SWNOVELS Chapter 12
I am looking at Amelia with worry all over my face. "Oh no, Kali is going to see” is all I could say. I rushed out the door, running down the stairs as fast I could to reach the tv. In front of the flat screen, I see his picture with a headline of “Body found at Club Sensations is that of William Sanders”. "The victim, William Sanders, was originally from New York and was here in Aberdeen attending classes at Forest Hills College. He was only 21 years old.” The news anchor explains. Tears fill my eyes as I think about my niece raising her child alone. Amelia walks up to me to put her arms around me to console me.
"Chloe, he was a bad guy. Kali is better off without him in her life," she tells me. "Still, he was the father of her child, and I took that away from her." I cry, falling to the floor, sobbing. Amelia brings herself down as well, holding me in her arms. "It's not your fault, Chloe,” she claims. Malachi walks down the stairs, and I look up at him. "Why did you kill him, Malachi?" I demand guilt influencing my words. "We should have turned him over to the police," I sob.
"Chloe, he would have never stopped coming for you. It would have been your word against his, and he would have been a free man. Malachi explains. I turn away from him to look at Amelia, then I stand. "I need to be alone. I have to go," I mutter. I walk to the table, pick up my bag, and leave.
I spent hours driving around thinking about whether Kali would ever find out about Williams's obsession with me. “Would she hate me for it," I wonder. I decide to finally head to my apartment. I pull into the garage, get out, lock my car and walk inside. Once I'm at the top of the stairs I find Amelia sitting on the floor in front of my door. “Amelia, why are you here?” I ask. "Please listen, Chloe. I know you're upset about what's happened, but you need to understand that our emotions go deep for our mates. And we would do anything to protect them. Malachi only did what his instincts told him, and that was to protect you. William would never have stopped,” She explains, but I hold my hand up and stop her.
"What are you saying, Amelia?" I question. "You are Malachi's mate; that's why he did what he did," she explains. I had to gather my thoughts for a moment before I spoke again. "How can I be his mate? I'm human," I ask. "Chloe, we can be mated with humans,” She says. I raise my brows at her words. “So, the only reason Malachi even wants me is because of some mate thing?" I retort. "I don't know how to explain it, but the Moon Goddess chose you for Malachi,” she says, like that explains it all, but my mind is worried about Kali.
"What am I supposed to do about Kali?" I ask. "I'm not sure. She may never find out about Williams's obsession for you, but she does have you to support her while she deals with losing the father of her baby." she reasons. "You're right. I need some time to figure things out about Malachi. I'll call you tomorrow," I mutter, searching for the key to my apartment. “Chloe, I love you,” Amelia says, then hugs me before walking down the stairs and out of sight.
Once in my apartment, I throw my things on the counter and head to my room. I sit on the bed and fall back, letting out a loud sigh. As I lay there, looking at the ceiling, my phone rings. I don't even bother to look at the caller ID and just slide to answer. "Hello?" I say. "Oh my god, Aunt Chloe. He's dead,” Kali sobs hysterically. "What? Who's dead?" I ask, already knowing who, but she doesn't know that. "My baby's father! He was found dead in a night club in your town, Aunt Chloe. He went to the same college as you. Did you know him? His name was William." She cries. I close my eyes, trying to keep my composure. "Oh my god! I'm so sorry sweety, " I say softly. “I don't think I know him. It's a big school,” I claim.
"What will I do now that my baby will never know its father," she cries. "Oh, Kali, I wish I was there to be with you during this time. I will try to get out there after my friend's wedding, okay," I tell her. "Thank you, Aunt Chloe. I love you!” She says with sniffles. "I love you too Kali. I'll talk to you soon," I say, then I hang up.
It's now been over a month since the whole William fiasco, and today is Amelia's wedding. Amelia bought me my dress for the ceremony on Wednesday. I sit at my vanity, putting my makeup on, when I realize I haven't seen Malachi since the day I walked out. I haven't even answered his calls. I stand to put my dress on when I hear Amelia walk in.
"Hey, Chloe!" she says, smiling. She has her hair and makeup finished, and she will need to put her dress on once at the ceremony. "Are you ready to go?" I ask cheerfully. “Yes,” she squeals, and we walk out to get into the limo. When we step in, Cordelia hands me a glass of champagne. "Thank you," I tell her gratefully but I sit it down not feeling well to drink. "How are you doing hun?" Cordelia asks. "I'm fine, I just have a lot on my mind,” I answer honestly. "I know this is hectic right now, but things will get better, I promise,” Cordelia says, hugging me. I smile at her.
I look at how happy Amelia is right now. She is glowing in love, and it brings me to Malachi and how much I miss feeling his touch. We pull into the parking lot of the lake house, where Amelia chose to have the wedding, and we all get out. I walk next to Amelia as we enter the doors to go to put her dress on. Once we are there, Amelia turns to everyone to speak. "Could you all step outside for a moment? I'd like to speak with my Maid of Honor," she asks, and they all agree and walk out of the room, closing the door behind them.
"Chloe, I want to say that I've known that we would be best friends from the first day of 1st grade when you moved to Aberdeen. When you found out my secret of being a werewolf, all you could say was that's so cool, can I see you turn into a wolf not scared whatsoever, I knew I could trust you with everything. I knew you were something special and would be in my life for a long time. I guess what I'm trying to say is thank you for being by my side through thick and thin,” she declares with tears falling down her cheeks. I walk up to her and wrap my arms tightly around her. "I love you, Amelia, and I will be by your side till the day I die,” I swear.
After we break the hug, I walk to tell everyone they can come back in. "Chloe? I forgot my makeup bag in the car. Can you grab it for me?" she asks. "Sure, I'll be right back,” I say and head out the door. As I'm walking through the hall from the car, I look up to see Malachi in a suit standing there talking with Paul. He looks at me, and I smile slightly then continue to walk past him when Paul stops me. "Chloe? How is Amelia doing? Is she nervous?” He asks. I look at Paul and he looks scared that she might back
out. "Paul, you have nothing to worry about. Your bride is glowing and eager to spend the rest of her life with you,” I tell him, putting my hand on his shoulder. He smiles so big that you could see it from space.
Malachi looks at me with a grateful smile. "I need to get back to Amelia. She needs her bag,” I say and start to walk away. I stop in my tracks and turn back to them. "Hey!" I call and they both look up at me. "You both look so handsome," I admit and then continue walking.
We walk to the doors that open to the aisle Amelia will walk out to go outside. I look at her with a smile. "Are you ready? I ask her, giddy with nerves. "Yes! I've never been more ready in my life,” she says, smiling. I give her one last smile and look to Malachi, who is to walk with me to the arch. He holds his arm to me, waiting for me to wrap mine around. I do, then he looks over at me. "You look Beautiful Chloe,” He whispers. I look into his eyes and smile.
I stand behind Amelia beneath the arch, holding Paul's ring. I hand it to her when they ask for it and I know I should be paying attention, but I can't stop looking at how sexy Malachi looks in his suit. Then I hear "You may kiss the bride,” and everyone cheers! Paul and Amelia walk out towards the reception area, with the crowd following after them
Once the newlyweds finished their dance, the rest of the guests joined them on the dance floor. I catch Malachi walking toward me, smiling. "Can I have this dance, Luna?" He asks, holding out his hand. I place my hand in his. "Of course, Alpha,” I respond, allowing him to pull me to the dance floor. Malachi wraps his hands around my waist and holds me close. I've been aching for his touch, and this is not enough. I look up at him and touch his face softly; he looks down at me with love in his eyes.
"I miss you, Luna," He says softly. "I miss you too, Malachi,” I quietly admit. "I will wait for as long as
it takes for you to be with me," he declares. At those words, I pull him to my lips, and we share a
longing kiss. We get pulled away by the crowd gasping and we look at the entrance to see what all
the guests see. At the door stands a tall man. His build is muscular, and his facial features are almost
identical to Malachi's with the same brown hair and brown eyes.
"Hello, how come I didn't get the invite?” the man asks. I look at Malachi in confusion. "Who's that man?” I question. Malachi keeps his gaze locked on the man with anger on his face. "My brother..."