Chapter Eighty-two: Mending Broken Paths

Shiloh’s Point of View

After Salem's comment, it was a quiet drive back to Uncle Aamon’s home. He had a point. Onyx and I were amazed by how accurately he described the situation without trying. I helped Aunt Grace get the boys ready for bed before saying goodnight and making my way to my new room - a room that would be mine for the foreseeable future. I had no idea when or if I could return to my own home.

My mind was struggling to process everything. Our family was connected to a mafia organization, and we had just witnessed my great-grandfather's passing while Salem sat next to him on his hospital bed. Mom was rightfully angry with Aunt Grace and Uncle Aamon, but I had never seen her this furious before. I knew she would eventually forgive them; holding onto anger was not her nature. Her anger always burned bright but then quickly dissipated. They would have to confront their issues and argue it out. I didn't want to be around for that argument when it inevitably occurred.

I dug my phone out of my pocket and messaged my Mom.

Me: The boys are in bed. I’m going to try and go to sleep too. I think Aunt Grace and Uncle Aamon are waiting up for you and Xavier.

Mom: Xavier and I will be leaving the hospital soon. I got the keys to one of the sleeping pods and crashed for a bit. I’m sorry for worrying you, Shiloh.

Me: I wasn’t worried. You were with Xavier, and I knew you were safe. I love you, Mom.

Mom: Thank you, kiddo. I’ll be there safe. Let me talk to Aunt Grace and Uncle Aamon on my own, though, okay? It’s not a conversation you want to be a part of.

That was an understatement. There was no way I would willingly be a part of that conversation!

Me: Mom, can you just remember that Aunt Grace has been your BFF for, like, forever? She really cares about you. There must have been a good reason if she's kept things from you. You've always trusted her, and you still do, or you wouldn't have let her leave with us from the hospital.

The tiny text bubbles popped up and disappeared for about five whole minutes before my mom finally responded with a single word: 'Okay.' I could tell she was still super mad. This was not going to end well.

Rei’s Point of View

Carefully peeling myself away from Xavier, I reached for my phone to read my daughter's texts. Her words were full of wisdom and good advice, but I couldn't bring myself to take it just yet. As I sat on the edge of the bed with my legs tucked under me, I couldn't shake off the feeling of anger towards Aamon and Grace. The thought of having a conversation with them right now made my blood boil. But at the same time, deep down, I knew that avoiding it would only make things worse in the long run. It was a constant battle between my stubbornness and my desire for resolution in my mind and heart.

“How are you feeling?” Xavier's gentle voice came from behind me, filled with concern.

I handed him my phone to show him the messages from Shiloh. After reading them, he let out a deep sigh.

"I understand she's only 14, but sometimes it feels like she has an old soul," Xavier said sympathetically. "Shiloh is right, even though you may not want to hear it at the moment."

“There is more that I don’t know yet, isn’t there?” I asked.

Xavier didn’t answer, only nodded his head slowly up and down.

“Can you tell me?” I pleaded.

“I think it would be better coming from Grace. But I promise to be there for you while you work through it if you’ll let me,” Xavier said.

I slowly made my way over to him, finding solace in his embrace once again. He was my shelter, my safety. We needed to go soon; someone would be searching for the key to this room, and I still had to tidy up the sheets so that they could be used by someone else afterward. That's how it worked with these pods—leaving them clean for the next person was common courtesy.

I eased myself out of the embrace and got out of bed, intent on getting us ready to leave. I was only wearing his t-shirt, and looking at Xavier lying in bed naked with just the sheet barely covering him was too tempting for words. He arched an eyebrow at me, almost like an unspoken challenge. I don’t know what it was about this man that made me throw all caution to the wind and just do what I wanted without hesitation or doubt.

I made my way back to the bed, slowly pulling back the sheets and sliding between his legs. His arousal was evident, dripping with precum, making it clear that this wasn't just what I wanted. As I tasted myself on him, I used my tongue and mouth to pleasure him, driving him even wilder with each movement. Xavier groaned in response, so I picked up the pace, intent on pleasuring him. His hands were in my hair, guiding me as I worked to bring him to the edge and over.

As Xavier's climax drew near, he abruptly rolled me onto my back and entered me with intense force. It was anything but gentle; it was raw and rapid, sending waves of pleasure rippling through my body. His lips trailed a path down my neck, leaving marks that would later be difficult to explain away. Every touch from him elicited an eager response from my body, and I craved more. With each touch and thrust, our passion for each other intensified. This wasn't just sex; it was something deeper and more profound than I had ever experienced before.

Earlier, it felt like we were rediscovering each other, but now it was like a declaration. Xavier was making it clear that I belonged to him and he to me. The intensity of our connection led to an overwhelming release, physical, emotional, and spiritual. It was as if our souls were finally merging into one like there was no separating us now.