Page 69 of His Sunshine Baby

“Damian worked himself to the bone so we could eat. I had to take care of the house and we both made sure Liam kept going to school. We lived in fear of our father, even more so than the other packs. If anyone else was scared of seeing him, imagine what it was like for us to live with that monster.”

“So you… all three of you hated him?”

“To the core. There wasn’t one of us he didn’t beat. He sent me to the hospital twice, and almost killed Damian so manytimes. We barely kept Liam safe. Yet, he was still injured a few times too. Trust me Elena, that man, no one misses him. We are nothing-- nothing-- like our father.”

I silently nod. This is the first time I’m seeing Nate with such a dark expression on his face. For a while, he stays lost in his thoughts, in memories probably too dark to imagine. I spent my childhood looking for who I am, while Nate spent his trying to escape who he was.

“I always dreamt of that day we would be rich, free of any worry. Truth is, as you grow up, you realize how far you’ve come but also how it never ends. Like, you can have money, a bed, a job, stability, and there is always something… something missing.”

He says that while looking at me, as if he was reading my soul. It’s a bit hard to breathe. Is it because I feel the same? This little piece of emptiness inside, that missing piece I’m so desperately looking for.

We stare at each other for a few seconds, before I can’t hold it anymore. I climb on his lap, straddling him, my hands around his neck, and I kiss him. Nate is a bit surprised at first, but as usual, he answers my kiss. Deeply, passionately. Like a dance we both know too well, so synchronized and entrancing. The taste of his lips is my personal drug, and more addicting every time I get a taste.

“Elena!”

The familiar headache takes me by surprise. My wolf growls, annoyed by the interruption. I’m annoyed too and can’t help but answer a bit angrily.

“What, Levi?”

“You’re not going to like this. Get to the Alpha’s house. Right now.”

“What? Why?”

“He’s fighting with Reagan, it’s nasty.”

Holy crap. I get off of Nate’s lap, trying to focus.

“What the hell? Why?”

“Your ex. He’s been spotted in the west. Diego is coming back, Elena.”

“Oh shit.”

You’ve got to be fucking kidding me! I jump off the couch under Nate’s confused expression.

“You have to go. Now.”

I storm to my bedroom and grab a pair of sneakers.

“Elena, what is it? Are you okay?”

“No, Nate, I’m not okay and I really, really have to go.”

I know he’s probably confused as heck, but I really don’t have the time. What do I need? My keys, my phone...

“What’s going on?” he insists.

“I’m sorry Nate, I can’t tell you. It’s complicated, it’s a pack issue and… Shit, where the hell are my keys?”

“On the kitchen counter. But seriously, Elena, explain this to me!” He stands up and follows me around. What the hell can I tell him? ‘Hey, my abusive ex is coming back in town and my mentor lost her shit on our Alpha’? No way. Pack matters are pack matters, and I especially don’t want Nate to know about this.

I finally have my keys in hand, grab my backpack, and put on my shoes and a raincoat. I grab my phone and finally force myself to walk up to him.

“Nate, I’m very happy you came to comfort me, and I spent a great day with you. I really did. Oh, and I loved the pizza too. But now, I really have to go and you do as well, please.”

“You’ll explain later?” He frowns, although he does go to gather his stuff.

“What? Yes, I mean, no. Well, maybe. I don’t know for now. Anyway, Nate, please!”

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