Page 30 of Love & Violence
I wait by the window, staring at the shadows made by the bushes and flowers on the pathway. I try to lie down and sleep, but my apprehension keeps me awake.
It’s been several hours since Draven and Dom left, and with each passing minute, my anxiety rises. So many scenarios are rushing through my brain, and all but one or two terrify me. What if Draven’s father hurt or imprisoned my brother? Would I be able to stay with Draven, or would I be resentful?
What if our families never agree to peace and won’t come together? God, the thought makes me nauseous. I don’t want the two of us and our baby’s future to exist in turmoil. It will drive me crazy if that happens.
I know it’s too much to ask for total peace, but that’s what I was praying for. I wanted Draven to walk in the door and tell me everything would be all right. Our families are bound now whether they like it or not. Hopefully, our baby will help bring us together.
Every time I close my eyes, I keep seeing the light leave my father’s eyes. I know I should feel something other than relief, but I can’t, especially after what he said about killing the baby.
It is past ten o’clock, and I am beyond exhausted by the day and from my pregnancy. It feels like I haven’t slept in days. I can’t stand another moment without falling over because I am so weak.
I climb into bed and lay down, hoping I can finally fall asleep, before pulling the covers up over my chest. I tell myself I will just get some rest, so I can hear when they get back, but within a minute, I am out.
One nightmare after the other torments me and makes my sleep restless. I awaken from the worst of them but then go back to sleep. I have no idea what time it is when I feel a warm naked body next to mine. I don’t panic because I know the scent and feel of my mate.
I blink my eyes open and turn to look over my shoulder at my mate. Draven is smiling, but I can see how much the day has taken from him.
Turning, I wrap my arms around his neck, running my fingers through his hair. “I’m glad you’re back.”
Draven tucks some of my hair behind my ear. “I’m glad to be back with you.”
“I know we’re both exhausted, but I need to know if everything will be okay?” I ask.
His thumb caresses my cheek. “We are still in negotiations, but it looks like the two families will come together.”
“What’s making it so hard? Is it your family that wants more?”
Draven shakes his head with an eye roll. “No, it’s your brother.”
“My brother? What could he possibly want so much that he’d keep the families from uniting?”
Draven hesitates for a moment. “He wants his mate.”
“Who? When did that happen? Where is she?” I fire off questions in quick succession.
“It’s my sister,” he says.
My mouth drops open. What are the chances that two siblings in each family will be a mated pair?
“This is good, right?” I ask.
“Well … my sister is making it hard.”
“Why?”
“She doesn’t want him.”
Now, I’m a little pissed. What woman wouldn’t be thrilled with being my brother’s mate? “Does she say why?”
Draven shakes his head. “No. She won’t tell anyone, and it pisses her off if I question her about it.”
“So, what happens now?” I ask.
“My father will not let the union between our families solidify until Rylee can be persuaded to take Dom as her mate.”
I have no idea what to say to that. “Will this cause a lot of problems for the families?”
“I hope not. Only time will tell,” Draven says, nuzzling my neck.
Time was one thing they did have. As long as Draven and I were together, that’s all that mattered.
“Let’s get some sleep, mate. I’m afraid we’re going to need it,” Draven says.
He leans forward and presses his lips against mine. Although I can feel the desire ignite, my body has no energy to bond with my mate, but once again, we had time.
The End
