Chapter 10

Anthony’s POV

“Where have you been?” My mother growled protectively as soon as I walked through the door.

“Relax, Kendra, he is a grown man,” Uncle Ro laughed walking through the front room and then up the stairs.

“I was out,” I shrugged and moved to get around her and up the stairs.

“Out?” She snarled stepping in front of me. “I was going to send Felix out after you, but he told me not to worry and then disappeared. Since when do I not matter to my sons?” She complained. “I went through hell to put you two on this earth and this is how you treat me?”

“Mom,” I breathed and brought her into a hug. “I didn’t mean to upset you,” I tried not to laugh at her sudden attitude. “I was with Dawn at her house.” I admitted.

“Dawn? Your mate?” She pulled away.

I nodded.

She hit my chest hard.

“Ow!” I complained.

“Why didn’t you just tell me?” She demanded.

“Because I didn’t think that it was that important,” I laughed.

“You boys are going to drive me crazy,” She threw her arms up in the air.

“Are you okay?” I asked suddenly studying her. Her eyes looked glossy and her cheeks slightly hollow. There was something bothering her . . . she always got like this when she was stressed. “You are acting crazier than normal.”

“I – I’m fine,” She shook her head planting a fake smile on her lips. “It’s nothing for you to worry about,” She patted my shoulder and then turned and walked towards my father’s den.

I should definitely mention something to Dad.

“Tony? You look like something it bothering you,” My Dad pointed out as I walked outside.

“Mom,” I replied looking him in the eye.

They instantly filled with concern, “I know,” He breathed rubbing the back of his neck.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

He looked around and our young pack members who were messing around in the back yard. They were happy and peaceful. They had been for a while. Something bothering their Alpha Female would definitely upset them. I understood this and I saw the same thoughts in my father’s eyes. He nodded towards the cliff close to the back of the house and I nodded.

“Hey! Tony! Come on!” Travis shouted at me waving me over to the soccer game he was in. He turned back just in time to dodge a ball that Julie kicked at his head.

He glared playfully at her and then chased her.

I sighed at their happy faces. It disappointed me.

“You’ll get that soon, son. Don’t worry,” My dad patted my back as we reached the cliff out of sight and ear shot of everyone in the back.

“So what is going on?” I pushed.

“I don’t know,” He sighed. “Your mother won’t tell me anything. She keeps lying saying nothing is wrong.” He took a deep breath.

“She told me it was nothing for me to worry about,” I replied.

“Well, I am going to find out what’s wrong. She was doing a good hiding it, but I could still tell it was bothering her. Now, thought, it’s showing and I don’t want her to worry anyone else. I am going to talk to her about it so don’t you worry. Just . . . don’t mention anything to anyone yet. I don’t want to start panic,” He explained.

I nodded and then he walked off.

What the hell could possibly be bothering her so much that Dad was that worried? I sighed as I watched him walking back into the house. Of course Dad was always worried was about Mom . . . even if she stubbed her toe.

“Hey, what’s up with you? Why are you hanging back from everyone?” Flex appeared out of nowhere.

I jumped and looked at him shocked, “Why are you?” I replied.

“Don’t answer my question with a question, punk,” He smirked and lightly shoved me.

“I was just talking to Dad,” I smiled shaking my head at him.

“About?” He raised his eyebrow.

“Mom,” I replied sitting and hanging my legs off the edge of the cliff.

He sat beside me. “I was worried about her too,” He looked down at his hands.

I looked at him and smiled. He always had on this hard exterior, but this was one mommy’s boy of a vampire and I was glad he was showing this side of him again.

“Dad said he would figure it out, but . . .”

“He’s not my father,” Felix growled glaring out at the water.

“I know,” I breathed looking away from him.

“What?” He looked to me shocked.

“I know how much it annoys you that Derek was the one to survive and not your father. If it was the other way around I would be just as pissed as you are, but I can’t change the past, Felix. Please, don’t blame me,” I looked to him sincerely.

“I don’t blame you . . . I . . .”

“You blame mom,” I sighed.

“No, not at all. I blame the goddesses and no one else. If they didn’t force everything that happened I wouldn’t be without a father,” Felix looked away from me.

“You also wouldn’t be my brother and humans would be on our land right now . . . Is having a father really worth all that?” I asked.

He looked at me and our eyes met. I could tell he knew what my real question was Is having a father really worth losing a brother? My answer would be no . . . even though I love my father and he has helped me through a lot I know Felix has helped me through more. Does he see that?

“I . . .” he looked away from me and to the water. “I don’t know.” He breathed and then stood. He turned back to me one last time, “You should get some sleep. That mate of yours has really worn you out,” He then turned away and ran into the woods.

“Damn it,” I growled and put my head in my hands.

I was losing my brother as I was gaining my mate.

Now there’s the real question.

Is having a mate really worth losing a brother?

Dawn’s POV

“That Tony boy is really sweet,” My mother pointed out as we sat on the couch relaxing after finishing her unpacking.

“Yeah, he’s been really nice to me,” I smiled unconsciously.

Yeah he has! And I don’t mean just about the kisses . . . there was more to Tony. He told me he wouldn’t come over today just because he didn’t want me to get into trouble with my boyfriend. We’re together and all he thinks about is hurting Ian’s feelings or something.

I mean on the other hand here I am and when I am with my boyfriend all I can think about is Tony. I really am the world’s worst girlfriend. Not only was I technically cheating on Ian, but I didn’t feel bad about it and all I could think about was the other guy.

Well, it’s not like my boyfriend is the best either. I mean I try to please Ian, but no matter how hard I try I get hit . . . harder and harder. I can’t stand being with Ian anymore. If he gets any worse it’s my life that I am playing with . . . not just my body.

“Dawn? What’s on your mind? You’re not listening to a word I’m saying,” My mom cut off my thoughts.

“Oh sorry . . . I’m just distracted a bit. I should really go get my homework done anyways. You should get some rest,” I smiled and then turned  to the stairs.

“Good night, sweetheart,” My mom called.

“Good night,” I called back and then I rushed into my room.

The next morning Ian was in my driveway like every morning.

I walked out hesitantly and Ian got out of the car and walked over to me.

I stopped instantly in my tracks.

“I’m sorry about leaving you at school yesterday,” He breathed moving his hands into my back pockets and pulled me against his chest. “I didn’t mean to get so mad. You just . . . make me so angry sometimes especially when you push me away like you were. So why don’t we just forget about it? After school you can come over and we can make up the fun way,” He smirked and pressed his lips to mine.

“Sure,” I nodded.

“Now let’s get to school,” He smirked.

“Okay,” I planted a smile on my face  and then walked to the car.

When we got to school I got out and instantly caught Tony getting off his bike. He turned and saw me and smiled.

I smiled back and then Ian stepped into my field of vision.

“Ready to get to class?” He asked.

“Yeah,” I nodded as the smile fell from my face.

We walked to class and I sat down in my normal spot in front of Tony.

I waved to Ian from my seat and then he disappeared down the hallway.

“So that was the most amazing dinner I have ever had,” I smirked turning to Tony.

“I am quiet the expert chief,” Tony sighed looking over his notes.

“What’s wrong?” I asked concerned.

“It’s just family issues,” He looked up to meet my eyes.

“What is it? You can tell me,” I turned around fully in my seat to face him.

His expression turned hopeful and he slightly smiled.

“I’ll be fine, but thanks for the concern,” he smirked.

“You are not going to tell me are you?” I sighed disappointed. I wanted to know more about him. About his family.

“You should turn around before you get in trouble, Dawn,” He smirked and his eyes flashed to the board then back to me.

I turned around to see our teacher glaring at me.

I sighed and then settled in for another boring lesson.

The rest of the day went by without anything interesting until I went to my locker after sixth period and a note fell out.

It read:

Meet me in the gym in the back weight room after school. Don’t tell anyone.

My heart instantly jumped to my throat. It was in Tony’s handwriting! I quickly packed up my things and checked twice for homework and then I made my way for the gym.

“Hey, where are you going? Parking lot is that way,” Julie cut me off looking over my shoulder.

“I just have to go to the bathroom real quick,” I looked over her shoulder. “If Ian asks just tell him I’ll be out in a minute and beg him not to leave me again,” I smiled.

“Okay, whatever,” She shrugged and then walked passed me. I made sure she wasn’t looking anymore and then I head in the opposite direction towards the gym.

When I finally made it into the back weight room that no one used I was worried Tony would have left, but when I walked through the door he was sitting on the weight bench.

As he heard me enter he stood up and smiled at me.

I smiled back, dropped my bag and threw myself into his arms.

He held me tightly, but not enough to hurt me. He buried his face in my hair and then laughed.

“What?” I looked up at him.

“You should have seen me trying to write that note. I was going out of my mind. I didn’t know if you would come or not or if you should come,” He sighed. “Either way . . . I’m glad you did.”

“Me too,” I smiled and then wrapped my arms around his neck and stood up on my toes.

He smirked when he got the message and then leaned into me pressing his lips to mine.

He moved his hands down to my thighs and picked me up as I wrapped my legs around his waist. This way I was closer to his height and it was easier to kiss him.

He sat back down on the weight bench and kept his hands n my ass.

I giggled when he gently squeezed.

I broke the kiss laughing.

He smirked at me, “You are going to drive me crazy,” He shook his head slowly looking over my body.

“Me?” I laughed, “You’re the one who showed up and within days had me cheating on my boyfriend of four years,” I rolled my eyes.

His smile fell, “Let’s not mention boyfriends,” He suggested with a low growl.

I couldn’t help the smile that crept onto my face. He was jealous of me and Ian! That had to mean he would stick around if I left him.

“So what made you change your mind about seeing me alone again?” I moved my hands through his soft hair.

“There is a little bit of stress at home right now. The sad thing is I don’t even know what it is about. I think that is only making me stress more. I just need to relax and you make me feel better all the time,” He smiled at me.

“I’m glad because you make my day better just by being in it,” I pressed my lips to his and then my phone vibrated in my back pocket.

He beat me to grabbing it because his hand was closer.

“It’s Ian,” He breathed and I watched as his eyes paled and his pupils grew, but there was also worry in there. By now I was used to the sifting of his eyes but it still amazed and confused me.

“I told him I would be out soon. If I don’t go out there now he’ll leave me again,” I breathed.

“I don’t care. I can take you home again,” He smiled. “Or better yet I could take you to my place.” I stopped in the middle of reaching for my phone.

Go to his home? Meet his family? Isn’t that what I’ve been wanting? To know more about his background? Stay with him . . . be safe for once in your life!

“I can’t I grabbed the phone and stepped off of his lap.

I answered quickly.

“What took you so damn long to answer?” He growled instantly.

“I’m in the bathroom, Ian,” I breathed apologetically. “I was washing my hands.”

“You better get the fuck out here soon, Damn!” He nearly yelled into the phone and I slightly flinched. “I won’t wait around for your ass all damn day!”

“Yes, I’m sorry. I’m on my way out right now,” I tried to hold back the shakiness of my voice.

Tony was now standing and glaring. He looked completely pissed. I was suddenly worried that he had heard the other end of the conversation. What if he found out I was a worthless pile of trash and he didn’t want to be with me anymore? What would I do then?

“Good,” He snapped and then hung up.

I hung up and slipped my phone in my back pocket and then went for my bag.

Tony grabbed my arm and brought me back into him.

“You are not going out to him,” He growled protectively. It would have been terrifying to annoy one else but I could tell by the way he was holding me tight to him but not tightly.

“Tony, I have to,” I breathed trying not to cry. Why? Why did I have to go back out to that asshole when I could have this perfect specimen of a man right here all to myself?

“No, he threatened you. Why do you have to go out to him, Dawn? Has he hit you?” He demanded.

“I . . .” Could I lie to him.

“Those bruises I’ve seen on you? That son of a bitch hit you?” He growled and then he released me and walked towards the door.

“Tony, where are you going?” I grabbed my bag and went after him. When we were in the gym I grabbed his arm.

He stopped and turned back to me, “That piece of shit is never going to lay a hand on you again, Dawn,” He growled. “He won’t be able to.”

“No! Tony, you can’t do that . . . I won’t let you get into trouble over me. There’s no way!” I complained.

“I don’t care what happens to me. He’s hurting you, Dawn! Why don’t you understand that? Why don’t you leave him?” He demanded now short of pleading.

“Because I can’t. He would kill me . . .and it would put my mother in danger. Don’t worry about me. I’ve had four years to get used to this. I’ll live. I’ll be fine. I just need to get out to him,” I pleaded right back.

“Dawn, I won’t let anything happen to you,” He looked into my eyes trying to get me to understand.

I closed my eyes and pressed my lips to his.

His hand wrapped in my hair and held me to him.

I pulled away first and rested my forehead against his. I opened my eyes and met his, “Please, don’t do anything crazy. Trust me to take care of myself.”

I pulled away from him and started walking towards the front parking lot.

“Can I come over to check on you tonight?” he called across the empty gym.

“No, I’m staying at Ian’s tonight,” I replied quietly though somehow I knew he heard me.

My thoughts were confirmed when I heard an angry growl and then I turned down the hallway and ran to the parking lot.

“There you are,” Ian growled angrily.

“Sorry, I just couldn’t wait to get home,” I shrugged.

“Okay, just let’s go,” He sighed impatiently and moved to the driver’s side of the car.

I moved to the passenger’s side and just as I was about to sit down I looked back to the school.

Tony was standing at the door his whole body tense as he watched Ian. As soon as Ian disappeared into the car his looked to me.

“I’m sorry,” I lipped to him and then I got into the car.

The drive back to Ian’s house was quiet as I played with the stations on the radio.

When we pulled into the driveway Ian turned off the car, got out and walked around to open my door.

I couldn’t help but smile a little bit. He was showing a little of the old Ian: the gentlemen who cared for my every need.

He smiled genuinely at me as we walked up to his house. He open and closed the door, took my bag and then held my hand, not grabbed but held, as we walked up to his room.

He closed the door to his bedroom and I sat on his bed.

“Now this can be a really good night or it could be a really bad night,” Ian walked up to me and stood in front of me.

Instantly my usual feeling of wanting to throw up because of his proximity returned.

“What do you mean?” I asked sounding completely innocent as I looked up to him.

“You just have to answer one question honestly and then the rest of the night will be fun for both of us, but if you lie to me like the ungrateful bitch you are then tonight will not be fun,” He explained.

“What’s the question?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. My palms began to sweat and I could feel my heart in my throat.

“Who took you home last night?” He asked instantly.

I took a deep breath, “Julie gave me a ride home with the new kid Travis,” I replied easily. I had been expecting him to answer this question so I skillfully rehearsed a reasonable answer.

Suddenly I felt a hand slap my cheek and it sent my flying to the floor.

I looked up at Ian shocked as I placed a hand to my cheek.

“I told you not to lie, you stupid slut!” He pointed to me and yelled. Then he kicked me in the stomach.

I curled in on myself and coughed at the pain.

“You think I wouldn’t find out about you and that asshole Tony?” He screamed at me and kicked me again and again in the stomach, head and side.

I curled tightly around myself to block most of my body from the blows but he would always find knew skin to pound on.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I pleaded but he took the chance to plant his shoe into my face.

I rolled over and coughed up blood.

“What did you fuck him too?” He growled and kicked my side again so that I was laying on my back.

Suddenly he was straddling me with my hands pinned above my head with one hand.

“No! Ian, please stop!” I begged.

The back of his hand collided with my cheek again and everything went slightly burry.

I heard him yelling the usual names and yelling about me belonging to him, but everything felt off into the distance. Then I felt him tugging at my pants. I wanted to struggle to stop him, but  my body was just giving up.

That was until I felt a stinging pain shooting up from in between my legs.

I screamed out in pain and realized that Ian was now slamming into me. The pain felt like it was never end and then another slap was planted across my face and that was when the pain went away.

That was when everything went away.

Ian had actually knocked me out.

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(A/N) So I was just wondering if anyone knows or can figure out what is up with Kendra?? What do you think it is? Please let me know below!

Love,

Kat