Chapter 8

Alexander: My Angel would like to tell her herself, and I also think it’s best to wait until he’s here. Just tell him I need his help.

I felt like I had knots in my stomach. I had a family, a father who had never stopped looking for me, and I was nobody anymore… Xander tightened his arms around me and kissed me on the temple.

Alexander: Are you still hungry, my Angel?

I looked at the empty plate in front of me. How had I managed to eat so much food? I shook my head no, and he smiled tenderly at me. “Evangeline, I wasn’t far off with Angel as a name.” I couldn’t take my eyes off him while he spoke. And quickly, I felt calm return to me. I swallowed hard and asked him, “Can you still call me Angel, but just you, like me calling you Xander?”

I saw a tender smile on his face, and he answered yes.

An hour passed before Carl came to tell us about Alpha Drake's arrival. An hour during which I listened to my family talk about my first two years. I had asked them to only talk about my relationship with them, not wanting to create any memories of my father before I had truly felt him.

Alexander: Do you want me to go first?

I looked at Xander and hesitated. I was terrified; I wanted to hide, but I had been a coward my whole life, and now that I had the chance, I had to be brave.

Alexander: Oh, but you are brave, my angel. You survived hell for fifteen years. I don't know anyone as brave as you.

I felt tears stinging my eyes.

Evangeline: Is that really what you think?

Alexander: Yes, of course.

Evangeline: Then I'll go with you.

He smiled at me and led me into the office where I'd found him and Carl that morning. A man was sitting there. When Xander arrived, he stood up and turned toward us, then froze.

Drake: You look so much like your mother.

He wanted to rush toward me, but I dodged a step back, which made him stop. Xander gently squeezed my hand and said,

Alexander: Your daughter went through absolute hell wherever she was. She has no memory of you yet, and, for goodness' sake, I'm the only one who can easily touch her right now. You have to take it slow and let her come to you.

I saw tears welling up in the man's eyes, my father's eyes, but he nodded. I approached him slowly and reached out a trembling hand, placing it on his cheek. Gently, I rose onto my tiptoes and rested my head on his chest. I felt my body tremble with fear, but I held firm and inhaled his scent.

He smelled of warm marshmallows and chocolate. Goodness, does my whole family smell like baked goods?

Alexander: Only for you, my angel.

Then a memory resurfaced. It was evening, my father and I were sitting around a fire. Even though Mama didn't approve, Dad was toasting marshmallows, placing them between two cookies with a piece of chocolate.

Evangeline: Dad...

I felt warm tears roll down my cheeks as my father pulled me into his strong arms. Gently, I broke the embrace and returned to Xander's arms. It was the only place I truly felt safe. I saw the sadness in my father's eyes, but I said softly,

Evangeline: Everything is confusing for me, I...

I swallowed.

Evangeline: ... I recognize your scent, but...

Drake: You don't need to apologize, my Evy. I've been looking for you so much, so... we'll take our time. You'll come home with me and...

Evangeline: No!

My father looked at me in astonishment and asked,

Drake: But why?

I chose my words carefully.

Evangeline: I... I want to stay here, with Xander.

Drake: But Evy, he's the Alpha Prince. He has other things to do than take care of you right now...

Evangeline: Daddy, Xander is my mate...

Drake: You only say that because he saved you, my little one.

I frowned at my father and heard Xander growl at him. I looked at him and placed a hand on his cheek.

Evangeline: Trust me, Xander.

Alexander: Always.

I took a breath and looked at my father.

Evangeline: Dad, have you ever heard of shared thought between two wolves?

He took a deep breath and looked at me.

Drake: Yes, it happens, but you need your wolf for that. I've never heard of it happening before...

Evangeline: But what if it was because the two companions hadn't found each other before... It was the Moon Goddess who told him I was in danger. She guided his steps to me. We can communicate without speaking. I...

I sighed.

Evangeline: I don't have my wolf, that's true, but Xander believes he's very close. But I feel a connection with him; I want to stay here.

Xander tightened his arms around me and kissed my forehead. I saw my father frown at this tender gesture.

Drake: Is it really true, Alpha Alexander? My daughter is your mate.

Xander looked at my father and said to myself,

Alexander: Now it's your turn to trust me.

Alexander: Alpha Drake, your daughter will become my mate, but I haven't claimed her yet. However, here before you, I claim her as mine.

Evangeline: Xander, what if my father says no?

Alexander: He won't refuse!

Evangeline: But...

He tightened his arms around me, infusing me with some of his warmth, and continued to look at my father. My father was watching me intently.

Drake: Is he really the one you want, Evy?

Evangeline: Yes, Dada, I know it sounds strange, but he is mine and I am his.

Drake: Then you have my blessing.

Alexander then spoke.

Alexander: You are welcome here for as long as you wish, Alpha Drake, and as often as you like.

After a pause, he continued.

Alexander: Actually, Alpha Drake, we are going to need your help… We have seven days to allow my Angel to find herself… I want her to be herself when she receives her wolf, and honestly, I don’t know where to begin.