The Angel's Curse

Chapter Ten

Veronica's POV

I couldn’t keep myself from laughing while I got ready. Lily had been so adorable trying to scold us. Her innocent hazel eyes, trying so hard to imitate the look a mother makes when being serious. The gaze that every mother gains once they have their first child and the same one that means business. Though, Lily looked more like a pouting, puffy-cheeked, chipmunk more than a stern mother. Nevertheless, she was right. Had we continued, we would have only thrown the cloth back and forth, and Ember probably would have taken it too far. In the end, I left her to have breakfast with Ember, so I could get ready. Though, a little part of me wished I had the time to eat with them.

Picking out a simple pair of black skinny jeans and a nice light pink blouse, I thought I looked nice, to say the least. The blouse was elastic around the shoulders and waist to allow the crinkle detailing and gave me a more innocent appearance. Not that I was trying to be anything but comfortable while with Trey. I wasn’t quite willing for him to see the scars on my back just yet so I was limited on what to wear. Maybe when we’ve gotten more comfortable with each other I will be open to it. So for now, nothing backless. Just clothes that are more mature and less revealing. ‘Oh please let him like how I look,’ I prayed, slipping on a pair of black wedges and putting three bracelets on my wrist. One being a gold chain with opal angel wings and the other two being red and black jelly, just as Ember had said. Though she had to whisper it so Lily didn’t try to take them for herself before our bet could even start. I couldn’t even imagine trying to remove them from her grasp. Let alone risk her having them when she gets older.

‘Nope! Not going to even think of it!’ The idea of my beautiful baby girl being anything but pure bothered me. When she is older, a lot older, she can do as she wishes. Glancing at the jelly bands on my wrist, I made a mental note to get rid of them once this bet was over. Putting the finishing touches on, nothing big, just body spray and chap stick. I didn’t want to go overboard with my make-up, just some light eyeliner and soft smokey eyes. By the time I finished up, there was a knock at the door and I could hear Lily rushing towards it. Ember was close behind her, laughing as she hopefully caught her before she could run outside unattended.

“Ro! Trey’s here!” She called up to me, Lily shrieking in laughter, nearly drowning her out. What had been going on down there to insight such laughter? Was Ember teasing her? Had Lily done something silly?

“Coming!” I quickly called back, grabbing my purse off my dresser and making sure I had my house keys before leaving the room. Looking over the banister, I smiled softly. To my surprise, Trey seemed to have picked up Lily and begun spinning around with her. Lily’s golden locks whipping around and her laughter drawing out any sound he made. But from the looks of it, he was enjoying himself as well. His smile was large and captivating. Both of them resemble what I pictured a father and daughter would look like. Right down to the way Trey’s arms protectively held her so that she wouldn’t fall or go flying from his grasp. Nothing like how her father used to hold her. He didn't enjoy it as much as Trey did. What gave him away was how his eyes came to life. While simultaneously making my heart skip. Leaving me to admire the image of joy shared between them. Could this be a bond forming before my eyes? One that could potentially be as blinding as Lily’s curls in the sunlight, should it hold.

“Easy, Lily. You don’t want to hurt him.” I warned, watching him slow to a stop. His footing was off, but I could tell he was doing his best to remain steady. Those stunning blue eyes of his finding mine effortlessly, making my heart flutter. Maybe I was wrong to doubt them getting along.

“ Awww! But Momma, Trey promised to play!” she exclaimed, her eyes spinning wildly in her head. The wild spinning clearly disoriented the girl. Despite that, she was trying to get some enjoyment out of his visit. After being starved for attention by her father, it was only natural that she would want his attention. Hopefully, this outing will lead me down the path where she will finally have the attention she carved. The same attention I craved.

“ Lily…” I breathed, trying to figure out how to make this easier for her. It wasn't yet clear if Trey was going to remain a consistent figure in our lives. Not that I didn't want him to be a part of it. I just knew that Trey may or may not be anything more than a family friend at the end of the day. But, looking at her and Trey together…made it hard for me to form the words I wanted to say. A family that loved each other and was there for each other…that's what I wanted at the end of the day. More importantly, I didn’t want to fear my partner when it was all said and done. Trey… I didn’t fear. At least not in the same way that I feared Vincent. This fear was different, very different. If anything, it was more so…excitement than fear in Trey’s case.

“We’ll play when I get back from taking your mom out, okay?” Trey spoke honestly, his smile infectious. Smiling as he placed Lily on her feet, carefully touching her shoulders so she didn’t fall down when she stumbled. Her little legs wobbled, still very dizzy from the spinning.

“ That sounds fun! Can I go? Please! Please! Please!” she exclaimed, looking up at him and then me. She was serious about trying to come. I could see it in how she spoke and how she took hold of his hand.

“W-Well…” I breathed, glancing towards Trey, blushing more when he chuckled. It should be illegal how effortlessly he got a reaction from me. My whole being was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Trying to bring me closer and closer to him before I had time to process if this was the right move or not. In all honesty, it was a tad bit infuriating since I was trying to keep a level head. I don’t want any more mistakes, not when I have so much to lose. Sighing softly, I tried to think of what to say. Hearing Ember snickering from her spot in the hall. The smirk on her face was desperately trying to hold in the laughter she wanted to release. ‘That’s it!’ I thought, smirking back before smiling sweaty down at my beloved daughter.

“Actually, Lily. We have something more important for you to do.” I stated, glancing towards Ember and then looking back into Lily’s hazel eyes. “I need you to keep Aunt Em from getting into any more trouble.” Ember’s cheeks grew bright red, clearly not anticipating me using her as an out. If she wanted to play games, the least I could do was enjoy some aspect of it as well. Right?

“Wait a minute, I don’t need to be watched.” Ember said, pushing off the wall. Shaking my head, I slowly walked towards her.

“Oh but Em, you’re injured. I can’t have my darling little sister getting worse.” I affectionately spoke, putting my arms around her, holding her in my arms. I was not playing fair, to say the least. Pouting my lips, making it sound like Ember really needed to be taken care of. Knowing well enough that Lily would rush up and hug Ember around the waist. Declaring her role as Embers' keeper. Just as anticipated, I felt her arms push between the two of us and grip onto Ember tightly. Lily, looking up at her when we looked down at her.

“Momma’s right, Aunty Em! You need to get better, and I’ll help!” she exclaimed, hugging her even tighter than before. Ember even winced under the pressure of her embrace. There was no way she could reject the notion now. As stubborn and big-headed as Ember could be, she was just as much a softy for Lily as I was. Releasing her, I smiled triumphantly. I had won this battle and my prize, some time to connect with the stunning redhead behind me. One that when I turned back to look at him, looked away trying to mask his own blushing face.

‘Huh, I guess I’m not the only one nervous.’ I momentarily thought, leaning down and kissing Lily on the top of her head.

“I love you. Be good for your Aunt.”

“ I love you too, Momma! Bye Trey, Keep Momma safe okay?!” the little girl exclaimed, watching as we left the house. Trey chuckled beside me, holding the door until I had stepped out. All the while looking back at Lily when she called out to him.

“You got it, Princess. “ He didn't hesitate, warming my heart and easing some of the concerns I harbored inside. However, his simple reaction brought forth a curiosity I had thought died after Vincent. A newfound need to learn more about the charming redhead at my side. To see for myself if he loves my daughters goodbyes, or hellos as I did. To see if his heart is more than just sweet words. Most of all, find out once and for all if he was willing to fill a hole that we both longed for since our family fell apart.

Trey’s Pov

It had been difficult to focus on the road once the sweet scent of honey and chamomile filled the truck. Its cause was seated blissfully unaware of what she was doing to me. Veronica's natural scent drove me and my wolf, Axel, crazy. Every cell of my being was well aware of her. She was so close and yet just as far. Something inside urged me to take this slow, to let her come to me on her own. Subconsciously warning me of what forcing her could do. The damage that could be done as a result.

‘It would make her run…’ Axel's gravelly voice broke through my thoughts. He was worried, somewhat fearful she would break us. I felt the same. Her world was changing before her eyes and no one knew if it was for the better. There was already a lot to explain to her and even more that waited in the wing. The question was, how should I go about explaining things to her? How can I ease her into understanding that these changes could be good for both of us and for Lily?

‘I know…but she has a right to know so she will accept us. ‘ I told him, glancing towards her, seeing her gripping the strap of her purse. She was nervous, very nervous. So I acted how I thought would be comforting for her. Gingerly taking her hand with mine, feeling her flinch in surprise. Her focus changed quickly from the window to me, her eyes masking how she felt as best as they could. Yet the physical notions were there. Her stiffness relaxes under my touch. A soft gentle breath slipped past her barely parted lips, making Axel growl in the back of my mind.

“It's going to be alright. If you're uncomfortable at all, I'll call a car for you. “ I assured her, much to Axel's disagreement. He wanted her to stay in our sight. Not that I didn’t. I just wanted to make sure she was comfortable at the same time.

“No. No, I’m alright.” Veronica said, a faint hint of pink playing at her cheeks. Her heart rate increased when her eyes met mine. Was it a sign of good faith or was there something else at play? “It’s just been a while since I’ve..well…you know…Been on a date.” Her angelic face stained crimson, hazel eyes shimmering beneath that invisible mask of hers. God, I was in a losing battle, Axel laughing at me all the while. He could see it too. Veronica Freeman was going to break my resolve with that innocent face of hers. A simple action or gaze created another crack, straining it until it threatened to release the beast within.

Coughing, I resorted to biting the inside of my cheek. Hard. Drawing some blood, the taste of copper helped me hold focus on the road. “If it helps any, you and I are in the same boat. “I admitted.

“Really? I find that hard to believe.” She said, now watching me. Her eyes, though out of line of sight, were still able to be felt.

“Is it that hard to believe?” I laughed, stealing a glance at her. Her face quickly looked shyly away. She was far too easy to embarrass.

“Well…Yes. You’re entirely too good-looking no-” She began to explain, quickly silencing herself. Her hand flew up to her mouth so fast it was a blur. It was safe to assume she hadn’t meant to speak that out loud. Smiling, I finally let my own nerves begin to ease. She found me good-looking. What else did she think of me? What else went through her thoughts? I wanted to learn more about her.

“ As are you, Veronica. “ I spoke up, feeling her shift in her seat beside me. “ You are a stunning woman, far too good for a carpenter. “

“E-Even…with a child at home?”

“Even with a child at home,” I told her, meaning every word. She seemed surprised at that fact. Still trying to find a hidden meaning behind my words. While looking at each other, I saw it. Deep in her eyes, revealed a past pain and torture that kept her at bay. Where words were sweet, actions would need to prove it to her. Watching her, she gave the softest of smiles. My heart skipped a beat, feeling her hand slip into mine. Holding this callused and scarred hand, she showed acceptance. Smiling softly, I leaned in, placing a soft kiss on her cheek. I knew I was pushing it, but it couldn’t be helped. When I pulled away, her eyes were wide, her face redder than a tomato.

“Now, about your counters…” I mused, letting her come to terms with what had happened. Lucky for me, she was smiling by the time we both looked at the road.