“Scarlett’s with them.”
I nodded, slowly opening the door. Instantly I heard Mom wake up, her heart rate quickening.
“Kia?” She whispered.
“Mom.” She switched the lamp on, and I saw that Kataleya was sleeping in her arms whilst two heads of black hair were on the other bed. I smiled at Mom; she looked so relieved to see me awake. I quickly hurried over to her and hugged her tightly.
“Thank the Goddess,” her hushed voice whispered, kissing my cheek.
I moved back, looking at Kataleya. Clean, no bruises and seemingly at peace… I crouched down by the bed, running my hand through her hair and kissing her forehead softly. I closed my eyes as I rested my head against hers. She was safe. She was home…Goddess, thank you…
“How has she been?”
“She woke up crying a short while ago, so I brought her to my bed,” Mom replied, running her hand through my hair.
I looked into her soft sage green eyes, knowing she was doing her best to control her emotions. Growing up, I often felt like Dad was too protective and, don’t get me wrong, he was very overbearing, but when I became a mother… I realised why; the fear of losing a child or of them getting hurt was terrifying… just the way Mom was relieved that I was okay. I totally understood that.
“I’m fine,” I said softly. She nodded, cupping my face, and I placed my hand over her pale one. “Thank you for letting me go. I know it was hard for you, too.” She didn’t reply, nodding. I knew she was trying to controlher tears. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you too, baby,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around me once again as a very quiet shuddering sob escaped her. I closed my eyes, my arms around my baby girl and my mother. For a few moments, we remained like that until Mom moved back, wiping her tears. “Goddess, Kia, I don’t cry,” she sniffed lightly.
“It’s okay to at times.” I smiled softly before kissing Kataleya gently. “I want to take her to my room.”
Mom nodded. I walked over to the other bed kissing Skyla and Azura tenderly. Azura was a messy sleeper, just like Aunty Indigo. Her arms and legs were sprawled all over the place. I tucked her in slowly, careful not to disturb her, and caressed Skyla’s hair. She wasn’t the type to speak up about things that troubled her. I just hoped she’d be okay. We all would need time to heal from this. I stood up.
Baby, take Kataleya to our room?I mind-linked Alejandro, who was at the door. His sharp piercing eyes met mine, that sexy, arrogant pout on his face, and his clenched jaw only added to how handsome he looked. I knew he wanted me, but he was going to have to wait for tomorrow…
I made my way down the hall to Dante’s room whilst Alejandro took Kataleya to our room. I opened the door slowly, and, as expected, Dad was up in a flash, his eyes blazing in the dark.
“Kiara.”
“Dad,” I replied, walking over to him. I left the hallway door open to cast some light in the dark room. He hugged me tightly, and I smiled up at him.
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m perfectly fine,” I answered, pulling away after a moment and going over to Dante. His aura filled the room. Seems like his necklace was removed. His eyes fluttered open, frowning as he looked around before realising it was me, and a small smile graced his lips.
“Mama.”
“Baby.” I pulled him into my arms, wishing I could do something about those veins that covered his body.We’ll find a way.He hugged me tightly before I moved back and cupped his face, planting a kiss on his forehead. “I missed you,” I whispered.
“Me too… I’m glad you woke up.” I nodded.
“Me too.”
I sat with him for a few moments, settling him back down and promising that we’d talk more in the morning before bidding both him and Dad goodnight. I returned to our bedroom, where Kataleya was fast asleep in our bed. The lights were on dimly, and Alejandro was standing near the window, which was slightly open, smoking a cigarette.
My eyes ran over his body, my heart skipping a beat when he glanced at me as I entered, closing the door quietly behind me. I walked over to him, wrapping my arms around his waist, very aware of his manhood against my stomach. Goddess…
“Did you see him?” He asked, his eyes hard and cold. I frowned.
“Yeah… I did…” I remembered asking to see the Crimson King… wasn’t I shown into an office? Then what? I placed a hand on my neck and shook my head. “I can’t remember,” I whispered. His frown deepened, his eyes flashing as he squeezed my ass.
“He probably made sure you didn’t remember… do you remember anything?” I pondered over what happened, but it was just… empty.
“I remember demanding to see him… then walking along the hall… and then I was in a fight…or something happened because I was hurt…”
I unwrapped my arms from around his waist, pushing my hair back as I turned away. Why the hell couldn’t I remember? It was frustrating. They must have done something.
