The Child

Chapter 14

Joseph

I peek over at Marie while driving back to her cabin. She is staring out the window, ringing her hands. I can feel her anxiety, and wish to get back to the cabin as soon as possible to comfort her. Ollie is in the back babbling to Brutus. It sounds like an important conversation between the two of them. Brutus just lays there listening with his ears perked up. I rack my brain trying to think of all the people who can help us protect Ollie. I also needed to start training with Marie to see her fighting abilities. I sigh and reach for the phone in the cup holder. I dial Kane to see if he would be willing to lend a few warriors to help keep an eye on her property. I really wanted her to come stay with David and I at our place, but I know she rather stay in her little cabin. Maybe I will talk to her after she gets comfortable with me.

The phone rings a couple of times, and by the forth ring I hear Kane’s voice on the other end.

“Alpha Kane speaking, how may I help you?”

“Kane, it’s Joey. I desperately need a favor from you.”

“Joey! It’s been a while, my friend. Denise told me you found your mate. Congratulations! When do I get to meet the lovely lady?”

“Preferably tonight if you can. My mate needs protection from her psycho ex, and I was wondering if you would be willing to lend me a few warriors to keep an eye on the property.”

“Anything for you, buddy. I mean you are one of my closest friends. I have a few things to do, but I will grab my best and bring them with me tonight.”

“That would be wonderful. She is staying at the Johnson’s old cabin. Thank you so much. We will see you then.”

I hang up and reach over, gently touching Marie on the shoulder. She snaps her head to look at me. I can see her coming out of her daze. I dont think she even heard the conversation.

“Alpha Kane is coming tonight and bringing his best warriors to help keep an eye on your property. Don’t worry, my angel, we will keep him safe.”

She simply nods her head, going back to looking out the window. We pull up to the cabin and realize it is dinner time. We all unload, making our way inside. Brutus takes his post at the front door. Marie walks to the kitchen and starts taking food out for dinner. I put Ollie in the living room, surrounding him with his toys. I run out to truck and grab the tool box from the back so I can mount Marie’s TV over the fireplace. I get back inside to find Brutus laying on top of Ollie, holding him down with his front legs. He is gently licking the toddler on the face, making Oliver giggle uncontrollably. I stop and look at Marie, hoping to God Ollie is ok. Marie is wiping her hands off while giggling.

“Is this a normal thing?” I ask.

“Yeah, it’s what I call a Brutus bath. He does it from time to time. I guess it’s one way they bond.”

“And it doesn’t scare you?”

“Not at all. I know Brutus would never hurt Ollie. He loves him more than anything in the world. Even more than me. Anyways, I am making some spaghetti and meatballs. I hope you like Italian,” she gives be a beautiful grin.

“I get a free meal from a beautiful lady. That is all I can ask for.” I grab her waist, pulling her to me, kissing her gently on the lips.

“I am going to mount the TV quickly while you make dinner.” She nods her approval and I get to work. I roll up my sleeves, then grab the tools I need. By the time I get it up and connected, Marie announces dinner.

I grab Ollie, setting him in his high chair and take a seat. Marie sets an amazing plate of spaghetti and meatballs with salad and garlic bread. I wait for my mate to be seated, then dig in. I can’t control myself, and moan loudly. I have never tasted something so delicious in my life, except for my mate, of course. Marie grins at my approval. I watch my angel eat a bite, wiggling in her chair. I devour every bite. I am about to lick the plate when Marie grabs my plate and comes back with a second helping for me. I smile ate her thoughtfulness. I inhale the second plate as well. I get hit in the face with a piece of spaghetti. I look over at the child as he is about to hit me with a piece of cut up meatball. He is covered head to toe in tomato sauce. I can’t help but laugh. Marie is about to get up to clear the table, but I stop her.

“You cooked, I’ll clean it up. Why don’t you take Ollie and get him cleaned up, then we can sit and watch a movie before he goes to bed.”

Marie comes over, kissing me gently on the cheek.

“Thank you,” she whispers as she picks up Oliver and carries him to his room. Bru comes trotting up to me while I was putting the spaghetti sauce in containers. I grab a couple of meatballs that were sitting on an extra plate and toss them to him. They disappear quickly and he walks off to lay in front of the front door again. Just as I finish wiping down Ollie’s high chair, Marie walks out with a clean toddler on her hip. She sits down on the couch with him on her lap. I come to sit down with them, and she places the wiggling kid on my lap then grabs his sippy cup from the kitchen. She settles back down and hands Ollie the cup.

“What movie are we going to watch?” I am curious about her taste in movies.

“Thor Ragnarok!” She says with a big cheesy grin.

“It’s Ollie’s favorite movie and I happen to love Chris Hemsworth,” she starts blushing.

“And in truth, I want to compare you with him,” she adds quietly. I raise an eyebrow at her.

“What?! No one has told you that you look exactly like him? I mean you could easily be his twin. But with green eyes.” She confesses to me. I give her a big smile, and she snuggles closer to me with Ollie while turning on the movie. I have never seen a Marvel movie in my life, but I was enjoying the movie, and had a couple of really good laughs. About halfway through the movie I notice Ollie is asleep. Marie gently picks him up and carries him into the bedroom. When she shuts the door, Brutus goes to lay by the door like I saw him do before.

“Would you like some wine and go to the front porch for some air?” Marie holds up a bottle and two glasses.

“I love to.” I take the bottle out of her hand, uncorking the bottle. I pour us generous glasses, then follow her to the front porch. We get comfortable on the porch swing. I rap my arms around her waist, pulling her closer. I want be close to her. My dragon demanded it. She slowly sips her wine, looking out into the darkness.

“So I have to ask, where did you learn to cook? I have never had a meal like that.”

“The witches taught me at the coven in Italy. If you liked that, you should try my chicken Parmesan. It’s my favorite. I can cook anything but I am a better baker. When I have time I make tons of cookies and cakes.”

“If you ever need a taste tester, let me know. I could eat your cooking for the rest of my life. And hopefully I will,” I say to her shamelessly. I was about to ask her another question when I hear a howl pierce the air. My angel looks at me with wide terrified eyes.