Chapter 6 Chapter 6

Anthony- “Let’s get you inside. I know it’s been a long day. My family is still waiting. I asked someone to bring you some hot tea to help calm you. You can do this. You are so much stronger than they know and so much more loved than they understand.”

We walked back to the house together. He reached out and held my hand as we walked. When we got to the door, he stopped us for a second. He kissed my hand before leading me inside.

King Luke: “There she is. Oh Anthony, thank you for bringing her back.”

Anthony- “Of course, I found her in the garden. I have assured her they will not be facing Alpha Michael and his people alone. We see her as family and that they have help.”

Queen Casey: “He’s right sweetheart. You have always been family. You are just like a daughter to us.”

Just as she said that a servant with my tea came in. She handed it to me, and it smelled like everything I needed. Honey. Lavendar.  Deliciousness.

Elijah: “Anthony, always one step ahead.”

He winked at Anthony and I swear I saw him blush.

Stephanie: “I am going to head to my room if that is ok. Today has been a lot and I have a feeling that as soon as I finish this, I will be out like a light.”

King Luke: “Of course sweetie. Your things are already there. Get some rest”

Thanks to our family connection, I had my own room here. My family spends so much time with the royal family that we all have our own rooms on the same floor as the royals. I changed and finished my tea, when there was a knock at the door. I knew who it was before I opened it. I could feel him on the other side of the door.

Stephanie: “Hey. Thanks again that tea was everything.”

Anthony: “I am glad. I wanted to comfort you in a way you might be comfortable with. I promise I won’t reveal what you told me unless you give me permission. Not even to my parents. You have a right to some things.”

Stephanie: “Thank you. I know it might put you in an awkward situation, but I am not ready to talk about that yet.”

A yawn escaped my mouth with the day finally hitting me. Anthony chuckled. He stepped forward very slowly, giving me time to stop him, giving me a kiss on my forehead and a embraced me.

Anthony: “Good night, my girl. Tomorrow, we take on the world. Together.”

He brought his hand up to stroke my cheek and then he was gone. I walked to my bed, still feeling where his hand had been on my face, the kiss he had gently placed on my head. What the hell is happening? Since when does he have feelings for me? Was this just the mate bond or was this from before?

I woke to my alarm. Seven am sharp. I knew I needed some normal in my life. I changed for my run and went downstairs. I went to the garden again, stretched, put my headphones in, and ran. This was my way. This was what I needed.  Run. Push myself. Let all my frustrations and thought out while running. My mind started to wander, and flashes of my childhood started to come. The yelling. The shoving. The slapping. The crying. I was in a haze. Just running. When I finally stopped, I couldn’t breathe. The world was spinning. Suddenly there was a water bottle in front of me and a hand grabbing mine. Anthony. I took out my headphones and just looked at him.

Anthony: “Did it help?”

Stephanie: “It was until the flashes came again. I realized I will never know her. I will never see the woman who gave me life. Who fought for me. Betrayed by the man chosen for her. Destined.”

Anthony: “We will find out about her. We can talk to other members of the pack and get to know her. Get to know the mother and woman she was.”

I was silent. He knew. He thought about it.

Anthony: “That will also never be us. I would never do anything like that to you. I meant what I said last night. I want this. Us. I know we said we would wait till after the mate ball, but I want you to know my intentions. I have a mate. I have you. I have no interest in anyone else.”

I was shocked. I am standing here a hot mess. Overwhelmed with life and he is saying he is choosing me. He isn’t running. He isn’t questioning. He has no interest in anyone else. I was speechless.

Anthony: “You don’t have to say anything.”

Stephanie: “I… I feel the same.”

We both stood there looking at each other. Hand in Hand. We both seemed to feel the mindlink push from Uncle Luke.

King Luke: “Everyone is arriving in 20 minutes. Get ready.”

I looked at Anthony confused. They weren’t supposed to be here till noon.

Anthony: “I am going to guess your parents didn’t want to deal with them either without backup.”

Stephanie: “Dad is probably just trying to make sure he doesn’t punch Michael’s lights out.”

Anthony: “He would for sure have my full support!”

Stephanie: “True but it would cause too many issues. I need to head back and get ready.”

Anthony: “Before you go, I have something for you. I have held it since your college graduation.”

He handed me a velvet box. I opened it and my breath caught. A necklace. A small silver arrow, a silver daisy, and a small heart. He pulled the necklace off to put it on me.

Anthony: “An arrow because I will always fight for you and with you, a daisy because it’s your favorite, and a heart because you have mine.”

I was baffled. He said he has had this since graduation. More than 5 years. Has he loved me that long? Nothing made sense.

Anthony: “I can feel you spiraling. The answer is yes. Go get ready before everyone gets here. I will see you later, my girl.”

He kissed my cheek and was on his way. I walked back to my room in a daze. I don’t understand. This was crazy. I showered and changed as quick as I could. I wanted to be comfy so I put on my soft pink sweater, jeans, converse, and light make up. I added my charm bracelet and threw my hair up. I took a minute to stare at the necklace before forcing myself downstairs.