“Honey I don’t mean to pry but are you sure you’re okay? I know it isn’t any of my business but I couldn’t help but notice your eye and cheek all bruised.”
I didn’t know what to say, so I decided to stick as close to the truth as I could. “Uh, yeah, I ran into trouble with a guy. He wanted me to stay with him and I didn’t want to.”
She nodded and said, “I understand you don’t have to say anymore love. “
We sat in silence for a few minutes before Ivy started chatting away again. I learned that when Ivy’s husband passed away she couldn’t stay in their home anymore. Too many memories she said. So she bought this little place about four years ago. She didn’t have any kids but had wanted them. I knew there was more to the story but the sadness in her eyes stopped me from inquiring. She was kind enough to be considerate of my feelings, I could do the same.
I knew she was only thirty-eight and the home she lived in was paid off due to an inheritance her father had left her when he passed. It was kind of a sad story. She said her father raised her alone and he never spoke about her mother. She didn’t have any living family. I could understand what that felt like. Remembering when my mom passed and not knowing that my dad was alive, I thought I was alone in the world. I had never felt so lost or sad. Thank goodness I had Amber to help me. It sounds like Ivy didn’t have anybody.
Before I knew it I had walked over to Ivy and hugged her.
Letting go I said, “Ivy I am really sorry. I kind of know how hard that can be.”
I told her about my mom dying and recently a new friend. How I found out my dad was alive after eight years. I even told her about Amber, my best friend. I was surprised how easy and comfortable I felt with her. I really liked her. She was so personal and yet very vulnerable. I relaxed around her which wasn’t normal for me.
Lost in my thoughts when I felt Ivy’s fingers grasp my hand and squeeze, bringing me back to reality. “Well do ya have a boyfriend?”
I shook my head yes and then no. “I am not sure,” I said laughing under my breath.
“That sure is surprising seeing as how you’re such a pretty little thing.”
I blushed. “Thanks Ivy.”
We were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell.
“Ohhh.” I took off walking towards the front door. I went to open it but Ivy beat me to it. When the door opened fully I couldn’t help but smile. Not because of the surprise look on Ivy’s face but because my dad had come.
“Daddy!” I went around Ivy and put my arms around him hugging him tightly. I stiffened and he released his grip.
“Hey little dove, are you alright?”
I waited as he looked me over from head to toe. I nodded yes, “A lot better now that you’re here. I didn’t know you were coming to get me. I thought it was just Amber.”
He pulled me back into his chest. “I didn’t come alone. Amber and Enoc are both with me.”
I looked over his shoulder and was surprised to see Enoc and Amber standing close by. My dad let go of me and I was immediately pulled into a familiar warm chest. Enoc always smelled like fresh rain. It was now a comfort to me. I enjoyed his large arms as they wrapped me up in a possessive hug. The current of electricity passing between us was making my body come alive. His fingers reached into my hair as he twisted it around his palm. He pulled me closer. I closed my eyes and remained still; content to be in his arms. I was so overwhelmed with emotions I couldn’t help it, I started to cry.
He leaned down and whispered in my ear, “Olivia, my love it will be okay. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
I was taken aback by his tender words. I looked up into his blue gold eyes and saw only sincerity looking back at me. His eyes turned a bright blue when he reached up to trace the bruise around my left eye, his chest rumble in displeasure. I reached up and ran my finger down his jaw line.
“I’m better now that you’re here, really.”
He leaned down into my neck breathing in deeply sending shivers down my spine.
My knees were shaky but Enoc just wrapped his arms around me tighter. He loosened his grip when I heard, “Hey Romeo my turn.”
Amber interrupted us mock shoving Enoc out of the way. We reached for each other at the same time. We hugged and I cried some more.
“Amber I missed you. I was so worried about you and the car accident. Are you okay?”
“Me too, but it turns out it was just a mild concussion. You know me I heal fast,” she said with a wink. I let go but continued to hold her hand.
I soon realized that Ivy must have been standing there watching all of this, waiting for an introduction. Letting go I walked over to Ivy and put my arm around her tiny shoulders.
“Ivy I would like you to meet my father, James, my best friend Amber and my uh…” stuttering not sure what I should call him.
“I am Enoc,” Enoc said as he reached out his hand to Ivy. “It is a pleasure to meet you Ivy. Thank you for taking care of Olivia for us.”
Ivy reached out to shake Enoc’s hand. “No problem sugar, I was glad I could help. Come on in and we can talk. You must all be tired from your long drive,” Ivy said while motioning us all inside.
Dad responded “Yeah it wasn’t too bad, we were just anxious to get Olivia.”
I was so happy to see my father come for me. I knew how busy he was with pack business. I was overwhelmed with love for my dad, and the old and new friends surrounding me. It was the best I had felt in a long time.
I took a seat on the red sofa grabbing one of the throw pillows holding it to my chest. Enoc sat next to me while Amber sat on the other side. Ivy and my father each sat in a luscious ivory chair. I was so happy they were here. I watched as Amber laughed at something Ivy said. Amber casually glanced at my father where he nodded slightly, his brown hair falling into his eyes. I smiled when Enoc grabbed my hand. I motioned Enoc to look at my dad and Ivy. We watched as Ivy stole glances at my Father. Of course he was totally oblivious to the fact.
“Guys,” I whispered under my breath.
Enoc chuckled and poked my ribs in an attempt to tickle me. I grimaced but before he could say anything my father touched Ivy’s hand resting on the arm of the chair while asking, “Do you mind if I speak to Olivia privately?”
Stuttering she responded, “Uh, no problem Darlin’, you can use the room she slept in earlier.”
James smiled, stood up, and smiled at Ivy. I don’t think Ivy could have resisted the blush that crossed her fair cheeks.
I stood up walking over to my dad touching his large shoulder, “This way daddy.”
I wasn’t surprised to see that Enoc had followed us.
Once we were inside the bedroom I felt crowded. Having two extremely large men in the small space was a little claustrophobic. I looked around and climbed up on the bed crossing my legs. My father sat in the only chair in the room. He looked kind of funny because it was bright purple. Ivy really liked vibrant colors. Her house was decorated brightly but in a tasteful and classy kind of way that I could never pull off. I bet Emily would love her style. I watched Enoc’s facial expression change once he realized there was nowhere else to sit but on the bed.
“So what happened? How did you escape? Did they hurt you?” My dad asked.
Reaching up I touched the dove necklace and let the warmth fill me before speaking.
I told them everything except for seeing Jason and Chloe in the barn. Enoc reached out and touched my cheek.
“What about this?” I knew he would ask and I was dreading giving an explanation. “Uh, that was after Jeremy crashed his vehicle into sunshine. I guess Caleb didn’t like me fighting back. I only left with them because… because of what Caleb did to Grace.”
Both Enoc and my father looked confused. “What do you mean what he did to Grace.”
“Uh, I thought you knew.” I dropped my head my tears falling on the quilt.
“Olivia what did Caleb do?” My father asked.
Sniffling I answered, “Afte
r we crashed Amber was unconscious and Grace was in the cab. Jeremy pulled me out of the cab and I fought with Caleb. Dad… he was so angry that I attacked him. Caleb made me watch as Jeremy broke Grace’s neck.” I put my hands in my face, “They killed her and it’s my fault. They said if I didn’t go with them they would kill Amber.”
Enoc pulled me into his chest. I didn’t miss the look they gave each other.
“We didn’t know. We thought it was caused by the car accident. Amber couldn’t tell us anything.” My father paused before speaking, “You were very brave Olivia. Caleb didn’t need a reason to hurt someone it was just an unfortunate attempt to control you.”
“Are you serious? I didn’t feel brave. I felt helpless. A part of me wished I could have turned into a wolf and ripped their throats out.” I stood up frustrated.
Enoc reached out and gripped my hand pulling me back to the bed. I sat down gripping the blanket tightly. Anger coursed through me, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I could feel his calming energy course through me.
Soon I was calm enough to speak. “I was so worried about Amber I didn’t even know if she was ok.”
Enoc squeezed my hand, “She is fine and no one will hurt her.”
I squeezed his hand and another current of calmness passed through me. I was surprised to feel a new emotion other than electricity pass through me from Enoc. Looking up at Enoc he just smiled. I knew he knew something I didn’t.
My dad broke the moment between Enoc and me. “We will need to leave soon. We are in Caleb’s territory. He will have felt us enter his ground.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
James leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees. “I am saying that when an Alpha enters another pack’s territory energy is awakened. The energy an Alpha carries alerts the Alpha of the pack that someone has entered their territory. Caleb knows we are here. It will be twice as strong because Enoc and I are both Alphas. We need to leave.” He stood up making his statement final.
“What about Ivy? Won’t she be in danger?”
His eyes glowed. “Yes, she will. It was a risk I was willing to take, to get you back home safely.”
I stood up putting my hand on my hip. “She is a good person. She helped save me. We can’t leave her here unprotected.”
I watched as he ran his hand through his hair. “Fine, maybe she can take a trip out to the pack but just for a little while. I will invite her under the pretense of appreciation for helping you.”
I wrapped my arms around him in a big hug, “Thank you.”
He headed out the door but stopped when I requested, “Could you let Amber know I need to talk with her?”
“Sure,” and then he turned and walked away.
The cut on my back must have bled through.
Enoc pulled me into him and asked, “May I?”
He reached towards my shirt but paused waiting for a response.
“Okay.”
Enoc lifted my shirt up very gently, exposing my bruised ribs and back.
“Why didn’t you say anything Olivia?”
“I… I didn’t want you to worry.”
“I am going to kill him,” Enoc forced out through his tightened jaw. His sapphire eyes were an intense blue. I turn towards him reaching up cupping his jaw.
“Enoc, I am okay now. Look at me I am fine.” Enoc’s body was tense and he looked ready to explode. Before I knew what happened Enoc extended his claw and cut into his wrist. “Drink, please it will help you heal.” I couldn’t miss the desperation in his voice.
Could I really do that? I thought. “Enoc really I am fine.”
“Please I need to know you will be okay. My wolf is freaking out, please do this for me.”
I couldn’t tell him no. I tenderly reached out wrapping my fingers around his wrist. I could feel his pulse beat beneath my fingertips. He pulled me back against his chest. His arm across my body held me firmly in place. Very slowly I moved my mouth to his wrist. I rested my lips against his smooth skin. My tongue touched the blood and my taste buds exploded. It was warm and sweet. Not anything like I thought it would taste like. My eyes closed and I felt my heart pick up the beat of Enoc’s heart making us one. I swallowed and the warmth filled my soul. I felt Enoc’s chest rumble with pleasure, his hum hypnotizing. I swallowed a couple more times. Enoc very gently pulled my mouth away from his wrist. A whimper in my throat disapproved. I stood there overwhelmed by the intimacy of what he shared with me.
Enoc moved to stand in front of me. “Thank you Olivia. I… I needed to heal you.”
Enoc closed the distance between us. Reaching up he cupped my cheek making me look into his gorgeous eyes.
“I am sorry that I wasn’t there to protect you. The least I could do was help you heal.”
Little sparks of excitement streamed through my body where his fingers rested on my blushing cheek. My eyes widened as his eyes turned a sparkling blue his streaks of gold brightened like a star. I reached up and wrapped my hand in his soft wavy hair. His chest rumbled and my heart rate increased. His dimple winked at me as he smiled.
I thought, oh I hope he kisses m…. His mouth captured mine, leaving me breathless. My eyes closed and his hands move around my body. He pulled me closer and our bodies pressed together. His lips moved with mine, increasing as I melted into him. I struggled to get closer. I feel something in my heart open and it was as if I could feel what he was feeling and I burst with pleasure. Enoc pulled back barely away from my lips.
“Olivia, I. . .” but he stopped not finishing the sentence. I was vaguely aware of someone clearing their throat.
I felt the separation as Enoc pulled away from me. He kept a hold of me until I was able to steady myself. Enoc leaned down and inhaled next to the tender spot on my neck. Sending shivers down my spine when he whispered, “Mine.”
He smiled and walked away. Did he really say that or was it my imagination. I touched my swollen lips and exhaled. Amber stood in the hallway grinning like the Cheshire cat.
“Don’t even say it.” I squeaked.
“It,” she giggled walking into the room shutting the door behind her. “So what is going on besides yummy Enoc?”
I fell back on the bed covering my eyes with my arm. “I don’t know. It is all so new and I am scared with how I am feeling. I really like him.”
“But…” Amber drew out.
“I’m just confused about the Jason thing. It seems unfair to start something with Enoc when I can’t understand what is happening with Jason.” I peeked out from under my arm to gage her reaction.
“Why has something new happened with Jason?” Amber asked.
I was interrupted from responding by a knock on the door. Ivy popped her head in. “Hey sugar your dad wanted me to tell you we’re leaving in twenty minutes.”
“Ivy you’re going to come too, right?” I asked hopefully.
Ivy leaned against the frame, “Ya, your dad told me I could come and vacation at the cabin for a couple of weeks. He was very persuasive. You okay with that love?”
I stood up. “Of course, you’re a lifesaver.”
“Good because I haven’t had a vacation for so long. I thought why the heck not.”
Hugging her I said, “I am glad you decided to come.”
“Well I gotta go pack sweetie see you in a few,” she said as she turned to walk away.
“Okay see you in a bit.” Ivy shut the door and I sat back down.
“Ok, not much time so here is the short version. When I was escaping I hid in a barn. While I was in the barn I saw Jason hug and tell another girl, Chloe, he loved her.”
Amber’s mouth hung open, “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, he even told her to wait for him in their bedroom.”
“Huh, well there goes the sister idea,” Amber smirked. “How do you feel about it? Honestly?”
“Well honestly at first, I was a little annoyed because why is he kissing me and then professing to love her.”
&nbs
p; “I don’t mean to interrupt but aren’t you calling the kettle black.” Amber blurted out.
I was embarrassed by her true statement. “I know, I guess it was just a surprise. I was confused about Jason but I really do like Enoc. I am afraid this thing between Jason and me is going to mess it up. Maybe Jason feels the same as me. Maybe he really loves this Chloe girl but somehow this connection is messing with both our emotions.”
“So what do your propose?” Amber asked while grabbing my hand.
“I suggest we find out what the mark signifies and more about my mom. I hope that when we find out what and why we can know what is going on between Jason and me.”
Amber jumped off the bed and started pacing back and forth, “Look, I think you should guard yourself around Jason. Make sure that he doesn’t get close to your mark. I uh…I also think you should follow your heart. You should also be honest with Enoc about what is going on between you and Jason. I know you better than anyone. I would hate for you to miss out on what is right in front of you. I know you’re scared that if you let Enoc in he is going to leave you just like your dad did. I know Enoc and he would never leave you. You didn’t see him when you were taken. Even your father had a hard time getting him to calm down. He may not say it but he really cares for you. Plus don’t think I didn’t notice the connection between you two earlier.”
I jumped off the bed into her midstride, “I am scared but it’s not just that. I am afraid I will hurt him.”
Amber wrapped her tiny arms around my shoulders, “Just be honest with yourself and it will all work out the way it is supposed to. What is your heart telling you?”
I closed my eyes and wondered how I really felt. “In my heart I knew that Enoc was perfect for me. I felt it the first time I met him. I can’t explain it. Just a while ago for a small moment it was like we were one. Inseparable in that I could feel what he felt and vice versa. It tells me to stop analyzing things with Jason. Amber I think I love him and I am terrified.”
The Choice (The Choice Series Book 1) Page 14
