Bound by Love

29. Heartache

Wren wipes her cheeks, eyes soon replacing the tears she just brushed away. Gray cradles her in his arms and carries her to the bedroom, laying her chest against his as he reclines. Ian and Van each take positions on either side.

Gray brushes his lips on the crown of her head, his hand massaging her lower back.

Van rubs circles across her upper back and neck, sometimes brushing his fingers through her hair as he murmurs words of love and comfort in the Old Tongue, language to the Angels.

Ian nuzzles his face against the side of her neck, leaving soft kisses across the tender skin. He holds her hand tenderly in his, placing them over his heart.

After several minutes, Wren breathes in a deep shuddering sigh.

"Why does she hate me?" Her voice is thick with tears, the heartache resonating in her tone breaking the Brothers' hearts and making their fury with Gwendolyn grow.

"Am I s-so horrible, s-so disgusting, that my own m-mother rejects me? Was she the one w-who threw me away?" She speaks between her soft sobs.

Gray's hands still their ministrations and lay in fists on her back. "I don't understand it Love. It doesn't make sense in any fashion. There's nothing wrong with you, whatever her problem it's within herself. Anyone who would feel such hate towards you must have evil in their hearts."

"B-but her colors didn't seem evil. D-did I read them wrong? I kn-know I don't know all of them yet." She ends with a sniffle and buries her head on Gray's chest.

Van looks thoughtful. "Wren, Angel." He brushes back her hair and turns her head to him. "You were right. Her colors didn't show hate. At her core was the deep navy of grief. I don't know what is going on in her mind and heart. But know this, it isn't your fault. You've done nothing wrong."

"Thanks, my Van." She whispers.

He kisses her softly. "Your welcome, Angel."

She turns her head, kissing Gray's sternum along the way, then meets Ian's lips with her own. Wren sighs as she nestles her cheek over Gray's heart and her eyes flutter closed.

The brothers remain beside her as she falls into a restless sleep. They block their thoughts from her, not wanting their anger and confusion to cloud her dreams.

Ian – 'How could she be so cruel to our sweet Wren?'

Gray – 'I don't know. It truly doesn't make any sense.'

Van – 'I'm not sure. But I was being truthful when I told Wren about her mother's colors.'

Gray – 'Do not honor her with that title until she makes amends with our mate.'

Ian – 'Yeah. She doesn't deserve to be Little Bird's mom. Not unless she has a damn good reason for her reaction.'

Van – 'Of course. I hope she does. And I hope she does apologize. I can't bear the heartache that Wren is suffering. I know the pain will linger if this is not resolved.'

Gray – 'Yes. Her heart is broken and only Gwendolyn will be able to fully mend it.'

Ian – 'Ach, shit.'

Gray – 'What is it?'

Ian – 'I can smell them coming. Our parents are nearing the door.'

Van – 'I'll go talk with them.'

Van gets up gently, trying not to disturb the slumbering Wren. He softly opens the door just before Mathis was going to knock. "Be quiet as you come in. Wren is sleeping and she's had a rough day."

"What's a matter with the lass?" Locryn asks as quietly as his booming voice will allow.

"Several things. Patricia has gotten free. The two pups we punished with humanness have somehow gotten their abilities back. But to top it off we have found out who her parents are and ..."

"Oh!" Elowen gasps. "That's amazing. Who are her parents?"

"It's Atticus and Gwendolyn, Wren is the baby they thought had died."

"How wonderful. They must be overjoyed!" Elowen spins about happily then falters. "Was the day just too exciting for Wren? You said it was rough."

"Atticus was extremely happy. It was a tearful and joyous reunion of father and daughter. But... but Gwendolyn wasn't so pleased."

"What happened boy-o?" Locryn asks face turning red.

"She rejected Wren. Told her she never wanted to see a monster like her again."

Maeve breaks into to tears. "The poor wee lamb."

The men look ready to start a fight and the ladies are ready to help, once they dry their tears. Their angry mutterings and rain of creative insults for Gwendolyn continued for several minutes. Only the soft sound of feet padding across the carpet silenced their tirade.

They turn as one, and there in the door is a red-eyed Wren. Her cheeks chapped from the tears that kept falling even after she slept.

The parents all draw near, taking turns at hugging her.

Locryn kisses her forehead. "Don't cry lassie, she doesn't know what she's missing out on."

"That's right," Maeve interjects, pushing Locryn aside so she can hug Wren close. "Sweet little lamb. Don't forget you have three mothers right here."

Aveline nods, pinkish tinted tears falling down her cheeks. "She's right dear heart. We love you very much."

Mathis puts one arm around his mate and the other across Wren's shoulders. "My intelligent and beautiful mate is right as usual. We do love you."

Garrison draws near, cupping Wren's cheeks in his hands. He brushes away her tears with his thumbs. "We will never leave you. You will always be welcome in our homes and in our hearts."

Elowen steps meekly to his side. "I don't understand it. It doesn't make any sense at all. But if she can't see how amazing you are then there is something seriously wrong with her."

"Thank you." Wren whispers. Heart soothed at their words but still the wrenching sadness of her mom's rejection pulls, trying to tear apart the threads that have started to piece her heart back together.

Gray, Van and Ian surround her. Kissing her cheeks, forehead and lips in turn. Gray pulls her back against his chest, chin resting on the crown of her head. Van and Ian are on either side, holding her hands.

Gray's voice is felt by Wren, a rumbling at her back as she leans evermore on his support. "Thank you to all of you. We appreciate your acceptance and love for our mate."

"Of course, my boy." Garrison states. "Not only does she complete you three, and bring you such happiness, but she is a sweet soul."

"Yes she is, she..." Van trails off. His body tenses and he steps between Wren and the door to the hall. "Mom, dad, will you please sit with Wren in the other room."

He then turns to face her, hands cupping her face. "Wren, my Angel. Please, wait in the other room while we take care of this."

She searches his eyes. Every bit of his heart and soul begs for her to let them protect her. She nods, "All right, my Van." She kisses his lips, lingering for a second before kissing the other two and turning away.

The parents follow behind, the fathers reluctant, wanting to help.

Once Wren is safely tucked away Gray flings open the door. His fangs are out, venom dripping. Ian has partially shirted, eyes glowing gold and claws extended. Van's sword is visible and grasped firmly in his hand.

"What are you doing here?" Van snarls.

Before them stands the person they despise the most, Gwendolyn.

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