The Choice (The Choice Series Book 1) (15 page)

I
soon realized that Ivy must have been standing there watching all of this, waiting for an introduction.  Letting go I walked over to Ivy and put my arm around her tiny shoulders. 

“Ivy I would like you to meet my father, James
, my best friend Amber and my uh…” stuttering not sure what I should call him. 

“I am
Enoc,” Enoc said as he reached out his hand to Ivy. “It is a pleasure to meet you Ivy.  Thank you for taking care of Olivia for us.”

Ivy
reached out to shake Enoc’s hand. “No problem sugar, I was glad I could help.  Come on in and we can talk.  You must all be tired from your long drive,” Ivy said while motioning us all inside.

Dad respond
ed “Yeah it wasn’t too bad, we were just anxious to get Olivia.” 

I was so happy to see my father come for me.
  I knew how busy he was with pack business.  I was overwhelmed with love for my dad, and the old and new friends surrounding me. It was the best I had felt in a long time.

I took a seat on the red sofa grabbing one of the throw pillows holding it to my chest.  Enoc sat next to me while Amber sat on the
other side.  Ivy and my father each sat in a luscious ivory chair.  I was so happy they were here.  I watched as Amber laughed at something Ivy said.  Amber casually glanced at my father where he nodded slightly, his brown hair falling into his eyes.  I smiled when Enoc grabbed my hand.  I motioned Enoc to look at my dad and Ivy. We watched as Ivy stole glances at my Father.  Of course he was totally oblivious to the fact. 

“Guys,”
I whispered under my breath. 

Enoc chuckled
and poked my ribs in an attempt to tickle me.  I grimaced but before he could say anything my father touched Ivy’s hand resting on the arm of the chair while asking, “Do you mind if I speak to Olivia privately?”  

Stuttering she
responded, “Uh, no problem Darlin’, you can use the room she slept in earlier.” 

James smile
d, stood up, and smiled at Ivy.  I don’t think Ivy could have resisted the blush that crossed her fair cheeks.

I st
ood up walking over to my dad touching his large shoulder, “This way daddy.” 

I wasn’t surprised to see
that Enoc had followed us. 

Once we were inside
the bedroom I felt crowded.  Having two extremely large men in the small space was a little claustrophobic.  I looked around and climbed up on the bed crossing my legs.  My father sat in the only chair in the room.  He looked kind of funny because it was bright purple.  Ivy really liked vibrant colors.  Her house was decorated brightly but in a tasteful and classy kind of way that I could never pull off.  I bet Emily would love her style.  I watched Enoc’s facial expression change once he realized there was nowhere else to sit but on the bed. 

“So w
hat happened?  How did you escape?  Did they hurt you?”  My dad asked. 

Reaching up I touch
ed the dove necklace and let the warmth fill me before speaking. 

I t
old them everything except for seeing Jason and Chloe in the barn.  Enoc reached out and touched my cheek. 

“What about this?”  I
knew he would ask and I was dreading giving an explanation.  “Uh, that was after Jeremy crashed his vehicle into sunshine. I guess Caleb didn’t like me fighting back.  I only left with them because… because of what Caleb did to Grace.”

Both Enoc and my father looked confused.  “What do you mean what he did to Grace.” 

“Uh, I thought you knew.”  I dropped my head my tears falling on the quilt. 

“Olivia what did Caleb do?”  My father asked.

Sniffling I answered, “After we crashed Amber was unconscious and Grace was in the cab.  Jeremy pulled me out of the cab and I fought with
Caleb.  Dad… he was so angry that I attacked him.  Caleb made me watch as Jeremy broke Grace’s neck.”  I put my hands in my face, “They killed her and it’s my fault.  They said if I didn’t go with them they would kill Amber.”

Enoc pulled me into his chest. 
I didn’t miss the look they gave each other. 

“
We didn’t know.  We thought it was caused by the car accident.  Amber couldn’t tell us anything.”  My father paused before speaking, “You were very brave Olivia.  Caleb didn’t need a reason to hurt someone it was just an unfortunate attempt to control you.” 

“
Are you serious?  I didn’t feel brave.  I felt helpless.  A part of me wished I could have turned into a wolf and ripped their throats out.”  I stood up frustrated.

Enoc
reached out and gripped my hand pulling me back to the bed.  I sat down gripping the blanket tightly.  Anger coursed through me, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I could feel his calming energy course through me.  

Soon I
was calm enough to speak. “I was so worried about Amber I didn’t even know if she was ok.” 

Enoc squeezed
my hand, “She is fine and no one will hurt her.” 

I squeeze
d his hand and another current of calmness passed through me.   I was surprised to feel a new emotion other than electricity pass through me from Enoc.  Looking up at Enoc he just smiled.  I knew he knew something I didn’t. 

My dad
broke the moment between Enoc and me.  “We will need to leave soon.  We are in Caleb’s territory.  He will have felt us enter his ground.” 

“What do you mean?”
I asked.

James lean
ed forward resting his elbows on his knees. “I am saying that when an Alpha enters another pack’s territory energy is awakened.  The energy an Alpha carries alerts the Alpha of the pack that someone has entered their territory.  Caleb knows we are here.  It will be twice as strong because Enoc and I are both Alphas.  We need to leave.”  He stood up making his statement final. 

“What about Ivy?  Won’t she be in danger?” 

His eyes glowed.  “Yes, she will.  It was a risk I was willing to take, to get you back home safely.” 

I st
ood up putting my hand on my hip.  “She is a good person.  She helped save me.  We can’t leave her here unprotected.” 

I watch
ed as he ran his hand through his hair.  “Fine, maybe she can take a trip out to the pack but just for a little while.  I will invite her under the pretense of appreciation for helping you.” 

I wrap
ped my arms around him in a big hug, “Thank you.” 

He headed out the door but stopped when I requested, “Could you let Amber know I need to talk with her?” 

“
Sure,” and then he turned and walked away. 

T
he cut on my back must have bled through. 

Enoc pull
ed me into him and asked, “May I?” 

He reache
d towards my shirt but paused waiting for a response. 

“Okay.” 

Enoc lifted my shirt up very gently, exposing my bruised ribs and back.

“W
hy didn’t you say anything Olivia?” 

“I… I didn’t want you to worry.” 

“I am going to kill him,” Enoc forced out through his tightened jaw.  His sapphire eyes were an intense blue.  I turn towards him reaching up cupping his jaw. 

“Enoc, I am okay now.  Look at me I am fine.”  Enoc’s body was tense and he looked ready to explode. 
Before I knew what happened Enoc extended his claw and cut into his wrist.  “Drink, please it will help you heal.”  I couldn’t miss the desperation in his voice. 

Could I really
do that?
I thought.  “Enoc really I am fine.” 

“Please I need to know you will be okay.  My wolf is freaking out, please do this for me.” 

I couldn’t tell him no.  I tenderly reached out wrapping my fingers around his wrist.  I could feel his pulse beat beneath my fingertips.  He pulled me back against his chest.  His arm across my body held me firmly in place.  Very slowly I moved my mouth to his wrist.  I rested my lips against his smooth skin.  My tongue touched the blood and my taste buds exploded.  It was warm and sweet.  Not anything like I thought it would taste like.  My eyes closed and I felt my heart pick up the beat of Enoc’s heart making us one.  I swallowed and the warmth filled my soul.  I felt Enoc’s chest rumble with pleasure, his hum hypnotizing.  I swallowed a couple more times.  Enoc very gently pulled my mouth away from his wrist.  A whimper in my throat disapproved.  I stood there overwhelmed by the intimacy of what he shared with me.          

Enoc
moved to stand in front of me.  “Thank you Olivia.  I… I needed to heal you.” 

Enoc
closed the distance between us.  Reaching up he cupped my cheek making me look into his gorgeous eyes. 

“I am sorry that I wasn’t there to protect you.
  The least I could do was help you heal.” 

Little sparks of excitement stream
ed through my body where his fingers rested on my blushing cheek.  My eyes widened as his eyes turned a sparkling blue his streaks of gold brightened like a star.  I reached up and wrapped my hand in his soft wavy hair.  His chest rumbled and my heart rate increased.  His dimple winked at me as he smiled. 

I th
ought,
oh
I hope he kisses m
….  His mouth captured mine, leaving me breathless.  My eyes closed and his hands move around my body.  He pulled me closer and our bodies pressed together.  His lips moved with mine, increasing as I melted into him.  I struggled to get closer.  I feel something in my heart open and it was as if I could feel what he was feeling and I burst with pleasure.  Enoc pulled back barely away from my lips.

“Olivia, I
. . .” but he stopped not finishing the sentence.  I was vaguely aware of someone clearing their throat.    

I fe
lt the separation as Enoc pulled away from me.  He kept a hold of me until I was able to steady myself.  Enoc leaned down and inhaled next to the tender spot on my neck.  Sending shivers down my spine when he whispered, “Mine.” 

H
e smiled and walked away.  Did he really say that or was it my imagination.  I touched my swollen lips and exhaled.  Amber stood in the hallway grinning like the Cheshire cat. 

“Don’t even say
it.” I squeaked. 

“
It
,” she giggled walking into the room shutting the door behind her.  “So what is going on besides yummy Enoc?” 

I f
ell back on the bed covering my eyes with my arm.  “I don’t know. It is all so new and I am scared with how I am feeling.  I really like him.”

“But…” Amber dr
ew out. 

“
I’m just confused about the Jason thing.  It seems unfair to start something with Enoc when I can’t understand what is happening with Jason.”  I peeked out from under my arm to gage her reaction. 

“Why has something new happened with Jason?”  Amber ask
ed. 

I
was interrupted from responding by a knock on the door.  Ivy popped her head in.  “Hey sugar your dad wanted me to tell you we’re leaving in twenty minutes.” 

“Ivy
you’re going to come too, right?” I asked hopefully. 

Ivy leaned
against the frame, “Ya, your dad told me I could come and vacation at the cabin for a couple of weeks.  He was very persuasive.  You okay with that love?” 

I stood u
p. “Of course, you’re a lifesaver.” 

“Good because I haven’t had a vacation for so long
.  I thought why the heck not.” 

Hugging her I sa
id, “I am glad you decided to come.” 

“Well I gotta go pack sweetie see you in a few,
” she said as she turned to walk away. 

“
Okay see you in a bit.”  Ivy shut the door and I sat back down.

“
Ok, not much time so here is the short version.  When I was escaping I hid in a barn.  While I was in the barn I saw Jason hug and tell another girl, Chloe, he loved her.” 

Amber’s mouth
hung open, “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,
he even told her to wait for him in their bedroom.” 

“Huh, well
there goes the sister idea,” Amber smirked.  “How do you feel about it? Honestly?” 

“Well honestly at first, I was a little annoyed because why is he kissing me and then professing to love her.” 

“I don’t mean to interrupt but aren’t you calling the kettle black.” Amber blurted out. 

I
was embarrassed by her true statement.   “I know, I guess it was just a surprise.  I was confused about Jason but I really do like Enoc.  I am afraid this thing between Jason and me is going to mess it up. Maybe Jason feels the same as me.  Maybe he really loves this Chloe girl but somehow this connection is messing with both our emotions.”   

“So what do your propose?”
Amber asked while grabbing my hand. 

“I suggest we find out what the mark signifies and more about my mom.  I hope that when we find out what
and why we can know what is going on between Jason and me.”