Audrey

I slowly lifted my head off of Eve's shoulder. We sat under the same tree for a little over an hour. Neither of us said anything. We just sat side-by-side. I have to admit, having her as company isn't that bad. It was peaceful. But we couldn't stay there forever. "We should head back" I suggested. All I did was make a small appearance at the gathering, then I disappeared.

Eve nodded in agreement and we both stood from the forest floor. I actually found myself wanting to get back to the pack house as soon as possible. I want to see how Riley's holding up; I want to talk to everyone; and honestly, I want to apologize to Asher.

Its easier to blame someone who's living- someone that I can actually yell at. Truthfully, I know that everything is Anthony's fault. He was the one that took me. He started the war, Asher just ended it. It was never Asher's fault, but its easier to be mad at him than at my deceased father. How could I even be mad at him if he's dead? It just seems cruel, in my mind.

Asher is making an effort. When he attacked our home, his intentions were pure. He just wanted his daughter back. When he killed Anthony, he had no idea who I was. He had no idea how I would react to seeing Anthony like that. Now that I really think over it. He's done everything for me. He did it to get me back and to protect me.

It completely backfired, but he never purposefully hurt me. It was just like dominoes. He knocked down one obstacle, causing more things to fall. In this case, he knocked down Anthony, only to knock me down as well. He never meant for me to get hurt. But killing Anthony just created a ripple effect.

I've been calling him a monster. I've been yelling at him. I've been a horrible daughter; when all Asher wanted to do was be a good father. "I'm an awful person" I muttered to myself.

"You're not that bad" Eve joked. I slightly jumped at the sound of her voice. I forgot she was here. "I know that you're beating yourself up over how you've been treating Asher. But he wasn't exactly pleasant either" she reminded me.

I nodded in understanding. The rest of the walk to the pack house was silent. It was only about ten minutes with our slow pace, but neither of us interrupted the silence that surrounded us. It wasn't awkward; it was more like we were both engrossed in our own thoughts.

In my case, I was thinking about a to-do list. I have to apologize to Asher. He's at the top of my list for things to fix. The next is Keith. I have to make sure he's okay and find some way to get him to wake up. Then I have to thank Gardenia and David for setting this whole thing up. I have to sort things out with Riley. And finally, I have to deal with my mate.

It might seem messed up that he's at the end of my list. But honestly, I want to prolong that conversation as long as I can. "Go on. Just give me a minute" I told Eve as we came to the porch. She nodded and gave me a small smile before going inside the pack house.

Now, what will I say to Asher? I can apologize for the way I acted, but people say that 'sorry' doesn't make up for everything. I'm not sure if an apology will suffice for my behavior. He finally got his 'long-lost daughter' back, only for her to be rude and disrespectful.

Suddenly hearing footsteps, I turned my head and saw Asher. He stood on the porch, a few yards away from me. Neither of us said anything. We just stared at each other. "I'm sorry!" we blurted out at the same time.

"I shouldn't have said that about Anthony" he continued. "He raised you. He's the only father you have had. I guess I was just jealous. We missed out on your life. He got to be with you throughout your life. He got to raise an incredible young lady. And I wish that it was Eve and I that raised you" he stated.

I frowned. "I'm sorry for the way I treated you. It hurt that everyone blames my dad because he's dead. I just can't blame him when he's gone. All you wanted to do was be a good dad, and I pushed you away" I said softly.

He held his arms out, and I slowly walked into them. I wrapped my arms around his waist as my face was buried into his chest. "Can we just start over?" I suggested as I pulled away from him.

Asher nodded. "I'm King Asher Reed, but you can call me 'Ash' or 'Asher' or 'Dad'" he stated.

A small smile spread across my face. I'm not ready for the 'Dad' stage, but I'm sure I'll get there someday. "I'm Audrey Bay Reynolds. A lot of people call me 'Bay', but I'm fine with being called 'Audrey'" I informed him. I said Anthony's last name; but I don't think that Asher minded, or if he did, he hid his emotions well.

"Its nice to meet you" he chirped. I smiled at him and wrapped my arms around his waist. "Come on. Everyone's waiting for you" he nodded towards the pack house.

I hugged him one last time before going into the pack house. Immediately, the sound of my family laughing and talking filled my ears. I walked deeper into the house with Asher trailing behind me. Once I entered the living room, I was pulled away from Asher by multiple people.

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"I'm exhausted" I said with a sigh as I stumbled into the room. I spent hours going around and talking to everyone, then I played with all the kids for a while. The kids totally cheated- for the record! They used their magic!

David had this smart idea to do Werewolves vs. Witches during tag. He thought the werewolves would win since we run faster. But the older kids who played with us, used a spell to stick us to the ground. Ultimately, it was mostly freeze tag, since we couldn't move.

But, it was a good day- great actually. I clumsily walked over to the bed to see my best friend. He looked the same, with his few strands of hair that just love falling onto his forehead. "Hey, Keith" I said softly as I brushed his hair away from his face.

At that moment, the doctor came into the room. She slightly bowed, just like everyone else when they see me. Its kinda weird. Anyway, I was silent as she did her doctor stuff and scribbled on a clipboard. "I'll be back tomorrow to check on him again" she informed me before leaving the room.

I looked at the clipboard that the doctor left in the room. His physical health is good. His heart is okay. "I'll find a way to wake you up" I declared. There has to be some way. His vitals are all good. He shouldn't have a reason to not wake up. So nothing is wrong with him, physically or mentally.

That only leaves one thing. "Its magical" I whispered to myself. I don't know how I couldn't see this before. This new discovery gave me energy. "I'll be back!" I said quickly before running out of the room.

"Naomi!" I shouted as I ran down the stairs. I was quickly outside right as she was about to get in a car with David. "Naomi!" I said while running towards the car.

She quickly stopped her movements and looked at me. "Goodness, child. Where's the fire?" she questioned with a light laugh.

I stopped running when I was in front of her. Unfortunately, I had to catch my breath before telling her the news. "Take deep breaths, Audrey" David said from next to me. I didn't even notice he got out of the car.

Following his instructions, I slowly got my breathing under control. "I know what's wrong with Keith" I informed her. "Its magical. There has to be a spell or something that's keeping him from waking up" I stated. Its just a theory, but it makes sense. Its the only thing that's keeping him unconscious.

She pondered over my idea before slowly nodding her head. "That is very possible" she mused. "But there is no way to undo the spell if you two are still bonded" she added.

I frowned. "Then, I'll break the bond" I decided.

Naomi looked at me with wide eyes. "That is a very rash decision" she stated. I nodded my head. It may be rash, but if it can help wake up Keith, then I'll do it. "Once you break a bond, you can't undo it" she reminded me.

Nodding my head, I sighed. "I know. But its worth it. I need him to wake up" I stated. I can't bear the thought of losing him too.

"Okay. I have a feeling that you want to do this as soon as possible" she said as she closed the car door. I rapidly nodded my head. "Let's get this done then" she urged. I quickly walked back into the pack house with Naomi, David, and Gardenia following me. Naomi is what you can call a 'supervisor.' Basically, she was there when we were bonded; so we need her with us to break the bond.

We quickly filed into Keith's room, and I walked up to his still form. "Everything is gonna be okay" I whispered softly. Taking his hands in mine, I nodded at Naomi. She grabbed ahold of our connected hands and closed her eyes. She started chanting, and I repeated the words after her. It was a simple spell, not that long.

Once it was finished, I felt the bond break. The familiar feeling of his presence was gone, even though he was right in front of me. I was suddenly drained of energy. I couldn't even stand straight. David quickly rushed to my side to help me stand. "You okay?" he asked concerned.

I shook my head. It doesn't feel right. Its like I have absolutely no energy. Its like I was just an empty body. I almost fell back, but David caught me before I hit the ground. "Come on. Sit" he urged. I had no choice but to slump down in the chair.

"Audrey?!" a familiar voice shouted as he burst through the door. Thomas quickly rushed up to me and cradled my face in his hands. Sparks erupted on my cheeks, but they were even stronger than before. He must've felt it too because he pulled away with a gasp. "Whoa" he said in awe as he carefully took my hand in his.

The sparks felt amazing; and somehow, it was like I was slowly getting my energy back. "Are you okay?" my mate asked softly.

I managed to nod my head. "Not to be rude or anything, but you don't look okay" Gardenia butted in. I attempted to glare at her, but I felt too tired. Resting my head on Thomas' shoulder, I breathed in his scent.

Thomas gently ran his hand through my hair. "You scared me" he mumbled. "I didn't feel you, and I just- I thought something happened to you" he whispered. I slowly shook my head and squeezed his hand in attempt to show him that I was okay.

Someone cleared their throat, making Thomas pull away from me. But his shoulder was so comfortable. A frown spread across my face as I looked up at Naomi and my siblings. "You should get some sleep" Naomi suggested. "On an actual bed" she added quickly. I frowned and glanced at Keith. "He'll be fine" she insisted.

My mate slowly helped me stand. "Come on. You can sleep in my room" he offered. I let him support my weight as we slowly walked out of the room. "Do you think you can walk up a flight of stairs?" he questioned. There's more than two floors in this place?! I sighed and shook my head. Thomas easily picked me up, bridal style, and started walking up the stairs. How did I not notice that?

He must've been walking fast or skipping steps because we got to the top of the stairs in like ten seconds. "You're so tiny" Thomas said quietly. I pouted and mustered up the energy to jab my elbow into his chest. He grunted as he continued walking. "I didn't say that it was a bad thing" he mused.

I rolled my eyes as he opened a door, that allowed his scent to fill my nose. He walked inside and carefully set me on the bed. I managed to stay upright so I could examine his room. It was surprisingly clean- besides a big bucket that was filled with shoes. Why does he have so many shoes? And why does he keep them in a bucket.

"I don't wear those" Thomas informed me as he followed my line of vision. He walked over to the bucket and used his foot to push it into his closet. "Do you want to change?" he asked hesitantly.

Nodding my head, I let out a small yawn. "Can I just borrow a shirt?" I asked. I'm way too lazy to go and get a shirt. I would probably just tumble down the stairs anyway. Thomas nodded and opened up a drawer that looked like it only contained white shirts. He handed me one as I yawned again. "Turn around" I commanded.

He chuckled. "I'll see it sooner or later" he stated, but turned his body away from me. I couldn't help but blush a little. I slowly changed into his shirt and tried to unbutton my pants. For some reason, my hands and arms just wanted to be limp.

Needless to say, I was very unsuccessful in unbuttoning my pants. "Thomas?" I said quietly. He hummed in response as his body was still turned away from me. "Um... C-can you h-help me?" I asked shakily.

Thomas turned around with his eyebrows furrowed together. "With what?" he questioned.

I blushed and squeezed my eyes shut. "I can't unbutton my pants" I grumbled. I waited for him to say something or to laugh; but it was completely silent. I peeked out of one eye and saw that Thomas was turning red as he tried not to laugh. "Its not funny!" I huffed.

A small laugh escaped his lips. "I'm sorry" he said as he took a deep breath to stop himself from laughing. Surprisingly, it worked. "I'll help you unbutton your pants" he decided.

He helped me stand as I lifted up his shirt so he could see the button on my jeans. His hands brushed my stomach, making me shriek. What can I say? I'm ticklish. I had to hold my breath as he skimmed my stomach while unbuttoning my pants. This is so awkward. A few moments later, he got the button undone. "Do you want me to unzip it too?" he asked with a teasing smile.

I quickly shook my head and pushed him away from me. "Turn back around" I demanded. He chuckled as he turned. I quickly slid off the pants and got into the bed. "Okay. You're good, now" I informed him.

"Good night" he said softly as he made his way to the door.

"Wait!" I blurted. He immediately stopped and turned around to face me. "Uh... You can sleep in here" I stated. It is his room. Where would he sleep?

He looked at me skeptically. "On the bed?" he clarified. I nodded my head as heat rushed to my face. He slowly made his way to the other side of the bed, while I turned off the light. I should've waited for him to get into the bed, but its his room. He should know how to get to his bed. "I'll take it, you're not mad at me anymore?" he questioned after sliding into the bed.

I shook my head. "You did it to protect me" Everyone wants to protect me. I added in my mind. "I'm sorry for pushing you and slapping you" I whispered.

Sparks erupted on my skin as he gently brushed my hair out of my face. "I deserved it. I'm sorry about Keith" he said softly.

I sighed and curled up into his chest. Once I closed my eyes, I quickly fell asleep.

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"If you can't say nothing nice, don't say nothing at all!" ~Thumper (Bambi, 1942)

So... I have muted a lot of users and deleted their comments for being rude. It might be annoying for some people since I keep addressing this issue, but it just doesn't seem to get through some people's minds. Please do not comment rude things. I know that people have negative opinions on my books; I just ask that you keep those opinions to yourselves. Thank you.

Anyways! This chapter is dedicated to my 1,000th follower, Lefelya. Freaking amazing!

Kayyyzzzz Byeeezzzz

~A.J.