His Abused Mute Luna

Chapter Eight

I really like him :)

I smiled just writing the words, then I remembered the other dog he attacked and a shiver ran through me. If it weren't for Marshmallow, it would've killed me.

How many dogs do you have?

"Only one, but the man you just saw has one too," he answered, "are you okay if I ask you a few questions too?"

I nodded, staring down at all the empty space on the paper and jolting at the unexpected feel of his hand on my back as it messed with my hair. I clenched my eyes closed, envisioning him gripping a handful and ripping it out. Chills ran through me and I opened my eyes to find he was gently running his fingers through my strands, unknotting them slow and painlessly.

"Who gave you these wounds?" He asked, making me go tense as I swallowed the lump in my throat.

My mother.

He soon grew tense as well, turning the chair and opening one of his drawers. I curiously watched him pull out a bristled plastic stick and he moved back to our previous spot, giving me back my access to the paper and pencil.

What was that thing? Was he going to hit me with it? Is he Jade's ultimate test to see if I'd tell if ever given the chance? Is he working with her? Is this all a trap?

All my thoughts disappeared when something scratched over the shirt on my back. I jumped forward and shook but he wrapped an arm around my torso and forced me back. This made me panic, my anxiety skyrocketing and I fought to escape his grip.

"Angel, beautiful, I'm not trying to hurt you. Just relax a moment, and if it hurts, I want you to tap the table and I'll stop, okay?" He suggested and I calmed my hard panting, loosening my firm hold on his arm.

He's been truthful this whole time... why wouldn't he now? It'll only be better if I cooperate.

He took that as agreement and the scratches reappeared, however, they didn't hurt. I also felt my hair pulling downward in a manner that released the tension from my face and my throbbing head started fading.

"See? I'm just combing the knots out of your hair. I can't imagine how uncomfortable that was for you," he said quietly, continuing slow movements through my hair and I felt the most relaxed I ever had, "did she do this to you on purpose?"

His question made me unsettled again and I swallowed harshly, squeezing the bottom of the shirt and feeling my eyes water. Hearing it verbally announced makes it sound so much worse, like I did something to deserve it, even when I know I didn't... did I?

"I understand it's hard, but you have to tell me if she did this intentionally. All I need is a nod or—"

I nodded frantically, leaning away from his hands when they came to a halt before shielding my face from harsh impact. I flinched when his hands found my wrists and gently pulled them back, revealing my face to him. I kept my eyes low in submission as I began to tremble nervously.

"I will never hurt you," he said softly. I desperately wanted to believe him, and a piece of me did, but I pulled my hands back shaking my head. Why would he, a stranger, hold care for me when my own flesh and blood doesn't? It doesn't make sense...

His arms suddenly wrapped around my quaking body and pulled me down, forcing me to lay across his chest and put my head down. I clenched my eyes closed, my lip quivering as tears burned in my throat at the extremely close proximity.

I slid my hand to his collar and squeezed a fistful of his shirt while my other clutched the area over his side, my uncontrollable shakes calming as I curled further into him, turning so my right cheek rested against his shoulder. I watched his arms warily before I realized my eyelids were drooping.

I struggled to fight the sudden weight keeping me from moving by forcing my eyes open, only for them to fight back just as much. I then felt myself open my mouth and yawn, taking away more energy from my body. For some reason it made me much more tired, but I was too afraid to fall asleep being near this man.

I've never fallen asleep this close to anyone before.

I could hardly sleep just knowing Jade was in the same house, and when I did it was because my body desperately needed at least a little rest. I never realized I was even sleeping until I woke up. I've grown used to only sleeping a few hours every couple of nights.

So why do I feel so sleepy? I got a whole night's worth of sleep, which is more than I can say I've gotten in the span of four days.

Why does he make me so tired?

Is he poisoning me?

And as if he heard my thoughts, he spoke.

"You're safe," he whispered lightly like he sensed I was dozing, slowly turning his head to mine and pressing his smooth lips to my hairline. This sent heated tingles through my face, instantly taking away my headache and my anxious trembling stopped, a blanket of relaxation wrapped around me while my body was engulfed in his soothing heat.

Marshmallow is his dog and is such a good boy. He's very well taken care of and he seems to like it here, so if he can trust these men, maybe there really isn't anything I have to fear.

I'm safe.

𓃥

I jolted awake at the sound of a door bursting open and a cold wave of terror constricted my body. I curled tightly into the warmth around me, feeling my breathing become difficult until something rubbed my back.

That's when I remembered I fell asleep laying on Axel and I squeezed his shirt, attempting to tug him closer as I threw a low glance behind me. The other man was in here.

Why's he angry? Why'd he slam the door like that? Was it me? Did I do something? Is he coming to hurt me for ruining his conversation yesterday?

"It's okay, Angel, nothing's going to happen to you. I won't let anything touch you," Axel's voice swept through my ears like a soft melody and I nodded, unsure why I felt so trusting to his words already.

Could it be my mother had never lied to me? If she said she'd do something, she'd do it... I've never been lied to, Jade hates lies, and that's why she was so angry over my father.

"If I may..." the man across the room paused, a moment of silence filling the air before he continued, "Angelica, I can help with your anxiety. I used to suffer from it myself so I understand where you're coming from," he stated. I hesitantly lifted my head, hearing Axel jump to answer for me.

"She's clearly uncomfortable with you, you can't just magically—"

I quickly nodded, cutting off his response and hearing the room go silent again. My stomach churned in fear I crossed a line and I clenched fistfuls of his shirt, more tears filling my eyes.

"Are you sure?" He asked quietly and surprise filled me.

I have a choice?

Slowly nodding again, I heard approaching footsteps and stiffened, whipping my head around and locking my eyes on his legs. He came closer and I froze, watching him come to a stop a few feet away.

"Al-Axel needs to work, so we can go now," he said. I hesitantly stepped off Axel's lap and took a step toward him, waiting a moment to see if he'd snap before taking another step.

I reached for his hand and softly grabbed it, feeling him rip away with a loud squeak and I yanked my hands to my chest. My breaths turned rapid and I widened my eyes, looking at the floor and wanting to get down before he beat me down.

Jade wanting me on the floor was one of the only things she did that was helpful to me. It didn't hurt as much getting beaten into the floorboards when I was already on them.

"It's okay! Just don't grab his hand," Axel stood, softly placing his hand on my face making me flinch, though he ignored it by pulling me into his chest. I closed my eyes and felt my fear reach its peak before calming from the tingles transferring to my face.

I held Axel's hand when he took me somewhere, why can't I hold his? I don't understand...

"It's fine, sir, I can hold her hand if that makes her comfortable—and if it's fine by you, of course," he rushed out the second part, clearing his throat.

He released a quiet growl-like noise in response that vibrated his chest and my face. I clenched my eyes closed at the angry noise, forcing myself to stay in my spot instead of cowering away.

I don't want to be afraid anymore.

"If she prefers," he said after a moment, slowly releasing me, "her comfort is your top priority when she's with you. I give permission to do whatever it is that appeases it, but I trust you'll stay within bounds."

"Yes sir," he replied, holding his hand out and I stared at it, shakily reaching out and grabbing it with mine. His hand was warm, but there weren't pleasing tingles as expected and I frowned.

Is Axel my soulmate? Is that why I like him so fast? Is that why I want his touch? My father always told me only a chosen few get soulmates, usually the ones in need of saving. He said you'll just know if you found them, and I'm beginning to understand that. My father has gotten me through many of my mother's awful tormenting... I just wish he'd come back to see how bad it's gotten.

"Go easy on her, Blaine. I mean it. She's delicate," Axel added in a deadly tone and I tightened my hold on the man's hand, feeling him give me a reassuring squeeze.

"It's my job to protect her as the Luna, sir, she's in good hands," he replied, turning and pulling me along. I felt uneasy as soon as we left the room and my heart beat rapidly against my chest.

I want to go back to Axel.