by Milly Taiden
“That’s great. It will be so good for the children to have a stable home environment without any violence.”
“Yes. And she said she’s going to keep him away from them. Seriously, Morgan. We can discuss this all later when you get here. Maybe go see your mom again and I’ll get to cooking in the meantime.”
Morgan’s brows flew north. “You’re cooking? But it’s like 3 a.m.”
“So? I’m starving now that I and my stomach are fully awake.”
After she hung up the phone, she went to the other end of the hallway where the waiting area was. Tor stood inside, looking out a window at the darkness on ground level. She stopped at the door and watched him from there. There was something strangely soothing about him. Not just because they'd been incredibly intimate.
He had touched parts of her with just talking that nobody else had before. She was already half in love with him and it scared the crap out of her that in such a short time her feelings had gotten so involved.
The hardest and scariest part to swallow was that no matter what happened, she had to find him a mate. He needed a woman his dragon was compatible with and would spend eternity loving him. The thought alone stabbed at her guts.
She’d try to help him and his brothers find their mates meant to help them continue their race. She didn't know if she could stand the idea of giving Tor to anyone else. It turned her stomach to think of watching him fall in love with someone else. The very thought broke her heart.
He turned to face her, his eyes bright with his animal. Without saying a word, he walked up to her, pulled her into his arms and held her.
Chapter Twenty
She should fight it or at least try to pull away. Her heart couldn’t get any more attached to him. Who was she kidding? She wanted forever with a man meant for someone else. He might not be hers, not today, not ever, but she’d never turn from his touch. He gave her a peace she’d never found in any other man. With her emotions so raw, his arms were exactly where she wanted to be.
“How are you holding up?” he asked, sliding his hand into her hair and rubbing at the back of her skull. How he knew she had so much tension back there was beyond her.
“I'm good,” she said, slipping her glasses off her eyes and pressing at the bridge of her nose. She shoved them in her bag, choosing not to wear them from the headache she felt throbbing at the back of her head. “Do you think she'll be okay?”
He inhaled and that pressed their bodies closer together. She heard his heartbeat, loud and strong, under her ear. He felt so good.
“Yes, I've spoken to the medical team and they will make sure she's back on her feet in no time. The doctor said she’d be asleep all night so it’s best if you go home and get some rest.” She heard the worry in his voice. “I know you probably don't want to leave her, but I can't leave you here. If you stay, I'll stay.”
She shook her head and leaned back from his chest. “I’m going home to rest. Lexi’s waiting for me and I’d hate to leave her waiting when I already agreed to come over.”
“Okay. I’ll take you to her.”
He cupped her cheek and tipped her chin up so she could look into his eyes. “There's something we need to talk about. What I told you about doing anything to keep you is the truth, but I might not be able to and there’s a reason. As much as would like to change things, there are powers stronger than me at hand.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Your mother came to us because she wanted protection.”
She gasped and widened her eyes in shock. “What do you mean? I didn't realize she was in trouble.”
He shook his head, his eyes bright with his dragon’s fire. “She wasn't looking for protection for herself. She was hoping to get us to keep you safe.”
She frowned and shook her head. “I don't understand. Why would I need protection?”
“Because Sayeh and the Noir attacked every single mate that has ever come to light and gotten the mate mark in our history and dwindled our species to only a few of us.”
“I know, you told me that. It still doesn't explain why I would need protecting.”
He stared deeply into her eyes, holding her so close, it was as if their clothes weren’t there. “You’re to get a mate mark. She saw it in her visions and knew your life would be in danger. So she called us so we’d protect you since you’ll be getting the mark of one of my brothers.”
“No!” She yanked herself away from him and stumbled back, her whole world reeling and rushing around her in sickening speed. “Your brothers?”
He nodded. “I’m sorry, Morgan.”
“I have no marks,” she murmured. “I can’t be a mate. I would've seen it. Felt it. Something!”
He took a step toward her but she held a hand up. She couldn’t allow her strained emotions to get out of hand. She’d tell him how she felt if he pushed just a little and she didn't need the pity.
He stopped and spoke softly to her. “You are. Your mother assured us what she said was true and I could tell if she’d been lying.”
Her mother never lied about her visions. But why her? And who would she be mated to?
“I need to get out of here. I need to breathe.”
“I’ll take you home.”
She nodded quietly and went outside where the hospital valet handed him a set of keys to his SUV. Someone from the private helicopter site had brought the vehicle over when they left it behind. She got in the passenger side and stayed quiet the entire ride to her home. Luckily, he didn’t press her. She wouldn't have been able to handle anything else from him. Not when she wanted more than anything to be his.
When they got to her house, he pulled out his overnight bag and followed her inside.
“Hey!” Lexi rushed over from the kitchen to envelope her in a hug. She gazed worriedly into Morgan’s eyes. “She’ll be okay. I’m sure of it.”
“The guest room is down the hall. Last door on the left. There’s a bathroom attached,” Morgan said without looking at Tor. He marched away in silence. She waited until his door had shut before she fell on the sofa and covered her face with her hands.
“Morgan, baby,” Lexi whispered, her voice wobbly with tears. “What’s wrong? What happened since I last spoke to you?”
“I’m one of their mates. It’s why Lara wanted me to talk to them. It’s why he’s been protecting me.”
“What?” Lexi gasped. She squeezed Morgan's hand and made her look up to meet her gaze. “How’s that even possible?”
“Mom had one of her visions and instead of telling me about it, she called them to take care of me.”
“Good god. Your mother just loves doing things backwards.”
“Tell me about it. And he said I’m supposed to mate one of his brothers,” she said, the lump in her throat growing with her words. “But how can I when…”
Lexi curled her arm around Morgan's shoulders. “When you’re in love with him.”
Morgan held back the tears, but that didn't stop the pain in her chest from making her feel like everything was being ripped out, leaving her hollow.
Chapter Twenty-One
Tor felt like his world had ended. He needed her to know the truth of why he’d been protecting her. That didn’t stop his feelings for her. He didn't know how to explain things better to her. He wanted to tell her that he didn’t care who she was mated to, that he loved her and wanted her for himself.
But he did care. He’d never keep one of his brothers from their fated mate and the truth was once she got the mate mark, she’d feel the growing desire and love for her mate. It was a given. Besides, he'd never live with himself if he kept her and her mate apart only to watch them both die. He couldn’t do it. Not to her and not to one of his brothers.
He didn’t know what to do and at the moment couldn’t stop to figure it out. She’d mentioned she wanted to go to her office to see clients so he’d stay in the vicinity. He knew her building was well guarded since she handled some very high profile cl
ients and children of celebrities from around the world. They sent their kids to their small town so nobody would know they were undergoing therapy.
He dressed quickly and hurried to his vehicle to wait for her. Except she was already there waiting for him. She wore her hair back in a low ponytail and had a cream pantsuit on with flats.
She didn't meet his gaze, but he scented her sadness and it tore him apart. He shouldn't have said anything. He should've kept his mouth shut. She'd had enough to deal with already with her mother, but he knew she deserved to know.
Once they got to her office, he rushed to get her coffee and something to eat. He’d noticed she’d declined everything Lexi had offered to give her that morning while he got dressed. He dropped the food off at her office, noticing the smile on her lips even when she’d tried not to meet his gaze. A man and a little girl stood outside her door when he was walking out. He headed down to the lobby to wait out his time on the leather sofas and seating areas.
His cell phone rang and a quick look showed his brother had finally reappeared.
“Jae?”
“Tor, how’s everything going with Morgan?” Jae asked without preamble.
He inhaled hard, thinking of how poorly he’d slept knowing she was a few doors down and he couldn't be there, holding her. “So far so good. She knows she’s going to be one of your mates.”
“Your mates?”
“One of the brothers.”
“Not you?” Jae chuckled. “Do you not think she could be yours?”
He wanted to believe that so fucking badly but knew that would only lead to heartbreak if she wasn't. Best to get used to the idea of her belonging to one of the others now.
“No. Not me.”
“You’re still not over Sylvana, brother? You’d let her destroy your chance at happiness?” Jae asked with a sigh of frustration.
“We don’t know whose mate she is. I don’t want to grow attached to her,” he lied. He’d grown more than attached. He’d fallen in love.
“Ah, Tor. You forget, I know you. I know the man and the dragon. You’ve kept Morgan all to yourself and growl at others who even look at her.”
“Ker’s a busybody,” he growled.
Jae chuckled. “He is, but he loves you. We all do. Why can’t she be meant for you?”
“I’d rather wait than get my hopes up.”
“Your emotions are already involved and as far as I know, so are hers, so do yourself a favor, let someone else guard her until her mark shows up.”
“No,” he roared. The idea of going anywhere and someone hurting Morgan made him see red. “I can take care of her.”
Jae sighed. “This won’t end well, Tor.”
He didn't give a fuck. He’d never felt one-tenth of the care and concern he felt for Morgan with Sylvana. With her he’d been young. All lust and sex. Morgan held his heart. Her body lured him but her innocence, her eyes, the purity of her soul captured his heart and trapped him. He’d fallen for the curvy therapist and he could only hope to enjoy every second they had together until she got her mate mark.
“How’s your search for a mate?” Tor asked.
Jae growled his displeasure. “I don’t know why I had a feeling to search this side of the world, but nothing has come of it. I did see a beautiful spot, quiet and solitary, perfect for a cabin.”
“Let me guess, you bought it.”
Jae chuckled. “You know it. The sight alone soothed my dragon. There were so many trees and foliage, I was able to lay out in my dragon without worrying about anyone nearby seeing anything. It's on a mountain. The beaches are fucking amazing. Wait ‘til you see it.”
Tor could imagine how the place looked. He’d traveled enough of the world to know the Philippines had beautiful beaches. They had a great many contacts in every country in the world they used for business. Money ruled and the Drachen family had enough of it. They might be running out of time to enjoy it, but they had a lot of money.
“I need you to stop by the bank,” Jae told him. “Niko is waiting on you now. He’s handling some new investments for us. Check out the paperwork and then sign if you think it’s a good deal.”
He glanced at his watch and knew Morgan’s first client would be a few hours. He decided now was the time to do what Jae needed since Morgan was busy with one of the children. His gut told him to stay, but there was security all over the place. She’d be fine for a short while.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Morgan sat across from Isabelle and spoke to the little girl who’d become like a daughter to her. Her own body reminded her she needed kids soon. She wanted them badly and the urge only grew with time.
“How has it been at the new house, Isabelle?”
Isabelle shrugged in her little black cardigan and swung her Mary Janed feet on the sofa. “Okay, I guess. Aunt Sara tries really hard to make me feel comfortable.”
She sensed Isabelle was holding back and understood. Having been abducted twice due to her father’s high profile job and net worth, plus watching her mother get killed trying to stop the abductors had really destroyed the child.
“Where’s Daddy, Isabelle?” she asked and took notes. “Is he still not coming to see you?”
She shook her head and the flood of pain the child felt at that moment almost choked Morgan. She put her pad down and got down on the rug, pulling the little girl into her arms. Shoving her glasses up over her head, she made an effort to hold Isabelle tightly to her. “I’m sorry, baby. Your daddy loves you, Isabelle. He’s scared of anything else happening to you. He doesn’t want to lose you.”
Isabelle sobbed into Morgan’s suit jacket. “I wanna see my dad.”
Morgan nodded. “I’ll make it happen, baby.”
She held Isabelle while the child cried her little heart out for long moments until she finally ended in soft, quiet hiccups. “Doesn't he want to see me?”
“Oh, baby, yes. He loves you and wants to see you but when adults get scared, they do stupid things, thinking they are protecting the ones they love,” she said, thinking of her own mother and how she’d sent Morgan away, hidden her away and locked her feelings up because she thought it was best.
A knock on the door indicated the end of the session. Morgan helped Isabelle clean up before she went back to her driver who waited at the door for her.
Once Isabelle was gone, she marched to her desk and picked up the phone to dial the little girl’s father. He’d made it very clear he’d be available for anything she needed at any time. He wanted his daughter to be safe and hopefully forget the trauma from the abduction.
Morgan had been able to slowly help Isabelle put the pain and memories into a box at the back of her mind. She still had knowledge of what happened, but the pain had been dulled and the memories made hazy. It was her father’s lack of visitations that hurt the child more than anything.
“Ms. Polley, this is Kevin Malcolm. What’s happened? Is Isabelle okay?”
She heard the genuine concern in the man’s voice, which made this easier, but she knew he was scared for Isabelle. She’d felt his fear the moment of her first meeting with him. Like a pair of hands choking out the air from her lungs and every time she managed to get any oxygen in, it was a foul and bitter scent.
“Mr. Malcolm, I just want to tell you that Isabelle needs you. She misses her father and her therapy is otherwise going very well.”
“I don’t know if it’s a good idea for me to go over there. What if they find her again?”
“Mr. Malcolm, I’m going to make this very clear. You’re seeing your daughter. You’re going to make arrangements for her to live with you again and you’re going to do this because I know you love her.” She took a deep breath and turned to glance out her glass window. “I know you have her best interest at heart, which is another reason why you’re going to do this. Isabelle’s therapy has been going so well, but her missing you reminds her every single day of her loss of her mother. If you truly love your daughter, you’re going to take
her back with you.”
“Ms. Polley, I just don’t want to lose her again,” he choked. “With my wife gone, she’s all I have left.”
She swallowed hard, she expected this. “Kevin,” she said softly, “she needs you. She loves you so much, and she thinks you forgot her. That you don’t want her near you. Trust me, you don’t want her to grow up with that as her reality. Because even if you know it’s not true, it will be true to her.”
“I love Isabelle.”
“I know. That’s why I am telling you, please, come visit her and take her home. But I have some requests. You need to spend alone time with her, here, at the house with her aunt. You can’t just come take her back. She needs to trust that you want her with you again. She needs to know you love her and you genuinely want her to be with you.”
“But—”
“No buts, Kevin. You’ll hire the best of the best to guard your house and you’ll ensure she has the ability to be a kid, because living in a prison, no matter how beautiful, is still a prison. She needs to be a kid. To have fun. To play. To be loved by her dad. Let her see that she might have lost Mom, but you’re going to love her twice as hard for the both of you. She needs it. You need it.”
“I’ll fly in tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Mr. Malcolm. This is the best thing you can do for her. Trust me. She will heal a lot better knowing she’s got your love and support.”
“Thank you, Ms. Polley. I will do that.”
“Have a great day, Kevin. She’ll love seeing you.”
She hung up the phone lightheaded, shaken and weak. Her back felt hot. Nausea rolled up her throat. She hated feeling so vulnerable but this was normal with clients in pain. She felt their pain and it took a toll on her.
She had a half hour between appointments. It would take that long to get herself back to normal. Sitting on her office chair, she turned to face the window that overlooked the back alley and the forest not more than two streets away.
