The Reedemed Alpha

Prove it

~Hello everyone. Please enjoy and comment. As always thank you all so much~

Vena

After her tragic but true little tale, they were both silent again.

Her stomach growled but she ignored it. Johnathan obviously wasn't going to.

He stood abruptly and held out his hand to her.

'Come. Let's get something for you to eat.'

Reluctantly, she took his hand and stood. He kicked dirt over the fire, extinguishing it before leading her away by the hand.

The walk back to the cabin was quiet but peaceful.

Once they were back, he went to the car and held the passenger door open for her.

'Where are we going?'

'I told you. To get something for you to eat. I thought you'd enjoy a trip into town maybe. I need new boots and maybe you'd like some new clothes as well. I also need to make an appointment for us to get a wedding license.'

Was he trusting her not to run? Even though she agreed to marry him and receive his help in return, she couldn't help the idea of escaping again popping in her head.

‘So?’

She blinked, realizing he was still waiting for her answer.

Clearing her throat, she whispered a yes.

‘Good. Guiding her back towards the cabin, they walked in silence. She had a feeling he was planning, while she was at war with herself. When they were about a mile from the cabin, he settled her in the passenger seat of the car before sitting in the driver's seat. She watched as he fused the two wires together to start it before backing out and swinging the car onto a dirt lane through the woods.

‘Interesting car. Where did you get it?’

She smiled at the subtle question.

‘I swiped it somewhere in New York, I think.’

Chuckling, he looked over at her.

‘Miss…Vena.’

Glancing at her again, he spoke.

‘I don’t know your last name.’

Smiling wryly, she looked out the windshield. ‘Peculiar way to start a marriage, don’t you think?’ She replied before she could stop herself.

‘Vena.I’ll need it for our license.’ His voice was stern and sent a thrill down her spine.

Sighing, she met his eyes. ‘Zoltane.’

‘Zoltane?’

‘Yes. Vena Isabel Zoltane.’

Smiling at her before looking forward.

‘It’s beautiful.’

‘Thank you. My parents named me after my father’s mother. My middle name is my maternal grandmother’s.’

‘Judging from your name and physical traits, I'm assuming your family tree doesn't come from here in the states.’

‘No. My parents were both born in Bulgaria. They lived in a small romani community amongst others. After my mother's father passed away, they moved to the states. Soon I came along.’

‘This…Victor…? How did you come to be in his possession, exactly?’

‘I’ve already told you.’

‘Yes. But you also said your parents never mentioned him. So how did they find him?”

‘The short answer is most likely corruption. But in the long version, I stayed in the foster system for a little while and they tracked down any relatives. After my social worker did some digging in Bulgaria, they found Victor here. Then the rest that I've told you happened. Why?’

Turning the car onto the road, they took a left.

‘It’s just how are they so sure that you're related?’

Chuckling without humor, she answered. ’Well, for one, Zoltane isn’t exactly a common surname. Second, I'm positive the social workers, when they tracked him down, had to look up birth certificates and all documents to confirm. Third, in the hearing to get full custody of me, he was able to produce evidence right along with a DNA test. Even if none of that was brought up, as much as it makes me physically sick to admit, he has the same eyes as my father. My eyes.’

‘I see. You said corruption?’

‘Yes.’

‘How so?’

Sighing again, she propped her feet on the dashboard and leaned back in her seat.

‘It seems quite odd that after all the trouble that the foster system went through to track him, that they'd just simply leave me with him just like that. Victor kept his shady dealings a secret from the public eye. That's true but social workers have to do an at home inspection periodically until the child is placed solely in the care of the guardian. Wouldn’t you find it odd if you didn't see the child at your visits of inspection? Even when you did see the child, would you find it alarming to see marks or bruises on the child then simply leave without blinking?’

He looked pensive as he drove. They were now entering a small town. Buildings were lining the street. A small park next to a school with children playing stood out. A post office down the street is neighboring cafes next to small diners. Definitely a small town vibe.

‘My guess he either paid or threatened them all to give good reports and paid all who were concerned to speed the process along. Wouldn't shock me in the slightest.’

He pulled the car in front of a small boutique. Turning to her he grabbed her hand.

‘Vena…I know so many have failed you. But I promise I will not. I give this vow to you and I will keep it. I don't expect you to trust me given your examples of men and the circumstances. But trust that I will always protect you.’

Giving him her full attention, she thought over her words carefully.

‘What i’m about to say is not meant to anger you, Jonathan. But talk is just talk. Trust is meant to be earned. So let's just get through the next phase and you can prove it. Deal?’ She held out her hand to him.

Looking into her hazel eyes, he saw the caution in them. He wouldn't push her. As she just said, he’d prove it.

‘Deal.’ He agreed before kissing her softly.

‘Now let’s get some proper attire, then food. If you'd like, I'll give you a tour after.’

A small shy smile broke from her. ‘I’d like that, I think.’