Chapter 54

Toby’s POV.

“I’m some kind of a monster, no better than he is.” Annie cries into my chest while I stroke her back, comforting her. At her request, I marked her while on the plane this morning, so I can feel the turmoil inside her. She’s going through so many emotions it’s like a rollercoaster on steroids. It’s killing me, but I better understand how I can help her.

I comb her hair over her ear and she flinches. “Annie, look at me.” Her tear-filled eyes reach mine. “You’re not a monster. You just lost control, he’ll heal. He’s probably already awake and tormenting the hospital crew. I had no idea you were going to punch him, but when you did, I was so proud of you. You stood up for Xavier and showed him that he messed with the wrong female. More importantly, you showed him that he doesn’t scare you.”

“But I’m terrified of him.”

I shake my head. “No, you’re not. You’re terrified of what he’s done, but you will never let him hurt you again. You showed him just how strong and resilient you are. Now that you’ve stood up for yourself, he has no power over you, unless you let him into your mind.” I place my hand on her cheek and she leans into my touch. Touching is baby steps, but as long as she’s looking at me, she welcomes the touch. She flinches if I surprise her.

“Why did the Goddess pick me to be your match? You’re too good, Toby.”

When she doubts her worth, it’s torturous. She used to be so confident, but he killed that in her. I’ll bring it back to her, I’m determined. “Because you’re incredible, Annie. My Annie. I couldn’t imagine anyone else being my mate, my queen. The Goddess knew exactly what she was doing pairing us. You’re the one that’s too good. Would you like to take a walk in the garden?”

“I would like that, but first I want to spend time with Flora and the pups at the orphanage. Would that be alright?”

“Of course. Whatever you would like to do.”

Annie softly smiles. “Let me wash up a little, then we can go.” I give her a nod and she slips into the washroom and I lay back on the king sized bed to wait. Annie requested that we stay in the same room to show that we’re united, it’s the same one I had last time I was here. She’s nervous about sleeping, but we’ll figure it out when the time comes.

Annie looks refreshed with her hair falling softly down her back and her face clear of tear marks. I stand to welcome her into an embrace. She has light makeup, just enough to enhance her already beautiful face. She also changed out of her travel clothes and into a summer dress. Her neck clearly displaying my mark. That alone makes me elated, I can’t wait to bear hers. Her eyes sparkle when I caress it with my thumb. “This mark is much better.”

She truly smiles for the first time since we’ve been together. “You have no idea. I’m proud to bear your mark, Toby.” Her eyes drop to my neck then back up to my eyes. “I’m sorry it wasn’t the traditional way. I feel like I’ve taken that experience away from you.”

“Don’t feel that way,” I tell her. “It doesn’t matter to me how it’s done. I just want you to be happy. Now that I’m connected to you I know better what you need.”

Annie watches my eyes as she pushes my suit jacket off my shoulders. “Sit down, please.”

I take a seat on the bench with my hands on my thighs then she steps between my legs. Her eyes are locked on mine and her trepidation washes over me. “You don’t have to be nervous with me, Annie. Not ever. I will never judge you or think badly of you. I love you wholeheartedly.” Her shoulders relax and she nods. She loosens my tie then unbuttons the top two buttons. Slowly her fingers dip into my collar and she moves the shirt aside. My mouth opens slightly as I realize her intentions, and I tilt my head to give her the freedom she needs. Her nose is slightly cold when it touches my skin as she inhales deeply with a soft hum. I’m shocked when her tongue lashes out against the skin of my neck. Before I realize it, she bites down, marking me as hers. A euphoric moan escapes my throat and Annie softly giggles.

“I feel you, Toby. I feel how much you cherish me,” she tells me then licks the mark clean.

I wrap my arms around her body, this time she doesn’t flinch away. I push all the love I have for her through our now-formed bond. She sits on my leg and wraps her arms around my neck and rests her forehead on mine. Her eyes are filled with unwashed tears, but they’re not sad tears. They’re tears of love. She presses her lips to mine and kisses me. Her tongue lightly traces my lips, then she pulls away. “I love you too, Toby.”

I place my nose to her neck and inhale. Her scent is lightly floral and sweet like pastries. She giggles when I lick her mark. I place a kiss there then stand her off my lap. “Let’s go visit Flora.”

“I need my cloak, it’s in the other room.” She nibbles her lip and I feel she’s uncomfortable going in there. Fortunately, Shaun is staying in there. I link him and he brings it right away. She slips into her cloak and I throw on my shades and we walk through the pack hand in hand. No one bothers us with the spells embedded in our items.

Xavier and Callie are playing together on the other side of the river. Annie and I wave then continue on. Annie knocks on the door of the orphanage and Flora answers. “Oh, Annie!” They embrace warmly and Flora leads us inside. “I was hoping you would visit. I’ve been so worried about you.” She steps back to let us in.

“Flora, this is Toby.” Flora hasn’t noticed me so I remove my shades and she actually looks at me. I remember meeting her when I was young. Her mouth slightly opens and Annie continues. “Toby is my mate.“

Flora’s mouth completely drops as she looks between us. “Praise the Goddess. I knew that sneaky Alpha was up to something. Claiming to have two mates is utterly absurd. Oh, Annie. I’m so relieved you got away from him. And your real mate is our king, I always knew you were special.”

Multiple voices sound off just before a large group of mostly teens rushes into the sitting room. Annie greets every one of them with hugs and her love for them is almost overwhelming, but I smile knowing they all love her just as much. Flora invites us to stay for dinner then we all play silly games.

Annie is exhausted but she doesn’t want to leave the orphanage. Finally, Flora sends the group away to get ready for bed. “You too, Annie. I know you love us, but you need rest too.”

She giggles but gets to her feet. “Alright, Flora.” They embrace with so much shared love that I feel bad for separating them.

Flora gives me a squeeze. “You take care of my sweet girl.”

“I promise."

Annie looks at me with warmth in her eyes and in her heart. “He already does, Flora,” she says with a yawn.

“Alright, get going. If we don’t see you before then, we’ll be at the challenge.” Flora shoos us out the door giving one more hug to Annie then we walk back to the Alpha house.

Annie bites her lip as she stares at the bed. She’s already changed into her pajamas. “I’m going to shower. I’ll make sure you know it’s me before I lay down. You can put up pillows as a barrier if that will make you more comfortable.” She nods then slides in between the covers, hugging the edge. I tuck her in then kiss her forehead.

When I return from my shower, Annie is in the same place, but she’s hugging a pillow with another between her back and my side of the bed. “Annie, I’m lying down,” I whisper, but she doesn’t stir so I try again. “Annie, it’s me. I’m just going to lie down.” I crawl into bed, facing her, so if she opens her eyes, she can see my face and not some random male’s body. My eyes become heavy, but just before I fall asleep, Annie turns over and pushes the pillow away. She snuggles into my chest, her nose seeking my neck. I lay still, not knowing if I should pull her close. When she scoots closer and there is zero room between us, I let go of my worries and close my eyes, letting our natural pull do whatever it wants. There’s no point in fighting it when we’re sleeping. With my thoughts in order, and my mate settled, I slowly drift off.

I jolt awake from the sound of a crash. Annie startles from my sudden movement and she looks around, her eyes catch mine and I see her visibly relax. “What was that?”

“I don’t know,” I answer. “Stay here, I’ll check it out.”

“You son of a bitch!” We hear Julian yelling. I forgo changing and just rush down the stairs. My circle is also responding to the disturbance, Jeremiah and Shaun are already at the bottom of the stairs, and Ryker is directly behind me.

“Sounds like Alpha’s home,” Ryker comments as we race down the stairs.

Julian is facing off with Gilbert. He’s still pretty banged up, but he’s able to walk. Jeremiah is holding Julian back, while Shaun is between the two raging cousins.

“You’ve got a lot of nerve Julian. You’re not an Alpha, you’re a spoiled toddler. All you do is push your way around screwing everyone else over in the process.” Gilbert is angry, but he’s still in control.

“Fuck you, Gilbert! What the fuck would you know?” Julian yells.

“I know a lot more than you think. Who do you think the pack comes to for help, it sure as shit isn’t you. Alpha,” he sarcastically growls that last word. “I know all the shit you’ve been pulling and how you used a charm to screw around behind your mate’s back. Or how you banished an 18-year-old because you tricked her into thinking she was in love with you. I know you hid the fact that your mate, the Luna killed four females out of jealousy and you did nothing about it. You killed an innocent doctor, leaving three girls orphans. You raped an innocent girl, using a spell to make her think you were her mate. Guess what, Julian, that girl is not only the true mate of our king, but she’s family to me. That girl is now my niece, I love her like she’s my own sister!”

“I didn’t rape anyone!”

“I beg to differ.” Annie’s sweet voice pipes up from behind me and everyone looks in her direction. I reach my hand back for her to take. She softly squeezes my hand then steps beside me. “I told you no, but you refused to listen to me. I never wanted anything to do with you regardless of the fake bond you threw on me. No means no. Not once did I give consent. I turned away from your advances. I detest you. You’re the scum of the earth.”

I hold Annie closer to me and she lets me, seeking support from my strength. “Your treatment of the pack is enough for me to remove your title. Raping a member of your pack is a sentence of castration. I would be more than willing to carry out your punishment, however, you were challenged.” Julian’s jaw clenches, but I continue. “Since you were knocked out at the time, I’m telling you now. Gilbert will be opposing you at noon the day after tomorrow.”

Julian’s head snaps to Gilbert, his eyes nearly glowing with fury. He’s completely filled with rage and his body begins to tremble. “STAND DOWN, JULIAN!” I command. Julian whips his head to glare at me. I step forward so I’m directly in his face, I’m a few inches taller so I’m looking down on him. “I would gladly tear you apart limb from limb for what you’ve done to MY MATE. Fortunately for you, Gilbert claimed the challenge before I got the chance. YOU WILL STAY IN THE WOODS UNTIL THE FIGHT. THE ALPHA HOUSE IS OFF LIMITS TO YOU.”

Julian spits at my feet, but I don’t flinch “You dare keep me out of my own house? I’m the Alpha.”

“And I’m the king. Now get out of here before I rip your fucking throat out.” Jeremiah starts shoving Julian out the door that Shaun holds open. I turn to Annie. “Are you alright?” Everyone quietly clears out of the foyer leaving us alone.

Her hands are shaking and that turmoil is overwhelming. “I will be someday, Toby.” I raise my hand so she can watch as I place it on her cheek. She takes a deep breath and leans into my touch. “Thank you for kicking him out of here. Just the sight of him turns my stomach and makes me feel like throwing up.”

“I can’t have that, I’m still trying to get you healthy. Let’s get you some breakfast.” Annie nods and we enter the kitchen hand in hand. Maxine is already cooking a buffet worth of food, but Annie leaves my side to help her. I spot Ellen at the top of the stairs biting her lip. “Are you joining us?” She shakes her head and disappears back into her room.