Chapter Ninety-Eight

After spending some quality time with Anthony, I let my Dad know he could come by so we could talk. Yes, I needed to reconnect with my mate and yes, we had some pretty fantastic sex. Having some sexy time with Anthony put me in a better frame of thought-a much better frame of thought.

I think Dad noticed the change in my head space when he came to our room to talk to me. I led him over to the sitting area of the room so we could talk.

"What's on your mind, Dad? Is it about how little I ate at dinner? Or are you going to give me a pep talk about tomorrow?" I asked him point blank.

"Am I really that transparent?" Dad replied as he sat down.

"Yes, you are Dad. My stomach is settling down. I'm feeling a little better. I hate having to confront Michael tomorrow but I'll deal with it. I'll suck it up like I always do. It also helps that Anthony is showing me that I am worthy of nothing but love," I shared as we got settled on the couch.

"And don't you forget that. You are loved by many, many people. Not just your family. Remember I told you that after you know who rejected you. There is a long line of people who would do almost anything for you-you know that right?" reminded Dad.

"I know Dad. And the list begins with Elder Hawkins and his mate Astrid if I'm not mistaken. I remember that even Alpha King Matthew told me if I ever needed anything to let him know. Dad, that's not the problem here. Like I told Mom earlier today. My problem is that I am going to have to tell everyone once again what he did to me. Michael made me feel weak Dad. I know I'm not weak but … he made me feel …weak," I sniffled as I was trying not to break down once again.

"Oh Mellie, you are not weak by a long shot. You are one of the strongest she-wolves I know. Don't ever forget that. I am so proud of you. As far as Michael goes, after the trial, you won't have to ever worry about him again. He will be taken care of. The European Council will see to that," assured Dad with a bear hug.

"Thank you, Dad. Please don't worry too much about me. Okay? I'm going to be fine. I just need to work through my emotional state. I might not eat a lot for a day or two, just bear with me for a day or two, okay?" I pleaded with my Dad.

"Okay, I promise. But just so you know, your Mom will worry no matter what. It's in her job description," joked Dad. "Okay, I'm going to leave you alone with Anthony. Get some rest, well as much as you can tonight. See you in the morning."

"Good night, Dad. Love you," I professed as I hugged and kissed him goodbye at the door.

"I thought he would never leave," cooed Anthony as he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind and started kissing me from my ear to my mark.

"Mmm … that feels ssssoooo good. Don't stop," I purred as I turned around to capture his lips with mine in a heated, passionate kiss.

"Come, my beautiful mate, let me show you how much I love and adore you," purred Anthony as he picked me up. I wrapped my legs around his torso so he could carry me to the bed. Anthony gently laid me down on the bed and proceeded with his sensual assault of my body. Boy can that boy kiss. His touch sends me into a whole other realm of pure unadulterated bliss.

We spent the rest of the night loving each other, after we took care of Austin, of course. We showed each other just how much we loved and cherished each other. Anthony wasn't going to let me forget that I was worthy of nothing but love.

We drifted off to sleep in the wee hours of the morning. I needed some sleep if I was going to face Michael. Since he had been stripped of his title, he was no longer the same person. I knew that he was a shell of who he was but still, I had to see his face. That's what bothered me. Those eyes-I had to look into his eyes. Eyes are the windows to the soul. Is his soul still just as dark as it was?

It doesn't really matter if his soul is as dark as it was, he has to answer for what he did. End of story. He killed one of my babies, assaulted me, kidnapped me, and is an accessory after the fact in the death of the wolves from the transport. Death would be too easy for him.

When we awakened the next morning, I felt like I didn't really sleep at all. I didn't feel refreshed. I took care of Austin before I took my shower and prepared for the day. We met everyone for breakfast at 8 AM. Mom was quick to wrap me up in a hug.

"Good morning my girl. Let me know what I can do to help make your day easier. Love you, Mellie," whispered Mom as she hugged me.

"Love you too, Mom," I replied as I released her hug. "Just continue to love me. That's all anyone can do for me right now."

"You got it," Mom answered me with a cheerful smile. "How's Austin this morning? I didn't hear him last night."

"He's doing great. Melanie's already fed and changed him. His appetite's increasing. He's going to be a strong and healthy boy," professed a very proud Anthony to everyone in the room.

"Spoken like a proud papa," chuckled Dad.

"Well, he is a proud papa. So far, Austin isn't showing any signs of silver poisoning. That's our biggest worry that somehow the silver poisoning affected him in some way. Hopefully, it didn't," explained Mom.

"Yeah, not to mention Melanie was supposed to have twins. Not a single baby. Let's not forget that," fumed Danny to no one in particular.

Yes, let's not forget that. Now my already 'bright' mood has even gotten 'brighter.' Yay me! I just sighed and stopped eating. I was done with the conversation and everything else. I excused myself from the table and went to the bathroom. I needed a minute by myself to compose myself. I told Anthony in our link that I was okay but I needed a minute alone. He said he understood. No one came to bother me.

I lost count of the minutes I was in the bathroom. I finally came out to find Anthony right outside holding Austin in his arms. I embraced them both. He knew that I needed them both at that particular moment. I was lucky I didn't lose Austin that day-he was and is my miracle baby.

We returned to the table. Danny was quick to say, "Mellie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you like that."

"Stop apologizing Danny. I've mentally prepared myself for today but it wasn't easy. I have to repeat everything to a room full of people today including that he killed one of my babies. It's going to be a tough day, but I will make it through. I have no choice," I declared as I caressed my son's face gently and kissed Anthony's lips gently.

"We will be here for you every step of the way. Sophia has already told us they have everything ready for you including a gallon of chocolate ice cream. We will help you, you have my word, Mellie," declared Uncle Vladimir vehemently.

"Thank you," I replied meekly.

"I believe it is time we must depart. We cannot be late," declared Uncle Vladimir.

We all left the dining room so we could exit the villa. We had to climb into our vehicles and travel to the castle where the trial was going to take place. I was dreading this day but I was also anticipating it. I wanted this day done and over with. The sooner we got Michael Halstead taken care of the sooner we could move on with our lives.