Mates: Revenge

Chapter 7

Dinner went well, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something about Daniel that I didn’t like. I just kept getting the feeling that he was hiding something purposely. I hated to think that because Melanie looked like she was warming up to him and feeling more comfortable. I don’t want to ruin anything between the two, but the feeling won’t subside.

After saying goodbye to Daniel and Melanie, Jayden and I walk up the stairs to our floor. “Did Brooklyn tell you what is going on?” I turn my head and look at him. Jayden chuckles. “Yes, I know you went upstairs with food for her.” I rub Jayden’s back while we walk to our bedroom.

“I know that she didn’t act in the best way, but I understand what’s going on with her.” We get into our room and Jayden starts to unbutton his shirt while slipping off his shoes.

“Look, I understand it has just been the two of them and it is hard to let someone else in. I truly get it and it was part of the reason I was worried about them getting so close.” Jayden walks towards me with his shirt open and him, unbuckling his pants. “That doesn’t excuse her from acting that way and being rude. I didn’t raise her like that.” I stand watching Jayden. I know I should be focusing on what he’s saying, and I am. It’s just……with him undressing like that……

I shake my head and try to stay in the conversation we are having. I sit on the edge of the bed and take a deep breath. “I get where you are coming from, but you have to understand Brooklyn’s point as well. She feels…..” Jayden stands in front of me and puts a hand on my shoulder.

“Look, I get that you are trying to take up for her, but this isn’t the time. As a parent, there are certain things that we have to be unyielding about and showing disrespect is one of them. I realize you don’t understand, but…..” My eyes narrow as I glare at Jayden. I know he didn’t just say that.

He just misspoke.

Oh no, Kia. Don’t you dare try to take up for him. He basically told me to stay in my lane because I’m not a parent!

I’m sure he didn’t mean it. I throw my block up because Kia is not trying to hear me right now. She is more concerned with me fighting with her precious mate. I push Jayden’s hand off of my shoulder and stand up. I place my hands on my hips and glare at him. I can hear him gulp, but that isn’t going to save him now.

“Do you want to repeat what you just said to me?” Jayden starts to look like a fish out of water opening and closing his mouth.

“Uh…I mean……” Jayden closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He opens them and there is more confidence in his eyes. “You don’t have kids and I know you have been with us for a year now, but that really isn’t the same.” Jayden starts to pace back and forth. “When it comes to parenting…..” I don’t wait to hear the rest. I pick up Jayden’s pillow and throw it at him with so much force that he is rocked by the impact.

“Get out.” I use my low voice that tells people I’m a second away from ripping their heads off. Jayden looks shocked and confused. “You will not speak to me like that. You act as if I know nothing and my insight means nothing. You have NO IDEA what is going on with Brooklyn and you don’t even ask, even though you know that I spoke to her at dinner.” Jayden looks a bit scared and I’m glad about that. There is no way he will be able to downplay my role in Brooklyn’s life. Either I’m her parent or I’m not and there is no in between. “Get out.” I turn around and get in the bed, fully clothed. I hear Jayden’s quickened heartbeat and him sigh. After a while, I hear the door to our bedroom close and I try to settle in and sleep.

~Jayden~

Well, that didn’t go well at all. I guess I shouldn’t have said what I did.

No s**t, Sherlock! How could you say that to mate? She is our pup’s mother.

I know, but….

No buts! She accepted us completely and that included Brooklyn. You can’t act as if she isn’t her mother when it suits you. Jace put a block up before I could reply to him, but he is right. Kehlani accepted the both of us without hesitation, so she willingly took on the role of being Brooklyn’s mom and I have to keep that in mine. As angry as Kehlani is, I know that trying to go back to the room will not work tonight. I decide to sleep in one of the guestrooms. Before getting settled, I go to Brooklyn’s room to check on her. I quietly open the door and see her in her bed. I walk over to her and caress her head.

“Did Kehlani tell you?” she whispers. I wonder what she means by that. “Kehlani says she feels it too, but that I should be there for Melanie so I can keep an eye on her.” I have no idea what Brooklyn is talking about and it looks like I messed up a bit more than I thought. I lean over and kiss Brooklyn on the forehead, not wanting to get into all of that right now.

“Sleep, my love. I love you a billion skittles.” I walk out of the room and can hear Brooklyn whisper: “I love you a million hershey kisses.”

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I swear this was the worst night ever. I could not sleep at all. Morning training was trash because I didn’t have the energy and it showed. Everyone took pity on me and didn’t say anything, which was a relief. Kehlani opted out of morning training and I wasn’t surprised. I’m not sure when I will get her talking to me again, but I know I need to figure it out. Heading up to our floor, I run into Brooklyn. “Morning Daddy!” Brooklyn runs up to me and jumps into my arms.

“Morning my love. Did you eat this morning?” Brooklyn nods and I put her back on her feet. “Is ‘Lani in there?” Brooklyn gets a sad expression on her face.

“No. Daddy, ‘Lani is mad at you huh?” I sigh and nod my head. Brooklyn shakes her head at me and clicks her tongue. “You need to do better, Daddy. Fix it.” I have nothing to say in response. Brooklyn isn’t wrong and the love she has for Kehlani is inspiring. Brooklyn starts to go down the stairs.

“Have a good day my love.” I continue up the stairs and when I get into our room, I get in the shower. Kehlani’s scent is lingering in the restroom and I’m sure she was in the shower not too long ago. I was wrong and there is something going on with Brooklyn. Had I taken the time to ask Kehlani about it, I would know what’s going on. I’m going to have to figure out how to make this up to her.