Not My Alpha.

What's Next/Chapter 6

My days slowly got better as time went on. Now I had some semblance of a schedule in place again. My mornings were spent with Leo doing our normal training for about two or three hours. After was breakfast and then a shower. Then I would go to either the library or one of the offices here and work on studying something new. Most of the time it was ancient history or mythology but I also threw folk lore and mythical creatures in there. Lunch is next followed by time in my room. At that time, I usually mess around on the computer Destiny brought me or listen to music and read. At about 3 in the afternoon Abby comes to find me and we either play games or go to the playground. Ever since I saved her, she has come to really like having me around and I can't say I don’t feel the same. By the time we are done its usually around five and I take her straight to dinner. After that I go to the gym for about an hour and shower. The last things I do with my night are spent in my room. That means either watching movies, listening to music, reading more but they always mean Leo is there. He hasn’t really left my side since the attack.  

My body is healing at a normal rate and that makes it easier to get into this normal routine but it also makes me slow down. Leo is being rather nice about it all and is making sure to challenge me more every day. 

I had barely made it halfway down the hallway when my name was being yelled. Abby stood on the other end smiling and waving. Today we had decided we are going swimming in the indoor pool. Her brown hair was pulled back into two matching braids and she had on a cute one-piece swimsuit with unicorns on it. 

“Why aren't you dressed?” She was looking at me very disapprovingly for a child. 

“For your information I am currently wearing it underneath my clothing. Unlike you I am not so comfortable just wearing a swimsuit around all these people.” 

“Lucky you. All I can do is be comfortable, since I will be here for the rest of my life. Most of these people have known me since before I was born. Sometimes I wish I was like the other kids and could just blend in.” Her face fell the more she spoke. I couldn’t help myself as I put my hand on her head in a reassuring manner. 

“Trust me, it isn't great to just blend in either. I did that my whole life. Blend in, because I figure the less remarkable, I was the easier I was to forget. For a lot of my teenage years that was all I wanted. To be forgotten I mean. It honestly makes you stand out more. I know it's hard to be in the spotlight but come on girl you're a princess! I would love it so if you can't be happy try to think about those who you can one day help.” He blue eyes lit up the more I talked. I know I'm not the best at pep talks but she seemed to hang on every word I said. 

“You know what, that’s exactly what I'll do. One day I'll make a difference for the people who can't.” Her eyes were shinning with hope and excitement. I couldn’t help the big smile that spread across my face. 

“Let’s get going, we don’t want to many people in our way.” Today Abby wanted to learn to swim. She had told me Tora was teaching her until he got too busy. Abby was only five and to me it wasn’t that strange that she didn’t know how to swim. 

Once at the pool Abby put her little arm floaties on and waited for me to get in before she climbed in next to me. Then the real work began. Abby’s a quick learned and maybe a half hour in she was able to lose the floaties and swim from where I stood to the steps. Before long she was able to do it all on her own so long as I was close. I would say she could master this by the end of the week if she kept learning at this pace. 

“Good job! Keep kicking your feet.” Her little body stayed afloat as she swam from one side of the shallow end to the other. “You're doing great girl, keep it up!” We went on like this for a while longer before she came and threw her arms around my shoulders. 

“Can we just play for a little bit now?” Her eyes shining with pride. 

“Of course. What do you want to play?” For the next little while we ran around the pool, stopping to play in the children's area, before I heard Abby squeal. 

“What’s wrong” I whipped around so fast I'm surprised I didn’t fall. Standing in the door way was a very curious Tora. 

“Tory!” She yelled before running full speed to her older brother. He met her in the middle picking her up and spinning her around. He didn’t seem to notice or didn’t care that she was drenched. 

“What are you doing, Abby? Are you having fun?” Her little body seemed to shake with excitement as he continued to hold her. 

“Of course. We have fun every time we are together. Isn't that right, Cam?” Tora’s head shot up instantly as his curious blue eyes searched for me. When he met mine, I seen a flow of emotions before he covered it back up with a blank stare. 

“What are you doing here?” He all but sneered at me. 

“Abby and I hang out around the same time every day. Today she wanted me to teach her how to swim since you have been too busy. Sometimes we go outside, or play in her room it just depends on what she wants to do that day.” I looked over at the little girl and gave her my biggest smile. “Honestly I just love getting to spend time with her.” I met Tora’s gaze again to see happiness in those blue eyes. This time he didn’t even try to hide it from me. 

“Can I show you what Cam taught me?” Abby wiggled out of his arms and was now bouncing up and down in front of him. I couldn’t help the small giggle that left me as a I watched someone so small stand next to someone so large. Both pairs of eyes turned over towards me and Abby soon joined into my fit of giggles, all the while Tora wore a smile. The first and probably the last smile of his I would ever see. 

“Of course, little one.” He placed his hand on her head in a reassuring gesture. “I would love to see what you have learned.” That was all she needed before she took off towards the steps that would lead her back into the pool. 

Tora moved closer to me so he could get a better view of his darling sister. He was so close I could watch his muscles tense and relax. He was close enough that if I barely moved my arm we would be touching. I don’t know if it was because the circumstances were different today since he had a better attitude, but my heart seemed to skip a beat. The thought of touching him or talking to him enticing me enough that I almost did touch him. The look on his face is what stopped me though. His blue eyes were swimming with pride as his little sister swam around unaided. She would stop and ask if he had seen her do something and he would nod back with a huge smile. 

I couldn’t help but admire Tora the more we sat there. I haven't seen this side of him and I can honestly say that I am intrigued. The way he looks at Abby would and should make any other girl or woman jealous. His eyes never left her while she continued to show off. They sparkled with adoration and pride and many other emotions I didn’t know Tora could feel. 

“Cam, will you come swim with me again?” Abby’s childish voice echoed of the empty pool room walls. I looked over to a clock that was situated on the farthest wall. 

“For a few minutes we are already late for dinner.” I walked in front of Tora and made my way into the pool. As soon as the cold water hit me, I forgot all about him and was back in the moment. Abby was eager to play as she jumped onto my shoulders and commanded me around in the waist deep water. Her giggles mixed with my own as we continued to goof off.  

“Tora, can you come swimming with us next time?” My eyes snapped to his face expecting to see his stone-cold stare. Instead, he looked amused, almost happy, with the idea. 

“I may be able to make some time for that, but only if Camden doesn’t mind.” 

“Of course, I don’t! If she wants you here why would I object?” 

“Both of you need to get out of the water. It has been way longer than a few minutes.” 

Abby sighed behind me as I made the short walk over to the stairs. Once there she climbed out and pouted the whole time she toweled off. As I got out, I felt two hands on my shoulders and next thing I was met by the cold water once more. When I surfaced Tora stood there with a big lopsided grin on his face. 

“You should probably watch where you are going!” He yelled before I climbed out of the pool. A wicked smile crossed my face as I went and grabbed my towel. I sat there pretending to dry off as he talked with Abby. When I see his guard was completely down, I pounced. Literally. 

Before Tora has any idea what I am doing I wrapped my hands around his waist using all the force I gained in my sprint to him and threw us towards the pool together. When I had surfaced, he was already standing in front of me. He had lifted his hand to wipe the water off his face and move his hair out of his eyes. My mouth almost dropped open. Now that I had gotten my revenge I kind of regretted it. He stood in front of me with his black shirt clinging to every muscle in his toned body. My mouth almost watered the more I stared at this soaking wet hunk. His eyes met mine as he slowly moved closer. His hands reached out to mine underwater and slowly rubbed their way up my arms until they rested on my shoulders. Our eyes never left each other as he moved closer still like he was going to whisper in my ear. Instead, his eyes seemed to shift into that black color the longer he looked at me. His hands moved upwards and cupped the sides of my face. My own hands slid up to rest on his wet stomach and the hard abs that were there.  

“What are you two doing?” Abby yelled from the edge of the pool. 

We both seemed to come back to reality at the same time as we jumped apart. Tora went to say something but I stopped him with a single look as I swam to where Abby stood. I didn’t bother to dry off as I grabbed her hand and pulled her towards our rooms. Never once looking back at the handsome man that I knew was still soaked in the pool. 

After we had cleaned ourselves Abby and I went to have dinner with Destiny. As soon as the we opened the doors to the kitchen we were ushered forward. In front of us now was a man who look like an older version of Tora the same features clear on his face. 

“Abby, Camden I presume. "I nodded my head while Abby cast hers down towards the floor. “It is a pleasure to meet you.” His deep voice resounded off the walls. His head shot out to shake mine. “My name is Aurthor I am the one in charge here for the time being.” His grip was firm, almost to firm. Before it got to the point of bone breaking, he smiled a big bright smile. “My son talks very highly of you as do both of my daughters. It is a pleasure to finally have a face to the name I hear so often. I must say you are not what I expected. You look like your mother but you seem to act more like your father.” His eyes glazed over as if he was thinking of a distant memory. When a small, sad smile came and went from his face he seemed to remember we were here. His hand shot out once more as he gently placed it on my head. “So much like your mother.” He whispered almost to himself. 

“How did you know my parents? Why am I here again?” When I spoke, he composed himself as if he finally realized we weren't alone in this room. 

“Why don’t you come with me? Abby, please go find your mother and let her know that I am stealing Camden.” Once more this strange man reached out towards me, this time however he hooked his arm around my shoulder steering me out of the room. 

I didn’t ask any questions as took me farther and farther away from the main areas of the house. At the end of the last hallway there was a picture, more like a portrait, of my mother. Or at least someone who looked like her.  

“Your mother owned this house along with everything else in it. Her, I mean your, family has lived here for generations. She was one of my best friends, you know? I was with her from the moment she was born to the moment she left all of us. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be running this little area we have here. I know I haven't spoken to you before but I would like you to know how deeply sorry I am about your parents. I knew your father for quite some years and he was a very kind man. One that most men would look up to in fact.” His eyes once more glazed over. My eyes filled with tears but my mind raced making it impossible to break down now. I had questions, so many questions. 

“Why?” My voice came out no louder than a whisper. 

“What was that?” 

“Why?” His eyes locked onto mine searching for something. 

“WHY!? Why would you let them die? Why would you be okay with your own son killing them? I don’t understand any of this. I don’t understand why I am here. I don’t understand why they had to die. I don’t understand why you all seem to think it's no big deal. I grieve every day that they aren't here. I can't move forward in life when my mind is stuck on that day. Yet all of you seem to be able to live life like nothing happened. You want to tell me how she was in charge here yet you all allowed her to die. You tell me about how great my father was while I had to watch him die. I don’t know what is going on around here but know this. As soon as there is an opportunity I'm leaving. I will leave here and never come back.” The more I spoke the harder his eyes got. The only way to describe the look on his face was pure rage. 

“You know nothing. Do not speak as if you know what is going on around here. Do not speak as if you know how the rest of us feel. You have no idea of your past nor your future. Once my son has told you everything, we can continue this conversation.” He gazed at me one more before turning his back to me. Hands clasped behind his back he walked away, leaving me standing in this strange corridor.  

My eyes drifted back to the portrait of my mother. Whoever painted it must have known her very well. Every detail every stroke of the brush was done with love and meaning. She looked stunning and I couldn’t wrap my mind around the fact that she was there on the wall. That she was the owner of this house. That she had such a different past, one that I obviously know nothing about. A past that apparently has everything to do with me now. How am I supposed to be like her? She was obviously royalty if Destiny being a queen means anything. Does that make me a princess? But a princess of what?  

My hand slowly reached out to stroke the portrait of my mother. He long hair almost like mine but her eyes were so different. They looked harsh and full of purpose. The eyes I remember held nothing but love and pride. She wore a red dress like one a queen would wear. On top of her blonde head was a crown. One filled with rubies and opals, diamonds and so many more. Who was she? Who am I? I guess the only thing I can do at this point is confront Tora and hope like hell he will finally answer me. If anything, I still have my five free passes I could use. 

With that in mind I turned away from my mother and began the long walk back through the house. I don’t know how I am going to find him. There are so many rooms in this house that it could take me hours. As I passed doors, I opened them checking to see if he was in any of them. With no luck by the time, I made it to the kitchen my moral was running low. I could only stay confident enough to ask him for so long. I sat down and took a small break letting my mind wander more than it already had been. When a hand touched my shoulder, I didn’t think as my fist collided with whoever's face it was.  

“Damn Cam, I just wanted see what you were up to. I wasn’t expecting to get hit.” Leo’s voice drifted into my ears and my whole body relaxed. I got out of my chair and turned to face him. He was standing right behind my chair rubbing his cheek. 

“I’m sorry. I guess I am little on edge. Are you okay?” I couldn’t help the smile that appeared on my face. It almost felt like old times. I guess not that old since I haven't even been here that long. 

“It's going to take more than that to hurt me. You of all people should know that by now. Why are you so on edge?”  

“I need to find and talk to Tora.” Leo looked at me before dropping his hand from his face. 

“It must be pretty serious if you're this worked up. I have seen you take down bullies like you working on a report for school. Cool and composed. What’s going on?” He reached out and put a comforting hand on my shoulder. 

“I need to know more. I need to know who I really am. Everyone else seems to know everything and I know nothing. I feel like I'm at the beginning of a book while everyone has already read it. I need to know why my parents were killed. I need to know more about my mother. Did you know that this was her house before she left and died?” Leo let his hand drop as his face went white. He nodded his head slowly almost as if he was afraid to admit he knew. 

“How much do you know about me?” My voice came out sounding so small. So weak. 

“I know a lot more then I should. I know more than just the few years we spent together. I know about some of your past and I know more about your future then you do right now. You need to understand that I can't be the one to tell you any of this though. Tora needs to explain this all. He needs to let you in on our secrets on your past.” I could tell he was upset with talking about this subject by the way a vein in his jaw ticked. 

“Do you know where he is?” He nodded. 

“Well, are you going to tell me?” He shook his head no. 

“Why not?” 

“Because you really don’t want to know.” 

“Why is that?” 

“He is with Lena.” He looked down at the floor almost as if he was ashamed to admit it. 

“Why should I care if he is with her?”  

“You know what never mind they are in his room.” I nodded before walking out of the kitchen. 

I ran through the house not wanting to miss my chance at cornering Tora while I had a chance. At least if he is with Lena, I know he can't run away. I wonder why Leo was afraid to tell me they were together. Oh well doesn’t matter to me. If he can talk that’s all that matters. My legs burned from how fast I flew up the stairs. My confidence was skyrocketing right now. I didn’t think as I pushed his door open but what I saw was definitely not what I was expecting.  

Tora was on top of Lena doing things I had only ever read about or seen in movies. My poor virgin eyes wouldn’t look away but at the same time I couldn’t keep watching. Tora’s eyes met mine and that’s when I lost it. I walked deeper into the room ignoring the protests from both people and grabbed his jeans off the floor. I turned around and tossed them straight at his face getting an annoyed mumble from Lena. 

“Hurry up and get dressed we need to talk. I’ll be waiting for you in the garden.” I once again looked away before exiting the room, not even bothering to close the door as I left. I heard a shout from Lena about the door but continued on my way.  

This talk was way too important to let little things like s*x get in the way. I know they are an item and I know I shouldn’t care but for some reason seeing them together made my heart hurt. Maybe I'm just going crazy? Who in their right mind would have feelings for someone who did the things Tora has done to me? It must just be because I'm a virgin and seeing that was a shock. There are no feelings between me and Tora. No matter how handsome he is or how strong or how fast. I had to visibly shake my head to clear my thoughts. Now was not the time to be thinking about things like that. I need to keep a clear and level head for the discussion to come. I need to find out the truth. How much longer did he think he could avoid this? Avoid me? 

I was sitting on a swing in the garden slowly swinging back and forth when a hand reached out and stopped it. The swing went side to side before coming to rest at a stop. The swing was then turned by the ropes and I was face to face with an angry looking Tora. While not quiet face to face since I had to look up to meet his gaze. 

“Why the hell did you do that?” His voice was so full of anger I actually looked away. He didn’t scare me often but right now I was afraid. 

“I’m sorry.” I kept my eyes locked on the ground to afraid to look up and meet his eyes. I don’t know if it was actually out of fear or out of what I would see there. I heard Tora sigh before I felt his hand on my face. He moved his fingers until they were under my chin and tilted my head up. He had knelt down so we were closer to eye level with one another. 

“Don’t do that. Don’t look away from me like you are afraid of me. I’m sorry I was a little irritated. Most people don’t barge into people's rooms when they are having s*x. I couldn’t even finish because you demanded I come out here. Now what did you want to talk to me about?” This whole time his eyes never left mine. At the mention of s*x my cheeks heated up into a fiery blush. He smirked when he noticed my reddened cheeks, but didn’t say anything. Instead, he stood up and turned the swing around. I squealed when he suddenly started to push me on the swing. 

“Now what do we need to talk about, love?”