Beloved

Chapter 43

"Bear," she smiled softly as Axel sat on the couch in the living room and Raven walked in a few minutes later. He handed her a cup and kissed her forehead. "Thank you."

"Of course, Kitten," he smiled as he sat next to Axel.

"Here you go, Baby," North said as he came into the room with a snack for her.

"Spasibo, Star," she beamed up at him as he kissed her forehead.

"You're welcome," he smiled as he headed back to the kitchen.

She turned to look at Axel and froze, seeing the beloved mark on his chest. She gently traced it and glanced over at Raven to see that they were identical. She glanced over at Marc and he pulled his shirt off smiling. "Everyone?"

"Nyet," Raven shook his head. "Just ones drink from you." She looked at him confused and he looked back at her, "What?"

"You change 143 to 243 after tell I witch," she said curiously.

"Da, Corey change it," Raven nodded. "Change from I to we so know all love you." She beamed and hugged Corey tightly.

"You're welcome, Sweetheart," Corey smiled before kissing her on the forehead. "I'm glad you are okay with it, I didn't want to overstep."

"Nyet," she shook her head. "Love it."

"Good," he said as she laid her head on his chest.

"How are you feeling?" Sean asked as he watched her. "Sore? Tired? Any kind of pain?"

"Nyet," she shook her head. "Little tired but good. Drink help lot," she held up the cup Raven handed her earlier.

"Do you want more?" Luke asked but she shook her head. "Okay, well just let me know and I'll get you more when you are thirsty."

She spotted the water bottle in Owen's hand and started twirling her finger in a circular motion, giggling softly when she saw it start to make a water tornado. "Cute," Owen said watching it. "Very cute, Darling."

Raven looked at her with pride while Corey kissed the top of her head, which sent warmth through her body. "Don't overdo it, Sweetheart."

"Da," she nodded gently. "I fine."

She looked up at Axel inquisitively, "What, Doll?"

"Have rosemary and lavender plant in garden? Oh mint too."

"No, we don't," he shook his head, "should we?"

She nodded, "Plant rosemary both sides garden gate, keep spirits away, and plant lavender for good luck, keep mint in windowsills keep pests away, important have."

"Alright," he shook his head, "I'll head to the local nursery now and get some."

"Really?" she asked, shocked.

He smirked and kissed her forehead, "Da. You said it's important to have so I'll go get some. I trust you, Doll, to know what's best for our garden, our home, and us."

She smiled fondly, "Thank you, Wolfy." She glanced over at Raven who just winked then kissed Axel before he left.

Victor sat at the piano and began playing. She tilted her head slightly as she watched him then got up and sat beside him. He picked up her fingers and started having her play. She smiled in awe as she watched herself compose some beautiful music with Victor's help. The song ended and she rested her head on his shoulder. "Do you want to try another, Princess?"

"Please?" she asked, hopefully making him chuckle as he took her fingers and placed them over the white keys.

He helped her play another song and when the song ended, he started another, loving how she was so interested in his talent and passion. Owen picked up his violin and started playing, making her look up at him in shock then admiration. Victor noticed how she inadvertently tried to spend some time with each of them without even realizing it. When she would start to question herself all she had to do was glance at Raven who somehow knew to just give her a reassuring look or smile and she was right back to spending time with whoever she was with. He hoped that one day she would look to them for reassurance like she did with Raven and yet at the same time he loved how she had that special thing with him. He definitely was thankful that Raven had brought this wonderful light into their lives. He recognized what Owen was playing and just when the moment was right, he took Alyona's fingers and had her play along with Victor.

The song ended and he leaned down to kiss her. She moaned softly and wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. He pulled her into his lap, making her squeal in a soft surprise, "so cute, Princess," he whispered as he peppered her face in small kisses.

"My prince," she giggled as she looked into his brown eyes. She still swore she saw fire burning in them as he ran his fingers down her spine under her shirt making her slightly arch a bit closer to him. She looked up at Owen, who was watching them with an intensity in her eyes that surprisingly didn't terrify her. Instead, she craved it, it soothed her in some confusing way. She stared back at him and whispered, "My Dragon."

"Always and forever, Princess," Victor swore as she looked back and forth at them.

Owen nodded, "Yes, always and forever."