Cleo's Heart Decisions.

Masks And Lies!

The human face is, after all, nothing more nor less than a mask and lying is sometimes difficult but neseccary!

~some hours later, morning, Diamond Heart Pack, hospital~

Kevin’s pov

The doctor gets in his office next to Cleo’s room and we all exhale heavily relieved!

He was more than pleased and he was sure about everything he said and guess what!

Cleo is already out of danger, she accepted Etan’s blood, we have no complications and she is almost healed! He just got out of her room and told us the news! He checked on her and he found her vitals impressively good!

He said she is strong and she reacted positively almost immediately, it’s too soon but there is no doubt she made it and there is no reason for us to worry about! Everything is turning back to normal and her heartbeat is strong and stable, her color is not so pale anymore and he said they stopped giving her Etan’s blood because her body can react now and produce it from its own! They are just giving her liquids and soon they are going to stop because she won’t need them either!

I sit down again and give a discreet smile to Finn that seems to have found back his cut breathe and then tap William’s knee. All these hours (they are about five) he hasn’t left my side and I really like him! He loves Cleo and he is not an asshole like his brother, Thor…

Well, about this bastard… I don’t know what to say, honestly! I know I never liked him and I hated him but now I hate him even more and if I could kill him, I would do that right now! Too sad I can’t but hopefully Alexander is going to be the last person this monster sees before he closes his eyes forever and I hope I will be there to see it with my own eyes! I won’t take this pleasure from my cousin, he must have this honor because Alexander never forgets or forgives and I totally agree with him in this!

So, this jackass is sitting right opposite of me, he is not talking, he is avoiding looking at me because he doesn’t want anybody else (Etan and Adira) to understand a thing and I keep my wolf under control with difficulty. He is shameless and the biggest coward I’ve ever met! He stepped back after my warning-statement and everything is ‘good’, for now!

Also, Adira got in Cleo’s room some seconds before and Etan is still here. The doctor said that her parents can go and stay with her from now on but they have to be silent and give her time to rest. We don’t know when she is going to wake up but she is probably going to be in pain with some more side effects but the most difficult part is over and she won’t have any problem to deal with it.

I have to say that my heart broke for Adira… I have never left more sympathy for anybody in my life! She is suffering every day and night all these years, she is alone, she did so many things to save Maya and those months are still chasing her but she loved Cleo! Yes, Cleo is the reason she is alive because she would have killed herself from the guilt if she hadn’t had Cleo! Adira became her mother and now I don’t feel bad to say that Maya isn’t the only mother Cleo has! Adira is an equal mother as well because nobody would have done what she did!

This woman is the strongest one I know, we owe her everything and I mean it and I am very happy she relaxed when we got informed that Cleo is not in danger anymore! She cried, laughed and almost passed out, that’s how overwhelmed she was!

Mmm… Anyway, I won’t continue with her because I am going to lose my temper and I don’t want this to happen, so I am going to continue with the last person that matters me in the good way (there is no good way, sorry), Etan!

He is also better and how could he not be when Cleo is going to be alright?

The only positive about him is that he gave blood and saved her life! Ironic, right?

He did all those horrible things and now we are happy he is here and close to Cleo!

I am getting crazy, right?

Yes, I know, I can admit it, I have lost my mind, I don’t know what else to say anymore but I have a point!

This man has something sick on him, I mean his aura is… Dark! I am impressed I am the only one that feels this way but I guess this is happening because I know everything and the others don’t! He is a great actor as well, he looks humble, kind and he is hiding his true face quite easily!

“Um… Brother, Etan…” William speaks up and we all turn to him.

He seems to know something, or he has something to say, his expression is not as relaxed as it was…

“Gabriel, his team and our father with his are almost here! They want to talk to us about the dead rogues… They said they found no trail and they want us to discuss our next move, we can’t let this pass…” he continues and Etan walks to us with a serious expression while Thor stands up nodding.

“Of course, the sooner, the better!” Thor states coldly and William stands up as well with Etan already walking away.

“Finn, stay with Kevin and inform us if anything happens! We will be back soon!” Will murmurs smiling at us awkwardly and we nod.

Thor gives me one last angry look before he follows Etan with William right behind him and once they disappear from the corridor and their scents become too weak, Finn stands up and comes to sit next to me.

“I am glad you are here! Adira said that Cleo would want you with her and you would be worried and I asked William if we could inform you! Fortunately he is a great man and he thought of bringing you here with us!” he whispers and I shake my head in understanding with a warm smile.

I really like him, he is not an asshole, he loves Cleo and he is loyal to her and Alexander! My cousin is good at judging people, he understands a lot about them with just one look.

“Yeah, I was sure about it! Thank you very much for everything! And for saving her!” I whisper and he exhales nervously.

“Um… Did you inform Alexander and the others? I had no time to talk to him, the moment he and Austin placed Cleo on my back, I think I took off and I didn’t turn my head back for any reason! They were acting like they had lost their minds and they were right!” he says next and I bite my lower lip in sympathy.

I think I understand the three of them! I didn’t see Cleo and maybe I am lucky I didn’t because I am not so sure I would have stood it! I can imagine how scared and desperate Alexander and Austin were and how panicked Finn was! Cleo’s life was in his hands, it was his ‘responsibility’ and he made it!

I wouldn’t like to be in his position!

“No, I didn’t inform them after I came here but now we are alone and we can call them! I was planning to text them but from the moment we are just the two of us…” I mutter and take my phone off my pocket.

I unlock the screen and deal Alexander’s number immediately. We must not lose time, we have to hurry and I am sure he is freaking out and he needs to know in order to calm down and rest! He hasn’t slept at all, he is a mess and in pain and I have to let him know… Her family is certainly dying and Maya needs to know about Cleo, her condition is crucial!

I call Alexander and put my phone between me and Finn. I have no doubt that Alexander would like to talk to him as well and I agree, he is one of us now!

We wait in silence for some seconds until he answers my call and we listen to him groaning in agony. Finn stiffens with his eyes locked on mine and I force myself to speak up first.

Yes, I have to, I called him and I am killing him by not talking!

“Man, I have good news for you!” I say quickly and smile excited when he sighs.

He can’t talk, he is way too nervous to react!

“Cleo is out of danger, we are waiting for her to wake up and I am calling you because I am alone with Finn!” I continue and he leaves out a low cry of surprise and joy.

“Thanks Goddess!” he exclaims and Finn taps my back encouragingly as I am sure I am pale (I am always in tension when I am talking to him).

“Are you alright now? We made it!” Finn says next and Alexander clears his throat.

He found his old self again! Finally!

“I am, thank you, both of you! And… Finn, I want you to know I owe you and I am never going to forget what you did! I am always going to be on your side for anything you need, I never forget, I promise you!” he says and Finn exhales emotional but…

Quite nervous as well…

What the hell now?

This came out of nowhere and he hadn’t shown anything till now! He was calm and now…

He shakes his head in frustration and I sign for him to speak, Alexander is suddenly way too silent and he is probably feeling that something is wrong!

“I would like to tell you something… It’s an honor Alexander, really! Thank you for trusting me and I am sorry to worry you but something happened and you need to know…” he whispers and looks around us to get sure we are completely alone.

I stiffen on my seat and Finn leans closer to the phone, Alexander says nothing and my nervousness is back, for real!

“Yes!?” Alex says impatient.

“Thor… Told Adira he knows about what happened… I mean… That Etan raped… A woman and Adira helped but he still has no idea of the rest…” he mutters trembling and I hold back a cry.

Fuck my life and…

“WHAT?” Alexander roars and my phone almost falls from my hands but Finn takes it in his and breathes quickly.

“Yes! Adira was in shock, I wasn’t expecting from him to say it but now things are going to be worse!” he continues and I rub my forehead in despair.

SHIT! s**t! s**t!

This wasn’t supposed to happen! Alright, the asshole knew all these years but now… He told Adira and… Things are getting out of control!

The asshole is really unpredictable and insane!

“Finn…” Alexander speaks up first and we perk our ears (he is angry, a lot).

“You know him for so many years… What do you think he is going to do next? Why did he tell her?” he continues running out of patience and Finn bites his lower lip.

“I guess he is going to blackmail her! He wants to be close to Cleo and Adira is going to be an obstacle, so…”

“He is going to use it against her by threatening her he is going to tell Cleo!” Alexander ends Finn’s phrase and I shake my head in agreement with Finn nodding firmly.

“I think we are f****d! Can we please kill him?” I ask through my teeth and Alexander growls so loudly that my skin shudders.

Of course he would growl and…

“Listen to me both of you!” he states strictly.

“I have a plan and no patience left! I am taking Cleo the sooner and I need your help!” he announces and both of us look at each other without talking.

I guess Finn agrees as well, I am not alone!

“Yes?” I whisper weakly with my heartbeat getting faster and Alexander groans pleased.

“First of all… Kevin, convince Cleo to come with you at Bree’s ceremony which is in one week from now once she wakes up and then…”

~some time later, hospital~

Etan’s pov

I get back in the hospital with Thor and I can’t stop shaking as my anger is reaching its top!

We have no idea from where these damn rogues came from because there are no trails due to the strong storm but we are sure about one thing!

Cleo killed them! My daughter did it but I can’t be as happy as I would want to because of what happened to her!

I nearly lost her, she almost died and if I was late… I don’t even want to think what would have happened!

She is suffering, my little girl is in pain and I can’t stand it! If anything had happened to her, I would have died! I can’t live without her, she is my entire world and I regret about nothing!

Everything I have been doing all these years are worthy of her, completely worthy of her!

She is the only thing I have for myself and I have her because I bled for it! I wanted someone only for myself, I wanted to be the most important person for somebody and I did it but surprisingly I was not alone!

Adira helped me although I didn’t believe in her at the beginning…

Well…

I don’t know what to say about her, I mean…

She couldn’t give me kids, she was always weak and sensitive and I was mad at her, I had problems with her parents, I thought she was never going to be enough for me and the truth is I didn’t want her but in the end she proved me she loves me and she wants a life with me and my daughter.

Yes, maybe I was too hard on her, I was always cold and distant but these last years I got sure she is not lying, she has been standing on my side and she loves me and Cleo! She is probably the best mother I have seen and now I can say she is also the best mate I could have asked for although she never had anything special!

And now… Watching her in so much pain broke my heart, the heart that has been beating only for Cleo! I could have never imagined I would be in so much pain because Adira is suffering! I had never seen her so broken and fragile, not even those days and do you know what?

I don’t want to see her like this again and I don’t want my daughter in pain again!

I am trying to think of anyone capable to take his revenge from me by hurting my daughter but I can’t! Nobody comes in my mind, I have killed every enemy of mine and I did it with great success, Adira killed Maya so…

Who could it be?

Nobody wants to mess with me and I am going to do anything I can to find the one behind all these and then…

I am going to rip his heart out, I will send him straight to hell for what he did to my daughter!

Anyway…

We are already in the corridor and Finn is still sitting with Kevin right outside Cleo’s room.

I don’t know how to feel about Kevin to be honest! I am sure he loves Cleo, he wouldn’t have been here otherwise but I don’t know how to accept any other man next to Cleo!

I always wanted to be the only one for her and now she has grown up and I don’t know how to deal with it!

Maybe I need to talk to him and the sooner I do it, the better for all of us!

If I hadn’t lost my temper yesterday, I would have been here for Cleo last night and she could have been better. I need to control my anger if I want to have my daughter by my side! I must be close to her and any other man she has in her life, even Kevin…

Alright Etan! Just do it!

You have to, for your daughter, make her happy, be close to her, do not hurt her, she is the most precious thing you have!

I stop right next to them and force a smile. Finn gives me a sympathetic tap on my arm and I lock my eyes on Kevin that is staring at me calmly.

He seems to be a strong man, I had this feeling when I met him one year ago! It was the first and last time I saw him, this is the second one and I wish the circumstances were better. He always seemed to be close to Cleo, they were already one year at the college and he left about one week after I and Adira had left to come back here. This is why I was mad at him, I was jealous because I thought they were together, well I still believe it but…

Damn it!

“Kevin, could we please talk before I go to Adira and Cleo?” I ask nervously and ignore Thor that is staring at me with the silliest blank expression I have ever seen.

I don’t know what his problem is but I don’t care at all!

“Of course Etan!” Kevin replies gaining my full attention and stands up.

I walk first and lead him some meters away. I need some privacy, I don’t want the others listen to us. We stop after some seconds and I turn to him and for a while we don’t talk, we are just staring each other and I am impressed from his imposing and discreet behavior.

I know he has Alpha’s blood! His older brother is the Alpha of their pack and he became the Beta one year ago because their Betas had no kids so he is powerful, more than the usual!

“I would like to ask you some things…” I state after a while and he nods immediately in understanding.

“Good…” I mutter and take another deep breath to begin.

“What relationship do you have with my daughter? Why do you care so much for her?” I ask first and he smiles shaking his head in acknowledge.

He was expecting it, he is a very clever man…

“Cleo is like a sister for me, I felt a special connection with her from the first moment I met her and the fact that my sister and Cleo became best friends made our connection deeper but there is nothing erotic between us, I assure you!” he replies truthfully and I smile pleased.

He didn’t pause for even a second, he is not scared, he is honest!

“Alright Kevin, I appreciate it! And… Do you know why does she want to leave? Did you convince her?” I ask next and this time he seems to feel awkward about it.

Well, this is what I don’t like at all!

Calm down Etan! Just listen to him before you react!

“I want to be honest with you Etan because you are her father and lying to you is not fine by me… I am going to disappoint you somehow but I have no other choice! I am sorry!” he begins and I don’t try to interrupt him.

I am getting mad but for a weird reason I can’t explain, I admire him! It needs guts for somebody to go against me like this but he is not disrespectful and I am very curious to know what else he has to tell me.

“I know she is not feeling happy here and not because of you and Adira! I wish I could tell you everything but I can’t because this is something Cleo has to tell you, I hope you understand me, I don’t want her to get mad at me and it’s her decision! All I can say for now is that she loves you very much and she never wanted to hurt you, this is why she didn’t leave immediately after she came back here!” he continues and I can say that his words are somehow softening me.

Do you know what?

He respects Cleo and me and I can’t complain! This is what a father wants for his daughter, a man that is going to respect and care for her!

“Thank you very much my boy! I agree with you, everything makes sense but I would like to ask you one last thing, okay?” I say smiling and he nods quickly.

“What do you believe about Cleo’s decision to go and join our King’s permanent army?” I ask immediately with my eyes never leaving his.

He doesn’t seem to feel nervous anymore, in fact he has a proud expression, he is happy and I understand why although I don’t want Cleo to leave!

“It’s an honor and a great opportunity for her! Your daughter is the best and she deserves only the best! I am sure you agree with me and you know what this means for her career, she can reach quite high in the rank, she can be a commander in some years, she is going to be powerful and not many women can do that! I know you are going to miss her and so is she but…”

“You are right!” I cut him off before he says more and I clear my throat to continue.

“My daughter deserves only the best and this is amazing! She did it on her own, she is going to have a great future and if she is happy, I won’t stop her! She has to go… I won’t leave her alone anyway!” I add and he shakes his head satisfied.

She is going to safe as well, now that I am thinking about it, it sounds even better to me! Nobody is going to touch her with the King on her side!

Yes, this is it! She has to go, she wants it and I need her to be happy, I nearly lost her and I don’t want to pass through it again!

“Thank you Kevin! I am glad you are here!” I say and give him my hand for a shake and he takes it immediately with a charming smile on his face.

“I am happy you feel this way, Etan!”

~at the same time, Cleo’s room, hospital~

Adira’s pov

I keep on caressing her soft hair with my eyes never leaving her face and sit more comfortably on the edge of her bed.

Thanks Goddess my baby is going to be fine and nothing happened!

She looks better already! She is not as pale as she was last night, her cheeks have a soft, pink color and her wounds are almost healed, her bruises, cuts and scratches are gone and she is breathing on her own now!

Her heartbeat is strong and its is rhythm normal, I can listen to it and now I can finally breathe again! I want to scream from excitement and relief but I’m also scared because of what Thor told me!

He knows and I am getting panicked! I am glad he doesn’t know everything but this is not the point!

What matters is that he is dangerous and we can’t control him and this is why Cleo has to leave from here the sooner! If she stays here for more, I won’t be able to keep Thor away from her! He does nothing without a reason! He told me because he wants to scare me and he did it!

I can’t trust him, he is capable of telling Cleo and breaks her heart, she won’t be able to stop and then, Etan is going to know and…

NO!

I don’t even want to think about it, it’s going to be our end!

I hope Alexander has a good plan, I am certain Kevin and Finn are going to talk to him and I pray he has a good plan because we mustn’t lose time and Etan needs to keep on being in the dark!

I listen to the door opening and his scent fills the room and next my lungs! His footsteps are not as loud as usually and I turn to look at him closing the door and then walking to me.

He looks calm and emotional, it is the first time he shows so much emotion and I don’t know how to behave! His eyes are filled with love like every time he is looking at Cleo but this time he is looking at me as well!

I keep on observing him, he walks on my side with a soft smile on his face, leans, kisses Cleo’s forehead gently and then turns to me and kisses my cheek.

I try to hide my surprise and force a smile. He places his left hand on my shoulder and with his right hand he takes Cleo’s and for some seconds we stay silent.

I feel awkward, I am not used to this kind of things, he never showed me affection and I don’t need it now! He killed me, he never loved me and now what?

I am not the naïve, stupid girl I used to be so many years ago, these games of his are not affecting me, I know the truth, I have accepted it and do you know what?

I am always going to hate myself for realizing everything when it was too late but I know I am not the monster he is and I don’t need his sick ‘love’, I need nothing except from only one thing when the right time comes!

His death!

“She’s going to be okay! Don’t worry anymore, calm down…” he whispers and kisses the top of my head again.

I close my eyes and feel some tears falling, I hadn’t realized my vision was blurred and I am happy he thinks I am in so much pain only for what happened to Cleo today!

“If we had lost her…” I whisper but stop as I am trembling uncontrollably and I can’t breathe.

I feel like I am drowning, I don’t know how to control myself anymore!

“I know… You love our daughter as much as I do…” he says and takes one step closer to me.

I feel him staring at me but I don’t turn to look at him, I can’t! I don’t want to stop looking Cleo, she is my life, my strength and she is easing my pain…

“Of course I do love her! Do you forget what I did to be just the three of us?” I ask forcing myself to stay strong and not breaking into sobbing as the memories are bombarding me and he caresses my shoulder.

I want to throw up, I feel disgusted from his touch but he mustn’t understand anything…

“I know… I am sorry I doubted you from the beginning and for so many years! Thank you for everything and I want you to know something… I love you, I really do!” he replies and I close my eyes again unable of reacting.

It’s the first time he says he loves me but I don’t believe him!

Maybe he means he loves my ‘loyalty’ all these years! I said nothing, I ‘helped’ him, I raised Cleo like she is my own kid and I keep on standing on his side although he has no idea what I have been doing behind his back!

I was always weak for him, he never believed in me and I am glad he underestimated me so much because this is why he has realized nothing yet!

For him I am still naïve, his toy…

“I do mean it, Adira! I love you because you never left me, you love me, you adore our daughter!” he continues feeling my disbelief and I lower my head ashamed.

I wish I could kill him right here and now but I can’t! I need to kill him with my own hands even if I die the very next second but it is not the time and he has many aces up his sleeves, you never know what he is going to do next and killing him is not as easy as it sounds.

Etan is the devil himself!

“We are lucky we have you, you were always a gift for me, I should have never doubted you!” he says next and leans to bury his face in my neck.

I open my eyes and lock them on Cleo, my body is trembling and he exhales heavily on my skin with a low, pleased groan.

He thinks I am overwhelmed because of his words and touch but the truth is the exact opposite thing!

I feel angry and disgusted all the time but he believes I am happy when he touches me, when he sleeps with me, when he hugs me and… I guess he is the stupid one now and I am the clever and strong one!

He was always a great actor but I am better and he still has no idea!

He said he should have never doubted me but he is wrong, he should, because I never stood on his side, from that day I keep on betraying him and I am proud to admit it!

I gave Maya a promise that day, I died inside but I did it and I’m going to keep it!

Etan won’t hurt anybody else as long as I live, I won’t let him!

And Cleo… Soon enough she is going to be away from him and Thor, they won’t get close to her again and Etan is going to suffer for everything he has been doing!

I sigh exhausted doing my best not to cry, Etan is having his arms wrapped around me now with his face in my neck and his lips on his mark and I start caressing Cleo’s cheek as gently as possible.

I can’t take my eyes off her, she is sleeping like an angel, she is my angel and I owe her my life!

Having her even under these circumstances was a blessing and she made me understand and feel how it feels like to have kids!

Cleo is…

Oh my Goddess!

She is moving just when I stop caressing her cheek with my fingers still touching her warm skin and soon she groans and my body shivers.

My heart skips a beat, I gasp for air, my wolf howls like crazy and Etan pulls back and looks at Cleo that is now…

Opening her eyes!

******************

Hello my dear friends!

This is the 16th chapter and more point of views are here and yes, Cleo is waking up!

I really need to know your thoughts and feelings so please let me know!

What do you think about this chapter? What about everything Kevin said? What about his talk with Alexander and Finn? What is Alexander up too? How do you feel about Etan and his talk with Kevin (I guess Kevin is really trying tobe nice)? And how do you feel about what happened with Adira and Etan in the end? What about everything Adira said? What is going to happen next?

Also there is one more new book, its name is Thorns Of The Past so please go and check it out if you are interested!

Thank you very much for everything, your love, support, commends and impatience in order to read the next chapter! I also read all the comments and I try to answer them the sooner so I am sorry if I am delaying it sometimes because my memory is not very well, I am reading everything and I love it! I am trying my best so please continue showing me how much you want more and commend and tell me your opinion.

This is it for now, I will see you again in the next chapter or in my other books! Until then stay safe, smile and have fun!

I love you all very much,

               Marie!