Captured by sight (Book 4)

Fallon POV “They say he’s just a legend, some call him a myth, but the story stays the same” I say and my little brother sits up, his little eyes wide looking at me expectantly “Tell me” he demands and I giggle leaning against the headboard “Many years ago, in a land far away there was a strong and courageous man. He was the leader of a pack, but not the Alpha. They followed him wherever he went. He led them in battle, claiming land to expand his empire far beyond that of normal man” I say “He was a human man?” “Some say he was human, others say he was a Lycan, others claim him to have been a hybrid. They say he could transform into a dragon, with golden wings with the head of a wolf. He breathed fire, his strength was unmatched, his courage unparalleled but his heart was cold. He was feared because he never showed mercy, never backed out of a challenge and even when he stood alone he could kill a thousand men” his eyes now as wide as saucers “Really? So he was stronger than dad?” he asks and I nod “Oh yes, much stronger. Although he was feared he was also respected. They say he ruled with fairness, courage and a great sense of justice. His rules were strict, but not inhumane. Those who were said to have served closely to him told of a man with a dark, cold heart, anger in his eyes but never did he speak to anyone in anger. He would roam his castle at night, humming a tune only he knew, he never had a wife or any family” “That must’ve been bad” he says his eyes sad “They say he was, that’s why he kept on conquering the lands of leaders thought to be cruel or ruthless. He despised injustice, he hated tyrants, they were his targets” “He was like a superhero” he says and I giggle again “Yeah, kinda. His name was never spoken, they called him Una temută, Feared one. No one knew his real name, he rarely spoke. The books tell of a strong man, tall with white eyes, eyes as cold and lifeless as snow. His hair was the color of agar wood, dark brown with golden streaks. He had a horrendous scar across his face, by the time you were close enough to see the scar it was too late” I say and he gasps “Fallon” my mom’s voice makes us jump, grabbing my chest “Goddess mom, you scared us” I breathe out and she scowls “Stop telling him scary stories before bed. He’s going to have nightmares” she scolds making us giggle “No he won’t, isn’t that right little man?” I ask ruffling his hair and he sits up, puffing out his little chest “That’s right. I won’t” he says confidently as my sits down on the bed “Famous last words. Come on you have school tomorrow. Fallon dear, your father wants to see you” she says tucking my brother in. I nod and kiss his head “Good night little guy, see you tomorrow” I say rubbing my nose against his and he hugs me “Night sis, sweet dreams” “You too buddy” I say and head out the door. My dad is sitting in the kitchen playing with his mug “Hey daddio” I say happily, he looks up and gestures for me to sit “Hey princess, please” he says and I sit down “Honey, I know you should go back to school next semester” he pauses and I nod “But you can’t” he says and I laugh “Good one dad” I chuckle but his expression stays stoic “I’m serious Fallon” he says and my smile fades “Why?” I ask and he sighs looking at the cup “There were some threats made against us, we need to keep you safe” he says, not looking at me “But I am safe, I literally live fifty feet away from grandpa and Nana” I argue. He rubs his face. Oh wow he looks so tired “Fallon please don’t fight me on this” he begs “Dad, this is not fair. I only have two years left” I say and he nods, still not looking at me “I know, when this blows over you can finish I promise” he says but I stand “No dad, I’ll be fine. I’m going back” I state making him growl “I’m your father Fallon, you’ll obey my wishes” he says glaring at me “I will be fine. You trained me yourself, no-one knows I’m there, besides the family. We made sure I’m protected” I argue “Dammit Fallon, just listen-“I cut him off “No dad you listen, I’ve been a good little girl my whole life. Never disobeyed you, but not this time. I will be fine” I state and walk out, slamming my door and plopping down on the bed. Dammit, I hate it when we fight. This is asking too much, besides we’re the royal family, we get threats all the time. If I place my life on hold every time we get one, I’ll never leave my room. I’m safe there, safer than here anyway. I argue with myself until I fall asleep. I’m awakened by a little cold hand shaking me “Sis” his little voice says “Lennox?” I sit up groggily seeing his scared little face in the moonlight “I had a nightmare” he whispers. I open the covers for him and he crawls in, pressing his little body snugly against me. I wrap my arm around him settling in “No monsters here buddy, you can sleep now” I whisper, he nods and sighs “Thanks” he says and soon his breathing is steady. The next morning I get up, get him dressed, fed and take him to school. When I get back my dad has already left “Good morning sexy mama!” I call out and she smiles “Hey baby, thanks for taking Lennox to school” she says as I kiss her cheek “No problem. The grumpy old man still being an ass?” I ask plopping down sipping my coffee “Don’t disrespect him Fallon, he’s worried and quite frankly so am I. This threat is different, honey please just consider this” she begs sitting down. I groan lying on my arms “Moooom” I grunt “Fallon, just for a little while. Please baby” she pleads again and I sit up “One semester” I say and her eyes light up. She rounds the island and hugs me so tightly I’m gasping “Thank you!” she squeals making my ears ring “Loud!” I exclaim covering my ear and she giggles “Sorry. Oh he’s going to be so happy” she says and I groan “Yay, he won again” I say sarcastically and my mom stops her happy dance “Fallon honey, what’s really going on?” she asks but I look down. She didn’t raise me, as you well know, but she has the ability to tell when I’m lying. Nana says it’s a mom thing. “Nothing” I say but she scoffs “Liar. Tell me” she says and I look up “There’s this boy” I start but the whole house trembles with multiple growls making me jump. They walk in looking all angry “What’s his name?” “He’s dead” they speak over each other “I believe the words you’re looking for is good morning” I say and they growl again. Jeez, it was a joke “Name, now” my dad says and I stand “Dad, calm down. Your emotions are showing” I say and kiss his cheek before turning to my granddad “Hey Gramps” I say giving him a hug “Hey bella regazza” he says, instantly hugging me “You’re supposed to stay strong, that was the plan” my dad says and my granddad chuckles “Did you see that face? Say no to that” he says to my dad and I turn to him “Fine. No you can’t date” he growls I just roll my eyes and sit back down “I’m staying, down Colonel” I huff and he deflates “Really? You are?” he asks and I nod “For one semester” I say and he grabs me from behind lifting me off the stool making me laugh “Thank you!” he exclaims all while squeezing the life out of me. I slap at his hands giggling “Put me down you freakishly strong tank man!” I squeal making them all laugh and he lowers me down to my feet. He turns me around and I look up, he really is the spitting image of my granddad, without the scar of course, and the eyes but they could pass for brothers rather than father and son “Thank you honey” he says looking into my eyes, then I see it. Fear “Dad, why are you scared?” I ask softly and he looks away. I look at my granddad and his eyes reflect the same “Wait, this isn’t just a normal threat is it?” I ask stepping back “Nothing we can’t handle bella” my granddad says but I narrow my eyes “You’re lying. Koa” I say and his eyes flash bright gold and dark blue “They’re lying, tell me” I say then his evil voice speaks “It’s bad” he says and I nod “The threat was against you” he states and I grab the counter for support “Me? Why me?” I say looking between the three of them. My dad takes my hand speaking in his soft fatherly voice “Prince Allistair threatened to kill you. We know you’re strong, but somehow the little brat got some allies” he says and I gulp loudly “We’ll keep you safe. He can’t hurt you here” my mom says and I nod “I know. But for how long? I can’t stay here forever. I have a life, friends and school” I say and they all nod “We know, it’s just until this is sorted out” my dad says and I step closer wrapping my arms around his waist “Guess I’m going back to training” I say and he hugs me kissing my head “I would like that, Zia said she’ll train you personally” he says rubbing my back “Okay” I say, I just hold him. Like I used to do when I was a little girl. Now I know I’m 23 but I’m scared, and he makes it go away. He’s always been my safe place, my protector and my rock. A few months pass when we get word that Allistair has been captured and I was finally able to return to school. I missed this so much, but I’m glad I had the time back home. I learned some new moves from Zia, and Nana and I train every day for two hours. “You could join the Elites honey” she says wiping her face with the towel and I laugh “Yeah sure, I’ll paint the crap out of them” I joke making her laugh “Hey Nana” “Yeah honey” “Some friends invited me to the beach on Saturday. We’re going to the theme park and the beach. I was just wondering-“ “Yeah sure, just be home by 9” she says not even looking at me “Oh okay, that was easy” I say and she looks up “Fallon dear, I understand why your father is the way he is. He was the most impossible, rambunctious, naughty child I raised. Eight children, one impossibly innovative one, but he was trustworthy. And now, well now he’s a dad so I believe he now understands how irresponsible he was. With that said, he’s very protective over you because for most of your life you were the only person in his life he had to be a role model for” she says smiling. I sit down next to her “I know, and I love him for it. I just wish he’d understand that I’m old enough to make good choices. He raised me well enough to know right from wrong, to tell if a man is good or not. I mean look at my examples, I heard the stories about him, but it’s hard to believe my dad was that man. The man I grew up with is a strong, honest, no nonsense and straight forward soldier” I say making her laugh “I have seen it, took us all a while to get used to, weirdest feeling I’ve ever experienced” she says “So I can go tomorrow?” I ask again “Okay, listen, as long as I know where you are, who you’re with and how late you’d be home we’re good” she says and I nod happily “If I should decide to check up on you and I don’t find you where you said you’re going to be, there will be hell to pay” her voice now strict and I must say, she’s scaring me a little “Yes ma’am” I say and she smiles again “Good girl. Now let’s go feed those people. You’re granddad gets irritable when he’s hungry” she says and my granddad growls “Stop telling the kids I’m a bad guy” he groans. I jump up and hug him tightly “Aaww Gramps, we still love you” I say chirpily and he chuckles “See Amore, this is how you get on my good side” he says proudly “I have my ways mi todo” she says, his chest vibrates and I step back “Okay, so gross, gotta go” I say turning making them laugh “When you meet your mate you’ll see this is nothing to be grossed out about” she says smiling “Nana, I love you. But watching my grandparents make out is not my idea of a favorite pass time” I say shivering “She could still pass as your sister. Look at that magnificent creature” my Gramps says making me laugh “Yeah she could, unlike you” I joke and dart away laughing. I run toward my flat, and just as I think I’m going to make it Duke jumps over me blocking the door. I skid to a stop, a huge smile on my face wrapping my arms around his neck “Duke! Hey I missed you” I say scratching him behind his ears and down his neck. He turns his head panting happily, by the time my hands reach his side he falls over exposing his belly “Oh you are adorable. Yes you are, yes you are. Who’s a good Lycan? You are yes, you are” I say pouting making him yap playfully “The only person I know that can disable a Lycan” Aunt Val says and I laugh still scratching him all over “But he’s such a good boy” I say and then he licks my face, non-stop “Duke!” I laugh sitting back “Duke stop!” I giggle but it’s an attack “Duke!” I screech as he steps over me, now lying flat on my back laughing so hard tears start rolling down my cheeks “Those are the only tears I ever want to see bella” Duke says and I wipe them looking up at the beautiful Lycan “Love you old man” “Love you more pup” I stand up and shift “Wanna go for a run?” I ask and he nods. We take off running into the open field, I look back seeing Duke a few steps behind me “You’re the fastest Lycan I’ve ever seen bella” he says and I slow down a bit “No, go I want to see what you really can do” he urges, I nod and take off. The wind whooshes past my ears, my head lowered, my paws hitting the ground rapidly as the scenery starts to blur around me “I love this” Enzi chimes “Me too, dad doesn’t even know how fast we really are” “I know, we’ve always held back” “Not today” we push harder and soon enough I have to turn around at the foot of the mountain, speeding back toward them. We skid to a stop, a cloud of dust settling around us as Enzi pants “Seems we have the fastest Lycan alive in our midst” uncle Mihai says and I yap “You this fast in your human form too?” he asks, I shift and shrug “Don’t know, never tried” I say and he nods to Aunt Val “Think you can do it again?” he asks and I ready my stance “Let’s see. Race you Aunt Val” I say and she smiles taking off her shoes “Sure, what’s the stakes?” she asks and I think “Dinner and dishes on Sunday” “Awesome” she says and uncle Mihai steps up “Ready, and go!” we take off running. She’s a pure blood vampire, they’re famous for their unbelievable speed, when we turn around we’re head to head. I push harder, but when we run past uncle Mihai we finish together “That’s amazing. Isa did you know this?” aunt Val asks catching her breath “No the little rascal has been holding back” she says but I see the pride on her face “I never had to use my speed, our training is more focused on strength and agility, close combat fighting” I say but my Nana smiles evilly “Well, we’ll have to train you differently then. Val we have a challenge” she says and Aunt Val fist pumps the air looking very happy “Finally! The last trainee I had that matched me was Dimitri. Warrior training it is” she says and I think my heart stopped “W-warrior training?” I ask and they nod “Oh yes, your dad is great at what he does, but I used to train the guys and your grandma for the warrior trials. You’ll love it” she says clapping her hands excitedly “Yay me” I say under my breath. Great, they’re going to kill me. I’ve seen what the creatures look like returning from the trials, most of them barely survives “Okay, enough fun and games. I’m hungry” Gramps says making us laugh “No not irritable at all” I chime making him groan. The next morning I get dressed for my day out with my friends, oh I’m so excited! Grabbing my keys I walk out the door when I hear someone clear their throat “Hey uncle Mihai” I say placing my bag in the car “Where are you going?” he asks and I turn around smiling “To the beach with some friends, Nana knows and she said it was okay” I say, his purple eyes scan me up and down “Not like that” he says “What? I look fine” I say looking at my clothes “You’re half naked. Your dad will have our heads if he sees this” he says and I sigh “My dad won’t see it because he’s not here” I answer sweetly “I am, get some decent clothes on young lady” he commands making me groan “Fine, jeez I’m not a kid anymore” I groan “Fallon” he says and I stop turning back to him “Sweety, you’re very beautiful, and some men will take advantage of your sweet and kind nature. Just put on a shirt that’s not as revealing, please” he asks in his dad voice “Thanks for looking out for me uncle Mihai” I say kissing his cheek before changing my shirt. I step out and he nods “Still beautiful, but proper. Be home by 8” he says “Nana said 9” I argue “One minute after 8 and your grandpa and I will come and fetch you. We’ll make a scene” he says and walks away “How the f**k are they worse than dad?” I grumble “Because we raised our own daughters” my granddad says, I mock cry “I just want to go” I groan, he takes my hand and hugs me “Be safe Fallon, enjoy your day oh and here” he says stuffing money in my pocket “I have money” I say but he gives me a sneaky smile “I know, buy something nice or go see a movie on me” he whispers and I smile “Thanks Gramps, see you later” I say and he hugs me again, watching as I drive off. How can you not love this wacky family? They’re overbearing, intrusive, over protective but loving and caring at the same time. Weirdos. I pull up to the beach and smile when Kyle walks up. His tanned body glistening in the sun, his sun kissed dirty blonde shoulder length hair is messy, dripping with water. His trunks hanging low on his narrow hips, but his brown eyes are locked on me, making me blush “Hey babe” he says as I get out of my car, scanning my body up and down “Hey” I say shyly. I’ve had a crush on him since first year. He’s studying technology, they took a design class at our university and we met through a mutual friend “You look sexy” he whispers kissing my hand “Th-thank you. You look uhm, wet” and mentally slap myself. Wet? Really Fallon! “Let me take that for you” he says leaning past me, making sure his toned torso pins me between him and the car grabbing my bag “Thanks” I say softly. He gives me his slow sexy grin, holding out his other hand. I take and have to bite my lip to keep the sigh at bay. My legs feel like jelly, but I keep my composure as we make our way to the rest of the crowd. Pepper jumps up wrapping me up in a hug “Hey girlfriend!” she squeals and I hug her back “Hey girl!” I step back. Pepper is medium build, with long dark brown hair, honey colored skin and has the most beautiful big brown eyes. She’s as tall as Nana, but she’s smart. No really this girl is as smart as Katie. “Glad you made it” Luke says as I sit down “Hey guys, good to be here” I say happily, not missing Kyle’s glances. Pepper starts talking about their robotics team challenge, which the guys find very fascinating. I just sit there and listen as they share ideas, designs and all the technical stuff. They’re all human by the way, they have no idea what I really am, or who I am. I’m registered under Anderson, so yeah it keeps the threats at bay “Wanna get an ice cream?” Sarah asks and we all nod. We walk to the ice cream stand, but I feel the hair in my neck rise. I glance around, trying my best to sniff the air without looking suspicious but the only other smell, aside from the normal ones is the smell of pine. Weird, maybe it’s a car freshener or something “Chocolate for the sexiest girl alive” Kyle’s voice draws my attention back to them and I take the cone “Thanks” I say and he smiles. Oh good lord those dimples, please not the dimples “It’s your favorite right?” he says but I shake my head “Close” I say and he frowns “What’s your favorite?” he asks and I blush “Chocolate-nut-fudge” I say and he hums “Never tried it, we’ll have to try that sometime” he says in a low voice making me shiver “We should” I say smiling. He holds out his arm to me and I take it, we sit down and the rest of the day is spent having a great time. We played volleyball, he tried teaching me to surf but it seems I’m a lost cause in that department, and then we went to the theme park. As the sun was setting over the ocean, Kyle and I were seated on the Ferris wheel. It stopped at the top, I swear he paid the operator to do this, and he turned to me “Fallon” he says and I look at him “Yes” “I really like you” he says and my throat goes dry “Can I take you out to dinner?” he asks and my mouth seems to have lost the ability to work so I just nod. His hand cups my cheek, his thumb gently stroking my lower lip as his eyes dart between my lips and my eyes. Oh hell no, is he going to kiss me? Okay stay calm “Can I kiss you?” he asks leaning in “Okay” I answer my voice so soft I barely heard myself. He slowly closes the distance between us and my heart is racing faster than ever. When his soft lips touches mine, I unintentionally moan softly, he wraps his arm around my waist pulling me closer to him not breaking the kiss. My eyes flutter closed and he turns his head slightly. His tongue tracing my bottom lip, begging for entrance. But no, my dumbass pulls back quickly “Sorry I didn’t mean to-“I stop him placing my finger on his lips “Kyle, this uhm, this is uh… my uhm” I stutter and he just smiles, leans in and whispers “Glad to know I’m your first” he says and kisses me again. This time he holds back, he just makes sure I’m comfortable. I place my hand on his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat thump against my palm. He breaks the kiss looking at me, like he’s searching my soul “Was that okay?” he asks and I nod smiling “Oh yeah, perfect” I say and he sits back pulling me into his side. I’m smiling like a goof the whole time, the others walk off leaving Kyle and I alone at my car “So about that date?” he asks playing with my fingers “I’ll get back to you on that okay?” I say and he nods “I want to, it’s just mid-terms are coming up, you get it right?” I ask and he nods, his lazy smile on his face “Fine, lunch then. Monday” he says and I nod “Okay, lunch” he pecks me on the cheek stepping back “See ya Monday my lady” he says and I glow with happiness “Monday kind sir” I say and he leaves. I get in my car, but again the faint smell of pine drifts past me and I glance around. Weird