80. A Mother's Reaction

SKYLA.

"Ah fuck really?” I say, my heart skipping a beat.

I do not want Dad to give me shit today!

His hands slip under my jacket, gripping my waist as he pulls me against him.

“Scared?” He says, his gaze dipping to my neck. “You could cover it up if you don't want to tell them

today.”

“No, but I don't want to face him today. Let's make an early start back.” I say, glancing at the time.

It's past 11 AM, and we didn’t get that much sleep, but still, I'd rather go.

“Sounds like a plan. We'll catch something on the way. I'm ravenous.” He says, his gaze dipping to

my boobs.

"As am I... but more so for you.” I purr, raking my nails up his chest. He grips my wrists tugging me

closer.

"Keep going and I will take you again.”

“That sounds incredibly tempting...”

I'm about to kiss him when I hear a faint door banging downstairs, reminding me that Dad will be

returning.

My heart skips a beat as I pull away and we both step into the bedroom. It takes me a moment to

take it in, it's back to the way it was...

There's no drop of water or snow in sight... and I kinda miss it... but even if it's gone... the memory

of last night will forever be burned into my mind.

It wasn't my first time, but it sure as fuck felt like it.

His muscular arms wrap around me from behind and he kisses the mark on my neck, making my

breath hitch sharply as delicious sparks rush through me and I lean into him, arching my head to

give him better access.

“Thanks... fuck... for last night.” I manage to breathe out as his lips assault my neck so tantalisingly

that my already weak knees threaten to give way.

His hand brushes over my stomach and I can't help but think how many times he had come inside

of me.

It's a good thing I'm on birth control. Mama made sure I was since she got pregnant by Dad despite

not being marked and she thought maybe I could get pregnant without being marked too.

“No need to thank me, Love. Let's get going.” He says seductively.

Turning my head, I kiss his lips softly once more before we exit my room. I pause, seeing Malevolent

isn't in her little kingdom

“She wanted to leave the room, so I let her out.” Royce says, and I smile at him.

“Thanks, my Sexy Ice Prince. You know she’s always going to be with me. We come as a pair.” I say,

as I lead the way out of my room.

I have to focus a tad more not to end up stumbling, with my legs feeling weaker than normal

“I know that already. Don't worry, I'll treat her good too.” He says, smiling faintly.

I smile at him, leaning into him the moment his arm wraps around my waist. Aside from my lead-

like legs, I feel stronger... my senses seem to be heightened and I know it's because he marked me,

but I can feel this strong energy flowing through me.

My mate... He's my mate.

"Good morning. Did you both sleep well?” Mama asks exiting the lounge as we both walk down the

steps. Our eyes meet and she smiles, with that cheeky knowing look in her eyes. Clearly, she knew

what happened last night... well, the sex part, anyway.

“Sure we did.” I say smirking.

"Good morning Kiara.” Royce says, as I simply glance to the door.

“We're going to be heading straight out.” I say to Mama, standing at a slight angle.

I'm not sure I want her to see my mark right now... I don't want them to be doubtful about my

decision.

“I'll prepare something to eat immediately, and lunch will be ready soon too!” Mama says, but I

shake my head.

“No Mama, there's a lot to do, plus Dad will probably have a date for the trial too...” I say, trailing

off.

The stupid trial...

Now that's one way to ruin the fucking mood.

Mama instantly comes over to me as if suddenly realising something. She takes hold of my chin and

forces my head to the side.

She somehow knew...

Her heart thuds as she stares at my neck and a gasp leaves her lips as she lets go of me, her gaze

snapping to Royce and then back at the mark.

“The decision was mine.” I say quietly, yet firmly.

They need to realise this was my choice.

“Sky...” Mama trails off as Royce looks between us,

“Want me to step outside and give you two a moment, or would you like me to speak to her? He

asks through the link.

“I can handle Mama, thanks. Just wait by the car. I'll be right there.’ I say, thinking he didn’t need to

deal with this shit.

He touches my chin for a second, his thumb caressing my cheek before he gives Mama a small nod

and takes his leave.

The moment the front door shuts, Mama's eyes are on the mark again.

"Sky... what made you make this decision?” She's not looking at me in disapproval or

disappointment, but I don't want to go into it.

“Mama, I don't want to do this. I mean, I don't regret it; I love him, and I plan to mark him back.” I

say seriously.

Mama tilts her head, sighing heavily. “You're eighteen, Baby... I know he is amazing, but what if you

change your mind?” She tries to cup my face, but I step back, brushing her hand aside.

“You can't tell me that, of all fucking people, you and Dad can't dictate that shit to me.” I say, feeling

my anger rising. “You were eighteen, remember, when you decided to be with Dad.”

“We were mates, Sky, please don't compare this to our situation. Plus, times have changed.”

“Love hasn't. From how I heard the story, you loved him before the bond. Now excuse me, if you

can't be happy for me, don't be.” I say, not in the mood for this. I won't let anything ruin my night.

Mama sighs. “I love you Skyla, and I know Royce does too... but-"

“But what? The fact we're not fated? Is that really the issue right now? Cause I don't think it means

fuck all.” I counter coldly.

“Your Dad is going to blow.” She runs her fingers through her hair and I know she's stressed out.

Yeah, he probably will.

“I really don't give a shit.” I say, turning on my heels, ready to storm out the door, when Mama

grabs my arm and turns me.

I'm about to say something when she pulls me into her arms and hugs me tightly.

"We love you, Skyla, and we want to see you happy. I'm not scolding you. I'm just trying to

understand. Please understand...”

Her embrace is warm, and she smells of comfort and home, but I'm not a baby anymore.

“For the first time in my fucking life, I know what I'm doing.” I say, pulling away.

“I'm happy for you... just take care of yourself. Royce is a lovely person... I know he'll keep you

happy...” She says.

“Then why this doubt?” I say quietly, “For once, can you guys just be happy with the choice I've

made?”

“There's no doubt, a mark is almost like a marriage... For you and Royce to take the step, I can see

how serious you two are about one another. Of course, it will worry us parents, but I do believe he

will take care of you, I know that, but please, do one thing for me.” She says, looking up sharply.

"Hmm? And what would that be?” I ask, raising an eyebrow as I cross my arms, wondering what she

is about to ask me to do.

“What?” I ask.

"Ask him why his mark is that of a royal. Your mark bears a crown, Skyla. I fear you have entered into

something that you have no idea of.”

“Oh please. She entered far more than that already.” An amused, soft female voice says, but I don't

physically hear it. It's almost as if it's coming from inside my head and around me yet at the same

time itisn't...

My heart skips a beat and I scan the hall sharply.

Who was that?

"What was that?” I ask Mama, my claws coming out.

“What was it?” Mama says, her eyes flashing purple as she scans the area sharply.

“I thought I...” I trail off, maybe... maybe I had imagined it...

“Never mind..." I say, but I can no longer focus, as I become hyperaware of my surroundings.

What was that voice?

A/N: Image of Skyla's mark is on the chapter update image on my pages.