Chapter Twenty-Two - The Return

The Return

Abigail's POV

The sound of the piano wakes me from a restless sleep.

Getting up I tug down my t-shirt - or rather Liam's t-shirt - and amble groggily out of his bedroom and to the music room. The music is different than usual. Sad. Soft. And utterly beautiful. I wonder what type of mood Jin must be in to play in such a way.

Walking down the halls I rub the sleep from my eyes and try not to bump into anything. When I reach the music room I let my eyes adjust to the darkness - and stop dead in the doorway.

The nearly full moon shines through the high windows, casting dark shadows over the man playing piano. It's not Jin. It's Liam.

I should have known. I can feel him. His very presence fills that empty void I've become far too familiar with.

My eyes take him in slowly. His head is bowed, his gaze concentrating on the piano keys as he plays effortlessly. He's shirtless, and I've never seen him without a shirt before.

Dear god, his body!

Liam's strong back is riddled with scars, some deep straight gashes that look like claw marks, other's jagged and broken. His biceps and forearms are scarred as well, the marks crisscrossing their way down his limbs. I can't imagine how he suffered so many injuries, but I find his scars fascinating. Even arousing.

I have a strong urge to run to him and my body literally begins to shake. Instead, I take a cautious step back, intending to leave before he notices me. But he stops playing, his voice cutting through the moon lit room, "I know you're there, Abby."

Just like the first time I caught Jin playing I feel as if I've trespassed on something private. "I'm sorry. I thought you were Jin."

He turns his head slightly, his eyes meeting mine across the room. His blue gaze pierces through me like a spear and my heart hammers in response. God, I've missed him. I shouldn't have, but I did. So. Damn. Much.

Smirking, Liam says, "Who do you think taught him how to play?"

"I didn't know that," I respond stupidly.

His eyes dip over my body slowly, all the way to the tips of my toes. "Were you sleeping in my shirt?" he asks, his smooth voice turning rough.

Crap! I forgot. Tugging on the hem of his shirt I shrug. "My laundry was in the dryer."

His eyes slide over me again, lighting up in the darkness. "It looks good on you."

Damn it. Why did he have to look at me like that? There's so much intensity in just his eyes alone. My body reacts to him instantly. I should be yelling at him for leaving me for so long, not getting turned on.

Suddenly, I remember just how furious I am with him. "I don't look like a child?" I ask harshly.

He scowls deeply, and I brace myself for his wrath. But instead he replies softly, "No. You don't."

"Oh..." I stand there dumbfounded. I wasn't expecting that response.

"Come here," he says gruffly. It's an order, but his tone isn't angry or demanding. My feet move all on their own. Liam reaches for me when I'm close enough, pulling me onto his lap. His arms wrap around my waist, hugging me tight.  All my loneliness - all my pain - it disappears the moment our bodies connect. I squeeze my eyes shut, my own arms encircling Liam's neck and holding on for dear life.

Dipping his head against my neck he rubs his cheek over my mark, pressing me tighter and tighter against his body as if he can't get me close enough. "Fuck, I missed you," he groans against my skin.

The wave of emotions his words evoke are bittersweet. "I'm so angry with you," I manage to say, although I can't make my voice carry that anger.

He squeezes tighter, as if he's afraid I'll try and escape him. "I know."

"You left," I say shakily, holding back tears. I will not cry this time. I won't.

Lifting his head Liam gazes down at me, his features a reflection of pain and regret. "Don't cry, pet," he murmurs. Cupping my cheeks his thumbs wipe away the tears I'm desperately trying to fight back. "It kills me when you cry."

His words just make my tears fall that much harder. "You l-left me," I sob. "You d-didn't even s-say goodbye."

"I had to," he whispers brokenly. "It was the only way to keep you safe."

"Safe from what?" I sniff.

Leaning his forehead against mine his eyes slide shut. "From me."

"I don't understand," I reply with confusion. There's so much I don't know about this man, but in our short time together he's never physically tried to harm me. Even when I knew I'd pushed him too far. Even when I defied him in front of the pack.

Sighing deeply, his blue eyes open once more, locking onto my own. "There are things you don't know about me. About my wolf."

What was wrong with Liam's wolf? Did it have something to do with all his scars? "If you would just tell me then I would know," I accuse.

"You're right," he agrees. "And I will. Tomorrow I'll show you what I truly am, Abigail. And I'll answer any questions you ask."

Leaning back, I cross my arms, knowing I must look like a sulking child on his lap. "Why not now?" I ask stubbornly.

His lips twitch into a small smile. "I would like to enjoy one night with you," he looks away, his brows knitting, "before you become terrified of me."

Terrified? I know his wolf is dominant and aggressive...but terrifying? I stare up at him, trying to read him. His face is hard and solemn, as if he's already accepted my reaction. It's strange, I'm constantly obsessing over my own faults and lack of worth, it never occurred to me that Liam would have doubts in himself.

"You don't know that will happen," I say softly.

"Maybe not," Liam concedes, but I can hear in his voice that he doesn't believe it.

"You shouldn't assume to know what I'll feel," I chide.

"But I do know, pet," he replies smoothly, his warm hands sliding up my back. I just stop myself from shuddering. His touch sends sparks cascading over my spine, and a deep ache forms low in my stomach. I wish I could get that under control. I shouldn't respond so easily to even the simplest of touches. "I always know," he murmurs huskily.

Lowering my gaze, I focus on Liam's chest, the hard muscles and ridges as equally scarred as the rest of him. Even damaged his body is breathtaking. Raw. Wild. A reflection of the power I know instinctively he possesses. I can't look away. My eyes trace over each scar, some so brutal I can't imagine how he even survived.

"Do they bother you?" Liam asks quietly, watching me closely.

"No?" I respond truthfully with a blush. Dropping my hand, I boldly run a finger over a vicious scar on his torso. "Where did you get this one?"

He chuckles. "Jin actually. All of them are from him."

My eyes widen. "What happened?"

"It's a long story..."

I raise a brow, settling further on his lap. "I'm not going anywhere."

Grunting, his hands grip my wiggling hips. "Fine. Just stop moving like that."

"Sorry," I rush out with a squeak.

"You're going to be the death of me," he mutters. Then he takes a deep breath, as if stealing himself for battle. "When we first took Jin into our pack," he starts slowly, "I hadn't reached immortality yet. If we're wounded while mortal we retain our scars, just like humans. His wolf was in complete control. Feral. Violent. He'd go into fits of rage. The slightest thing would set him off. There was no way to predict it. I was the only one strong enough to calm him down."

"You mean by fighting with him?"

"If my life was in danger, yes. At the very least I would restrain him as best I could." His lips form a sad smirk. "He would bite and scratch until it was all out of his system. Then he'd be okay for a while."

"You let him hurt you?" I question.

"It wasn't his fault. It was all he knew." Reaching over he gently presses a finger over a key on the piano, his blue eyes growing distant. "The rest of the pack didn't feel the same, however. They exiled us both when I refused to abandon Jin after our parents were killed by a rival pack."

His confession has my mouth nearly dropping open. I had no idea his parents were killed, but I do know all too well what that feels like. "I'm sorry," I whisper, my heart breaking for him. "Why would they exile you?"

"They were scared, Abby. And not just of Jin," he admits. "When my father was alpha, he protected Jin. And me. But after he died I was too young to claim the pack for myself. I had no choice but to bow down and obey. Or leave." He adds with a soft growl, "Bowing down isn't in my nature."

I believe it. Liam is a born leader. "So you left?"

"Yes. And I took Jin with me." Reaching up he tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "One day he snapped. He caught me off guard and got me on the ground, his jaws around my throat. I was severely wounded from a previous fight with him and I didn't have the strength to fight back." Rubbing a hand over his throat he shifts uneasily beneath me. "It was the first time he'd ever had the upper hand and I thought for sure he'd kill me."

"What happened," I ask breathlessly. I feel tense, on edge. It's silly. I know Liam survived but my body still feels freaked out.

"We heard a piano," Liam continues, with a slow shake of his head. "Jin was fascinated. He stopped attacking me immediately and followed the sound to a small estate. Inside was young man composing music. Jin sat there for hours, just listening. It was the first time I'd ever seen him so at peace. He kept returning. Day after day. Listening from the cover of the trees. So, I taught myself how to play." His eyes drifted back to the piano again, his fingers dancing softly over the keys. "The first time Jin turned human he was listening to me play Chopin."

I sit quietly on his lap, feeling as if I'm seeing the real Liam for the first time. And he isn't the cruel overbearing man I thought he was. Feelings I've never felt before burst forth from within my heart. It's intense. Painful.

A small frown creases Liam's brow and I wonder if it's reflected on my face. But I don't try to stop the sudden urge to be closer to him. Instead, I cup his stubbled jaw in my hands, then I lean over and kiss him.

Liam stiffens, his hands half raised in the air. But he doesn't stop me. He lets me kiss him, not moving an inch. It's a slow soft kiss. Sweet and innocent. And when I move away I know I will always cherish this moment with him.

"What was that for?" he asks on a slow exhale.

"I just...wanted too," I croak, licking my lips. My attraction taints the air, makes it thick. Is it just me? Or is this energy from Liam too? Colliding with mine, causing a tempest storm to form around us.

It can't just be me.

I don't want it to just be me.

Liam's blue eyes search my face, reading me. "You should get some sleep," he finally says quietly. His thumb brushes over my cheek. "You look tired."

He's right. I am tired. I've barely slept since he left. "Can I still sleep in your room?" My voice is laced with fear. I don't want him to send me back to that other bedroom.

He sucks in a breath. "Yes."

Instantly, I'm flooded with relief and excitement. "Are you coming to bed too?" I ask bashfully.

"I'll be in shortly." At my deep blush, he adds, "And sleep on the couch."

"Oh." There's no point in arguing with him. He still thinks of me like a child. And it bothers me so damn much. I need more from him.

It's just like Liam said that night in his office - I can't resist the pull.

Standing up I tug down his shirt. "Good night."

"Good night, Abby." His voice is husky again and each syllable strikes a new ache within me.

Walking to the doorway I pause, glancing over my shoulder at him. He's facing the piano and I can't see his face. "I'm happy you're back," I inform him softly, ducking out of the room as soon as the words leave my mouth.

Going back to Liam's bed I settle under the covers with a sigh and stare up into the darkness. I'm still upset over Liam leaving me, but at the same time I'm so happy that's he's finally home. It's confusing and I wish my damn wolf would talk to me. I miss her so much but she still isn't saying a word.

"Are you asleep?" I whisper into the air.

Nothing.

"Hello?"

Still nothing.

I try with my head instead, screaming for her to answer me. There's nothing but empty silence. Damn it! Liam's back, shouldn't she be talking to me now? Maybe there's something wrong?

I decide to ask Liam when he comes to bed. Maybe this is a common thing for werewolves.

Frowning deeply, I glare into the dark. I feel uneasy. On edge. I tell myself my wolf is probably fine, but I can't shake this weird feeling that something is off...

Suddenly, a dark shadow appears over the bed and hand covers my mouth, muffling my scream of surprise. I kick my legs and clutch at the hand, when another pair of hands grab my ankles, pinning me down.

"Hurry up!" a female voice hisses.

I know that voice. Crap. Where do I know that voice?

Another female voice starts whispering in a language I don't recognize. I struggle against their hold, screaming over and over, the muted sound pathetic and weak. I twist and thrash, managing to break free one of my legs. I give a swift kick, my foot connecting with something solid.

The chanting stops, a swift curse of pain sounding in the dark.

"Keep going!" the female voice whispers urgently. "The cloaking spell will break soon."

"I'm trying," the other one argues. Then she grabs my ankle once more and starts chanting again. I feel something move over my body, like a warm cloud. It wraps around me, going higher and higher. My body starts to weigh a ton, my muscles no longer able to move. I go limp on the bed.

I shake my head, my screams become more panicked. The cloud keeps moving upward, over my throat. My screams cease immediately.

I can't fight. Can't scream. I've never been so terrified.

Then the cloud covers my face and I know nothing.

******

AN: Ah! I'm sorry for the cliffhanger. I wasn't happy with the next few chapters so I decided to re-write them. I'll try to have the next chapter up asap. Things are about to get pretty crazy from here on out!