The Blazing Betas (Book 2 of the Garnetmoon series)

Chapter 2: Missing you even more

Domonique P.O.V

"Deborah?" I heard my mother's voice call out, and my heart sank. I knew that she was looking for Mrs. Delouise, but the thought of facing her so early in the morning made me want to dive under the kitchen counter. I heard the familiar sound of my mother's footsteps getting closer and closer, and I knew that I had to act fast if I wanted to avoid a confrontation. Without thinking, I dove down behind the kitchen counter, praying that she wouldn't find me. I could hear the sound of her voice getting louder, and I knew that she was getting closer. My heart was pounding in my chest as I tried to control my breathing. If she found me here, there would be no end to her tirade, and I would be left without breakfast. I closed my eyes and held my breath, waiting for the inevitable.

"Deborah? Have you seen Domonique? Rick said she would be down here!" My mother's voice echoed through the kitchen, and I felt a sense of panic wash over me. I knew that she was looking for me, and I didn't want to face her just yet. Without thinking, I crawled inside the cupboard, hoping that she wouldn't find me. The darkness enveloped me, and I could smell the faint scent of cleaning supplies. It was cramped and uncomfortable, but it was better than facing my mother's wrath. I held my breath, listening intently for any sign of her. I could hear her footsteps getting closer, and I knew that I was running out of time. Suddenly, I heard Mrs. Delouise's voice, and I breathed a sigh of relief. "No, unfortunately, she hasn't been down for breakfast this morning, Mrs. Marshal!" Mrs. Delouise said in a sincere tone. "But when I see her, I will be sure to tell her that you are looking for her!" I could hear the smile in her voice, and I knew that she was trying to help me out.

I heard my mother's footsteps fade away, and I heaved a sigh of relief. Great! I thought to myself. I at least have another ten minutes to myself. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. It was always a challenge to avoid my mother's wrath, but I was getting better at it. Slowly, I opened the door of the cupboard, making sure that my mother was nowhere in sight before I slipped out.

"Child! You will have your mother banish me from this pack for lying to her like that!" Mrs. Delouise chastised me, her eyes twinkling with amusement. I knew that she was only teasing, but I still felt a pang of guilt. I had asked her to cover for me, and I knew that it wasn't fair to put her in that position. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Delouise," I said, feeling contrite. "I didn't mean to put you in a difficult position." Mrs. Delouise shook her head, a fond smile on her face. "Don't worry about it, dear," she said, patting my hand. "I know how your mother can be sometimes. It's our little secret." I got up and walked over to the freshly baked tray of blueberry muffins, feeling my mouth water at the sight of them. I grabbed one and took a bite, savoring the sweet taste. Mrs. Delouise chuckled at my enthusiasm, shaking her head in amusement. "You always did have a sweet tooth," she said, her eyes crinkling at the corners. I just smiled at her, making myself look all innocent in the matter.

"But you would have done it anyway!" I said with a smile, feeling grateful for Mrs. Delouise's kindness. I leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before bolting out of the kitchen to go and get some more breakfast. I could hear her laughter ringing in my ears as I exited the kitchen. Mrs. Delouise was always like a second mother to all of us in this pack, with her friendly and loving personality. She had a way of making us feel special, no matter what was going on in our lives. I remembered how she used to ensure that we got that extra bit of candy when we were little if it was a bad day. She always knew just what to do to make us feel better.

"There you are!" I heard the voice that made my heart jump in six different directions. Yes! He was finally back! I spun around, my heart racing with anticipation, and came face to face with the man that I had a crush on well ... since forever!. I looked up into those stormy gray eyes, feeling my stomach do somersaults. He looked a bit tired, but that would, of course, have been expected with all the work that he had to do for my brothers. I smiled up at him, feeling my cheeks flush with color, as his smile met mine. It was a smile that could light up a room, and I felt myself getting lost in its warmth. I completely forgot about the muffin in my hand as I ran over to him, wanting to jump in his arms. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I got closer and closer. When I finally reached him, I threw my arms around his neck, feeling his strong arms wrap around my waist. It was a moment of pure bliss, and I knew that I never wanted it to end.

"Never leave me alone with my mother for this long again!" I muttered under my breath as I wrapped my arms around Cole's neck, unable to hold myself back any longer. He felt like home, and even though my wolf did not yet recognize him as her mate, I knew he was the one. Cole Black was my mate, and I could simply feel it in my bones. As we kissed, I felt my body relax into his, and I knew that I was safe with him. It was a feeling that I had never experienced before, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. I could feel his hands on my waist, pulling me closer to him, and I knew that he felt the same way that I did. It was a moment of pure bliss.