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“If you need me, I’ll be right here with the monster.” I nod and pat him on the chest as I follow Cole out the back and close the door behind myself. I find Cole sitting on one of the couches with his elbows resting on his knees, he lifts his head and when his eyes meet mine a sigh escapes me. I move toward him and drop down in the couch opposite him, the look in his eyes has my stomach twisting into knots. He looks so defeated and the accusation in his gaze tells me everything, he heard Creed and I last night.
“You just gonna let him waltz back in and forgive him for everything?”
“What do you want me to say Cole?” I steeled myself for his response, He glares at me and throws his hands into the air.
“That you’re better than that, you’re not a doormat sweetheart and that’s how he’s treated you!”
“It’s my choice!”
“And you’re making the wrong one!” I stand and so does he, we glare at each other, neither of us willing to back down.
“It’s my mistake to make Cole.” I whisper. He reels back like I slapped him and shakes his head.
“I expected more from you sweetheart––“
“No!” I shout. “You do not get to do that; he is the father to my kids––“
“I fucking know.” He roars while pounding his fist against his chest. “I was there! Me. Not him, I was the one that was there for you and the twins.” Tears flow down my cheeks; Cole and I have never fought like this and the fact that he is throwing what he did for me and the twins in my face is breaking my heart. “Shit.” He mutters as he steps forward, I put my hand up to stop him, but he knocks it out of the way and wraps his arms around me. I sob into his chest; he drops his chin on top of my head. I feel my tears soaking his shirt and I can’t bring myself to care, he holds me as I breakdown.
“I-I’m sorry.” I hiccup, he sighs, and I feel him shake his head as he pulls back and cups my face. He smiles down at me sadly, he runs his thumbs under my eyes to dry my tears, but they continue to flow.
“You haven’t done anything wrong sweetheart; I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I love you don’t get me wrong babe, I know he is your mate, and your love lies with him. I want you to be happy and if you can look me in the eyes right now and tell me Creed is it for you, then I’ll back off and try to deal with whatever this is thing between you and him.” I hold his gaze as I say.
“I love him Cole, I know we started out shit, but I want to make things work with him. I want Harlem to have his dad––“
“But what do you want?” He cuts in, the hope in his voice guts me. I steel my spine as I take a breath and say the words that I know will destroy him.
“I wanthimCole, I’ve always wanted him, I was just in denial about it. I never meant to hurt you or give you the wrong impression I swear, but I had always held out hope for Creed. He and I aren’t perfect, and we still have a lot to figure out, but I want to figure it out withhim. I love you Cole but not in the way you want me to, I’m so sorry.” He inhales sharply and nods, a slow sad smile spreads across his face as he looks down at me. His thumbs stroke across my cheeks in an intimate way but I don’t have the heart to bat his hands from my face.
“Then…. I won’t stand in your way. I want you to be happy sweetheart and if my brother is the one to do that for you then so be it. You and I will always be good and don’t expect me to change the way we interact because of him.” I smile hopefully up at him and my heart swells when I see nothing but the truth in his eyes.
“Never.” He leans down and places a kiss against my forward and pulls back, he wraps his arm around my shoulders as he leads us back inside. All eyes turn to us as we enter the room, Creed looks at me questionably, I smile with a nod, the tension in his shoulders flees.
“Just so we are clear, Jess said I’m hotter and if it wasn’t for the mate bond, she would have gone for me.” I choke on air while the others snort and laugh at Cole’s stupid statement. My eyes meet Creed’s and I’m shocked when I don’t see anger in his gaze, I just see mischief and happiness. I really hope these boys can fix their bond because I know they love each and would take a bullet for the other.
“Brother, she was not screaming your name last night.” I freeze and my eyes widen in shock, my brother begins to choke and Zeke smacks him on the back while chuckling. Callie lifts Harlem from his seat and motions for Sky to stay here. I look over to Cole and expect him to leave, but to my dismay he remains seated, a wide grin splits across his face and he wraps an arm around my waist and hauls me into his side.
“Babe, how many times have I told you it’s not nice to fake an orgasm?” I feel the blush coating my cheeks, I turn my head toward Ro, I swear if my brother were a bull, you would see horns literally growing out of his head, he points an accusing finger between Creed and Cole and scowls at each of them.
“You fuckers! Shut up now or I swear to Christ I’ll make your faces beat up my hand!” Both Cole and Creed break out into uncontrollable laughter. I pull away from Cole and head toward Sky but pause at my brothers’ words. “If I ever and I meaneverhear you moan anyone’s name or make fuck me eyes from across the table, I’ll kill your mate and his demented brother.” I smile sheepishly and decide to quickly scurry out of the room to find my son, the guy’s laughter follows me out, but warmth fills me as I hear Sky’s words.
“Keep it up, she will kill you dickheads while you sleep, and I’ll be the one to help her bury you.”
Chapter Sixteen
Credence
Jess and I stand outside the black container home with Jess’s hand clutched in mine, Cole, Cairo and Zeke are with us. I didn’t want Harlem to be here, so Sky and Callie offered to watch him and take him over to my parent’s house. Cole and I still have a lot to work out, but for now we’ve decided to put our shit aside so we can figure out what the hell is going on with us. Cole mentioned his temper has been rampant and his wolf has been on edge as well since we came ashore. Dread pools inside me but is immediately replaced by anger.
“Ouch!” I snap my gaze to Jess and quickly release her hand when I realize I was nearly crushing it.
“Fuck, I’m sorry princess I didn’t mean to––“
“I know, it’s okay but how about I just stand beside you and not hold your hand I kind of don’t want you to break it.” I nod my head still annoyed at myself for hurting her again, it appalls me that I’m standing outside the entrance of Davina’s house, but I have to figure out what the hell is going on with me. The worst part is, I didn’t have the heart to tell my mom that I was meeting Davina today. I know she doesn’t say it but being near Davina makes her feel insecure and she worries we will choose our egg donor over her.
“Let’s get this over with, being here is giving me hives.” Jess scoffs but doesn’t rebuke Cole’s claim, we make our way around the back and find Davina sitting at the table with a pitcher of…Lemonade, really? “Wow, I feel like I’m 4 and mommy has made us lemonade for being good boys.” I smirk, Cole hates Davina as much as I do and neither of us are willing to give her an inch. Vince narrows his eyes slightly but remains quiet, Davina motions for us to claim the empty seats around the table. Cole and I position Jess, so she is between us, Ro gives me a thankful nod and sits at the end of the table opposite Zeke. I lean back in my chair and sling my arm around the back of Jess’s chair. We sit in tension filled silence for a long while, with Davina darting her gaze between me and Cole, Jess releases a sigh when Davina’s gaze lands on her.
“Since the guys won’t say anything, I will. Is there something on this island that could mess with a shifters temperament?” Davina looks to me and cocks her head to the side, her eyes assess me, making me feel vulnerable, The way she’s gazing at me makes me feel like she can see straight into my soul.
