Chapter 11

Hello there :)

Sorry, I suck so bad at updating..

I'm still surprised you read this book :/

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RECAP:

Valerie had marked her place between the two of us, each one of us holding one of her hands. I had the house key, and had left it in the car, so we had to knock.

That was the scary bit, showing up with a child at my mothers doorstep.

Sounded more like The Secret Life Of The American Teenager if you ask me.

The door opened to my mother and Theodore, double taking at the sight of Valerie. I spoke up first.

'Um... Hi'

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-Jesse's POV-

Mum opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out, making her look like a gaping fish.

They both looked in utter shock.

Which they probably were.

'I- you two..' Theodore tried after a moment or two, but his words disappeared.

He looked at mum for help, but she was too busy carrying her eyes between the three of us. She finally out of her shocked state when her eyes met mine, a more serious look crossing her face.

She was silent for a moment, before looking down at the girl between us.

She did the weirdest thing.

She smiled.

'Hi there, what's your name?' Mum's voice came out sweet, somewhat like how she would speak to a child.

'Valerie' She said in almost a whisper, a bit shy.

Shyer than when she met us.

'Valerie, how about you come inside? I'm sure Hannah would love to take you to the backyard to play for a while. Right Hannah?'

Hannah came out from behind my mother, a warm smile on her face as always. Her eyes wandered to Valerie for a second. She gasped lightly, but quickkly covered it up with her smile once more.

'It would be my pleasure, come on Valerie' She said, holding out her hand to Valerie.

(A/N If you don't remember, Hannah is Kaitlyn's little sister. She was at Jesse's birthday party during laser tag, and does play an important role in this story so remember this girl! :D )

Valerie looked up at me, confirming whether or not she should go. She looked a little worried.

I nodded slightly, her emotions immediately changing. She let go of Christan and I's hand, and linked hers with Hannah's.

The four of us watched as the two walked away happily, completely out of sight before Mum and Theodore spun around to face the two of us.

I looked over at Mum, fire blazing in her eyes. You could almost see steam coming out of her ears.

She was beyond angry, as was Theodore when I looked over at him. He was staring down Christan just as Mum was doing to me. The stare was a mixture of disappointment, a little bit of worry, and mostly anger.

Christan laced his fingers through mine, pressing our palms together.

I didn't object to this, it was the only comfort I was getting.

'We leave you both for a couple of days and you come back with a child? A bloody child!!' Mum burst out.

'Yeah but Mum-'

'You two fooled around and ended up with a child! And she's not young either!' Theodore's voice boomed, any pride I ever had shrinking down in its place infront of my Alpha.

'Dad, Valerie-'

'Have I taught you nothing Jesse? How many times have I said, be careful? But no! You go and fling your life away by getting pregnant from you're stepbrother-'

I stopped her there. She thinks I got pregnant? She thinks Valerie is mine and Christan's flesh and blood?

Do you now see what I mean by my mum overreacting?

Tell me, how does she think I could hide a pregnancy from her for 9 months when I was living with her, never gain weight before or after, and still be a virgin?

Valerie doesn't look like Jesus to me.

'MUM! I did not get pregnant!-'

'How do you explain the kid in our backyard then Jess?!?'

'I would tell you but you keep interrupting me by yelling at me for getting pregnant!'

Mum opened her mouth to scream back at me again, but Theodore wrapped her arm around her and interupted her.

'Honey, what Jess is saying is right. Lets hear them out eh?' He reasoned with her.

She took one look in his eyes and immediately calmed down, the firey anger in her eyes invisible as she looked back at me.

'Okay' She choked out.

Christan and I followed Theodore leading my Mum inside the living room in silence.

The way he calmed her down showed and proved to me that she really did love him. He was her everything.

This thought did get me a tiny bit jealous, knowing he could change her feelings in a split second when her own flesh and blood took at least an hour minimum to do so.

She would be more affected if Theodore left her, than if I died. I guess that's what a mate bond does to you. She needed him, just as much as he needed her.

The four of us were dead silent as we sat down on the couch. Mum and Theodore sat down, and looked up to face us.

'So? Go on. Explain' She said.

I could tell she was trying to stop the venom seep through her voice as she spoke to me.

Christan squeezed my hand reassuringly, but quickly drew back when Mum glared at him.

'We were at the airport, waiting to pick you up so we decided to go to the arcade where we met Valerie' I started.

I left out the whole bit before that, because not only was it inappropriate, but because it was also unnecessary.

I recalled the day's events, from walking Valerie home, to the cafe, to her parents, continuing onto why we decided to sign those papers then finally the journey home.

Not a word was spoken as I told the story, Theodore nodding at appropriate moments. Mum was blank and silent as a fox.

'So you see, Christan did not impregnate me 4 years ago because she isn't ours. There's also the fact that neither of us knew each other till about 2 weeks ago' I finished.

"My life would be so much better if I met you 4 years ago" Christan's voice flirted freely in my head.

I pushed a blush and his comment in the back of my head.

'Look, kids. There are some decisions in life-'

'Here we go again' Christan muttered under his breath.

I didn't dare snicker when Theodore stopped to glare at him.

'Got something to say son?' He narrowed his eyes at Christan.

Christan looked up from the floor.

'Yeah, I do. There you go again, trying to be Mum. Why is it that you only bother with me when she's gone? Why are you trying to be her?' Christan spat back.

I could see something erupt out of him I've never seen before. Resentment.

'Christan Issac-'

'And now you can full name me too? You. Are. Not. Her. Stop trying to replace her or try to be like her. Stop trying to care like she did, just because you feel sorry for me! You have no right to do so!' Christan's voice raised a little bit.

I know he was partly talking to my mother in that phrase, but I couldnt care less.

I wasn't in complete favour of my mum finding a replacement either.

'I have every right to do so, I am your father-' Theodore started to growl, getting a bit more than mad.

'Only when you want to be' Christan growled louder, the power making me whimper slightly unintentionally.

Christan immediately intwined our fingers, not caring what my mother thought this time. His eyes looked at mine and softened, the fire in his eyes disintergrating.

"Sorry" They told me.

"Its okay. Let it out" I told him through our link.

He closed his eyes, taking a breath before looking back up at his father.

'You have no say in my personal life. Valerie is now my daughter whether you like it or not. Yes, she is human and I know there will be obstacles but I love her like my own.

On paper, I am of legal age to make my own decisions and its not up to you anymore Dad. And don't give me any of that crap about living under your roof or anything because you know perfectly well I can move out of here anytime I like but I chose to stay here because of my duties as future Alpha. That is my decision and it is final'

His voice was calm, yet strong. He then stood up and walked out of the room, the two adults in front of me not able to move due to shock.

'I believe Christan said it all. So if you'll excuse me, I should go and see my daughter'.

I stood up and walked out.

"Hey Han, where are you?" I sent directly to Hannah.

"Backyard" Her voice spoke in my head.

I caught sight of Valerie crouched down behind a bush, a worried look on her face. I silently walked over to her, crouching down behind the bush.

'Whats happening?' I whispered beside her.

She jumped a little, a tiny yelp leaving her lips.

'Oh its just you mu- I mean Jes- I mean-' I chuckled softly at her hushed stuttering.

'Jess is fine sweetheart' I smiled, the small girl grinning back at me.

I found myself smiling alot around this girl. She just made my heart flicker, and I didn't have to object to it.

'Okay Jess' She said, before crouching down lower.

'Get down!' Valerie hushed me, making me crouch lower.

'Val what are you doing behind a bush?'

'Hiding' She said in a hushed tone, putting her finger to her lips.

I peeked through the leaves, to see Hannah looking around the garden.

'Come out, come out, wherever you are!' Hannah yelled, a playful tone in her voice.

Valerie tried muffling her giggles with her sleeve, but the smirk on Hannah's face told me she knew where we were.

'Valerie, Valerie, Valerie' She shook her head, walking towards us.

'Its unfair to have an alliance' Hannah stated, inching closer to us.

She stopped at the bush and my eyes met hers. She winked at me, before walking to Valerie silently, who had her eyes squeezed shut tightly.

'Boo' Hannah whispered in Val's ear, making her jump into my arms.

Hannah burst out laughing, as did I.

'Hannah! You scareded me!' Valerie exclaimed, making Hannah laugh even harder.

So hard she was clutching her stomach and on the verge of falling over.

'Come on Valerie, that was hillarious!' She said after she calmed down, making Valerie giggle a little in my arms.

'It was. But just the littlest bit' Valerie said.

'Alright girls, Ill leave you to it' I said, placing Valerie down.

'Its half past 6 now, so be in by 7. You have to have a shower before you go to sleep Val' I said, as Valerie nodded.

'Okay Jess' She smiled, looking up at Hannah who nodded in agreement.

'Ill lend her my clothes for the night' Hannah offered.

'Thankyou so much Hannah, we'll go buy her clothes and stuff tomorrow eh?' I suggested.

They both agreed.

Valerie immediately covered her eyes and started counting loudly, indicating Hannah had to go hide.

I shook my head, laughing silently as I walked the other way, back towards the house. I think its good that Hannah is friends with Valerie, they just... suit each other so well.

I walked straight to my bedroom door unintentionally, and stopped. I couldn't go in further. I knew Christan was in there, I could almost feel it. It was that drawing effect he had on me, like he had some invisible magnet pulling me to him.

So I stood outside the door and stared at it blankly.

My head was screaming "No!" as my hand seemed to lift itself to tighten around the door handle. My hand twisted the knob and let the door slowly creak open, my head still screaming at me.

Jesse, you suck at avoiding people, you know that?

He lay there, staring at the ceiling blankly.

Oh God. What am I doing?

I slowly walked in, sliding down to the foot of the bed as I looked back at the door I had just walked through. As I sat there I tried to think of things to say, but all scenario's would always play out stupid in my head.

Movies make this look so easy.

'I love being the one running through your head' A deep voice made me jump slightly.

I turned to look at Christan, his position the same as when I entered.

I seriously need to remember to put up my block.

His eyes stayed trained on the ceiling, before he almost gave me the fright of my life by looking straight at me. His eyes were soft, as he sat up slightly.

'C'mere' He whispered, holding his arms out for me.

I sat up, ready to go, before I slunk back in my position.

'I.. I don't uhm.. think that's a very good idea' I stuttered, tearing my gaze away from his.

He stayed quiet for a while.

'Just this once. Please Jesse' He almost croaked.

Looking up at him was the worst mistake I made.

I saw vulnerability.

I saw sadness.

I saw truth.

I saw plead.

I saw need.

But worst of all, I saw trust.

I stood up and walked to the edge of the bed, the side I usually sleep on. I felt Christan sit up behind me, the bed dipping slightly.

He wrapped his arms around my stomach, his chest pressed to my back. It was silent as he pulled me back slowly while turning me around, so he went back to his laying position, his arms wrapped around me.

I won't even start to go on about how amazing yet perfect it felt to be in his arms while fully conscious. I won't even mention how the electricity between us intensified when he started rubbing his thumb in circles along my lower back.

"He needs you Jess"

"Rae? Is that.. is that you?" I replied back in denial.

"Who else would it be?" She said in a teasing tone.

I... what?

"What are you doing here? I thought you had gone forever-" I started, before she interupted.

"I never really left"

"So you just decided to not talk to me for a while? I thought you were seriously mad and would never come back!" I exclaimed in my thoughts.

"I was mad. I still am. But the fact is that there is no point in being mad at you because even without me you were still going back to him. You're getting closer, and eventually we will be his. So I thought, why not help the process go faster?"

"You make it sound like he's a kidnapper or something" We chuckled together.

Oh God I missed her.

"Yeah yeah, now shut up! Enjoy the moment!" She screamed in a hushed tone.

I internally rolled my eyes at her, but my mind eventually wandered back to the one who's arms I was in.

A few minutes past, and something began to worry me. I couldn't figure out what it was, till I realised.

It was Christan.

I'm used to having him making some remark or attempting to flirt, not being so... silent. It was beginning to worry me that he was so quiet. It was abnormal.

'Are you okay?' I spoke almost silently, like I was afraid of disrupting the silence.

The silence continued, till he sighed.

'Not particularly' The tone in his voice showed so much hurt, it cracked me.

Suddenly I didn't care that I should be pulling away from him, or that he was my Stepbrother. He was my mate, and I had to be there for him.

I shifted up slightly, so my eyes met with his.

'You can talk about it you know, if you want to' I said softly, covering his hand with mine.

He looked like he was about to shut away from me for a second.

'You know, she would've loved you. She always wanted me to have a caring yet sassy mate to keep me in line at times like she would. She wanted someone who would be with me for me. She wanted someone who would look after me, who would enjoy spending their time with me. Someone who couldn't help but love me, even if they tried not to'

A picture filled my head, of a woman.

She was remarkably beautiful, a slender woman with straight, long blonde hair. She had thin cherry glosssed lips, her eyes a touching dark blue, somewhat like my own mothers. Her smile though... it matched Christan's. The kind of smile that made you want to smile back.

It was Christan. He revealed his life with his mother to me.

From his first day of school, where his Mum reassured him he would make friends and have fun.

From his first soccer game, his mother screaming at the top of her lungs at his goal, to the huge celebration she planned for him with his favourite pizza.

Watching how his mother stayed by him every step of the way, and even when the few wrinkles started to grow on her face, the warm look in her eyes and her smile stayed the same.

'She was always there.. No matter where I went wrong, or what I did, she was always there for me' His voice spoke, my vision seeing his brown eyes again.

'What happened to her?'

All of a sudden I could see flashing blue and red lights, the sound of sirens ringing loud and clear. I could see flashes of hospital coats and glimpses of people. Everything happened so fast.

'She had come home late from running the cafe that day. I still remember trying to get her off the phone, making excuses that I had homework to do, when there was a screech. The line went silent, and there was only the dial tone left.

It was awful I just... I wish I could've done something. If I had let her pick me up from school on her way home from work maybe I would have stopped the phone call and she would still be alive. If I couldve told her I loved her..' He trailed off.

He closed his eyes, holding in his pain.

'Hey,' I whispered softly. I took my hand and ran it through his hair, resting it on the back on his head.

'Its not your fault'

'But I couldve-'

'There is no point in thinking of what you could have done, or how you could've affected the past. Its hurts sometimes, alot actually. But we have to take it as a stepping stone to make us stronger. Everything happens for a reason'

'It does..' He looked deep into my eyes.

'But do you know what really gets on my nerves? The fact that my father just forgets about her so easily! And he thinks that he can suddenly have a father-son relationship, when before he didn't even bother with me before!

If that's not enough, he goes and gets a bloody replacement for her like she meant nothing to him at all' His voice suddenly raged.

He held me tighter, the situation frustrating me.

'No offence to your mum or anything, she's really nice' He added quickly.

I burst out laughing.

'What?' He looked at me with clueless eyes, my laughter growing louder.

'Oh Christan' I sighed between my laughter, trying to calm it down.

'To be honest, I dont care if you like my mum or not' I said, making him smile.

There it is. I missed it so much.

'I dont really'

'Since were being so honest, I hate you're father too'

'Hey I never said hate. Hate and dislike are two very different things.' He said matter-of-factly. I rolled my eyes.

'No, hate and love are two very different things. Hate and dislike are very close together' I shot back.

A mischievous glint flashed in his eyes, as his thumb began circling on my lower back again.

'There is a thin line between love and hate'

'As there is between a curtain and a window' I blurted out.

Christan burst out laughing.

'And here I was, going for a cliche romantic moment only to have it crushed with the thin fabric between a curtain and a window'

'Romantic cliche moment?' I asked teasingly.

'Yup' He answered.

The room then fell utterly silent.

It was the whole cliche moment, when the two main characters are about to have their first kiss. Something like this:

"He looked into my eyes with love, as did mine. My eyes traveled to his lips, those kissable, kissable lips. The feeling in my heart was nothing was pure love for him, as our lips inched closer with every second-"

But just before Christan fulfilled his que of saying something extremely cheesy before we started making out, the door opened.

'I found you! With.. uhm..' Vanessa started mumbling at the door.

I silently cursed.

She doesn't know! Oh God she must think I'm cheating on Jason! Oh my lord.

'Well she is my-' Christan started.

'Stepsister!' I blurted out in panic, loudly and unconvincingly.

'He was just.. helping me with a problem. You know, cause he's family and all; eh Christan? My buddy' I punched his arm lightly, laughing nervously.

Vanessa looked at me like I was insane. Christan was trying to hold in his laughter.

'Im just gonna say-' She started, holding the door handle again.

'That you can explain for your terrible lying out here. Ill give you a minute or two' She smiled, bowing her head slightly before shutting the door.

Crap.

I tugged away from Christan's arms slightly, but he pulled me in against his chest, closer than before.

'We'll continue this later' He whispered huskily, my heart skipping a beat.

I could almost hear Rae smirking.

It took all the strength in me but I pushed him away again.

'No. No we will not continue this later' I whispered harshly, trying to get rid of his grip on me.

I pushed his hands down, trying to slither out of his grasp.

Christan linked his arm round my legs, so he was holding me bridal style all while he sat up on the edge of the bed. I had to wrap my arms around his neck in the process or I would've fallen or hit myself on something. Dumb reflexes.

'Says the girl in my arms, affected so much its like if she lets go she'll collapse' He smirked, lowering his face to mine.

His hair fell and tickled my face softly, making me want to giggle.

Curse you gravity and men's hair products.

'I am not affected by your arms' I tried countering, my voice faltering instead.

'Oh really? And I'm guessing my touch doesn't effect you either' He teased, brushing his fingers along my lower back, sending a shiver through my body.

'N-no' I stuttered yet again.

'Not even if I kiss you?' He leaned down closer, till his breath was teasing my lips.

My brain was clouded along with my judgement, all body parts melting into his touch. His breath. We were one.

I held onto my last strand of reasonable thinking, like I had to everytime I was around Christan.

'Dont even try' I warned, not able to move.

Even the body parts that could have been moved out of his arms, were impossible to move, because they were all like jelly.

'I know. I wont.' He whispered.

'Go-'

'But I wont stop loving or trying for you until you love me back' He added.

I think my butterflies just evolved into raging flying elephants, like Dumbo.

Love. He just said he loves me.

Well he's my mate, and I guess I knew he loves me but when he said it..

He loves me.

I love him too. So goddamn much it hurts.

This is dangerous. This is oh so dangerous.

I forced my mind to think about anything other than the close to godly figure in front of me, the one who's touch was like fire.

Think think think...

What does the fox say?

Ylevis ringing loud and clear in my head gave me enough sanity to take advantage of his loosened grip and hightail the crap out of there.

I quickly shut the door behind me, breathing heavily against it.

'He's your mate isn't he?' Vanessa's voice rang out.

I nodded.

'You rejected him didn't you?' I nodded.

'He just told you he loves you didn't he?'

I nodded again.

'Yeah I know. You guys are louder than you know' She smirked.

'You have a mate?' A familiar voice asked curiously from behind me.

A male voice.

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I am so sleepy!

This better be long cause its pretty darn long on my notes.

Comment!

Vote maybe?

Enjoy!

Naya Xx