The Kitten Has Claws

The Kitten Has Claws [Chapter 21]

This book is available for purchase on amazon.com as an ebook. 

Chapter Twenty-One

"Me?" Noelle gasped, pulling out of Raine's arms. She backed away slowly, shaking her head in denial. "It can't be me; I'm just...just me." She looked desperately at everyone around her, hoping someone would tell her it was all a joke, but most of them were staring at her in shock.

"Noelle," Raine said softly, taking a step towards her.

"NO!" she said forcefully. She held her hands up in a defensive gesture, "I can't handle this right now. I don't want to talk about it, or think about it. Just leave me alone." With that she turned and ran from the room, letting the tears finally spill over. Questions took over: How could she be the Vessel? Isn't that something she would have known or felt? And now the fate of the world rests on her shoulders...well her baby's shoulders. Rage and fear wracked through her body. She didn't want this, didn't want to be a part of this anymore.

Noelle blindly made her way to her room and fell onto the bed. Hatred for Raine tore at her insides. This was his fault; if he hadn't kidnapped her this never would have happened. Her emotions had taken over completely and she wasn't thinking clearly. Fear that Raine would force her to have sex with him had Noelle shaking and sobbing. She didn't understand this sudden release of emotion, but she knew it would be a while before she could talk to any of the males. She didn't trust anyone anymore. From now on, she would have to be on her guard.

There was a light knock on the door, but Noelle ignored it. She didn't want to talk to anyone right now. "Noelle?" Violet called softly, "I'm coming in." Violet opened the door and made her way carefully to the bed. Her heart ached when she saw how miserable and scared Noelle was. Without saying a word she sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed a soothing hand on Noelle's back.

About a half an hour later Noelle shifted and looked up at Violet sorrowfully. "I can't," she whispered painfully.

"What are you so afraid of?" Violet asked.

Noelle shook her head and looked away. "I don't know," she admitted. "I don't want a baby but I'm afraid that Raine will force this on me." When Violet started to deny that, Noelle cut her off, "I don't mean physically force me, but this is Raine we're talking about. He'll do everything in his power to convince me this is the best route. According to him I'm his mate and he'll point out his rights as my mate." She let out a frustrated growl and punched the pillow, "I didn't ask for this."

Violet frowned at Noelle, not sure what to say to convince her that this was meant to be and everything would be okay. "Noelle, you were chosen for this from birth. There's nothing anyone could do about it. The Fates wouldn't have chosen you if they didn't think you could handle this. I think you need to give Raine a chance to talk to you. He has some more information you need. It's about who you are."

Noelle groaned and rubbed her hand across her face, "Do I have to? I don't think I can talk to him right now without yelling at him. I know it's not really his fault, but it feels nice to have someone to blame." She buried her head under the pillow and curled into the fetal position, willing all emotions and feelings to be gone. She just didn't want to feel anymore.

"He's the only one that can help you," Violet said softly. "Give him a chance, he's done nothing wrong. Didn't you notice? He was so damn proud that you were the Vessel. He's proud of you Noelle and he trusts in you, why can't you trust in him?"

"Because I don't know him!" she howled, punching the bed. Noelle felt like a little kid getting a scolding. Violet just didn't understand what she was going through.