Beneath a Moonless Sky - Book One (Moon Child Series)

Chapter Eighteen

The hissing of liquid hitting fire snapped me back to reality as I spun around to stir the macaroni again. I would finish dinner and have a long hot bath to think everything over. Tomorrow was a Saturday so I wouldn’t have to go into work, I could spend the day thinking everything over.

Dinner finished cooking and I plated it up, calling everyone to the table. The usual ‘thank you mummy’ filled the air as they dug in happily to their meal. We ate in silence for a while before Lucian speaks.

“So, Magnus tells me you work with Fergus and Connor at their art studio, and that you’re a photographer?” I nod and swallow my mouthful.

“Yes. I felt like I had to repay them after my parents kicked me out and they took me in. I started as receptionist then it led into photography.” I continued eating and only glanced up after a long moment of silence from him. He was staring down at his plate, his jaw clenched, and fist clenched.

“Your parents kicked you out?” Lucian’s voice cracked while he spoke and he looked up into my eyes, his sad and full of guilt. Glancing at the little eyes watching me as they ate, I kept my eyes on him.

“I think we should talk about this later, in private?” His eyes go wide as he glances at the twins, nodding.

“Yeah. Later.” We finished off the rest of the meal in silence and when we were done Luca and Mia politely asked if they could watch their show and ran off when I agreed.

Getting up, I gathered up the dishes and headed to the sink to clean them. Leaving the sink to fill, I busied myself with putting away the leftovers in the fridge. When I turned back to the sink, I was surprised to see Lucian, hands in sink, washing the dishes. I grabbed the tea towel and stood beside him as I dried the dishes. We stood in comfortable silence for a while, it almost felt like old times when we would clean up the kitchen after we made a mess with our kitchen experiments. It felt like five years had not passed. I liked it; Id missed this. The clink of the dishes was the only sound between us, until Lucian turned to me slightly, his hands still in the water.

“Did they kick you out because I got you pregnant?” There was something in his eyes as he asked the question, but I couldn’t place it. I nodded silently as I dried a plate and put it away in its spot.

“My mum wanted me to abort the pregnancy.” A sick feeling consumes his face, followed by anger.

“What about your father?” I stopped for a second and stood very still, remembering my dad’s reaction.

“He was… disappointed. But he didn’t hate me like my mother did. He couldn’t go against her. He loved her too much to lose her, and if he continued to be in my life, she would have left him.” I grabbed another plate and dried it slowly, recalling everything that happened five years ago. It felt like such a long time away. “They are each other’s Chosen. That’s a bond that can never break, even for the daughter you love.” I feel a tear slip down my cheek, and I swipe it away. “It’s all in the past now, I don’t like to dwell on it. It won’t change what’s happened.” I saw him nod from the side of my eye as I continued to dry the dishes he washed. Silence returned for a while as he washed, and I dried.

“How did you meet Fergus?” the sink gurgled as the water emptied and he dried his hands as he turned to me. The memory brought old feelings rushing back and I occupied myself with drying the pot in my hand to stop the tears from falling.

“The day after we….” I coughed, not ready to say it, “after that day, I drove to your house after your phone wouldn’t connect and when I got there was a moving van, and Fergus’ van. The house was already sold, although I don’t know how it happened so fast. The new owner had purchased one of Fergus’ prints and he was delivering it when I rocked up. He could see how upset I was and gave me his card if I ever needed his help.” I opened up the cupboard above my head and placed the saucepan in there as I spoke. “So, when I got kicked out, I drove mindlessly, found his card in my pocket and the rest is history.” I walked away without looking at him, knowing if I looked at him, I would break down in tears. I don’t really like to think about back then, I wanted to focus on my future and the twin’s future. His hand spun me around before I could stop him and he pinned me against the wall, one hand on my cheek as he pressed his forehead and his body pressed against mine. I shut my eyes as my body tingled and his smell intoxicated me.

“I’m never going to stop saying this, I’m so sorry.” My eyes meet his, tears streaming down his cheeks. I reach up to stroke his cheeks, wiping away his tears. My brain was gone, all sense thrown out the window as my heart burst through my resolve and shouted at me ‘KISS HIM DAMMIT!’

His lips crashed onto mine and my world exploded. Arms around his neck I pulled him impossibly closer to me, our chests pressing hard against each other. His hands dig into my sides, my back pressed harshly against the wall. His tongue licks at my bottom lip and I open willingly with a small moan. Our tongues fight for dominance as air ceases to matter. My hands slip into his hair and press him into me more, I need to be closer to him. It had been so long since Id felt this. Since I’d felt him. The pleasure I was feeling ripping through my body hurt, it was so good. My skin was on fire, my magic was crackling between us, adding to the pleasure that raged through my veins. I couldn’t get enough of him as I pulled at his silky hair. I needed him more than Id ever needed anything.

“Ahem.” Someone coughs behind Lucian and I and we break apart, breathing heavy, my hand on my lips as I lean against the wall for support. Lucian stands an arm length away from me his eyes closed, his breathing harsh. I look up and see Fergus standing at the kitchen table a satisfied smirk on his lips.

“Sorry for the interruption.” His voice cannot contain his glee as he places my hard drive onto the table. “I did knock, but no one answered.”

“Uncle Fergus!” Mia bolts out from the lounge room and barrels into his arms, giving him a big sloppy kiss on his cheek.

“Hello Princess. How are you today?” Her smile could light a whole city it was so bright.

“Daddy had dinner with us tonight.” Fergus glances at me his eyebrow raised before he returns his gaze back to the little girl in his arms.

“Oh really? And will daddy be joining mummy for dessert?” The question was directed at me and I just glared at him as Mia glanced at him confusedly.

“No. no dessert tonight. It’s almost bedtime.” I flick my hand towards the bathroom and hear the water turn on with my magic. “Mia, go grab your brother and hop in the bath please. I’ll be there in a moment.”

Mia’s little pout is almost my undoing, but I hold firm, and she does as she’s told. On the way to the bathroom they both run over to Lucian and give him a big hug. He gave them each a kiss atop their head before sending them off with a little push. I glare at Fergus.

“You’re so lucky they don’t understand that stuff yet.” I can tell he’s trying hard not to laugh, and I turn from him exasperated. “Lucian, if you want, I’m sure the kids would love for you to tuck them into bed.” His face lit up and he nodded.

“I bet you’d like him to tuck you in too.”  I heard Fergus mutter.

“Out!” He turned to the door laughing and as he left, he gave me a wink. The splashing of water pulls my attention to the bathroom

“Sorry. I’ll be back in a sec.” I call behind me as I made my way into the bathroom just in time to have a big bucket of water thrown on me.

“Oops. Sorry mummy.” Luca sits down a guilty look on his face. I looked down at my soaking clothes and smile, shrugging my shirt off and wringing it out.

“That’s ok little one, it’s just water. Five more minutes ok. And no more splashing.” I walk out into the hall and through to the dining room where I had a laundry basket ready to fold, and freeze. In that brief moment I’d forgotten that Lucian was standing in the dining room. His eyes rake over my half naked body, lust drowning them with darkness. My shirt clutched against my chest, my cheeks flaming I reach past him and grab a new shirt before running back to the bathroom, shutting the door. Mia and Luca’s little eyes stare at me, questioning my sudden flustered nature. I just smiled as I slipped on my shirt and helped them from the tub, wrapping them both in fluffy towels.

“Let’s get you ready for bed. Daddy is waiting to tuck you in.” Their happy little faces fill me with joy as we head to their bedroom to get them ready for bed.

Ready and sitting in their beds, they wait patiently as Lucian comes in to tuck them in.

“Daddy?” Mia says from her princess bed. He tucks her hair between her ear with a soft smile.

“Yes, my princess?” He knelt down beside her bed and pulled the covers up to her chin.

“Are you and mummy going to get married and live happily ever after?” I stiffened from my spot leaning against the door jamb and looked to Lucian to see his answer. He glanced at me; his expression unreadable. His gaze is soft as he gazes back at our daughter, her eyes the same shade as mine, her hair too.

“That all depends on what your mummy wants little one, it is not for me to decide.” It’s not the answer she wanted but nods anyways. It was a good answer and definitely won him some brownie points.

“Night, night my little princess, my warrior wolf.” He blows them both a kiss good night and follows me from the room. The love he already had for those two made my heart swell, and almost made me forget I was mad at him. Almost. Still a bit of anger there. But he was slowly chipping at my defences.

We stand awkwardly in the dining room before I finally speak.

“Fergus was going to take the kids to the zoo tomorrow so I could have some ‘me’ time.” I make quotation marks in the air, “I’m sure they would love for you to go to. If you’re not busy.” The soft smile on his lips made my insides clench and my body heat up with desire. Goddess, why do you do this to me?

“I would love to go to the zoo with our children.” His voice is deep, his eyes dark, as he glanced back at me. Is it hot in here, or is it just me? I mentally slapped myself and cough.

“Great. I’ll let Fergus know. They leave here at 8.”

“I look forward to it.” He runs his hand through his hair, his shirt rising a little with the action giving me a glance of his perfectly sculpted stomach. I swear a little bit of drool came out. “I better go. Magnus wants to run through some of the beta jobs I have to do now that I’m back.” He gives me a small wave as he backed up to the front door and I waved back.

The door shuts and the silence surrounding me is deafening. Goddess I need a bath. With a deep sigh I head to my bathroom and start filling the tub, pouring in my peppermint oil and lighting a few candles. I connect my Bluetooth speaker to some calming music and sink into the tub when it’s full. My muscles relax in the hot water, my troubles all dropping away. As I sit back in the bath, the scent of peppermint surrounding me, I let the events of the past two days to make their way into my mind.

Lucian was great with the kids today. He was amazing with them. And they had no trouble accepting him either. They had always been envious of the pack kids whose fathers came to Father’s Day presentations with them or take your dad to class days. They would always have to sit those out and it broke my heart when they would come home in tears because everyone else had a daddy and they didn’t.

Sure, they had Fergus, Connor, Magnus and Colin, all amazing role models. But there is nothing like your father to cheer you up with cuddles and kisses when you’re sad or hurting. A father who will teach you to ride a bike and keep you safe when you feel scared. To check for monsters under your bed, and scare them away.  

I missed my father very much, but at least I knew him. I couldn’t think what it would be like to miss a father you never met. Maybe I should give my dad a call. Let him meet his grandchildren. I’d distanced myself from him for his sake. I didn’t want to be the reason he and his Chosen broke up. I couldn’t live with that. But I missed my dad. And I think he deserved to make the decision of being in their lives himself.

I sat back with a sigh. There’s one problem taken care of in my mind. Only a million more to go.

The one most present in my mind is Lucian. I was sick of going through this in my mind. I think he deserved a bit of punishment, but I wasn’t sure how long I should punish him. I’m not even sure how long I’d be able to resist him. I couldn’t doubt the love I felt for him or the desire. The mate pull wasn’t all to blame. I’d always loved him, since we were 15 just before he started dating his girlfriend Sophie. I touched my lips as memories of the kiss in the kitchen seared my mind. I forgot how perfectly his lips fit to mine, and how he always tasted of peppermint. It was the only scent that would both soothe me and wreck me over the years. I kept diffusers around the house with peppermint oil in them, my bath oil was peppermint. I even had a pillow spray. Five years. Five years since our last kiss. Since our lips touched so passionately. I swirled the water around me as I thought.

What did he do to make me so angry? He left. He made love to me, he told me he loved me and while I slept, he left. He cancelled his number, he moved away. He abandoned me without a trace. I couldn’t blame him for leaving me pregnant. He couldn’t have known that I was pregnant with his children. It probably never crossed his mind. It hadn’t crossed mine till the doctor told me.

Why did he abandon me without a trace, and so abruptly? Because he thought I was human. And if the king had found out his mate was human, I could have died, turning or otherwise. He didn’t want a repeat of his parents’ history. Parents he’d never met but loved all the same. Their story was what he wanted to avoid. That’s why he left. How could I be mad at him for that?

Yes, he left, but only to protect me. And if he hadn’t and I wasn’t a witch, would I have the twins? If I had been human, I would be dead.

My heart was taking hold of my judgment and I knew it had already forgiven him the minute we laid eyes on him kneeling before our daughter. It was my stupid brain that wouldn’t drop it.

Rising from the water, now cold, I wrapped myself in a fluffy towel and drained the tub, before walking into my bedroom.

Dressing in my pyjama shorts and a tank top, I dried my hair and put it up into a messy bun. I slid beneath the covers of my bed and snuggled into the pillow. I’d made my decision. I would forgive Lucian. I couldn’t forget what he did, but I was tired of dwelling on the past. I deserved happiness, love. Family.

With my resolve set I closed my eyes and dreamt happy dreams of my little family.