We own the night

Chapter 14

Hidden truth

Jeremy

After I've sent Rico to keep and eye on Carolina, I hoped that Ulric might give me some peace of mind. I was far behind woth my duties and work because of the trip we took last week. I had to concentrate but I couldn't. Ulric was pacing and whimpering all the time about how our mate might be in danger or she might be cold or lonely. He drove me insane. But the night when Rico arrived Ulric was simply unbearable. I tried to mind-link Rico without any success, I tried text him and tried to call him. Again, no response. I had uneasy feeling that something horrible happened. I was relieved to see my best friend in my office safe and sound, but I had to keep my professionalism. After Rico told me that he fell in love with that dancer, I felt a little uncomfortable. Luckily he will eventually meet his mate so this human will be just a fling for him. Until then, why can't he enjoy this relationship? He was about to leave when I remembered about why I called him.

- Did you get any valuable information about her? - I asked and Rico hesitated but showed me a confident grin and said to be prepared for a sad story.

Roxanne's story, told by Rico.

- Ever since she was a child, Carolina dreamed about being a Broadway dancer. She joined every dancing club in school and practiced a lot at home but her background wasn't ideal at all for her dreams to come true. Her father used to bully her just like her classmates for chasing a surreal dream. Her mother never stood in her corner neither defended her. Years passed and when she was able to start summer jobs she did them to raise money. Unfortunately her father beat her for getting home late and took her hardly earned money away. - Rico told to Jeremy. The cold Alpha was sitting in his armchair with his knuckles getting white from holding the chair in anger. His mate had been bullied and hurt. The proud in Jeremy's wolf Ulric and the desire to protect his mate only got stronger. Even the own Jeremy got irritated by what he heard. Still, his gut told him that the worst is yet to come. Rico waited a little and looked deeply in his friend's eyes hoping to see a flick of guilt and maybe a little love. Jeremy's eyes only got dark by Ulric's fuelled anger. Rico sighed and kept talking.

- Around when Carolina was twelve years old, her hard work seemed to finally get its reward. There was a competition in their school and teachers from prestigious high schools came for search of unique talents. Carolina worked even harder and did all the work around the house so her parents had no excuse in stepping in her way. When the day came she couldn't attend the competition. - Jeremy now seemed to be worried and he asked in a low voice.

- What happened? - Rico bowed his head and he was afraid to tell this to his friend. The wolf in him, the one who kept him awake in need of her, won't tolerate this.

- When she headed to the competition, her father arrived home. He was stinky from cigarettes and alcohol. He opened the door and Carolina bumped into him.

"- Can't you see where you are going?! - he shouted at her and this memory burned into Roxanne's mind so badly that she kept having nightmares of it.

- Sorry dad! - she said and bowed her head. But her father, Isaac, grabbed her by her long hair and pulled her up from the ground. Roxanne's hair was ripping off from her skull and she begged her father to stop. Her mother came to the door for the noise and she glanced at her crying.

- Mom, please help me! Tell him to stop! - but her mother turned away and pretended that she didn't see a thing. Roxanne's hair finally give up the fight and part of it got totally ripped off by her Isaac. She fell to the ground with a bleeding skull and woth her gorgeous hair slipping through her father's fingers. He kicked her in the lungs and stepped over her.

- I knew the day when you were born that you'll be a useless brat. Go feed the chickens and get out of my sight. - he left and Roxanne ran out of tears. Something broke in her. She got up and went to the bathroom to wash her blood off of her head. She grabbed an old scarf from her drawer and twisted around her head before she headed to feed the chickens. She then decided to run to the school, but her lungs gave up the fight and she lost consciousness only a few miles from school. Roxanne woke up and it was already dark. She heard the crowd walking back home and the kids shouting woth happiness or crying bitterly. She got up and looked at the starry sky. The weather got cold and the wind blew, but she didn't care. At least the ice cold wind felt good on her wounded chest and broken heart. "- Jeremy stood up and paced in the room. His feelings drove him crazy and keeping Ulric under his control was getting all of his strength out of him. He looked at Rico and gave him a weak smile.

- You were right, this is a really sad story. - Rico opened his mouth but Jeremy lifted his hand and motioned him to stop.

- Rico, I don't think I have more time today to listen this tale. Shall we continue tomorrow? - Rico nodded and Jeremy sat back into his armchair pretending to get lost in paperwork. Rico just stood there for a few more seconds before he finally gathered his bravery and asked.

- Are you feeling okay Jeremy? - he glanced up at his friend.

- Why shouldn't I? - he asked with an emotionless tone.

- Well... To be honest. This is really rough for even me, and she isn't my mate. - Rico said and Jeremy grinned.

- I don't care about humans and their cruelty. Close the door behind you please. - Rico felt shocked but did as Jeremy said. When the door was closed Jeremy growled and Ulric came to the surface. He threw their desk against the wall in anger.

- How could a father be so cruel to his only child?! To a woman?! - he asked and Jeremy in the back of their mind answered.

- It seems like you have forgotten about what happened in the Alpha camp.- Ulric froze and said in a painful voice.

- I will never forget what happened there.

- I don't know why you are so surprised. Humans are cruel and mercy less. Calm down and let's get back to work. - Jeremy said but Ulric kept fussing.

- Can you at least admit that our mate is different? She had been tortured! - Jeremy shrugged.

- We haven't heard the whole story yet. And she might be your mate, but I won't accept her.

- Then you'll be alone. - Ulric threatened Jeremy and he shook his head.

- You desire her too. I've felt your feelings, you wanted to hold her in our arms just as much as I do. - Ulric said but Jeremy left him without an answer. He crawled back into the deepness of their mind and Jeremy kept working. Although he hate the fact, Carolina was there in the corner of his mind. He do felt bad for what happened to her, but Jeremy tried to forget about his conflicted feelings and focus on his duties.