Goddess, how much I appreciate this woman I call my wife.
When I had first returned home immediately weeks ago, I informed Anna about Destiny only for her sister to come bearing the same news, hours later. Anna and her sister, Hope, always felt responsible for what happened to the Hawthorne's. So it's a relief for them to know that somehow Maureen survived.
Sighing, I speak up.
"Yeah," I whispered.
"Destiny's really beautiful honey, and I truly believe she's yours. But if you really want closure, you're gonna have to face her," Anna declared.
She's right, but how can I?
"How can I approach an eighteen-year-old girl who probably lost the only parent she had ever known? It'll just bring up painful memories, she might not want to relive baby.” I replied.
Crawling onto my lap, snaking her arm around my neck, giving me a breathtaking kiss before pressing her forehead against mine. "I can help you, I'll go with you and give the strength you need to face her." Jesus. I love this woman. I really do. She always has the right words to say.
"Why would you do that when you know, If she turns out to be mine, people will talk?" I question. I really want to know, but her answer, however, shocks the hell out of me.
"I not only owe Destiny but ever since you told me about her, I look at our boys and can't imagine any of them living without one or both of us. As for other people, I could care less what they think. What Destiny thinks, is what matters." She proclaimed in confidence.
I smile at her because she always knows just what to say. A true Luna indeed.
"What do you mean by you owe her?" I inquired before I could forget. Anna lets out a shaky breath and sighs.
"When I was sixteen, I was ganged upon by a group of men. I thought for sure my virginity was gone and it almost happened. I was slapped a couple of times so hard that I tasted blood," she recalls gulping rather harshly. I sit back, waiting for her to go on as she tries retelling everything that happened.
"When two out of the three men held me down, the one who had torn my panties was suddenly flung aside. The one on top of me was tackled to the ground. That's when I saw a woman along with a young girl about my age, standing in front of me with a protective stance. The girl tried to help me up, but my legs were too weak and wobbly, I could barely stand on my own. They both helped me and brought me to a house. I was cleaned up, given a fresh set of clothes and some herbal tea to calm down my nerves." she added.
She was almost raped. Shit. How the hell did I not know?
Instantly cuddling Anna in my arms, I try to coo and rock her gently from side to side. "And you know what's so funny," she retorts humorless. I hum in reply, wondering what she thought was funny.
"The woman followed me halfway home. The only reason she didn't follow me all the way home was because I didn't want to get her in trouble since she was a witch and I'm the daughter of a prestigious family. So she only moved when I was fully at the door. I told my parents about what happened and my father slapped me across the face, stating I must've done something for the guys to feel that way towards me." Anna adds chuckling drily.
"I later found out the woman and the girl was no other than, Edith and her daughter, Maureen. She was the one who tackled the guy on top of me. So, you see, it's not all about you here honey ."
I kiss her with everything I've got and looked deeply into her golden eyes. "Yes. I'll do it and I want you there right beside me." She beams from ear to ear and I chuckle.
“If I knew you were this dumb, I would've chosen your sister for my son instead of you.” my mother's voice declared, slicing through the happy atmosphere and Anna goes tense in my arms.
“Don't you know how to knock,” I grit out.
“I'm going to check on the boys,” Anna mutters, scurrying out of my lap.
“You do that since none of them bears my son's mark,” my mother spits out, causing Anna to freeze at the door.
Letting out a furious growl, I leap at my unexpected mother—grabbing her throat, slamming her into the wall. “You talk about my children, or my wife like that again…..I'll. Kill. You.” I growled.
“Dante! You're killing her,” a frightened Anna shrieks out.
“Do we understand each other?” I question, but she just scratched my wrist. The action only made me tighten my hold. “I asked you a question!” I snapped, my canines ripping through my gums on full display.
Her eyes widen, and she begins to nod her head. Only then do I release her.
Coughing, she dry heaves on the floor. “You can't claim that girl if she's yours, it'll ruin us.” she wheezed and sputtered.
“Fucking watch me!” I growled animalistic.
It's high time I find out if Destiny Hawthorne is actually a DeLuca. I just need to know if she's mine or not. But, I know she is, my instincts say it all. Plus, it's high time I let go of my past and focus on the future.
I'm done feeling guilty.
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