Saving Valerie

"Who said I was playing Damen."

Her voice was cross, sending my beast into a spiraling turmoil. Baring my teeth I stalked back towards her.

She didn't even flinch.

I watched instead, as she bowed up to me, her fire flaring within those amber eyes.

"I'd be careful with what you say to me, I may never physically hurt you Valerie, but there are other ways of torture love. Some I wouldn't mind showing you."

I watched her shudder, before I felt a vicious sting across my cheek.

Did she just slap me?

Raising a tentative hand to my cheek I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips, this was going to be harder than I thought.

"You'll learn to trust me Valerie, I'm not like them. Now, if you don't mind, I'll see you later love."

***************

I found my father in the library a book in hand.

"What took you so long son?"

"Problems with my mate."

"I heard she threw a knife at your head." I caught his subtle smirk as I took a seat beside him.

"That she did."

He chuckled, "I'd be careful of that one, she seems dangerous."

"Well can you blame her father, honestly, after everything she's been through it's not a surprise. Although I wish she'd show her frustration in a less harmful way. Or at least relieve it in a less harmful way."

"Oh I bet you do son, I bet you do."

"You know, I've always wondered how mom puts up with your dirty mind."

He chuckled.

"Have you ever considered she might just like my dirty mind son?"

"Ugh no, god I didn't need to know that."

He sighed his broad shoulders sinking against his chair. For the first time I saw just how tired he was, the dark circles were more predominant than before and he looked rather pale.

"It's getting worse isn't it?"

He didn't answer.

Instead he set his book on the side table and rose, his strong stature returning.

"You wasted a perfectly good deer son, all because you were frustrated. It's already hard enough finding food as it is, we don't need a useless killing added to it."

I hang my head, I knew what I'd done was wrong and I shouldn't have slaughtered the doe like that but I couldn't control myself.

Hearing a throat clear, caught my attention.

Glancing up I took notice of Royce, father's best friend and Beta.

"A word Alpha?"

With father's dismissal I left the library, my mind going back to fathers pale stricken face and sickly eyes. It was getting worse.

Trying to hide the pain I felt, I hid my face from all that past. Should've known it wouldn't have been that easy though. Soon enough I found myself face to face with Draven his crystal eyes filled with worry.

Damn it. Leave it to my kid brother to pick up on my feelings.

"You just saw father didn't you?"

I nodded.

"He's getting worse isn't he?"

Again I nod.