Chapter 16

16. Back Home ALEJANDRO The sun was setting through the window , casting red and orange hues around the room . As much as I wanted to be by Kiara’s side , I was doing what I knew she’d want me to , be there for our pups .. ” How you feeling ? ” I asked , sitting down o n the sofa in the living room next to Dante , who was leaning back against the cushions , clearly exhausted . ” I’m completely fine , Dad . ” He replied , despite the red pulsing veins that covered his body . ” Yeah ? Glad to hear you’re not a fucking wuss , but you know it’s ok to fucking say i f shit hurts . ” I remarked lightly , reaching over and ruffling his hair .

He gave me a cocky smirk . ” Obviously , but I’m completely fine . I’m glad Kat’s back . ” He added , frowning slightly as he looked at Skyla , who was setting up the dollhouse for when Kataleya returned from her bath . Scarlett was showering her . We had been back an hour or so . After the doctor had checked her over , taking note of her injuries , she had then fallen asleep and had only woken up a short while ago . I was still to look at those reports , knowing they weren’t going to be easy to see . I knew I was delaying it , trying to build the courage I needed to face them . Skyla had been on edge wanting to see her twin , from the moment we had entered she had been beyond fucking ecstatic . Currently , Elijah was here , as was their pup , Azura .

Rayhan had taken Delsanra and headed home , I was fucking grateful for all his help . Everyone else had also returned home , apart from those working on finding that fucker . I knew Kiara had seen him , and Kat , but I was not going to question her , not when I knew that experience was fucking traumatic for her . Raihana did say she’d stop by if I needed her to , so we could probe Kat’s mind , but I wasn’t sure yet . She had managed to heal the most severe of her injuries before leaving . Guilt still fucking consumed me ; I was the reason this shit happened . On top of that , Kiara had been the one to find her , at the experise of her own safety . .

I fucking hated that I had failed my pups a and queen . ” So , Dad , we are getting pizza right ? ” Azura’s voice broke me out of my thoughts , and I removed my hand that was resting on Dante’s head . ” Are we ? ” Elijah asked her , raising one of his brows from where he was standing by the window , busy on his phone . I knew he was handling the search for now , telling me to take a break , not that the fucker took a break himself . ” Aren’t we ?

” I glanced at her , her eyes a little too suspiciously wide as she stared at her dad , looking like a fucking puppy . Azura Rayne Westwood , she may be known to the world as Elijah and Scarlett’s daughter now , but she was really the daughter of Indigo , Scarlett’s biological sister , one who died eight years ago .

The pup had almost died too , if one of their relatives with witch heritage hadn’t performed a spell , sacrificing her own life to place the unborn pup into Scarlett’s womb .

Indigo had been mated to a man from my pack … one who was fiercely loyal and efficient , yet he had been abusive … , Right under my nose , and I had missed it . Yeah , I knew he was a fucking shit show but Indigo still refused to leave him , but I had missed all the abuse . It had reduced Indigo to a shell of the woman she had once been . Looking at her daughter I saw the same fire in her that the young Indigo once had , and I hoped it remained .

Indigo had always had Elijah wrapped around her finger from when she was a fucking pup , and her daughter sure was the same . ” I’ll order it . ” He finished . I didn’t miss her victorious smile as she winked at Skyla . Right , so Lucifer incarnate had a say . Speaking of , she turned to me , giving me a devilish smile .. ” Is everything ok , Daddy ? ” ” 1 ” Yeah , sure is . ” Scarlett entered with my little girl looking normal , not a bruise or a speck of dirt on her , but we all fucking know the unseen effects remain .

” Kataleya ! Look what I set up . ” Skyla pointed to the dollhouse , brushing her hair back from her face .

She usually didn’t play with dolls often , everyone fucking knew this was an act of kindness towards her sister . Kataleya smiled as Azura jumped up . ” Come on Kat , let’s play . ” She stated , walking over to my pup and taking her hand confidently . ” Girls are so loud . ” Dante added , shaking his head .

” Dante , be nice , because I’m trying to be nice . ” Skyla shot back , narrowing her eyes . ” Play nice children , so I heard we are having pizza ? ” Scarlett raised an eyebrow , walking over to Elijah and tugging him down for a kiss . I stood up . ” Mind staying with the pups ? I’m going t o go have a smoke . ”

I remarked .

She nodded , although the look in he fucking eyes was almost as if she knew where I wanted to go , or more like needed to . Kiara was my real addiction and I needed her to feel fucking sane . The guilt inside o f me was only growing , and I needed a dose of Kiara before I saw my princess ‘ medical report . I walked through the hall , and up the stairs , heading to my bedroom . I opened the door , her scent hitting me like a strong dose of nicotine . Serena and Kevin were both in the room . ” Alpha . ” Kevin said , politely lowering his head . I gave a curt nod before looking at Kiara . ” Excuse us .

” Serena murmured as they left the room , the door shutting behind them with a click . I looked down at Kiara , the clear cut along her head still vivid , although the blood had stopped flowing . The blanket was draped over her , pulled up to her chest , her plump kissable lips slightly parted . I walked over to her , sitting down on the bed . ” Fuck , Amore Mio … ” I ran my hand tenderly through her hair , making sure not to pull at it . Despite it being cleaned up , there were still traces of dry blood that remained , making her hair stick together . The sparks of the bond danced along my hand and arm . .

I closed my eyes , inhaling her intoxicating scent that overpowered the distinct scent of whatever the doctor had used to clean her wounds . ” You found her … protected her , and I didn’t even get there in time to protect you . ” I murmured quietly . I know she won’t blame me , and I was still fucking pissed that she went alone , but I also knew she was the one who had found her , the reason our angel was back with us and that she was capable …. but still . Pretty fucking useless , that’s how I fucking felt … I couldn’t even protect my family . On top of that , times had fucking changed .

There was a time I would have found the bastard behind this and killed him slowly and fucking painfully .

I would have kept going , hot caring for anything but to reach my goal . But now I had priorities and responsibilities , to make sure my family was safe , and as much as I wanted to get the fuck out there and find the fucker , I couldn’t go and leave any of them behind . Kiara in this state , although the doctor said she’ll be awake soon , Dante … Kat … even Sky , who although she was acting like she was ok , was fucking affected by everything that had happened . I leant down , a few strands of my hair brushing her face as I touched my forehead to hers ever so lightly , not wanting to hurt her , the sparks between u s dancing across my skin . ‘

I fucking love you , Amore Mio … so fucking much . ” I moved back slightly , my nose brushing hers before I kissed her deeply . ” Wake up , so I can fucking punish you in the best fucking way for running off . ” I smirked , running my fingers through my hair , pushing it back and standing up . Time to go see my girl’s reports … I walked past the dresser , spotting Kiara’s wedding rings . I picked them up , and glanced towards the bed , my chest constricting at the memory of how we had parted that day I placed them down before I left the room , glancing at Kevin and Serena . ” Keep an eye on her .

” ” Yes , Alpha . ” Kevin replied with a nod . I left the mansion , heading towards headquarters . ‘ Callum , meet me at my office . ‘ I said through the link to the head doctor . I entered the silent building , although I knew there were people around , in the many different departments doing their duties . I glanced at the guards who stood i n position , attentive , alert and doing their job . Order . It was something I tried to keep , but when something came , it tore apart everything I had put in place . No matter how much you try , you can never be prepared for everything .

A question from earlier replayed in my mind as I thumbed in my passcode and entered my office , leaving the door open . Was Kiara safe , or had she perhaps been cursed ? It was a question that Elijah had asked , and it made me think just like Dante , she had been injured . But from what Raihana had said she wasn’t sure , she didn’t sense anything from her , but I had also refused to allow her to probe too far . This was the fucking problem , I couldn’t risk hurting more people no matter how desperately I wanted answers and wanted Kiara safe . Fuck , Amore Mio … I took out a cigarette and lit it just I heard Callum coming .

Fucker was slow . ” Alpha . ” He said gravely , when he appeared at the door , bowing his head . ” Skip that shit . Show me the report . ” I cut in , taking a drag on my cigarette . He hesitated , before approaching . ” Alpha , both I and doctor Jemimah were the ones to perform the examinations . The good news is , there was so signs of sexual abuse and doctor Jemimah confirmed that . ” A wave of relief washed over me , but from the look on his face , I knew there was still more . ” Pass me the file . ” 1 ” Do you mind if I explain it to- ” ” Take a fucking seat and I don’t want or need shit sugar – coated .

” I reached over , snatching the file from him , and sat backflipping it open … Several fractures in the ribs , a fractured collar bone , a fracture in her left leg , and both forearms … Her pinkie on the right hand had been broken . Bruised spine … Some had been partially healed …. it seemed she had used her arms to protect herself whilst being kicked repeatedly … There was a hairline fracture to her skull . It felt like someone was punching me repeatedly in the gut , cutting off my fucking windpipe … I swallowed hard . ”

Leave . ” ” Alpha , she will heal , her regeneration gene- “

” I said . Leave . ” I growled , trying to control my emotions . ” Alpha . ” I didn’t look up , clenching my jaw and focusing on regulating my erratic heartbeat . The door shut with a clic , and I closed my eyes , lowering my head . My daughter had gone through this … all o f this … The file felt heavy in my limp hold , no parent would ever want their child to ever be treated like this . Well , any fucking sane one …

My angel had gone through so much at the hands of that fucking bastard , I am going to rip him apart .

But it won’t change the past … it won’t turn back time . I It won’t take away that pain she had experienced … I had turned my back on her that day , if I hadn’t , perhaps this wouldn’t have happened .

Had I made a mistake ? I dropped the file , placing my head in my hands . How do I fix this ? Werewolf or not , no child deserves this . .

I get it now … What a father feels when his child is hurt … or if anyone tries to hurt them … The unfamiliar sting in my eyes made – me take a deep , shuddering breath . Fuck , Al … A light knock on the door made me quickly wipe my eyes roughly . Fuck this shit . ” What do you want ? ” I growled , knowing exactly who was on the other side of the door . He opened the fucking door like he owned the damn place . ” Did I give you permission to enter ? ” ” Did I say I needed your permission ? ” I glared coldly at the dickhead who gave m e a smirk that held no humour , his cerulean eyes as shadowed as my own . ”

What do you want , Elijah ? ” ” To see the report . ” He replied as if that was fucking obvious . Coming over and crouching down , he picked it up off the floor . I stood up , taking a long drag on my cigarette , trying to fight the agony that was ripping through me . I walked to the window , staring out at the shadows that had settled over the pack grounds . The sun was gone from the sky . Will my family ever be fucking safe ? ” Don’t blame yourself for this . ” ” I ” Fuck off . I left her that day … He sighed , and I could sense his irritation . ” Alejandro , you didn’t have much of a choice .

You made the right choice , now Kataleya is safe and back with us . ” ” Yeah , but the mental damage of being fucking tortured and abused doesn’t go does it ? ” I could hear the pain in my voice no matter how much I tried to conceal it . ” No , it doesn’t , but with love and care she will be ok , she’s a Rossi as well as of Westwood blood . All we can do is stay strong , continue to be that wall of strength and support for the ones we love . No matter how hard it gets , or how hard that wall is battered on … if we stay strong , then so will they … “

What do you say to that ? He’s right , I know he is but what happens when that shield has fails ? I allowed her to be taken ….. ” You will need to ask her what happened , but perhaps it’s better to do that when Kiara is awake . Do it together . ” He added quietly . ” Yeah . ” ” Well , pizza should be here soon .

Get back home , I’m sure if Kiara wakes up soon , she will want to see that ugly mug of ” yours . ” Yeah ?

Well , she fucking loves this mug . ” I shot back cockily . ” No fucking idea why . ” He replied , equally fucking arrogant . ” I could list a few things , if you’re ready t o hear exactly what she loves about it . ” ”

No thanks . ” He growled , as he held onto the file opening the office door . I’m sure he got the fucking hint … I pushed past him , smirking slightly . Yeah , if only h e knew what his daughter liked about this face , or better , where .

My smile faded as I smoked my cigarette . Sometimes you become friends with the most unexpected of people . Although I was closer to Elijah’s age than Kiara’s , he was her fucking dad , but he was still my closest confidant after Kiara , the only one who sees the demons I try to hide … We walked in silence through the pack grounds , heading towards my mansion . One day soon , I hope everything is back to normal . ” Any updates ? ”

” They are looking for leads on the curse , along with the witches too . The only problem is that Delsanra is affected . She could have proved vital in finding answers . ” He spoke after a moment . I frowned . That was fucking true … ” Yeah ? Well , we are going to have to find a way to fix that shit without her , and we will . ” “