Chapter 90

Eleanor:

I smiled as I watched the family sit on one table, sharing a meal, and talking about the most random things. 

It was a while into the evening that we chose to sit in the living room. And for the first time in my life, I saw people who held no grudges against one another, if anything, it was the family that I always dreamed of having. It was something that I always wanted to see and yet, it was the one thing that I knew that I was deprived of. That was at least, until I met Killian.

The man said that he understood me, but he didn’t really realize that he truly was the savior that l always dreamed of having in my life. 

He had his arm wrapped around me, and though I was quiet throughout most of it, I knew that no one was feeling odd that I was joining them in one room when they didn’t know me.

I went to untangle myself from my mate’s arms, and he frowned in confusion, trying to process what the reason behind that was. ‘kitchen’ was all I mouthed and he nodded, allowing me to get up. 

I walked inside the kitchen and it was at that moment that I felt like I was more or less alone in this world, and had it not been for Killian, I knew that I would have been locked in my room, waiting for whatever Elton had planned on doing to me. The fear of going back there consumed me, and I sat on the stool, looking down at the table before Liana approached me.

“You have been off since the night started.” She said, and I smiled, shaking my head. One thing that I liked about Liana, was that no matter the conflicts, she seemed to know how to read my expressions easily. It was something that grew on me, and I couldn’t help but find myself thankful for her presence regardless of the issues.

“I am just lost in my thoughts, I guess.” I said, smiling when she put a glass of water in front of me. She sat beside me and I ran my fingers through my hair. 

“This used to happen to Natasha a lot when she learned about her father, what he did, and who he was.” She said, and I ran my finger over the glass. “She was in more pain than she could describe and she chose to stay quiet for long hours. She would sit, just like you are, when the kitchen was empty and the maids were tending to other things around the house.”

“My situation is not Natasha’s. At least she doesn’t fear walking out of the house in fear that she might find a psychotic ex coming to get her.” I said, and Liana smiled and nodded in understanding.

“Yes, and I am not saying that Natasha is anywhere near what you have been through. If anything, the pain that you went through is one that I wouldn’t wish for my enemy. But I know that it will be something that has shaped you to the woman that you are today.” She said, her voice softening. “You brought the good in our Alpha. You made him who he is today, and YOU made yourself who you are today. You shaped yourself to be good and strong despite all the pain that you went through. You fought to stand when others would have given up.”

“The woman that I see today is not the girl that I saw when you first came to the pack a few months back. I see a strong woman who stood for her right when she was facing her fear, and I see a woman, who despite the fear, her pain, and agony, saved our Alpha.” She said, looking me in the eye. “That is one thing that I want you to keep in mind and to understand when you find yourself fearing the man that hurt you.”

Footsteps were heard behind us, and I frowned in confusion. Both Liana and I stood, and she shook her head when she saw Nikolai standing in front of us. The man was never one to actually enter the kitchen when he didn’t want to see Natasha; therefore, for him to be here right now, I couldn’t understand what he wanted. Especially considering the fact that Natasha was in the living room.

“What can we help you with, Nikolai?” Liana asked, smiling at the man. I knew that Natasha loved him more than she even let out to him. The man, to her, was like her light, and the way she talked about him told me that it was more than just a bond between them. It was like they were two pieces meant to fit, and judging by how he looked at her, even in her worst of states, I could tell that the feelings were mutual.

“I actually came for Eleanor.” He said, and I frowned in confusion. “The Alpha asked about you as you took a bit longer than he expected you to.”

Liana put her hand on my shoulder, squeezing it gently, and I smiled before getting up from the chair. I wrapped my arms around the woman, hugging her tightly, and she smiled before taking my hand in hers and gently kissing my palm. My heart skipped a beat at her action and I kissed her forehead.

“You have no idea how thankful I am for being by my side, Liana.” I said, and she smiled.

“I told you, you are like my daughter.” She said, making me smile. “If you ever need anything from me, I am more than willing to listen, yeah?”

“It is something that I will forever be grateful for, Liana.” I said, and she smiled. 

“Now, go, don’t keep your Alpha waiting.” She said, and I smiled and nodded. I took a step back with Nikolai. He looked at me for a second and I crossed my arms over my chest before he put his hand on my lower back, pushing me toward the door, and I frowned in confusion.

“I thought that Killian was in the living room?” I asked, watching as he opened the front door for me. He smiled and shook his head at me before pulling out a white napkin and putting it on my face. I tried screaming out, but he simply tightened his grip around me, forcing me to inhale whatever that thing was. 

“I never did mention his name, did I?” He asked, his voice above a whisper as he asked. My vision blurred and my head felt heavy before he lifted me in his arms. “It is time to take you to your REAL Alpha…”