Love Or Revenge

9

PRESENT DAY

APHRODITE POV

When I saw Brandon standing in front of me, I somewhat expected it. I just dropped the bomb that I knew he was my father. I had no idea how he didn’t look a day over 27. Then my mind flashed back to the time when my mother told me I was special, maybe my mother wasn’t the only one with a gift. Maybe, my father had a gift as well. I looked him in his eyes like I was seeing him for the very first time. This man was my father and he knew it from the moment he saw me. That hurt, did he not want a daughter like me so much he ignored my existence. Even though I was right in front of him. I was in pain. My birth mother left me alone in the world, I know not by choice but that still did not change how I felt. My adoptive mother left me too, she was taken from me. I didn’t want her to fight Darco. Then, my father left me and my mother. He did not want me. That realization hit me very fast and hard. I looked down at the floor not wanting to make any more eye contact. His eyes give me grief and sadness. Loneliness. I clear my throat to speak.

“Yes we can talk” I said, walking all the way to my room. Ushering him in behind me. I motions towards the lavender sofa that was in my room. He sat down and I sat on my bed. We sat in silence for quite some time before I had enough & broke it.

“So.. what did you have to say?” I asked. He looked at me with guilt in his eyes.

“I’m sorry” he said, a bit lower than I whisper

“Sorry for what exactly?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

“For everything. I shouldn’t have left you alone. I should have been there for you when Spirit passed but I was a coward. I was wrapped up in my own grief and depression, I neglected you. I am pathetic and do not deserve your respect, love or trust. However, ‘petite fille’ it was not a day that went by I did not think about you. It wasn’t a day I did not miss you and wanted you in my arms. I am so sorry I ran away. I want us to have a relationship and be close. I know I don’t deserve that and I’d understand if you were to say no you don’t want anything to do with me but.. All I'm asking for is a chance. Please” he told me, sincerely and with pleading eyes.

“I just have one question for you. Why did you leave?” I asked him, tears were threatening to leave my eyes but I refused to let this man see me cry.

“Because you were in danger, being around me would have made it easier for them to find you”. I looked at him questioningly. Them? Did he mean Darco?

“Who are ‘they’? Are you referring to Darco?” I asked, Brandon looked shocked like I wasn’t supposed to know who he was. He hung his head low to the floor.

“Yes. We were running from him since your mother was 6 months pregnant with you.” I was shocked to say the least but I did not show it. I kept a blank emotionless expression on my face.

“Why were you running?” I asked.

“I can not tell you that ‘petite fille’ but I will say that he is dangerous and you should stay away from him”. I looked at him like he lost his mind.

“He KILLED my mother! I want my revenge and I WILL have it!” I said with hatred in my voice. I was so angry. How could he tell me to stay away from the man that took everything from me?! I got my powers back and I will hunt him down.

“Aphrodite you will NOT go after him!” he yelled

“Oh now you want to be a father and act like you care. f**k YOU BRANDON! I will do what I want, Now please get the hell out of my room!” I yelled back. Brandon looked hurt by what I just said but I did not care. He shouldn’t act like he cares now. It has been 22 years. It is too late for us to save anything from this family relationship.

“Please just do not go trying to find him. You're all I have left of your mother and I don’t want to lose you too. Please” he begged. I turned away from him because the tears were starting to flow.

“Get. Out.” I gritted through my teeth. I heard him retreat to the door and open it but he stopped.

“I thought I was doing what was best at the time, over the years I realized my mistake. I went searching for you but I could not find you. I know that is not an excuse to stop my search but I love you my daughter. I hope one day you will realize that” he said before he closed the door behind him. I knew he was hurt, heck! I was too but it was too soon for me to build anything with him. I dropped down to my knees and I began to sob my eyes out. I don’t know if I could ever forgive him for what he has done to me.

BOOM! BOOM!

I jerked my head up, looking towards the door of my room. What was that loud noise? The house began to shake uncontrollably. What the hell is going on I thought. My senses were on high alert but my anxiety was running high. I did not know what was going on, I was becoming scared. I tried with shaky legs to exit my room but the house was shaking badly. I concentrated on my breathing & closed my eyes, I thought of Cameron and Colton. When I opened my eyes I was standing in front of them. They did not look surprised that I had just teleported to them.

“What is going on?” I asked, trying to regain my footing. Even the ground was shaking. People were running around everywhere. Mothers were grabbing children, fathers were arming themselves and the other women were helping the elderly in what looked like an underground bunker.

“Our community is under attack, someone is trying to get past the borders by force” Cameron said.

“Why would your community be under attack?” I asked, confused

“We have to tell you something. I am a werewolf and Colton is a vampire. These are our pack lands and sometimes rogues try to breach our defenses to take control over our land” Cameron said. I was so confused, I did not know such creatures exist but it is understandable because I am what modern people call a witch. Poppa Red’s words came back in my head, ‘No matter what you see, don’t be afraid’. Poppa Red must have known what they were, they must be trustworthy. He would not put me in harm's way. Would he?

“Okay, I want to help” I asked, determined

“No, it is too dangerous. Go with the women and the children where it is safe” Colton said, grabbing my hand.

“No, I want to help. I can help” I pleaded.

“No! You will go where it is safe! We have just found you and I’ll be damned if we lose you” Cameron said. I was taken aback by his words. I did not know what to say to that. Why did he care so much? Why did either of them care so much? I know we were talking about being together but I never imagined this.

“What am I to you?” I asked, searching his eyes for answers. Cameron opened his mouth to answer but then all three of us were pushed back by a powerful wind. My head hit a table, leaving me in a daze. I tried to sit up, instinctively my hand went to my head. I looked at my head and it was trickling with blood. I looked up and my eyes were set on the one man I wanted to kill, Darco Van Helsing. I used the table I hit my head on to pull myself off the ground. Cameron and Colton ran over to me. Colton checked my head and asked me if I was okay. I nodded.

“Well, isn't this touching? A mutt and my own kin trying to claim what is already mine” I looked at Darco. Was he stupid?

“She is ours, Darco!” Cameron growled.

“Tsk tsk tsk, no she is not. She was promised to me and I have come to claim what was promised”

“I am no one's property! I belong to no one” I gritted. Darco laughed at me.

“You have always been mine baby, you will come to learn that” he said, smirking. I wanted to wipe that smirk on his face.

“I will not be going anywhere with you!” I yelled, my eyes flashing with my magic. My eyes glinted lavender.

“I see we will have to do this the hard way” he said, cracking his neck

“Baby I’m sorry for what you are about to see but you are forcing my hand” Darco said, looking me in my eyes.

“You will never get her,” Colton said, his fangs shining. I heard bones breaking and popping to my left. I looked over to see Cameron turn into a beautiful midnight colored wolf. His fur was black but had a shine of royal blue to it. He looks absolutely beautiful. I looked at Darco and smirked, he was in for one hell of a fight. I was going to kill him. I was determined to kill him.