Angel Blackwood(66)

I gesture my hands to the Pack house. “This is the first place that made me feel like I had a home and a family again, but it doesn’t feel that way anymore. My parents aren’t even around anymore, they’re always busy with pack stuff. Thank God for Nixon.” I shake my head when I hear the low growls coming from their throats.

“I don’t know what I would have done without him,” I say, looking from the one to the other.

“You would have been fine without him,” Tyler scoffs.

I shake my head.

“You did fine without him before,” Talon says.

“I had you two then. Even after the attack and the way I distanced myself from both, I still knew you were there for me. The moment I came back and you two found out I was your mate, you both totally shut me out. The roles are diffrent now, yet I still crave your acceptance.”

Tyler takes a step forward, but Talon pulls him back and away from me.

“You never talked to us! You kept so much from us and you’re still keeping shit from us now! Did you think you could just walk back in? That everything would be sunshine and roses?” Tyler’s voice echoes over the lake, but I refuse to cower away.

“Not once did I ever expect sunshine and roses, Tyler. I told you why I did what I did back then, why I kept my distance from you after the “attack”, but you have it drummed into your stubborn head that everything that comes out of my mouth is a lie. As for the secrets I’ve got now, they’re none of your damn business, you don’t need to know shit!” I glare at him as my anger rises, but Talon’s angry tone interrupts.

“Everything that concerns you is our business. I know you don’t think that, but you need to start. We are always here for you, whether you believe it or not. Even after everything that’s happened, Angel”

My eyes go wide as I try my best to contain the energy that is circulating and seeking release. I can feel the tingling start to build, and I blink away hoping my eyes don’t shine. I know I’m seconds away from loosing my cool.

“Here for me?” I look at Talon then Tyler. “Here for me? Where were you when I started to turn for the first time, Huh?” I look at Talon and watch him gulp, then again at Tyler. “Where were you when my bones were breaking as I lay on the muddy forest floor scared out of my mind not knowing if I was going to survive?”

Looking back at Talon I say, “You weren’t there when I had to learn what heat was…” I look back to Tyler. “…and you certainly weren’t there when I thought I was going to burn from the inside out. I thought it was gonna kill me. Either that or I was gonna jump Nixon, with or without his permission. Thank-you, Talon for at least being there for the short time that you were. I know you couldn’t give a shit, but your presence did help a little and for that I’m grateful. Even though you felt it necessary to tell me every fucking minute that you didn’t want to be there.” Talon’s eyes are now glassy, he doesn’t look like the big tough guy he usually portrays. I want to hold him and tell him not to be sad, but that’s our bond talking, so I restrain myself from jumping into his arms. Tyler stands firm, and even though I can feel his sadness, he continues to portray that stoic, perfect and unfazed appearance that he has down pat; his attitude only increasing the anger i am feeling.





I let out a deep growl as I reach to pick up my shoes.

I move to run fast them but Talon grabs my arm.

“Angel.”

I can feel the wind in my hair and know it’s time to leave; if only for their safety. I look up to meet Talon’s eyes. When he see’s mine his jaw drops and so does his hand.

“What?” I growl, feeling my eyes shining at their brightest.

I shake my head and lift my head up to look at Tyler. “I’m done with this.” I turn and run my hardest into the woods, clutching my shoes in my hand.

“Wait!” Tyler’s roar doesn’t stop my hurried steps as I run. I can feel them running after me, but it only fuels my desire to pick up the pace and run as fast as I can in the direction of Noelle.

I may be a physically weak she-wolf when I’m up against other wolves, but I know I’m one of the fastest runners in this pack, both in my human and wolf form.

I’m aware of the moment I lose the twins when I hear Talon and Tyler’s howls in the distance. I know they won’t come near the witch’s camp, so this is my safest bet. Taking my usual route, I climb over the wall and make my way towards Noelle’s. Her door is always open and I walk right in to find her waiting with a cup of sweet ice tea.

“You knew I was coming?” I ask, breathlessly but smiling as I try to catch my breath from the long run.