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Duke

I smiled, probably the first genuine smile I've had in years, as our mansion came into view. It's late at night, and I forgot to let them know I'd be home early, but I don't care. I just want to see Elora.

I've missed her every minute of every day since I left. I know she's mad at me, she has every right to be, I left her. I haven't spoken to her in two years... I wanted to call, but every time I tried, I couldn't. I couldn't hear the thought of her ignoring me, and hearing her voice made me want to come back home.

I can hear her soft breathing and heartbeat as she slept. I sighed, not realizing how much I've missed that. I'll never leave her again.

Felix pulled in behind me, obviously he's eager to be home as well. I got out of my car, not bothering to grab my bags. I glanced at Felix as he grabbed his suit case out of his trunk. "I will not go on another mission. That is final," I said, leaving no room for argument. Three years was too long.

Felix didn't respond, I'm going to take that as agreement.

I opened the door, the comforting dim lighting and aroma of my home welcoming me warmly. "You two weren't supposed to be back for a few days," Eugene pushed his eyebrows together, watching Felix come in after me.

They were all sat around the living room, glasses of alcohol in their hands, I assume celebrating Lucifers return and sharing events that took place over their time apart.

Theo grinned, "Welcome home."

Felix immediately went to grab a glass and pour himself one too. "The world is going to shit," he raised the glass before taking a drink.

That it is. Werewolves are slowly taking over large territories of land. Where there's packs, there's rogues. Where there's rogues, there's destruction and bloodshed.

As much as I'd like to sit down and chat with my friends, I need to see her. I turned, making my way up the stairs.

"Duke, don't-" Dane started.

"Let her sleep, she had a long day," Quin cut him off.

I didn't listen to them, I really don't care what they say. I've been gone three years, I just want to see her. I walked down the long hallway, making the appropriate turns along the way. I stopped by her door, feeling nervous.

I placed my hand on the knob and slowly turned it, careful not to make any noise. I don't want to wake her up, but if she did, I wouldn't mind. I want to talk to her, to see her smile, hear her little laugh, I just want to be around her again.

I walked in, and my gaze instantly landed on her. My breath caught in my throat, and I froze.

When I left she was still what I confused little. She was fourteen. I knew she was going to have grown in three years, but nothing could have prepared me for the young woman sleeping in front of me.

Half her body was under her thick white comforter, and the other was lazily sprawled out, vulnerable to the cold room. She's still tiny, but her legs have gotten longer. My eyes followed them, making note of her tanned skin, until they got to her little foot.

Her waist was small, but her hips lightly curved out, showcasing her petite figure. I widened my eyes, looking away quickly when I noticed the curve of her bottom peaking out from the little shorts she wore.

Her collar bone was prominent, connecting to her slim shoulders. I couldn't help but notice the small amount of cleavage that showed from the top of her shirt.

Her face, once round and cherub like, was now structured and perfect. Her eyelashes brushed the top of her cheek as she slept. Her lips, puffy, and pouted. Her wild hair, long and messily falling out of the braid she wore.

This is not the Elora I left three years ago. She's grown up. She's easily the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.

I pushed my eyebrows together, confused. I can't think that of her- hell, I shouldn't be eyeing her the way I am, I know better. And it's still Elora, no matter how much she changed.

Forcing my legs to move, I walked over to the side of her bed, carefully grabbing her blanket and covering the rest of her. It's cold in here, and she hates the cold.

Once the blanket was over her, I crouched next to her bed, studying her face. God, she's beautiful. She's grown so much, and I missed everything. I should have never left. I should have caught it more. I've lost three years of her life that neither of us will get back. I should have been here for every moment.

Maybe if I stayed, seeing her like this wouldn't be such a shock to me.

I stood up, quickly walking out the door, having seen enough. I carefully closed the door behind me, taking a moment to collect my thoughts.

Even as a vampire, I've never seen another person look so perfect. How did this happen? How did the little girl I rescued become this beautiful woman? It happened so fast.

I slowly walked back downstairs, my mind racing.

When I reached the living room, everyone was looking at me expectantly.

I narrowed my eyes at them, "I didn't wake her," I said, although I'm sure they were listening.

Theo smirked, "Good, just watched her sleep, you creep."

I rolled my eyes, "I haven't seen her in three years," I defended. It wasn't like that.

Lucifer tilted his head, "And now that you have?" He questioned lowly.

Once again, everyone gave me the same look, like they expected me to say something. I response, I poured myself a glass and sat down on one of the couches. I won't comment on that- I can't. And for them to even think what I'm sure they are... it's wrong.

Theo laughed, shaking his head, "Welcome home." He repeated.

Felix looked between everyone, "Am I missing something?" He asked.

I took a long drink of whisky.

Quin raised his eyebrows, "You'll see for yourself in the morning," he responded vaguely. Felix still looked puzzled.

Lucifer broke the silence, "Elora got hot," he deadpanned.

Dane shook his head, "That's enough," he snapped, looking uncomfortable.

Felix rolled his eyes, "Right," he scoffed, like he thinks Lucifer is lying. He definitely isn't. "That kid probably grew up to be lazy and annoying, under the watch of you four," he gave them pointed looks.

That caught my attention. I sat up straighter, "How is she? In school? Does she still do sports? What about friends, does she have friends?" I asked as the questions came to mind.

Dane smiled at me, "You should ask her all that yourself tomorrow."

"Yeah you're going to need an ice breaker, I don't think she ever forgave you for leaving," Eugene gave me a pointed look.

I leaned back, sighing. I know she didn't. I'll make it up to her.

I've missed so much of her life, I'm ashamed that I don't already know these things about her. She's probably on her third boyfriend by now, someone as beautiful as her must be. God, I hope not. The thought of some nasty little human boy all over her makes my blood boil. I eyed Dane, "What about boys?" I asked, needing to know the answer.

Theo laughed, "Like I'd allow that."

Dane looked at me seriously, "There are no boys."

I'm surprised, but incredibly relieved. I'd like to lie to myself and say it's because she's too young, but I know it's for selfish reasons.

"I think we should go over our missions," Felix changed the subject, quickly getting down to business.

I gave my report, and listened to Felix's and Lucifers. The entire time I thought of seeing her in a few hours when she wakes up. She'll be surprised to see me, of course, I just hope she'll listen to my apologies. I desperately want to fix things, but in order for that to happen, she has to let me.