Captured by sight (Book 4)

Chapter 18

Callan POV

Worried, an emotion we all know and experience daily. Small things tend to make us worry, fretting about a clean house, dinner, meeting a friend for coffee or work. But then you have this, the all-consuming dreaded worrying, the one parents know all too well. Are my kids safe? Are they happy? Will they make the right choices? And for some parents, those poor people sitting in a hospital room begging to a higher power for healing, it becomes part of you. You live, breathe and sleep worrying, one thing, one simple thing, will my child survive? It numbs you, it makes you weak but somehow you get strength to go on, to make sure your family is cared for. Crying helps, but only to a point, anger makes it worse, but still you are angry, the whole time. You listen to people encouraging you, soothing you but the words drift away, like a breeze but your thoughts, the fear and the pain remains. When I’m here with her, I’m angry, scared and worried. When I’m not here I’m worried because I’m away from her. Strange thing being a parent, no matter how old your kids are they’ll be your babies, I don’t care what you say, you’ll always see them as little, defenseless children. All of this because of love, the incomprehensible love you have for them, the love that keeps you going, the love that hurts you when they make wrong choices, get hurt or almost gets killed. Yes that stupid, unwilling, mystifying and intense love that you fear but you need it like air. That love makes you be much more than you ever thought possible

“Princess?” Crystal speaks and I rub my eyes turning around

“Callan, please for the love of whatever you believe in call me Callan” I say and she giggles

“Yes as you wish” she says with a curtsy. I really hate this, but Amala said I’ll get used to it

“The princess is much better today. Why don’t you go home and rest, we’ll call for you as soon as her condition changes” she says and I nod

“Okay, but please if she-“

“I’ll fetch you personally Callan” she says reassuringly and I turn, walking out the door. I think the last time I was this tired was in basic training. I stumble over my feet and almost fall but the sparks erupt over my middle as his strong arm pulls me up, my back flush against his chest

“I got you baby” he whispers then he reaches down, picks me up bridal style and walks home. I must’ve fallen asleep because when I wake up it’s dark, he’s snoring next to me and I look at the time, 2:51am. I lay back down, wrapping my arm around his waist and cuddle closer

“Hey” he groans

“Sleep babe” I say and he sighs, lacing our fingers, soon snoring softly again. His steady breathing and heartbeat lulls me to a deep dreamless sleep.

“Moooom” I hear a soft voice

“Mommy… wake uuuup” he says and I groan

“No baby, it’s Saturday, go back to bed” I say turning around

“Mom, mom, mom, mom, mom” I open one eye and see my son sitting on me, his face inches from mine

“Ah! You little fff-fidget!” I gasp out and he topples over laughing

“That was so funny!” he squeals, but he’s too slow. I grab him pulling him to me, tickling him all over

“The attack of the MAMA!” I growl out and he screams

“NOOOO!” the door bursts open and a disheveled Leo is standing there, bare chested and breathing hard

“Morning daddy!” Lennox says happily running to his dad, wrapping his arms around his legs

“Hey bud, goddess you gave me quite a scare there little man” he says picking him up. I have to avert my eyes to keep from drooling at my husband’s muscular body, rippling and flowing as he moves

“Sorry dad, but the MAMA attacked” he says and we chuckle at him trying to mimic my voice

“Did she now? Well let’s see how well she does when she has two adversaries” he says and places Lennox down

“Leo no… please” I plead moving slowly to get off the bed, they stalk closer and I see my exit, but I’ll need to be quick.

“You know what happened the last time, please” I beg holding up one hand but he grins evilly

“Replaceable, all of it” he says in a low voice and I shiver visibly as his voice sends trembles through me

“Lennox, you like mommy better remember?” I plead with my son but he shakes his head

“Nah-uh, today I like dad better” he says and I move into place. Little closer boys

“Really, remember that when you need something next time” I taunt and he pounces but I’m too quick, or so I thought. My husband moves grabbing my arm, spinning me around and my body slaps into his hard chest

“OH!”

“Gotcha” he says, gripping my wrists. Oh wow, this is sexy, him being so commanding

“You like that huh?” he whispers biting my neck, I just nod, I can’t trust my words now. My son tackles me from the side and we fall to the floor. Leo holds me down while Lennox attacks me with tickles

“OH GOD NO!” I scream in laughter

“STOP PLEASE!” I beg, a window breaks, someone screams and Leo covers us with his body. I move my head looking up into three guards’ faces, Mahli and Kaiju ready to kill

“Oh… oh dear” she says turning around

“Get out!” she commands and they all leave quickly. We sit up and I look at my broken window

“Okay, maybe you trained them too well honey” I joke and he chuckles

“Well, another thing to worry about” he says and I see the tired eyes looking at the window

“No worries my love, I’ll phone Vi. The house looks wonderful though” I say and he smiles

“Yeah, she’s good” he says standing, holding out his hand to me I stand and guide Lennox away from the broken glass

“Uhm sir” I hear her voice call from the door

“Yes” he answers

“The princess, they say she’s waking up” she says and we sprint to the door. He pulls it open and she blushes turning around. I glance at us, Lennox is half dressed, I’m wearing nothing but his shirt and he’s half naked

“Leo, Lennox clothes” I say and dash to the closet. I dress as quickly as I can, rush to Lennox and get him dressed and we run down stairs and there she is waiting

“Good morning, you all seem rested” she says with a curtsy

“Morning Crystal, is it true?” Leo asks and she nods smiling

“She’s waking up, go, I’ll meet you there” she says taking Lennox

“You wanna ride with me?” Leo asks him and he nods

“Well get on then” he says shifting. Lennox jumps on Ryker’s back and I shift too. We run to the hospital, shifting as we enter the doors, Lennox hanging from Leo’s neck like a ragdoll, when we enter her room

“Mom” she says quietly and I grab her hand kissing it

“I’m here baby, I’m here” I say and he takes her other hand, my son crawling up the bed, sitting at her feet with wide eyes

“Daddy” she says tears running down her cheeks

“Hey princess” he says and I see the tears threatening to fall

“Oh goddess, come here Lennox” she says sitting up and he slowly crawls toward her, she takes his face in her hands a happy sob escaping her

“Oh wow, you’ve grown so much. Look at you, so handsome” she says and wrap him up in a hug. Closing her eyes she just holds him, like he’s the only thing in the word that makes sense

“Hey Fallon, I missed you” he says and she nods

“I missed you more little man” she says and he hugs her. I can see she’s hurting but she doesn’t move

“Lennox honey, not so tight” I say and he sits back

“Sorry” he says but she shakes her head

“You became stronger too” she says smiling through the tears, then she turns to Leo

“Daddy” she sobs out and he wraps her up

“Hey baby” he says, his voice strained

“Thank you” she says and he nods

“Anytime baby girl” I wipe my tears, then she turns to me

“Mom” she says, like she’s scared and I pull her to me, holding her to my chest as she starts crying

“Sshhh, mommy’s here baby, I got you” I soothe but her body convulses with sobs

“I was so scared mom… I was so f*****g scared” she sobs out and I stroke her hair

“I know baby, I know. I was too, I was so very scared” I say through my own tears. Lennox hugs her

“Don’t cry sis, it’s okay now” he says and she tucks him under her arm. Leo turns his face away, his shoulders shaking and I feel his pain

“Leo” but he doesn’t look at me

“I need you to come here and hold us please” I say and he gets up, round the bed and somehow scoop us all into his arms, holding us impossibly close

“I didn’t know… I’m sorry baby, I didn’t know” he sobs and we sit like that, crying, holding each other. It’s more happy than sad, luckily. But I have my family back. Thank you

“Is she awake?” I hear my dad’s voice and smile

“She’s awake your highness” I hear the doctor and then I hear soft crying

“Come in guys” I call and then the room fills up quickly. The whole family standing there with relief and tears. She slowly sits up wiping her face

“Oh wow, you’re all here” she says and they nod

“I’m sorry I am such a bother” she says shyly and some gasp, I guide her face to mine

“You are and never will be a bother Fallon. We’re here because we care honey” I say and she nods

“I just… I forgot” she says but I shake my head

“No, you never forget. You’re okay sweetheart, we got you out” I say slowly and she nods

“You all came?” she asks

“Yes, we all went” I say but Lennox pipes up

“Except me, dad said I wasn’t strong enough yet” he says and she smiles

“You’re plenty strong, the old man is jealous” she says winking at him and I hear giggles and snickers all over

“Old man my foot. I could still outrun any wolf” he says and she rolls her eyes making Lennox laugh

“Yes old man, keep telling yourself that” she says and he scoffs

“But seriously, thank you” she says looking at everyone. One by one they greet her, hugging her and telling her they love her, but she never lets my hand go and you know what I don’t want her to. This is the first time I’ve ever felt like a real mother to her. She and Leo has always been close, I get that, but I have yearned for her to seek me out. My mom was my rock, it’s selfish I know but I want that too, with my daughter

“Okay I need some rest, you guys tucker me out” she jokes and they leave. I get up but she grips my hand

“Could you stay, please?” she asks and I nod smiling

“Come on little man, let’s go get something to eat” Leo says hoisting him onto his shoulders walking out the door. When we’re finally alone I look at her and she sighs

“The one person I missed the most was you” she says and I squeeze her hand

“I called for dad, when I was scared and lonely but you were the one I wanted most of all. There was a lady there, she had a little girl” she says smiling

“Katya’s mother?” I ask and she nods

“Oh you met Katya, isn’t she just adorable?” she asks and I smile

“She is” I say, brushing the hair out of her face

“When I came back, from the box, I woke up and she was holding me. In that moment, I wanted nothing more to turn around and see you mom. I desperately wanted it to be you” she says and I swallow the lump in my throat

“Fallon I… this-“she lays her head on my chest

“Just be here mom, please” she says and I nod, moving so that I’m holding her close to me

“I wanted to see everyone, but mom I gave up. I wanted to die” she says and I clasp my one hand over my mouth looking at the ceiling

“I really wanted out, but I guess the brave knight saved me. That’s what they said” she says and I hug her

“You’ve always been with me mom, I saw you when I was sleeping, looking over us” she says

“I wanted to be baby, I swear it” I say and she turns looking at me

“I know, dad always said you’re here with us, but now you really are. I don’t want to leave again; I’ll stay here with you. Is that okay?” she asks and I nod

“Sure honey, I’d like that” I say softly and she closes her eyes

“Don’t switch off the light okay?” she says

“I won’t, I’m here darling” I say and she nods, snuggling into my side and I’m as happy as a recruit on graduation day. This feels so amazing; she needs me, like I’ve always needed her. Her frail body relaxes, her breathing deepens but her grip on me doesn’t. When I move she grips tighter, making sure I’m there. I lay there looking at her, I know the scars might not go away, her Lycan is gone they said, but I refuse to believe it. Later that night Leo comes in with some food and I eat quietly, careful not to disturb her. This goes on for two more days, when I’m not there she’s crying, so now I’m helping her take a shower, she can go home.

“Okay honey, I brought these, not what you normally wear I know but I got it-“

“Perfect” she says and gets dressed. Looking at her skinny figure, her hair dull and her sad eyes breaks my heart but I know she’ll be back to her old self soon. With my husband’s cooking we have no choice.

“Mom!” she calls out and I move to the living room

“Yes honey” I say and she pats the seat next to her

“Watch a movie with me?” she asks and I smile sitting down

“What we watching?” I ask and she smiles

“My favorite” she says and plays the movie. I laugh when I realize what we’re watching

“What?” she asks and I look at her

“I loved this movie when I was little, but the animation” I say and she nods

“I related to Belle, she also grew up without a mom. But watch, this one is better than the animation” she says turning to the TV. Later we’re both sniffling, a bowl of popcorn and a box of tissues sitting between us

“Oh look, this is so amazing” she says as the Beast start singing, she sings quietly with

“You sing beautifully darling” I say and she nods

“They said so too” she says and I turn back to the movie. When the candlestick says goodbye to the clock I wipe my tears, I know the ending but they made this one much more dramatic

“That’s his song” she says as the last song plays and I look at her

“Who’s?” I ask and she smiles shyly

“The brave knight, the one that came and held me company” she says and I nod

“I have to thank him one day” I say and she smiles

“I’d love to see him, I actually miss him” she says

“Oh and Softy” she says and I frown

“Softy?”

“Yeah, they had no names, he was a guard and he was always looking out for me, he always made sure I was cared for when he was around” she says and I nod

“I never saw his face, but I know his voice, and his eyes. Those kind eyes” she says laying her head on my shoulder

“I’m so tired, the whole time. Why is that?” she asks and I wrap my arm around her

“Because you’re recovering, it takes time” I say and she yawns

“Can you help me to bed?” she asks and I get up, supporting her we slowly make our way to her room. I place her in bed and pull up the covers

“Sleep my angel, I’ll check on you later” I say kissing her head

“I love you mom” she says and I smile

“I love you more my baby”

“Don’t switch off the light” she says

“I won’t” I close her door and start dinner, thinking of how scared a woman of 26 is of the dark. What did they do to her?

Fallon POV

Tired, it’s all I am is tired. I know I nearly died, was starved almost to death and tortured incessantly but I shouldn’t be this tired. I’ve been home for almost a month now and I can see my mom is just as worn out. She doesn’t stop, she just stays here with me, and I love her for it, but I might have given her the wrong impression at the hospital. All the things I said was true, but I’m better now.

“Mom, take a nap, I’m fine” I say but she just smiles

“No I’m fine baby” she says

“The dark circles under your eyes says different” I say and she stops looking away

“I’ll just fetch your lunch” she says and walks out. I get up and follow her

“Fallon, go and relax I’ll be-“I take the plate placing it on the island

“You’ll be taking a nap now, or I’ll call dad and tell him you’re being stubborn” I say sternly

“Don’t threaten me young lady” she says and I give her a sweet smile

“Not a threat sexy mama, a promise” I say and she deflates

“Will you be okay?” she asks and I chuckle

“I am fine, now go” I say and she reluctantly walks to her room. I sit down and have lunch, my appetite is back, and although my dad cooks the best she is not a bad cook, she makes sure I get all the need nutrients, just like a mother should. By nightfall my dad comes home and greets like he always does

“Hey Spitfire, how was your-“he stops when he sees me in the kitchen

“Oh hey princess” he says softly hugging me

“Hey dad, mom was so tired so I sent her to take a nap, that was seven hours ago. I guess she’s really tired” I say dishing up the food, placing hers on a tray with a flower and a note

“Would you?” I ask holding out the tray to my dad

“You are the best daughter in the whole world” he says kissing my cheek before he heads upstairs

“Lennox! Food!” I call out and he comes darting down the stairs

“Oh yeah!” he yells taking his seat

“Eat slowly, it’s still hot” I say placing his plate down

“Sure thing” he says and wolfs down the food, I roll my eyes sitting down

“You’re like a vacuum cleaner Lennox” I giggle and he gives me a full mouthed toothy grin

“I kadfajdn adsjasd” he says as my dad steps into the kitchen

“Don’t speak with food in your mouth Lennox” he says sternly and he swallows loudly

“It’s so good thanks sis” he says digging in again I give him his plate and he kisses my cheek sitting down

“Thanks princess” he says

“Mom awake?” I ask and he nods

“Yes, she says thank you. Went on about not needing to do it, but don’t worry that’s just her” he says and I nod smiling

“I want to start training again” I say and he looks at me

“You’re not strong enough” he says and I sigh

“I know, it’ll be slow but mom and I are going to die of cabin fever dad” I say and he chuckles

“No you’re not” he says

“It’s real, look it up” I say and he laughs

“Fine, start with a walk to the lake or something, work your way up from there” he says and I nod

“Great, you hear that Lennox, the old man thinks me weak” I joke and he growls, loudly making us cower

“I do not think you weak Fallon” he says and I nod

“I was joking dad” I say softly and he relaxes

“Sorry, that was uncalled for, but I really don’t think you weak” he says and I nod giving him half a smile

“I get it dad, I’m safe okay?” I say and he looks away. Oh you’re scared

“I know, I know. Just take it slow okay” he says brushing my cheek

“Yes sir” I say and we continue eating having light conversation. I put Lennox to bed and make my way to the man cave, plumping down on the sofa with a soda in hand I switch on the TV.

“Oh no, not this again” I groan channel hopping until I settle on some show about cooking

“Hey princess” my dad says sitting down next to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders

“How have you been? Really?” he asks and I smile

“Great dad” I say but his eyes search mine, soft and caring

“You know I know you better than anyone right?” he says and I nod, looking at my hands

“I went to the underworld, when I thought you’re going to die” he says and my eyes snap up

“I killed them Fallon, over and over. I was so angry and scared that we might lose you…again” he says softly and I snuggle closer

“Oh daddy” I say but he just keeps speaking, looking at the TV

“I never asked them why, why they took you. I just kept on going. I might have killed them a thousand different times, maybe more” he says and I place my hand on his chest, his heart racing

“When I was in the dungeon, I called for you. You never came but I kept calling” I say and he hugs me closer

“I’m so sorry baby, we didn’t know. If I knew you’d have been out of there a long time ago” he says kissing my head

“I know. But you also gave me courage, I gave up at one point. I really wanted to die, I just wanted out dad” I say and his body shakes

“But then this one guard, he sat there force feeding me basically, telling me you came. I was so scared, the whole time but those people knew who I was, I had no choice but to help them” I say and he shakes again

“I’m proud of you baby” he chokes out, I clutch his shirt

“When I saw you after Kyle… you know… uhm anyway, I thought it was a dream” I say and he moves

“Kyle?” he asks and I nod

“Yeah, he uhm, was kinda my boyfriend” I say and he growls

“He was what?!” he exclaims and I move away holding up my hands

“Dad calm down please, it wasn’t a big deal” I say and he sits there seething

“Did he, I mean did you…”

“No! Oh goddess no! We dated for like 5 months before I was-“

“5 months!” he yells and I cower

“Okay, to be expected” I say and he leans forward, his hands clutched together

“Fallon, I am trying to stay calm now honey, so please just tell me, in short sentences, with words no longer than four syllables what exactly you were thinking” he says in a strained voice

“I had a crush on him since first year” I look at him and he nods slowly “So he asked me out one day, a few weeks after I went back” he nods again “And we started dating” I finish

“Was he in your class?” he asks

“No he was studying technology” I say and he closes his eyes

“Stefan” he says and I look at him

“Who?”

“Stefan, he made sure you’d trust him. f**k!” he yells and I move away

“He planned it, from the start. Fallon did he touch you?” he asks his eyes gleaming gold

“No, dad seriously. We only kissed I swear” I say and he stands

“Do you see why I didn’t want you to date?” he asks his back turned to me

“Not all guys turn out to be assholes dad” I say and he turns to me

“I was one of those guys Fallon! I know what men want from innocent girls like you” he says and I stand

“I’m a woman dad, and if he is this guy Stefan, how was I supposed to know?” I growl

“You weren’t supposed to be near guys to start off with!” he yells

“You see, this is why I didn’t tell you. I knew you’d go all crazy!” I yell and stomp out of the room

“Fallon!” he calls but I ignore him

“Fallon Isa Reyes, I’m talking to you” he calls and I stop, spin around and glare at him

“I’m done talking to you” I bark out and storm up the stairs, slamming my door and locking it. I hear his footsteps and then he starts hammering on my door

“Fallon open this door” he says

“Go away. I don’t want to see you” I say and he slams again

“Open the goddamn door before I kick it down”

“Screw you!” I yell and then I hear my mother’s voice

“What the hell is going on here?” she asks

“She won’t open the door” my dad says

“Then leave her alone” she says. Thanks mom

“Callan, she was dating this guy, Crow or whatever and-“my mom cuts him off

“Leo, get to bed. We’ll sort this out later” she commands and he growls

“Now Leo, I’m not asking” she says and he huffs

“This is not done Fallon” he calls through the door and stomps away

“Fallon, honey” she calls and I walk to the door

“Yeah”

“You okay?”

“I’m fine mom, thanks” I say and she sighs

“Okay, goodnight honey”

“Night mom” I hear her footsteps fade and fall on my bed, furious as fuck

“And he wonders why I hid it from him” I scream into my pillow

“Screw this, it’s just another prison. I’m done with this s**t, Fallon Reyes is going to do what she wants”