Cleo's Heart Decisions.

In The Dark...

Dark clouds gather above her and dark secrets are fighting to get to the surface, the storm is too close... Is he going to save her?

~some time later, restaurant, city~

Cleo’s pov

I keep on smiling at him and I don’t care at all about anyone around us!

I have really missed him and the way he is looking at me makes my heart melt! And I have to admit he is more handsome than he was, don’t get me wrong, Kevin was always very charming and pretty but now he has calmed down more and his features are perfect!

Let me tell you… Short black shining hair, too dark green eyes, sweet skin’s tone, full lips and he is tall with a great body. Today he is wearing a dark blue suit with a white shirt and he is a real gentleman!

He made a reservation for two at the most classy restaurant and our table is quite isolated so we can be more relaxed!

He knows me too well!

“I am so damn happy I finally see you! I missed you so f*****g much and I can’t believe I am here!” he says in excitement and takes my right hand in his to give it a squeeze.

“You tell me?! You know I feel the same way! I thought you wouldn’t come, I had totally forgotten that Max had mentioned it! I am more than happy for having you here!” I say breathless with a big smile of amusement and he laughs.

“Don’t laugh at me Kev! I want to cry from joy and relief, really!” I complain ready to get emotional for good feeling some tears building up and he smiles warmly.

“What a sweet little cupcake you are Beta! Come on, I am just teasing, you know how much I love it! And in case you cry… I came fully prepared!” he replies smirking and from his pocket he appears a white handkerchief.

This man is unbelievable, for luna’s sake!

“See? I can’t forget how emotional you can become!” he whispers wickedly and I smile blushing.

Alright, he got me here!

We stay like this for a while, we don’t talk, we just look at each other and I calm down very fast but Kevin’s cheerful expression changes gradually and his eyes get filled from wary. My heart tightens from nervousness and I stiffen on my seat lowering my gaze. I guess I know what is happening now and I can’t hide the fact I was worried about it…

I know him, he is scared, he really loves me!

“Cleo… I need us to talk and I want to be honest with you, I am freaking out from the day you came back and you told me what is happening…” he states after he clears his throat and I nod immediately without looking at him.

He got straight to the main topic and he is freaking me out now… I knew I wouldn’t avoid it but this is…

Shit!

“I know…” I mutter stiffening more.

“And this is why I came! I need to know what is happening here, I have to know everything!” he cuts me off and I sigh heavily with Clea groaning for me to speak.

God! I don’t want him to worry so much but if I tell him then he is going to get angry and this is the last thing I want!

Think Cleo, think! You can’t lie but you mustn’t frustrate him even more!

Mmm… Okay, one, two, three deep breaths and my mind is on fire but in the end…

Bingo!

I just found it and I won’t even lie, I mean, I will just tell him the truth with not so many details!

“Okay, look…” I begin and he exhales quite calm signing for me to continue.

“This last week he is very calm I have to admit! He is typical and everything is fine! Only today he got frustrated because I asked from him to come and meet you! He tried to stop me with a stupid excuse but as you see I made it and believe me it was a big slap for him!” I say smiling weakly and he growls when I am done.

Of course he is annoyed (at least) and I understand him completely! He wanted to come here and give him a good lesson from the beginning but I am glad Bree and the others stopped him. I can handle Thor, I know him and the last thing I need is an outraged Kevin at the pack because then everyone will know and this is going to be a disaster!

“Don’t worry Kev! You know me, I can handle him, really! He can do nothing else because he doesn’t want to risk it! His father is going to kill him if he finds out about us and his lies!” I say before he talks and he shakes his head in frustration.

“You know how much I trust you baby but I don’t trust him, not at all! The guy is sick, he is dangerous! Can’t you see it? I can’t calm down when I know you live under the same roof with him! Come with me, please! I am telling you he is not stable, you never know what he is going to do next! Don’t trust him!” he replies trembling and takes one big sip from his wine.

God, he is in much more tension than I had imagined and this is not good!

I have never seen Kevin so worried again and this hurts me because I am responsible for this and I don’t want him to overreact! Okay, Thor is unpredictable but he is never going to harm me, I know him, I mean… He can’t do it here anyway and there is no way he is so evil and insane!

“I can’t leave and you know it! I really want to but I can’t, this is my home, my family, my pack!” I say warmly ready to cry and he growls even louder leaving his glass on the table with force.

The noise makes my skin shiver for a second and my heart skips a beat. His expression is even darker now and he is furious but does his best to hide it. I don’t understand why he is so angry suddenly, this is confusing me…

“I can’t believe you Cleo, I swear this is… s**t!” he whispers through his teeth and I narrow my eyes troubled.

Why do I have a feeling that something is wrong here?

“What is happening to you? You love me, you do care about me but don’t you think you are overreacting?” I ask timidly scared of a worse reaction for him but…

It happens the exact opposite thing!

He exhales, closes his eyes and breathes slowly. It’s like he steps back suddenly and I have no clue as to what he is thinking!

“I am just having a bad feeling about it, okay? Is it such a bad thing that I want you safe and away from him? Alright, you love your family and the pack, you don’t want to come with me but what about our King? One call from you and he has his doors already open for you! In this way no one is going to feel weird or understand that something is wrong! Not to mention that this is going to be the best for you, it’s an honor to be on his side in such a young age!” he says nervously like he is defending himself and I bite my lower lip dizzy.

Why on earth is he so persistent?

I have already told him and Bree that I am thinking about it and I would have no problem to go as a permanent warrior but not now! Things are peaceful, Thor is not bothering me, I have found my rhythms, I am strong again, I feel no pain and I am not a coward to run away like a scared puppy!

“I will do it only when I have no other choice and I mean it! Otherwise I am not leaving, I won’t disappoint my parents and I won’t leave the pack without a Beta!” I say after I put my thoughts in a queue and he gives me a strict look.

“Do you really think that you are going to disappoint your parents if you leave in order to find your peace? You are a grown up, the most logical person I know, they have to accept your wish if you want to leave! Not to mention that they already had to understand that something is wrong! You are so close to them so how can they be unaware of what is happening with the bastard?” he asks shaking again uncontrollably and I sigh shocked.

He just accused my parents?! Or he is trying to turn me against them and convince me to leave but this is so desperate, stupid and offensive!

“Do you have problem with my parents now Kevin? What on hell is wrong with you?” I ask ready to lose my temper unable to believe my ears and he quickly lowers his gaze.

I observe him rubbing the back of his neck and for a while I can’t breathe or think. Kevin is not the one I knew about a year ago. It’s like he has gotten hysteric and I appreciate his concern but I think it is too much! His tone was full of anger for my parents and I just don’t accept it!

They are my parents damn it, they have only me and I have them! They are my whole life, I missed them like crazy these two years I was away! I can’t just leave and abandon them! I am going to break their heart, I am sure they will be happy if I join our King’s army but this does not mean they won’t be hurt! They are my blood, I have to be with them, they have only me, I am somehow responsible for them!

“I am sorry…” Kevin whispers hurt after some more seconds in silence and gives me a painful look while tapping his fingers on the table.

“What is going on? Why are you acting like this?” I ask in the same tone and sit more comfortably.

“I want you safe and this is why I got so mad! I didn’t mean to talk so hard for your parents! You know I love them, it’s just that I wish they could support you in this! If they knew then they would have taken you away and I wouldn’t have to be so worried! I am certain they would want you to leave if they were aware of you and that ass!” he says and raises his hand for me.

I smile at him in sympathy and accept to take his hand in mine. It makes perfect sense and he is very sweet when he is so regretful! I can’t get mad at him because I am creating all these, he is just trying to help me and I am denying it in my way!

And maybe he is right about my parents! If they knew they would have taken me away immediately after they would have killed Thor, my dad especially and this is probably the reason I don’t want to tell them. I need peace!

“Thank you for everything babe, I know you meant it and I feel horribly for worrying you so much! Just give me some time, okay? I don’t want to leave yet, I am not ready, I…” I murmur and stop breathless.

The white wolf pops in my mind and my heart aches. If I leave then I am going to lose him because he won’t be able to see me again! I mean I will be at the palace, the measures are way too strict, I won’t be able to hide it from the King (if he comes to see me again, if he even finds me). I am already going against the pack’s rules, I am not telling Thor, I will never tell him but with the King it is a whole different story!

No, I can’t lose him, I don’t want to and I am sure I won’t bear it!

“Is there anything else Cleo? Any other reason you don’t want to go?” Kevin asks in a quite suspicious way and I wake up turning pale.

Shit!

Was I so expressive unconsciously?

I don’t want to lie to him but I can’t tell him about the wolf either!

“Why are you asking me something like this?” I ask doing my best to hide the fact that I am getting panicked and he narrows his eyes thoughtfully.

My heart is going to explode, really! My agony is killing me, I am one hundred percent sure he has understood there is something or better someone else and I don’t want to leave because of him.

“Even if you leave, you won’t lose your parents or friends! You can see them and talk to them! You will be able to visit each other but if there is someone else then… I don’t know, you tell me! Is there anything else I need to know as one of your best friends?” he says with a wicked smirk and my blood turns cold in my veins before I realize it.

Of course he is getting suspicious! Kevin is a very clever man, no one can fool him and especially I! We know each other very well and I have to be acting like an i***t the last one minute!

Nice Cleo! What are you going to do now?

He mustn’t know about the wolf, I gave a promise and I am going to keep it! I am sure that he won’t get so mad at me but he is going to freak out. It sounds weird to have a close relationship with a rogue I don’t even know although he has been saving my life the last seven years. And I can’t tell him about the gardenias or the note!

What if he thinks I am getting crazy?

Fine, correction!

I am getting crazy for the wolf but for different reasons! I feel a pull and an extremely strong connection, I miss him, I think I love him and I am dying to know who he is and what is happening between us!

“Maybe you should just tell him that there is someone special you are not ready to talk about! It won’t be a lie and he won’t say a thing!” Clea says thoughtfully and I nod excited yet relieved when I think about it for a second.

See? I am right, my wolf is the best!

“What a devil Clea!?” I whisper devilishly and she laughs.

“So Cleo?” Kevin asks again running out of patience and I blush while playing with my folk.

I am acting like a ten years old girl, aren’t I?

“Um… Let’s just say there is someone special and I don’t want to lose him! I feel great with him, I think I love him but it’s too soon to tell you more about it!” I mutter shyly and he opens his eyes widely amused.

Oh, he took it great! And I am announcing myself as impressed! He hasn’t bombarded me with questions yet!

“Well, well… This is why you look so great? No offence, you know you are a Goddess for me but now… God! You look hotter than ever! Who else knows about the lucky man?” he asks leaning closer to me and I look around me one step away from passing out.

I can’t believe it!

“You are the first and last to know! Don’t tell anyone, not even Bree!” I say avoiding looking at him and he gasps.

“I see… Wow babe! Why so much mystery?” he asks immediately and I get ready to tell him to change discussion but my phone rings and I jump up surprised.

I wasn’t expecting it and I am in so much tension that I couldn’t react calmer.

“Sorry Kev! Let me see who it is!” I say apologetically and he nods quickly in understanding.

I take my phone off my purse and William’s name appears. Oh no!

I know what this could mean, it’s just not good!

“I have to answer it!” I mutter bringing my phone close to my ear.

“No problem, go ahead!”

I press the button on the screen answering the call and pray for the least bad news and William sighs relieved. My heart is about to get out of my chest and Clea has perked her ears in curiosity.

“Will?” I say worried and he clears his throat while Kevin leans forward worried.

“Love, I just wanted to tell you to turn off your phone! Thor is drinking, he is mad and he is probably going to call you! I don’t want him to ruin your night and if you ask me then don’t come home tonight! If you can stay with Kevin then do it! I don’t trust Thor in his condition, I am scared here!” he says in hurry and in a quite low tone before I even ask him and Kevin groans in frustration listening to him as well.

Werewolves mean great hearing so it was not so difficult for him.

And damn! Thor is unbelievable!

“Is he serious? Why is he doing this?” I ask trembling feeling my wary raising.

“Of course he is not serious because he is a jealous asshole! Turn off your phone and send me Kevin’s number! If anything happens, I will call him! Okay?” he says quickly and Kevin nods to me to agree.

Like I have any other choice…

“Deal William! Thank you! I am sending it and call me immediately if there is anything I need to know!” I reply and he groans in agreement.

We end our call and I give a nervous look at Kevin that for once more is ready to lose his temper. This time he is right, Thor keeps on acting like the biggest jerk in the world and we have to worry about him all the f*****g time!

Anyway…

“Are you sure you don’t want me to kill him now that I am here? I’ve got him, extremely easily!” Kevin says through his teeth as I am creating his number to send it to Will with a text and I roll my eyes in despair.

It is hard for me to maintain my composure with all these… I am tired, really!

“I know but let’s just forget about it for tonight! You came, we have to have some fun!” I say as I send the text and get ready to turn off my phone but he leaves out a low cry of surprise and I snap my head to him worried.

HUH?

“You are right but first I need us to talk about two things! Number one, you have to come with me for Bree’s ceremony and number two, did you have any other rogues’ attack?” he says impatient and I freeze for a second.

This is troubles, like really!

I can’ go with him and attend the ceremony because Thor won’t allow me to leave and then how can I tell him that someone wants to kill me for revenge for something I have no idea about?

That she wolf told me something about my dad, she knew about him but my dad is an amazing man! He is kind and very appropriate all the time so it is hard for me to believe that someone wants to hurt my father by killing me. Or whoever wants revenge had done something wrong, my dad didn’t take part in it or stopped him and now I am the target. In any case I am not afraid of anyone, I am ready for anything!

I try to find a good way to tell him that I can’t leave in order to attend Bree’s ceremony although I am dying to go when my phone rings again but this time it’s Thor’s name.

FUCK MY LIFE!

Speaking of the devil…

“It’s him, right?” Kevin asks with his eyes turning black and I just bite my lower lip not ready to reply.

And what can I say anyway?

He knows it’s Thor, I have no reason to admit it or confirm it further!

“I am not going to answer him!” I state with determination and calmness and leave the phone on the table.

“This is ridiculous! How shameless he can be?!” he exclaims still angry.

“I don’t know but please forget about it!” I mutter and my phone’s screen turns black.

“See? He took the message!” I say ready to turn it off when I receive a message that it’s from whom else?

Say it, you know it!

“THOR!” I growl and open to read it quickly because I really need to turn off my phone or else I will go to kill him right now.

‘Come back right now, we have to talk! If you don’t come… GET READY TO BLEED!’

I freeze breathless and Clea howls outraged the moment I am done reading. I keep on staring at the message and reading it again and again and all I feel is nothing. My heart has stopped, I am not breathing, my head in blank.

Bleed?

Is he f*****g kidding me? I am the one that is going to bleed?! Like really?

Okay, he is drinking but this is a clear warning and I don’t accept it!

Is he for real?

“He is insane! Just don’t trust him Cleo! Leave! Kevin is right, this means war, can’t you see it?” Clea roars one step away from taking full control and I close my eyes putting great amends not to cry because I am furious and not scared.

“He won’t harm us here, he won’t risk it and…” I start but she howls again furiously and I stop.

“Bullshit! What else do you want from him to do? They can’t find out and he doesn’t seem willing to shut his mouth or control himself anymore! The storm is coming, the sky is full of dark clouds and soon the lightning are going to strike! Nothing is going to save us then! Take the damn decision before it’s too late!” she screams and her last sentence…

Wakes me up!

Yeah, maybe she is right!

Thor has lost his mind for sure so…

The game is over, his game ends because I am leaving! I won’t put anyone in danger because of him, I can’t read his thoughts or predict next moves so I have no other choice.

It hurts like her that I have to leave but I need to and I will but first…

I need to see the wolf one last time, I will beg him to reveal himself if I have to! I deserve to know and tomorrow night I am going to see him no matter what!

“Kevin…” I whisper breathless and turn off my phone with shaking hands.

“Yes?” he asks as I lift my head up and my eyes meet his.

I fight with myself not to break into crying overwhelmed and he turns pale reading my broken expression. I am sure he knows what this means… He is getting panicked.

“What is it? What did he write?” he asks in agony with a trembling voice and I press my lips together feeling the need to throw up getting bigger.

“He threatened me!” I state unconsciously and he slams his fists on the table not caring about anyone else.

Not that I care but… s**t!

“I… I took my decision!” I continue and he shakes his head in impatience.

Just do it Cleo! Do it for everyone, this is for the best…

“You are right and… I am coming with you when you leave!”

~some hours later, early in the morning, hotel, city~

Kevin’s pov

“Cleo eat!” I growl realizing that if I don’t pressure her she won’t eat a thing but she doesn’t react.

She is like a ghost from last night… No matter how much I have been trying to feed her, cheer her up or make her forget nothing happens. After that bastard’s message she has lost her spark and this is breaking my heart!

I love Cleo, from the first moment I saw her she became special to me and Bree! She is like a sister for me, I adore her and I felt like it was my duty to protect her and later it got proved that my feeling was right…

It was about six month after I had met her when Alexander approached me and introduced himself. He is a very long cousin of mine, I knew his name but I had never met him and it was weird for me at the beginning but when we talked in private and he told me why he had decided to talk to me everything made sense.

I have to be honest, at first I was shocked, I couldn’t believe a thing he had told me but after a while I was calm enough to think and I got convinced about everything! He had proofs as well and when I believed him he asked from me to take care of Cleo and I agreed! I mean… I couldn’t do otherwise!

Someone had been trying to kill her, she was still too young, she hadn’t shifted, she was sweet, naïve and Alexander gained my trust! It was the least I could do for both of them and he made me promise that I wouldn’t tell Cleo about it! I haven’t told anyone till this day except from Max, my best friend and I did it because Alexander asked me to. He is too close to her pack and we needed him, he is a very trusted man and he accepted to help immediately.

You see, it’s not only that Alexander is a real myth and his name is more than enough for anyone to kneel in front of him but it’s Cleo as well, she is an angel and everyone loves her!

So we became her protectors and we left only when she shifted and we got sure that my sister and the others would take care of Cleo. I was always calling her, I knew everything and we were all calm, Alexander was relaxed although he had been missing her but things changed some days ago when she returned to her pack.

I am sure you know why we all got crazy! That son of a b***h is her mate and keeps on torturing her although he doesn’t want her and she is not an obstacle for him and someone wants to harm her for something we have no idea about! I won’t even mention that monster that pretends to be her father, Etan!

All these days we are in alert all the time and Alexander has lost his sleep and I totally understand him! He really loves her and she has no idea about a thing!

I know that last night she meant him when she told me there is someone important in her life and I am happy for them but they are in pain and I feel horribly!

These two have to be together and I was worried till death last night but fortunately she decided to come with me and now things are going to take the right path! At least this is what I hope so because we have almost two days till we leave and I don’t know what is going to happen in this short period of time! I hope nothing happens but I have a very bad feeling and I need to talk to Alexander the sooner, he needs to have a closer eye on Cleo!

Do you believe that he is always there for her when she needs him the most?

I know what is happening between them, how he knows, how strong their connection is although Cleo’s heart has not accepted him yet but it is still difficult for me to believe it!

Alexander loves her till death even though they have never met or talked and it is the most remarkable yet touching thing I have ever seen! And Cleo…

I think her heart has already chosen Axel, his wolf and the same goes for Clea, she seems to love Axel very much but Cleo still needs to accept Alexander and they have to meet each other in their humans forms for this but he is stepping back!

“He doesn’t want to pressure her or force her to love him, you know he is doing the right thing!” my wolf reminds me nervously and I nod worried.

“Yes but they have to meet each other the sooner! There is no other way for Cleo to get to know him better and for her heart to choose him!” I say panicked with my bad feeling building up even more but Cleo stands up and I come back to reality pale.

“I am leaving! I need to take a bath and train the pack, talk to my parents and Thor and all these…” he whispers with a blank, exhausted expression not giving me opportunity to protest.

I stand up as well and hug her tightly. My heart tightens and I force myself to wait until she leaves before I ‘break’. If anything happens to her I will die and I won’t be alone…

Alexander, my family, his and hers families and their pack are going to be devastated but I am more worried about Alexander! She is his entire life these seven years, from the moment his heart chose her he breathes only for her, he won’t leave without her, I know it!

“I love you, be careful and if anything happens please call me immediately! Yes?” I ask with a trembling voice and she kisses my cheek smiling weakly.

Her eyes are not shining anymore, she is not the same Cleo and I know it’s because she is in pain but she can’t be like this! I wish I could tell her everything and stop lying and pretending but I can’t, not until Alexander comes to take her with him!

“I love you too Kev! Thank you for everything!” she whispers and we break our hug unwillingly from my side.

I observe her walking to the door and I force a small smile when she opens the door, gives me a warm smile and gets out. The second the door closes I collapse on the couch and I take my phone in my hands.

I have to tell Alexander, he needs to be ready all the time, I mustn’t lose time!

I create his number in hurry and place the phone close to my ear. I am shaking uncontrollably waiting for him to pick it up and when he does I sigh overwhelmed unable of talking.

It’s just like someone ate my tongue!

“Kevin? What happened? Why didn’t you call me all night? I didn’t sleep at all, I was freaking out, I was ready to come and find you!” he shouts in despair and agony and I run my other free hand through my messy hair.

I just knew it and he is right but Cleo was here!

“I am sorry! She spent the night here and I couldn’t talk or text you! She just left!” I reply breathless and the silence from him means only one more thing, I need to tell him everything right now!

“William called her and he asked from her to stay with me if she could. That… Jerk was drunk and we didn’t know how he would react! Cleo turned off her phone as well but before that he called and texted her… And… I have some news for you, good and bad!” I continue and he growls so loudly that my phone almost falls from my sweaty hands.

God, pray for us!

If Alpha Alexander gets angry and especially with something that has to do with the most precious thing for him, Cleo, then the end of this world is very possible to happen!

“Speak Kevin!” he roars and I am sure Axel is ready to come to the surface and take control so I do my best and take a deep breath.

“The good news… She told me about someone special in her life, she loves him, this is why she doesn’t want to leave and it is not difficult to understand that she means you! And also… She decided to come with me! She is leaving from here!”

“What? Kevin… THANK YOU! You have no idea how happy you are making me, I…” he yells and I listen to his door opening so I am sure that it is probably Austin.

“Um… I have still the bad news although…” I cut him off trembling like I leaf and everything turns silent again.

I think I listen to his and mine heartbeats and my wolf is moving so damn much it my head making my sudden nausea get even worse.

How am I supposed to tell them?

And I am jinx! What I feel happens!

Damn it, I wish I was dead already!

“Just say it before I come to kick your ass Kevin!” Austin roars from next to Alexander and I jump up horrified.

Um, yes! Cleo’s big brother is not patient like Alexander…

“Alexander, go and make sure she is safe until she leaves with me! I am sure she is going to try to see you as well!” I mutter gasping.

“Huh?” I think I listen to Alexander exhaling heavily and I push myself even more in order to tell them the rest.

“I have a bad feeling and also something happened last night, it has to do with Thor and I am sure he is up to something!” I say next and both of them leave out a loud scream in union.

Forget what I said before, I am dead already because my heart is killing me!

“What did he do to my sister? WHAT?” Austin roars and the words leave my mouth instinctually.

“He is going to do… He threatened her! He said that…”

“WHAT?” it’s Alexander turn to cut me off screaming and I lower my head with the first tears falling from my eyes.

“She is going to bleed!”

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

Hello my dear friends!

This is the 11th chapter and it's long again with some reveals for Kevin role from Kevin himself and also some more hints about Cleo and Alexander!

I really need to know your thoughts and feelings so please let me know!

What do you think about this chapter? What about Cleo? What about Kevin's behavior and role? Is Thor going to hurt Cleo, what is he up to? What about Cleo's decision? And last but not least how about Alexander and everything Kevin said? What is going to happen next?

Get ready from now, the next chapter is going to be very strong...

Also there is one more new book, its name is Thorns Of The Past so please go and check it out if you are interested!

Thank you very much for everything, your love, support, commends and impatience in order to read the next chapter! I also read all the comments and I try to answer them the sooner so I am sorry if I am delaying it sometimes, I am reading everything and I love it! I am trying my best so please continue showing me how much you want more and commend and tell me your opinion, or share the story.

This is it for now, I will see you again in the next chapter or in my other books! Until then stay safe, smile and have fun!

I love you all very much,

                                                        Marie!