Chapter 23 Chapter Twenty-Three
Malakai laughs. “You cheated.”
Feigning innocence I throw my hand over my heart “Me cheat? I would never.”
“Uh huh.” Malakai says laughing. I look around as he carries me away from the front door.
“Where are you taking me?”
“We are going through the side door.” Malakai says as he walks quickly.
“Why? No one ever uses that door.”
Malakai smiles. “Exactly. I’m not going to let anyone see you like this.”
Rolling my eyes, I smile to myself. I love his possessive side. His warmth envelopes me as I snuggle into his chest, even in human form he is much warmer than me. We step through the side door, of course Malakai had to make sure no one was around before going inside. I expect Malakai to set me down, but he doesn’t. He carries me all the way up to my bedroom and gently sits me on the bed. A chill sets in without his warmth and I shiver.
“Here” Malakai says grabbing my fluffy robe.
“Thanks.” I say smiling. He kisses me softly lingering longer than usual.
Malakai smiles as he rubs my cheek with his thumb. “Get some rest angel.” He turns to leave, and I grab his arm pulling him towards me.
“You aren’t leaving.” I say matter-of-factly.
His eyes shift around the room quickly as if he’s searching for something. “Your dad is going to be here early tomorrow angel. What if he catches me in here?”
I shake my head stubbornly. “I don’t care if he does catch you in here, you aren’t going anywhere.”
Malakai laughs his face softens as he stares at me. “Okay angel. I am going to put some sweatpants on and be right back.”
“You don’t have to.” I say winking. Malakai laughs as his face turns red. Did I just make Malakai blush? I have never seen him blush in the whole eighteen years I have lived. I loosen my grip on his arm. “Hurry back to me. Okay?”
He nods as he heads down the hallway. Today feels like a dream. Malakai comes back into the room wearing a pair of gray sweatpants and holding a black t-shirt. I pull the t-shirt over my head and curl up under the covers with Malakai.
The next morning, I wake up to an empty bed around six. Jumping out of bed I check my bathroom but it’s empty. I run to Malakai’s room but he’s not there. Panic shoots through me and I run down the stairs. Why did he leave without telling me?
As I hit the last step, I hear voices coming from the kitchen. I fling the door open ready to yell at Malakai for not waking me up before leaving, but I stop in my tracks when I see my father.
“Dad! You’re home!” I scream as I run and jump into his arms.
“Mija. I missed you. Happy Valentine’s Day!”
“Happy Valentine’s Day dad, I missed you so much.” Tears fill my eyes.
My dad frowns. “Don’t cry mija.”
Shaking my head, I try to hold back the tears. “I am just so happy your home.” I sniffle.
Dad pulls me in for another tight hug, before grabbing a small pink box off the counter. He hands it to me and gestures for me to open it. Ripping the shining silver ribbon off the top, I quickly open the box. There is a charm bracelet with a tiny wolf charm made of pink diamonds. “I love it. Thank you, dad.”
“You’re welcome mija.” He smiles and helps me put it on my wrist.
I watch as the small charm glimmers in the light. Taking a closer look, I notice it has gray eyes like mine. My dad has always picked out the best gifts for me. Malakai and dad resume their conversation and I look at my dad closely for the first time since he got back. He looks very thin. His normally black hair is speckled with gray hair. His eyes look tired and there is a black circle under them.
My father looks sick. Alphas don’t get sick though. He probably hasn’t been eating enough or sleeping well. That is going to change, he is home, and I am going to make sure he rests properly.
Malakai and my dad are talking business, so I head back up to my room to work on some homework that’s due in a couple of days. I crack open my English book and lay on my bed. We are reading a story about the Great Werewolf Massacre that happened hundreds of years ago. My father has been teaching me about the massacre since I was a kid, so I really don’t need to read the story, but I need the distraction.
With my father being back home Malakai and I will really only be able to see each other at night, and since I can’t go to school, I don’t know how I am going to pass the time. My phone rings making me jump. I don’t know why I have been so jumpy lately.
“Hey Lucas.”
“Well hello my lovely date.” Lucas says in a chipper tone. Date? What is he talking about.
“Huh?” I say confused.
There is a quiet pause. “Oh shit, I think it was supposed to be a surprise. My bad.”
“What are you talking about Lucas?”
“Your dad invited me over later for a Valentine’s Day party. You are my date for the evening. My mother is ecstatic.” Lucas laughs. I can picture the eye roll on the other end of the phone, making me laugh.
“Well, I guess I will see you later then, you better be here on time. A good date is never late.” I say jokingly. Lucas laughs and hangs up.
Malakai’s voice comes from the doorway making me jump again. “Who do you think you are going on a date with?” he asks, eyes black with rage.
“You scared the shit out of me.” I say breathing heavily. “Lucas will be here later for some Valentine’s Day party my father is throwing. Apparently, my father asked him to be my date the party.” I shake my head laughing. My father is determined for Lucas to be my mate.
“Is that so?” Malakai asks with a blank expression.
I walk towards him. “It’s not like it’s a real date. You know me and Lucas are just friends.” His face remains blank. “If it was up to me, I wouldn’t even go to the party I would stay in bed with you.”