BLACK

(38) Influence

EDITED

-Oren-

After Genny left, I showered and dressed, using the buzzer once more to shave my beard. I then tore open a new shaver and lathered up my neck to look young again. I didn't know what to do with the old clothes in their dirt filled condition, so I just stuffed them in the trash and did my best to scoop up the dreads from the floor into there as well.

Black rushed me out of the master bedroom, eager to check on Noire after a while apart. Her scent was stale in the cinnamon coated room, however. I should have guessed by all of the commotion downstairs. I walked carefully and cautiously despite Black's eagerness, any second expecting my ankle to snap and my leg to crush beneath me. Pain was yet to come, still. Rather, the new and sensitive skin only found irritation against the jean material of my pant leg, and that was it. The scar was giant and purple, bumpy to the touch and had no new hair growing yet, but it had finally healed with some stretch marks.

The metal carvings along the kitchen knob gave in quickly to my touch, glass french doors swinging open easily. Daylight poured into the kitchen, brightening the already cheerful room as everyone's faces were lit up and smiling. The sight of Noire should have done the same to Black, yet instead it made him snarl threateningly. At the sight, I leant back against the door with a twinge of chest pain.

On tip toes, ever so long hair over her shoulder and a brilliant grin plastered from behind a male's shoulder, I right away lose control to Black. It feels like I'm falling, just at the same time a ghost passes through my skin. His sudden change leaves me cold, alone. It's hollow in this darkness, his eyes the only thing to keep me sane. At his urges to run forward, I have to restrain him. With whatever I can, any thought or memory. Not in front of her family.

The male is tall, young. Noire's age maybe. His hair is jet black, body built like a pack Warrior. His navy shirt is long sleeve and hides his skin from me, but one inhale from Black's nose and he knows the male already smells too much like our mate.

Prepared to charge and get rid of my protests effortlessly, the flicker of his gaze to Noire from the male is enough to take a breather. Noire's genuine smile forces him to observe more than act. Her emotion was evident by the crows feet around her eyes, the dimples in her cheeks. Her happiness takes Black by surprise, angering him further. How dare this male make our mate so happy?

Yet Black didn't have to threaten, not this time. He didn't have to shift and rip out his claws or snarl so loud to make the earth shake. Noire acted for him, instead. Her pale arms slinked away from the male, down his chest and body with a reluctance to let go before bringing her smile towards us. The decision made the organ in our chest thump a little faster.

Yesterday's clothes stuck to her skin, sleep still embedded into her unruly hair. She welcomed us with open arms, snuggling into our side as she squeezed around our waist. Immediately Black calms, but keeps his glare on the male.

The back of the black head begins to turn, dark green eyes matching my gaze before Pack Law immediately made him lower them. "Jean, this is my mate. Oren, this is my brother."

Our arm snakes around her and Black gently kisses the top of her head, his dislike being swaddled by the bond. Noire faced the rest of her family in the kitchen, turning her gaze upon us only to strike our vision with her flawless smile. The bond lulled between our bodies, Noire's emotion sweeping any of Black's off the table. Her lips were genuinely pulled back, and for the first time in our lives, the feeling of a happy mate hit us. And we knew we would do anything to keep her happy.

Jean coughs into his fist, awkwardly. "It's good to meet you."

Black stays silent. Well, tries to, until Noire gave him a pressuring squeeze. "And you."