Traces of Elijah: Legacy of the Queen

Chapter 13

After returning from my run to clear my head, I find myself walking back home and seeing my younger brother, Micah and his mate out on one of the hammocks. He was rubbing her swollen belly, talking to the little twins they have been growing. For the first time I think I actually find them...sweet. I can see how much they love each other and their unborn pups. It makes me wish I had that....that love...I envy him. I notice him catch me watching them and I quickly turn away. "Lina!" He calls to me, causing me to pause in my tracks. I turn back to him.

"What?" I respond, trying to restrain my attitude.

"Come here!" He waves me over. I let out a long sigh, looking around before caving and heading to the couple.

"What do you want?"

"Well..." my brother starts.

"You did such a great job with Amy's wedding, we want you to do our baby shower. It's no rush, we want to wait until I'm at least 30 weeks so you have time." His mate, Nia tells me. I look between them for a moment. I can't really be rude to them. They're being nice and Nia is genuinely sweet. I let out a sigh.

"Fine, I will do you this favor. I'm not doing it for free though. I'll cash in my own favor down the line." I look to my brother. "You're lucky I like her." He scoffs and the deep chocolate skinned girl in his arms giggles as I wink at her.

"Just her? What about me?!"

"Don't test me." I squint at him menacingly.

"Ugh, whatever. Now go back to wherever you came from, we want peace and quiet." He snuggles back up with his girlfriend and closes his eyes. I roll my own and return to heading back inside. I wished to shake off uncle Rowan's words but they're still in my head. Liam has always been beyond kind and respectful to me but he really did all those things? It makes me wonder more about what this Darius has done as well. Are they all truly that bad?
Once I'm inside, I head to the kitchen to grab a snack to recharge with. I'm soon greeted by Junior's mate, Joël.

"Hey Lina. The whole pack is buzzing about this Elia girl. Since you invited her here, everyone has been very chatty," his voice soft yet much more bubbly. My brother's mate has become more comfortable and outspoken though his voice is still quiet.

"I'm well aware. I don't mind the talk. I just want Elia to want me as I want her. I don't care where she comes from, I just care that she finds a home with me."

"I hope she opens her heart to you. I thought very much like her once. I thought you were all snot nosed brats with no compassion for rogues like me but when I saw E.J. ...everything changed. He was gentle with how he spoke to me, how he approached me, I knew somehow I could really trust him and when he finally embraced me, that fear, that wall I'd built up came crumbling down. He showed me first hand that you all are loving people and you just keep wanting to spread that love. Hopefully Elia will see that one day. Hopefully she'll finally see you for who you really are." His caramel cheeks seem to darken thinking about his mate and the time they first met. It's sweet to see my more favorable brother and his love so happy.

"Thank you for that. At least it feels like I have some support in this. Uncle Rowan was real adamant on me not trusting her or underestimating Grace because of her bloodline."

"Well, I have your back and I'll make sure E.J. Does too, don't worry." I smile at Joël's reassuring words.

"Thank you. I'm happy to call you family, Joël." He pats my shoulder to even further that reassurance. "Alright, I'm gonna get prepared to meet Elia. I need to be at my best when I see her."

"Yes you do. Is there anything else I can do to help?" Joël asks but all I can do is smirk and shake my head.

"You've already done it. You lifted my spirits. Now I feel very confident about seeing her." I pat his shoulder in return before heading back up to my bedroom. I strip off my baggy white tee, kick off my boots and my straight leg blue jeans before slipping out of my underwear and sports bra to hop into the shower so that when I get to Elia, all she smells is my fresh scent of bourbon and vanilla, nothing else. I want my scent to draw her in, make her feel safe and at home. Once I finish my shower, I put on a white button up and tuck it into some ankle length slacks, only buttoning it up halfway and rolling up the sleeves. Maybe some jewelry would be a nice touch. I grab a few gold rings, wristwatch and a dainty chain necklace. I have some black loafers to go with it all. Once I'm finished getting dressed, I fluff out my curly hair as I look at myself in the mirror. As I finish up, I straighten out my clothes a bit and smile. "Today is a good day." I say to myself before heading back downstairs.