Daddy.

That was the first thought that came to her mind and before a second passed, she clenched her thighs together.

​​

His nose twitched and a small teasing smile appeared on his lips along with the knowing look. "I know you like to be dominated." He winked and she looked away.

"Wh-what are you talking about?" She stuttered and swallowed.

He chuckled. "I am sure you are aware that we have an advanced sense of smell. I can even smell that you are anemic."

"No ."

"No, what?" He teased before his face twisted back to normal and he sobered up. "I would love to carry on this conversation. But I have to know who was responsible for your father's death and for what I know, you had already reached the hospital but the gunshot was heard, yes?"

She nodded. "I could see the hospital in front of me when I heard the gunshot—" she gasped. How did it not cross her mind earlier?!

"It was Noah!" She revealed, "it must've been everything that he planned. He must have brought the wolf there and since the wolf was barely alive he wouldn't have thought twice before eating me and I was scared and he told me to go to the hospital. . Oh my God, how did he appear at the right time!" It was too much. She held her head as she choked on her words. "He was there in the garden at the right time, Xavier. I should have known."

It was exactly what he had thought. There was no other way that they did not take the scent of anything else. Adeline's scent in that garden betrayed the fear and anxiety she felt. It never portrayed any kind of revenge feeling.

He pulled her close, shushing his crying mate. She was a mess as always.

"It's done now love," he consoled her, "you could not have known in any way possible. They used magic, my love. We were never anticipating that otherwise would have known it before it even started."

That was true. If he was aware, even slightly, that someone was using magic around them he would have gotten the witches involved instantly.

"B-but—"

"But nothing, Adeline," he interrupted her as he cuddled close, "as a human you were never supposed to know about any of this in the first place. You cannot hold yourself responsible over something that was never going to be in your knowledge. If anything, you can blame me."

She scoffed at that. She sniffed and pulled back from him, "is that what you have been doing for so long? Is that why you distanced yourself from me because you thought that this all was your fault?"

"No," he kissed her forehead and she gave him smile through her tears. How could he ever think of burdening her with his worries?

"I might not be able to sniff it out but I can tell you well that you are lying right now." She told him as a matter of fact. "What are you blaming yourself for, Xavier?"

What was the worst that could happen if he told her? " Everything," he said, "I have been responsible for everything and you cannot deny that. Your safety and the safety of your human family members was my responsibility and I failed." The guilt ate him alive everyday. He failed with the most important thing.

"You didn't have any such responsibility." She gently told him. "We were never aware of who you were Xavier. How can you hold yourself responsible for something that was never in your control?"

He smirked weakly, "you have started to use my words against me." He pinched her cheek, "Cheeky penguin."

That reminded her, "why do you call me a penguin?"

"Because one day when you were carrying a heavy bag over your shoulders you were battling cross the road," he grinned, "like a penguin does."

She chuckled and leaned against him. "It's going to be dinner time soon. Drop me back?"

He nodded. "Hold on," history and walked behind a tree. And look away when she saw him take off his tracks and place them into the trunk. That was some sort of locker. Before long he came to her as a beast.

She climbed onto it and once again they were riding across the forest. Adeline now considered taking horse riding lessons.

"Thanks for the ride," she smiled and patted his fur, "bye now."

He nodded and give her hand a small lick before turning around into the forest and disappearing from her sight.

She let out a sigh and walked back to the house. Just as she was about to open the door It opened and the butler stood in front of it.

"Miss," Javis greeted and stepped aside.

"Hey, Mr. j," she greeted as she slumped, "just enjoying the view.".

"I am aware." He said dryly.

"But you didn't open the door." She sang, "Old now, Mr. j."

The Butler narrowed his eyes at her. "I suppose I could tell the cook to skip the chocolate pudding."

"I'd eat you alive." She narrowed her eyes at him before she walked away to her room. She felt muddy and a bath sounded nice.

She entered her room and was about to enter the bathroom but her eyes saw it.

The same flower on her windowsill.

She chuckled and a silly smile came to her face. She picked it up but a gasp left her mouth. She hissed at the sight and the sight pain it caused.

It stung.

There was a thorn there that had stung her which was weird because she had not noticed any on the previous one.

She held in front of her, smiling again, before placing it on the table. She applied some pressure on the wound before going to the bathroom.

As the shower turned on and the water cascaded down her back it neutralized the voices coming from her room.

Adeline never heard the footsteps.