Only Human: Angels and Demons

Chapter 93: June Jackson

Back to Original POV

This was awkward.

I didn't realize it was Friday, or even remembered what that meant until Hendrix was rushing me out the door. He seemed intent on me going today, but I hadn't the foggiest idea why.

I arrived and Princess Serena greeted me instead of Destin. She asked me about my debut, but it seemed she knew more about it than I did. Apparently some videos were taken and Celine Lupine had become a sensation overnight. I had the chance to see my performance and it was like looking at a whole other person. She was confident, sensual, and powerful. The moment the wings sprouted from her back was breath-taking and I couldn't help but stare at them. Were they really my wings? Or at least the wings that belonged to whoever was powering this body. It was an undeniable success. I wanted to be overjoyed, but the events from that night kept playing in my mind. I couldn't help but wonder if Serena knew what Destin had done. Would she execute him if I told her?

I kept my silence and went through the motions of practicing my vocals and acting as dress-up doll to her royal highness. It was only my second time here, but everything felt mundane. Like I was wasting my time or that there was something else I should be doing. However, I didn't want my time with the princess to end, because it meant I didn't have to face Destin yet. But alas, all good things must come to an end.

Now I was staring at Destin's door. My hand hovered over the wood, ready to knock, and yet not ready at all.

"Uh, Angel Cakes. What are you fucking doing?" Jimmy asked watching me confused.

"I... I don't know how to act—" I started.

"Around your mate?" He finished.

I flinched. I had stared at the mark for hours in the mirror the night before. It wouldn't rub off. It hadn't faded. It was as smooth as the surrounding skin, so it really was like a tattoo. I had traced the crescent moon at its center. That represented Destin. I had traced the spine of a wing and the three streaks that were the feathers. The wings represented me. It was our mark, and although it was beautiful, I didn't ask for it. I didn't agree to it. I should be furious with Destin, but after the first night I started wanting to see him.

He was so intent last time. Even after finding out that he wouldn't be calling the shots, and that I was already married, he still wanted me. Well, I didn't want him. Or at least that's what I had been telling myself. I had to keep reminding myself that he degraded me at the market to get a cheaper price, he used my body and my voice like his personal plaything, he threatened and coerced me with his pheromones, and he said those horrible things to me back when he thought I was a hybrid. But he did praise my singing, he returned me to Hendrix relatively unharmed, and he saved me from that werewolf.

No, June. We're not doing this. You're not just going to forgive and accept him like that.

I was right. He had marked me without consent. That was even against his pack law, and he did it anyway. I owe him nothing. I was to remain distant. No mark can make me feel something that isn't there.

The door opened and I stood there looking like a humorous statue as I saw Destin before me. He was wearing a casual red t-shirt with dark wash designer jeans. A thick silver chain hung at his hip for decoration, and his alpha pendant was right in front of my face.

Destin smiled. "You're here."

I dropped my hand and coughed while taking a step back. "I'm here."